2024 Goodwood Revival preview: the races and how to watch

One of the world’s best heritage motorsport events is set to return this year and will become the first historic motorsport event to race exclusively with sustainable fuel. Tested in last years Fordwater Trophy, the 2024 revival, paradoxically, is mapping the future of motorsport.

The Revival credits itself as an event that has always championed second-hand sustainability. The event has protected motorsport history since its inauguration in 1998, stopping iconic race cars becoming scrap metal further polluting the earth.

2024 looks to further its ‘Revive & Thrive’ ethos which can be see throughout the weekend from vintage clothes to vintage racing. The event will now require competitors to use a fuel which has a minimum of 70% advanced sustainable components, in accordance with the FIA’s current requirements for sustainable fuels.

Running on September 6-8, here are some of the key aspects of the celebrations that will be happening among the 13 races that are due to take place across the weekend.

What races should I watch? 

The Revival offers a myriad of exciting races for fans to watch and relive every era of classic racing. Often matching cars to create close finishes, every race holds a notable moment.

In 2023 a moment in which a Ferrari 250 GTO driven Karun Chinook went up in flames went viral across social media platforms. In previous years, 2009 world champion Jenson Button has been seen on track fighting fellow motorsport greats such as seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon.

While it is unknown who is yet to appear, rest assured that Revival is bound to drum up some motorsport titans once again.

Top races to keep an eye on

1. Sussex Trophy

 World championship sports cars (1955-1960)

Moved to a Friday evening for the first time in ten years, the Sussex Trophy is a 60-minute two driver race. It welcomes a class of cars to likes of the Lotus 15, Lister-Jaguar Knobbly and Ferrari 246S Dino. Racing into dusk, the race will be backdropped by a Sussex sunset as they fight to take the trophy home.

2. Goodwood Trophy

Grand Prix and Voiturette cars (1930-1951)

The Revival’s oldest race, the Goodwood Trophy is always a highlight due to the history the race exudes. With a world class collection of cars spanning three decades, the race displays some of the oldest race cars still competing. Expect the likes of pre-war Maseratis, ERA and Alfa Romeo’s to appear.

3. Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy

Pre-1963 GT Cars

Making its seventh appearance at the Revival, the Moss Trophy sees pre-1963 GT cars go wheel to wheel. The Moss Trophy has become a firm favourite due to the exquisite beauty of the race cars involved. An hour long race, it has attracted names such as Jenson Button and Dario Franchitti.  Transport to one of the most iconic eras of racing and watch Jaguar E-types, AC Cobras, Aston Martins, and Ferrari go wheel to wheel once again.

4. RAC TT Celebration

Closed-cockpit GT and prototype cars (1960-1964)

The most anticipated race of the entire weekend, the TT celebration has become a flagship race within the Revival weekend. In memory of when such a class of car used to race at Goodwood, it is described as the epicentre of historic motorsport at the festival. Competed in by Jaguar E-Types, AC Cobras and other immense race cars, such as the Bizzarrini 5300GT, it has attracted fans and drivers worldwide.

5. Freddie March Memorial Trophy

For cars in the spirit of the Goodwood Nine Hour

Traditional to run this event in the Friday evening slot, it has now moved due to its replacement with the earlier mentioned Sussex Trophy. To when has not yet been announced. The race showcases a variety of sports cars from the same era as the Goodwood Nine Hour. While not the same length (thankfully), it is still an hour blast with average speeds of 91 miles per hour. With sleek 1950s sports cars, it’s hardly a tough race to watch as the likes of Jaguar C-Types, 1950s Aston Martins and Allards swing through Goodwood’s corners.

What’s going on apart from the racing?

The Revival is an event that can be enjoyed by motorsport and non-motorsport fans alike due to the sheer amount of events happening each day. While the Festival of Speed drills down on motorsport, utterly surrounded by the immensity of it, Revival offers the opportunity to enjoy the event much like a history festival rather than just a historical motorsport festival.

Mainly focussed from Woodcote corner to the end of the main straight, the Revival has live singing acts, aviation displays and the dazzling surprise of Over the Road at night.

Although the track action stops before it get dark, the event always continues long into the night with Over the Road offering themed attractions such as a Ferris Wheel and other fairground rides. In the past Goodwood has also partnered with Sky Cinema to bring a large outdoor cinema showing time appropriate films such as Grease.

Don’t forget the shopping opportunities too with stalls Over the Road and also nearer the track at the Revival High Street. Make sure to wear your best tweed and mid 20th century dresses as it’s an event everyone dresses up for.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available now starting at £72 before the 30 April due to the festival’s early bird prices.

camping starts from £53, often a popular choice due to the three-day nature of the event.

Purchases can be made on Goodwood’s website or from the Ticket Office (+44 (0) 1243755055).

How do I watch the Goodwood Revival?

All three days of action will be available live on YouTube. You can watch the Goodwood Revival live-stream via the Motor Sport website.

ITV4 showed live coverage of last years Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6pm, with highlights from earlier in the day. A full highlights package was later broadcasted on the following Monday. It is unconfirmed if this will occur this year again, however, ITV and Goodwood have had a longstanding relationship of this kind.

BBC Radio 2 have also been known to make an appearance to give updates of the ongoings of the event. Sending petrolhead Chris Evans in the past, it’s worth keeping an ear out on the radio to see if the festival makes an appearance.