Goodwood FoS/ Revival UK

[johnnym]

Is anyone going to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (7-9 July 2006) or the Revival Meeting (1-3 Sept 06) in Sussex, UK?

I live about a mile from the motor circuit, and know all the best places to stay, eat, drink, drive etc. Just let me know what you need!

John

[Shaun C]

I'm going to the Revival - can't wait! Going with an organised tour though (from SA) so not sure exactly where we're staying - but its supposedly close. We've got Lavant Corner Grandstand tickets so hopefully its a good spot. Still deciding whether we're doing Sat and Sun only or Fri too.

We were also thinking of going to Oulton Park the weekend before, but not too sure what's the best way to get there - the original plan was to fly, but I thought it may be better to bus/train there and back, but I haven't done the research yet to see what's preferable.

I was also thinking of going to a driving school during the week (really spoiling myself), but I'm struggling to find a school that does an intensive single seater course (full day/two day). Most of what I can find are rather driver experience courses as opposed to race driving training. I race historic saloons here in SA (my second season) and thought that a single seater school would be awesome fun, and a good learning experience. Also need to consider location as it would mean arriving at Heathrow, travelling to Oulton Park, driving school during the week, and then back to Goodwood the following weekend.

If you have any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

Shaun

[johnnym]

Shaun,

The Lavant corner grandstand gives you a good view of the 'far side' of the circuit and the start of the very fast Lavant straight. Most of the action- the pits, the paddock , chicane, the start/ finish and the 'Expo' are about a mile away, although they do run tractor busses so you don't have to walk.

If you are like me, you'll probably end up just wandering about, talking to people and looking at amazing cars for moist of the day. You can see the track quite easily from most points on the circuit without being in a grandstand. If you are coming for the whole weekend and are really into the racing, I would suggest buying a ticket for the Woodcote or Chicane grandstands for Sat or Sun- these give you fantastic views of the racing. You can book online at www.goodwood.co.uk. Also, be aware that almost everyone dresses up in vintage clothing, and the place has an amazing party atmosphere. Personally, I prefer it to the FoS.

As far as a single seater course goes, have you tried Thruxton or Castle Combe? These are circuits which run such courses. Castle Combe is about 1 1.2 hours drive, Thruxton slightly closer. Brands Hatch may also be worth trying (again about 1 1/2 hrs drive). Goodwood (Mithril Racing) do offer single seater courses but I think they close down about 2 weeks before the Revival. You could try them on 00441243 771522. Public transport from here is pretty awful- you generally have to go via London which can be a painful and lengthy business. I would suggest hiring a car is probably the easiest option.

Anyway, let me know where your accommodation is, and I'll give you the lowdown!

John

[Shaun C]

Thanks John

Unfortunately the only grandstand tickets left were the Lavant Straight/Lavant Corner grandstands so we opted for the the latter (we wanted weekend tickets) - apparently there's also a big screen there so thought that may help. We thought of just getting general admission tickets but having not been before I was worried we wouldn't be able to get a good viewing spot. And also thought if it rains, we may have some shelter (I hope). Following what you have said, we will probably also do a lot of walking around, and watch from a few different spots. I find though that when racing myself I don't often get the chance to sit down, have a few drinks, and enjoy watching other racing.

I'll let you know if I have any more questions, and will look into Thruxton and Castle Combe.

Thanks again

Shaun

[Alex]

The Revival meeting was criticised last year for letting too many people through the gates, despite the tickets only being available in advance, and hopefully the organisers are going to restrict numbers further this year. I have been going every year since it started, and for the first time I have been thinking about a grandstand seat because there are so many people who arrive at the crack of dawn and monopolise their little patch of grass on the banking - and great swathes of this banking are now off-limits owing to new rules regarding the take off and landing of aircraft on the inner runway. I'm a member of the GRRC so there are perks (my Sprint GT will be in the pre-66 car park again unless I go for a special ticket on the Lavant bank), but I still find that it's best to wander from one point on the circuit to the next, the stretch before St Mary's being a favourite of mine and a great place to see real drivers properly drifting ...

I stay with an old family friend while I'm down on the south coast, but anyone wishing to attend this year should know that most of the good accommodation has probably already been booked. There are one or two amazing places to have dinner in the evening, PM me if you want to know! Maybe we should organise a time to meet up for a drink?!

Alex.

[johnnym]

A drink sounds like a good idea!

I'm also a member of the GRRC, although my 'modern' 1969 Spider will obviously not get into the Pre-66 car park!

[johnnym]

oh, and I reckon Madgwick at the end of the Start/ finish straight is the best spot, although is this where they have banned spectators? I hope not- a couple of years ago I had a Spitfire and a Mustang on finals about 15 feet over my head there!

I agree about the numbers though, although it is nowhere near as bad as the FoS which I don't bother going to any more unless I can get the Friday off. The last two years on Sat & Sun have been so bad you can't even see the track unless you have a grandstand ticket.

[Alex]

To be honest, I have seen quite a few cars in there that were post-66, although only by a year or so ... you might be able to squeeze in with a little fibbing!!