Goodwood Festival of Speed

In recent years the Goodwood Festival of Speed has materialised into the UK's most popular and diverse motoring event. The brainchild of Charles Gordon-Lennox (Earl of March and Kinrara), an avid enthusiast with a truly incredible group of friends. His efforts for the industry have redefined our approach to car shows and the way they're presented.

Rather than a dusty exhibition hall, the Earl of March utilises his 1.16-mile 'driveway' by hosting what can only be described as the Europe's greatest hill-climb event. Manufactures and collectors from every corner of the globe attend to showcase their cars (and bikes) to over 200,000 spectators in the best way possible. Unrestricted and flat out.

Given the variety of world motorsport, the way in which Goodwood caters for enthusiasts in each discipline is truly admirable. Le Mans, Touring cars, Rally, Super bikes, Supercars and even a drift category, you are never short of something to see and do.

Unlike almost all shows, the festival is loosely based around the F1 racing calendar, playing host to a variety of current teams before they compete in the British grand prix. This provides a rare glimpse into the incredible world of F1 and its manufacturers, including Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams and McLaren. Some big names were also in attendance to pilot the cars. The likes of Nico Rosberg, Kimi Raikonnen and Sebastien Vettel can often be found in a cloud of smoke in front of Goodwood House, waving to thousands of cheering petrol-heads. As you can imagine, it's quite the spectacle.

Capturing the attention of thousands year in year out is the Supercar Run. A highlight for the younger generation, manufactures showcase their latest creations with the sole intention of entertaining the masses. Leading the charge this year was Ferrari with their current fleet of ever-capable road cars and a selection from their deafening XX program. Other highlights included Singer's UK debut with their delicious 911's, Aston Martin's ultra-exclusive Vulcan racer and the outstanding McLaren P1 GTR.

If you prefer less wheels Goodwood sets the stage brilliantly for the Bikers. Paddocks full of classic and cutting edge weaponry can be found with their riders close by. Notably a Mr. Valentino Rossi dropping by on the Sunday to unveil the ballistic Yamaha YZR-M1.

It would be impossible to capture the magic of Goodwood in a single article, a book perhaps. Ultimately as an enthusiast, if you do find yourself with no plans next summer, make it happen. It's incredible.