All of Goodwood’s annual festivals were cancelled this year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, but many of their elements were combined within SpeedWeek, which hosted races and track demonstrations at the Goodwood Circuit for a TV and online audience.
Next year’s events will incorporate some of the SpeedWeek innovations, to improve the show for online viewers, including interactive elements. It’s likely to be the only option for many, as few tickets are likely to be available,
Social distancing may continue to reduce capacity next year, but many tickets are also already spoken for because large numbers of people who had paid to attend this year have chosen to roll their tickets over to 2021 rather than seeking a refund.
Remaining tickets will be sold from February 1 next year.
78th Members’ Meeting, May 15-16
The current Covid-19 vaccine will have been approved for six months by the time that the delayed Meeting roars into life in May, giving extra time for planning and a better chance of lighter restrictions on large events.
It’s set to feel reassuringly familiar, with races such as the S.F. Edge Trophy for large-engined Edwardian era machines and the Gerry Marshall Trophy for Group 1 touring cars from 1970-81.
The rally sprint stage planned to debut this year, will make its appearance along with other “special demonstrations” which may take their inspiration from some of the SPeedWeek track runs of sports cars and Formula 1 machinery.
Festival of Speed July 8-11
Some social distancing measures may still be in force at this point, but the lawn in front of Goodwood House should still feature spectators milling around next year’s sculpture, which is likely to reflect the Festival theme: ‘The Maestros — Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’.
Already confirmed is Mario Andretti. “Goodwood in July sounds wonderful to me right now,” he said. “I welcome the invitation and look forward to being there for the third time. It is truly one of the most fan-friendly motorsports events. A very unique jewel. There is simply nothing like it on the planet.”
The Festival of Speed is back in July
Jayson Fong
Goodwood Revival September 17-19
A plan is in place to hold the event as usual, with full crowds mingling in period dress, although the arrangements will depend on any Covid-19 measures that are in place at the time.
Expect familiar races, including the renamed Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, which will be fun in front of spectators for the first time.