This year's Festival of Speed at Goodwood runs through 11-13 July, with the theme 'Hawthorn to Hamilton ? Britain's Love Affair with World Motor Sport'. Fifty years ago Mike Hawthorn became Britain's first Formula 1 World Champion and current F1 star, Lewis Hamilton, needs no introduction; he has confirmed that he will be attending the event.
Britain has always played a key role in the global motor racing industry and recognising the important role that Britain has played in shaping motor sport worldwide, the Festival is celebrating the influence and achievements of iconic British figures, including Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Colin McRae, Roger Clark, James Hunt, Barry Sheene, Jackie Stewart, Derek Bell, Colin Chapman, Adrian Newey and British-based Gordon Murray. As always, the Festival will also feature the world's finest competition cars and motorcycles, making the Goodwood Festival of Speed a must for the motorhead calender.
Another autumn tradition in Europe, is the annual Beaujolais Run. As in previous years, a Beaujolais Run from the UK starts at 08.00 on Tuesday 13th November from Goodwood House.
Competitors then drive to France via Eurotunnel and Reims, arriving in Mâcon on Wednesday 14th November. That night, they join vignerons in the town of Beaujeu for the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight, whereupon competitors can collect this year's Beaujolais Nouveau and rush it back to the UK.
Spark of Genius - Breaking Records, Pushing Boundaries, is the theme for the 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed which will be held over the weekend of 22-24 June in the picturesque parkland surrounding Goodwood House. The UK festival is motor racing's equivalent of Ascot or Wimbledon and provides an annual extravaganza of sound and colour.
Motor racing was first featured at Goodwood during 1936 when the 9th Duke of Richmond held a private hillclimb through the park 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 which resulted in the first Festival of Speed, held in 1993.
Breaking Records and Pushing Boundaries were the Bugatti Royales, one of which remains the most expensive car ever sold at auction, reaching $8.7 million in 1987. For the first time ever at a major European event, at least four Bugatti Royales (of the six built) will come together. Celebrating 80 years since its introduction, the incredible Type 41 Royale was built by Ettore Bugatti exclusively for Royalty and heads of state. Due it its size, opulence and rarity, each car became an immediate collectors? piece.
p.s. Goodwood goes Green
Another innovation at the 2007 Festival will be a thrilling race by top motor sport stars using the ultimate environmentally friendly vehicles ? bicycles!
The UK festival is motor racing's equivalent of Ascot or Wimbledon and provides an annual extravaganza of sound and colour.
