The Festival of Speed is more than just a hillclimb: it can justifiably claim to be the world’s biggest and most diverse celebration of the history of motor sport. It is the only occasion where you will see in action the greatest competition cars and star drivers from all eras: everything from 19th century steam carriages to current Formula One; fabulous racing motorcycles; 2500bhp Land Speed Record cars alongside engineless soapbox racers; plus motor sport legends like Moss, Surtees, Brabham and Andretti rubbing shoulders with today's hottest properties such as Jenson Button and Colin McRae.

Motor racing first came to Goodwood in 1936 when the 9th Duke of Richmond held a private hillclimb through the park. Five years earlier he had won the Brooklands Double 12, and then in 1948 he opened the Goodwood Motor Circuit. These early events inspired his grandson, the present Earl of March, to bring motor sport back to Goodwood. This resulted in the first Festival of Speed, held in 1993 in the picturesque parkland surrounding Goodwood House.

Since the inaugural meeting, the Festival has become established as a key event in the motor sport social calendar. But it is not all about action on the hill. Unrestricted access to the paddocks means that spectators and autograph hunters can get closer to the cars and drivers than at almost any other meeting. Away from the bustle of competition, you can relax with a picnic on the lawns of the House among some of the most beautiful and innovative automotive creations, which are judged in the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ design competition. You can explore the exciting displays of our many exhibitors, or seek an adrenaline rush from the Festival's interactive entertainment, including driving simulators and tank rides. Children will delight in the special amusements to be found at the Junior Festival of Speed.

The Festival is motor racing's equivalent of Ascot or Wimbledon: an extravaganza of sound and colour that has been described as 'the garden party of the Gods'. In combination with the rich period theatre of the Goodwood Revival, the Festival of Speed ensures that Goodwood is unrivalled throughout the world.

For the latest news please go to the news page or click here   For ticket information please go to Online Ticket Booking or contact: email:  fos@goodwood.co.uk

FACTS ABOUT GOODWOOD:

From 25,000 visitors at the inaugural 1993 event, attendance at the Festival of Speed has grown to a record 158,000 visitors in 2003.

The Festival is supported by 25 sponsors and associate sponsors, including 14 car and motorcycle manufacturers.

308 journalists and 226 photographers from 178 publications reported on the 2003 Festival of Speed.

Programmes and news items from 15 television stations and six radio stations worldwide broadcast before, during and after the 2003 Festival of Speed.

Press features on the Festival of Speed were reported in 18 different countries.

275 cars took to the hill during the Festival of Speed in 2003, along with 38 racing motorcycles and 22 soapbox racers.

36 historic racing cars, worth at total of $35.3million, were transported to the UK specifically to take part in the Festival of Speed in 2003.

58,202 private cars parked at the venue during the course of the 2003 Festival; if lined up nose to tail, the ensuing traffic jam would stretch 144.57 miles or from Goodwood to Leicester!

Some 600 marshals ensure the safety of both competitors and spectators.

Building the temporary hillclimb course takes around 2000 man hours of labour, and a further 1200 man hours to dismantle it again. At least as many man hours again are devoted to erecting the marquees and exhibition stands.

9.5km of protective straw bales have to be laid out, totalling some 4000 bales weighting 1400 tonnes - these are held in place by 5500 timber stakes which, if laid end to end, would stretch 11km.

At the 2003 Festival, 3000 catering staff served 59,000 sandwiches, 49,000 hot drinks, 58,000 pints of beer and 496 cases of wine.

Most importantly, more than 1810 bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne were drunk by visitors and guests, kept cool by 6.5 tonnes of ice.

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