2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed Experience

Introduction

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the biggest world-renowned events that every motorsport enthusiast dreams of attending at least once in their lifetime.

Having been lucky enough to secure tickets this year, I could hardly contain my excitement. The thought of witnessing historic, iconic, and modern racing cars in action, seeing some legendary drivers, and being part of the vibrant motorsport community was exhilarating!

The Journey & Logistics

The 2023 event was held July 13–16. For some logistical information, I decided to fly into London on the 12th so I had a day to arrive and settle in. I split up my stay in two different areas, first I stayed in Woking then in Chichester.

From Woking, I was with a group who drove down to the Goodwood circuit altogether. Even with an early start and conscious planning, the car journey there took us about 3 hours… and the drive back about 1.5 hours.

Staying in Chichester was much simpler for travelling to and from the circuit. The Chichester train station had direct transport shuttles that could take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the time of day. The shuttles cost $9 for a return ticket.

This year, for the first time ever, the whole Saturday event was cancelled due to severe wind weather warnings. Despite this being very unfortunate, especially for people who travelled to attend just that one day, it allowed me to explore the Chichester town area where I was staying. It is a really nice town, the main street has lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants; it’s also not very big, so it is easy to get around by walking or bus.

Another reminder is to plan and pack accordingly for UK weather. It may be around summertime but that does not guarantee sunshine. I definitely recommend checking the weather before your trip but still be prepared for some unforeseen rain.

Overall, I definitely found it easier to stay in Chichester. Although I believe many people also take trains or drive from further areas around London, just make sure to be aware of time and traffic, and plan more time than you think is necessary!

Plan Your Days

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was split up into 4 days — Thursday to Sunday. There are a number of different spectacles, events, showcases, and pop-ups happening all day every day. It is definitely worth taking a look at the event map and timetable in preparation, as there are many things happening at the same time in different areas, and it is a relatively large event space. There is even a Goodwood app which I found helpful to pin specific happenings I wanted to see and receive reminders before they started.

The Main Event

As I approached the festival grounds, the captivating sight of legendary racing cars adorned the landscape. The first thing I saw from our parking entrance was the special 75th Porsche anniversary exhibition. Straight away, even from a distance, your eyes are immediately met with beautiful cars shining in the sunlight. All kinds of models, styles, colours. It really is an extraordinary sight. And then your ears catch up with the roar of engines filling the air. A truly indescribable sensation.

The entire Festival is a true showcase. From classic Formula 1 cars to modern hypercars to first-look car launches, the collection was awe-inspiring. You can walk through the paddocks to see the cars on display, and you can stand by the track to see them in action. Each machine represented a slice of automotive history or future. Getting so up close and personal with some of these historical and iconic cars was such a rare opportunity, it was truly a special moment that I will never forget.

Here are some of my stand-out favourites from the weekend that I was so excited to see in person:

Discovering the Festival Grounds

Beyond the action on the track, the Goodwood Estate offered a captivating experience in itself. The vast grounds were a playground for car enthusiasts, with various exhibits and activities to explore, hosted by different manufacturers or brands. Many of them also hosted their own special events with guest appearances, for example, I saw a live podcast talk with The Kyza at the Lotus Cars exhibit.

Some of my highlights:

• The Future Lab was very interesting to explore, a glance into the future, showcasing all new technological ideas and advancements
• Cartier Style et Luxe Lawn is a stunning exhibit of some of the rarest and most amazing cars, beautifully set up on the green lawn with the mansion the background
• The Central Feature is a definite must-see, as it changes each year and has become one of the iconic pieces of the Festival of Speed. This year it was designed by Porsche to celebrate their 75th anniversary
• One of my favourite events was the Bonhams Car Auction, a true sight to behold being in that room of exquisite cars and seeing them simply get bought without hesitation

Wandering around, I had no idea what I would find around each corner, discovering hidden gems tucked away amidst the bustling crowd. Speciality displays and concept cars showcased the future of automotive innovation, while vintage car exhibits provided a trip down memory lane. It was not just an event, it was an automotive utopia.

Immersion in Motorsport Culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed was the chance to engage with fellow enthusiasts and experts. Conversations flowed effortlessly with strangers who shared the same passion for cars. We were all there for the same love of motorsports and cars. Many exchanged stories, knowledge, and opinions, creating a unique sense of belonging within the diverse motorsport community. From fellow guests, attendees, staff members, and marshalls, the camaraderie and willingness to connect amongst everyone present was truly heartwarming.

Beyond the Cars: Other Highlights

Food and drink offerings at the festival were equally impressive, with a wide range of culinary and beverage options to satisfy every palate. There was an extensive number of food trucks and stands spread all across the event space — from coffee and ice cream trucks, pizza and beer stands, street food, stocked bars, and much more. You definitely would not run out of food options to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.

Additionally, the festival organizers had thoughtfully curated non-stop entertainment throughout the event. Live music and DJs, drifting experiences, merchandise shops, and family-friendly activities were just some of the highlights. There was something for everyone, ensuring that visitors of all ages had an unforgettable time.

Memorable Encounters

One of the reasons Goodwood is such a renowned festival is because of the personalities and celebrities who often attend. As you explore the festival grounds, you might even find yourself standing next to some of your racing idols.

This year there were a number of special guest appearances including Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher, several current Formula 1 drivers, Jenson Button, various MotoGP riders, Sir Jackie Stewart, the winning Le Mans 24 Hours Ferrari drivers, and many, many more!

The Final Spectacle

As the days passed in a blur of automotive wonders, the Goodwood Festival of Speed reached its climactic peak. Sunday. This final day is a sight to behold as some of the most iconic cars parade before the cheering crowd and the official hill climb shootout finds its 2023 winner. The sounds of engines and the display of sheer power were awe-inspiring, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence for automotive excellence.

The Aftermath: Carrying the Spirit Forward

The motorsport event left an incredible mark on my passion for all things automotive. Witnessing the raw power and precision on the track would convert anyone into a motorsport fanatic. The event’s captivating atmosphere and the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts inspired me to build lasting connections within the automotive community. Engaging in conversations with like-minded individuals and sharing our mutual admiration for cars deepened my sense of belonging to this passionate world.

As the event came to a close, I found myself eagerly anticipating next year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed as well as other thrilling adventures that lie ahead. One note I will say, throughout this entire weekend, as I expressed to people my awe and excitement to be at the Festival of Speed, I received a number of responses telling me that I would be even more impressed at the Goodwood Revival event… so maybe next year?

This experience has truly intensified my wanderlust for attending more motorsport events, embracing every opportunity to immerse myself in the spirit of speed, and celebrating the captivating world of automobiles.

Conclusion

Attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed was undoubtedly a dream come true for any car enthusiast. The event surpassed my expectations, leaving me with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the world of motorsport. Beyond the cars and the track, it was the spirit of camaraderie and shared passion that made the experience truly extraordinary.

As I bid farewell to the festival grounds, I carried with me not just the excitement of the event but also a renewed commitment to nurturing my love for cars. The Goodwood Festival of Speed not only fulfilled a bucket-list item but ignited a dedication to the automotive world, and I am incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to attend a full weekend. For anyone with an ounce of love for cars, I wholeheartedly recommend attending this spectacular event at least once in your lifetime; it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

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