The Festival Of Speed is exactly that – a festival of all things fast – and the event attracts a lot of people over the three days, all clamouring to see the cars and bikes in action. Many vehicles that participate in the event are privately owned, brought to the festival by their proud owners. Big names in motor sport also attend, with Formula One teams showing off their racers as well as GT and rally legends.

Goodwood also attracts famous names in motor sport, with Stirling Moss making frequent appearances over the years along with Jackie Stewart and more recent drivers who enjoy the break in their hectic schedules. The event is very friendly, and the drivers who normally shield themselves in their garages are usually more relaxed at the Festival, speaking with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos.

So what can we expect at the 2009 show, this time themed as ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’…

Click the image to download larger version. Note: It may not be 100% accurate.

Audi will be celebrating their 100th anniversary at Goodwood, showcasing many cars dating back to the Auto Union days and stretching forward to the present time with the R8. Also presenting a large collection of cars will be Alfa Romeo, who are on the verge of starting their own 100 years celebration. Alfa Romeo will field several cars as well as showing off some concepts. Mini are in the celebrating mood as well, marking 50 years of the little car with big personality.

Jaguar, Ford, Land Rover and Mazda will give visitors a sneak peak at their 2010 line, and Ford will be showcasing the new Focus RS while Jaguar are planning on bringing the XFR with them. Mercedes are to debut the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss in the UK alongside its origins, the 300 SLR (the one with the gullwings). A whole host of other car companies will be present as well, all waxing lyrical about their machines. Audi will have off-road demonstration runs in their Q7, and Porsche are also likely to do similar with their Cayenne as are Land Rover.

According to the Goodwood Festival Of Speed website, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton will be around, likely on Sunday only though as he did last year. Current Formula One championship leader Jenson Button is also expected with the Brawn team. Mark Webber and Timo Glock should also be around to drive up and down the hill in their respective Red Bull and Toyota cars. Williams and Ferrari will also bring their cars to Goodwood, although they are likely to be driven by test drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Marc Gene.

Several former drivers are also expected to turn up at some point over the weekend, including Damon Hill, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Eddie Irvine, David Coulthard, Dan Gurney, Derek Bell, Takuma Sato… as well as a host of rally drivers including current World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb.

According to the most recent update on the official Goodwood Festival Of Speed website, here is a quick run down of the current and former Formula One drivers and cars that will be thundering up the hill over the course of the weekend.

Sourced from the Goodwood Festival Of Speed website. Please note that these details may change and it is best to keep an eye on the official FOS website to keep up-to-date as to who’s doing what on which day.

Frank Williams, Christian Horner and Mario Theissen are also expected to be present, although unlike last year, the BMW team are not listed yet. It seems strange that the team principal would turn up without a car to show, so I wait to see what happens regarding this.

The list is almost endless and what is printed above barely scratches the surface of everything that takes to the hillclimb. From experience, the programme that is sold at the entrance is indispensable if you want an accurate guide as to who, what and when. It may cost upwards of £10 but I’ve always found it useful and worth £3/day.

For those who have never been to Goodwood Festival Of Speed before and are making their first journey to Chichester next weekend, here are a few tips that I’ve come to discover from my previous two Festivals…

• Pack a lightweight rain coat. Both times I have been to FOS I’ve used mine as the British weather is indecisive at best.
• Take some sun-screen and sunglasses. Both times I have been to FOS I’ve caught the sun on my face. The British weather really is indecisive!
• Take some earplugs, especially for children or if you know you are sensitive to loud noise.
• Where a comfortable pair of shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done.
• While not entirely necessary, I do leave a pair of wellies in the car – the car parks and festival fields can become very muddy if it rains.
• There are hundreds of places to buy food and drink, but if you don’t want to pay inflated prices, you are allowed to bring your own packed-lunch.
• Don’t feel it necessary to do everything at once, especially if you’re visiting more than one day. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Always listen to the marshals in the paddocks. I’ve almost been run over twice whilst trying to take a photo.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions to car owners/drivers – they love chatting about their motors.
• If there are things you specifically want to see, use the programme to help you plan. Don’t forget to allow for walking time between areas.
• If standing by a corner in the rally stage, shield your face/camera lens just as the car passes – they kick up a lot of gravel.
• Don’t forget where you’ve parked your car. Write down the location on the reverse of the ticket.

If you’re going to Goodwood Festival Of Speed and happen to see me wandering around, do come up and say hello – I love meeting people who have a passion for motor sport, and it is only made even more exciting if you are a reader/commenter here on BlogF1.

Image by Harry_S, uploaded to Flickr and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic.

Original article by BlogF1.

What You Can Expect At Goodwood’s 2009 Festival Of Speed

Having been for the past two years, I can thoroughly recommend the Festival and the weekend is truly a great experience. Although it can get crowded at times, and if the weather turns nasty it can dampen the spirits a little. But to be able to get so close to some of the world’s greatest cars is one memory you’ll never forget.

Last year while in the Formula One paddock, Christian Klien almost ran me over as he rolled back to his enclosure in the BMW. I’ll never forget the wave he gave me when I gathered myself together and crouched down in front of his car for one final photograph. Unfortunately, I was too late to capture the wave, but it does show just how close you get to the cars if you have to leap out of the way of a Formula One machine.

The weekend isn’t just about Formula One though, and while the theme for 2009 hasn’t been set yet, there is so much to do you will never be able to fit it all into one day. Cars old and new tear up the hillclimb where the drivers and riders sign autographs and pose for photos. The rally stage is situated in the woodland area off the side and the paddock for the rally cars is also at the top of the hill. At the bottom there are displays galore, plenty of refreshment stands, a music stage and plenty of things to keep you occupied. The Formula One paddock is located just off to the side of Goodwood House and the Cathedral paddock and Cartier Style et Luxe are situated near to the the main entrance.

To get a feel for just how busy the schedule is, and to see what was driven up the hill and by whom in 2008, please visit BlogF1’s previous article which lists all the main runners and riders. Photographs from last year’s festival can be seen in the 2008 gallery post, while more from the previous two years can be seen in the gallery.

Although expensive, the Festival is well worth a visit and great fun for all the family. You’ll rarely get a chance to get your smudgy fingerprints all over a Bugatti Veyron, a Ford Thunderbird and a McLaren MP4-23 all in one day.

More information is available at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed website.

Thumbnail image by Harry_S, uploaded to Flickr and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic.

Original article by BlogF1.

2009 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

• Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2008
• What To Expect At Goodwood FOS 2008
• Photo Gallery Of Goodwood FOS 2007

Original article by BlogF1.

Dougie Lampkin Rides Around Goodwood House

Original article by BlogF1.

Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2008: Photographs

It was announced earlier in the year that Lewis Hamilton would be attending again and driving a McLaren up the famous hillclimb. Last year the Briton arrived on Sunday and sent the crowds into hysteria. UK pundit Steve Ryder interviewed the young driver at the top of the hill and Hamilton spent a good long while signing autographs for his fans. This year I hope Goodwood organise Hamilton’s appearance a little better, the 2007 showing was over rather abruptly when Lewis suddenly disappeared, probably due to fears over crowd control.

Hamilton won’t be the only British driver attending though, and in fact the whole festival is themed around British success in motor sport. The show will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Hawthorn’s championship winning season, the blonde Briton becoming the first local-lad to take the crown. It’s almost a given that Stirling Moss will be around and I’m sure Damon Hill will make an appearance at some point over the weekend.

Of the current crop of drivers though, Jenson Button will there with his Honda team. It isn’t known yet if the one-time winner will attempt the hillclimb on a bicycle again, his 2007 effort causing a little embarassment. David Coulthard isn’t on the bill to be at Goodwood at the moment, which to me seems a little strange. The twice-winner of the British Grand Prix was supposedly there last year as well, but I didn’t see him and instead watched Michael Ammermuller drive the Red Bull. Speaking of F1, test and other racing drivers, here’s who’s doing what and when at Goodwood 2008…

Please note that these details may change and it is best to keep an eye on the official Goodwood Festival Of Speed website to keep up-to-date as who’s doing what on what day.

Judging by this list there are going to be some awesome cars again driven by some of motor sport’s greatest drivers. And according to the slightly revamped website, there are some seats still available for the grandstands if you don’t fancy standing around all day. Last year my girlfriend and I appreciated getting tickets for one of the stands; it made a useful shelter for when the heavens opened. And speaking of rain, will it do the same this time around? Who knows, there’s still another two weeks to go and my crystal ball isn’t that good. But be sure to see posts and photographs on BlogF1 from the event.

Image by Harry_S, uploaded to Flickr and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic.

Original article by BlogF1.

What To Expect At Goodwood FOS This Year

M27 Madness

On Tuesday, British tabloid The Sun reported that a Bugatti Veyron had been stopped on the M27 motorway in Hampshire (just up the road from myself) for traveling at 97mph. According to an eyewitness who was driving down the same stretch of motorway, the supercar was racing a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and both cars reached excessive speeds of around 130mph before the police caught up to them. Both cars were said to be weaving across all three lanes of the carriageway, and the drivers even ignored the temporary 50mph limit on one part of the road.

The patrol car pulled over the Veyron driver while the 599 simply drove away. The eyewitness, presumably a passenger, took a couple of photos of the two cars and noted that the Veyron had French number plates and the Ferrari didn’t have any on the rear. It is therefore unlikely it had any on the front as well.

The Veyron driver was given three points on his license and received a fixed fine of £60. However, the next day Motor Sport Magazine were at the Goodwood Supercar Breakfast Club where a Veyron, sporting the same registration plate was photographed. Which begs the question, why couldn’t the owners wait until they got to Goodwood before racing their machines?

• The Sun Article – Including two photos of the cars on the motorway.
• Motor Sport Magazine Article – Check out the bottom photo which shows the first part of the registration plate of the Veyron in The Sun article.

Carrera Crash

The second non-F1 story today comes from Anthony Hamilton, father to championship contender Lewis. Anthony had been returning to his home in Hertfordshire in a borrowed Porsche Carrera GT and managed to lose control of the German machine. Anthony ploughed the car into a hedge just metres from a children’s playground and inspected the damage to the rear of the vehicle.

It hasn’t been reported yet at what speed Hamilton Sr was traveling at along the 30mph limited road, but going by a photo published in the Telegraph, it was unlikely the Briton was going all that fast; a damaged rear light and some cracks in the bodywork was all he managed to do. However, as the Porsche isn’t his, Anthony will have some serious explaining to do to the owner.

This is my first crash in almost 30 years and it had to happen in someone else’s car. Thankfully the only thing hurt was the car, and a bush fence – for which I am extremely sorry. Anthony Hamilton.

Maybe these three drivers should leave fast cars and racing to the Formula One stars, eh? Although having said that, Lewis Hamilton was stopped for speeding in France last year, the McLaren driver being clocked in his Mercedes at 122mph.

• Telegraph Article – Anthony Hamilton Crashes Carrera GT
• BBC Article – Hamilton Clocked Speeding

Original article by BlogF1.

One Clocked Bugatti, One Mangled Porsche & A Very Lucky Ferrari

• Water
  Bottled water or hydrating drink are top of the list for a reason – they cost a packet once inside. Not all venues allow such items to be taken in (often outside music gigs), but I’m yet to get stopped at a circuit for taking a bottle of mineral water in with me. The benefits of having water are obvious, particularly if the sun decides to come out and play.
• Shoes
  Strong, comfortable shoes are another essential. People often don’t realise just how much walking they have to do once at a circuit. The car park is usually a hike all to itself, and once inside there is likely to be a long trek to wherever you need to be.
• Waterproofs
  Be sure to pack a lightweight waterproof. The worst thing about being outside is when it starts to rain. Great for racing, less so for health and happiness.
• Sun Protection
  This includes sunglasses, hat and lotion. It’s no good being at a race but unable to see anything because of the sun’s glare, and I think lotion is pretty much common sense these days. What is it the Australians say? Slip, slop and slap!
• Communication
  The mobile phone has become an essential in this day and age, and just about everybody owns one. If your in a group at a large crowded place, means of communication is a no-brainer, and mobile phones these days often come with built-in cameras and radios. Tune it into Radio 5Live if you don’t have the next thing on the list. Also, some mobiles have internet access so you can keep up to date with breaking news while at the track.
• Kangaroo TV
  Okay, strictly speaking you need to get these at the circuit, but according to Sidepodcast, they are simply awesome. Go listen to their podcast which details their experiences of the device at Silverstone last year. And I’ve just found you may be able to reserve one online. Check out their website for more details.
• Camera
  It’s low down on the list because these photographs are available on the internet. But sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a shot yourself, even if you aren’t as good as Darren Heath. A word of warning though; be sure to know how to use a camera before taking it to a race. Practice taking photos fast moving objects, like cars on the road (bear in mind your safety) and get used to how your camera behaves at taking these pictures. Also, depending on where you are sitting, a zoom function or lens might prove useful.
• Programme
  A grand prix is never just a grand prix. There’ll be support races, stands, stalls and just about anything else you can think of. The programme will tell you when certain events are running and they almost always include a map of the circuit detailing where everything is. Also, when the action gets boring you can amuse yourself by reading a silly team and driver biographies they have in them. For extra amusement, head over to a Red Bull stand early to knab yourself a copy of the Red Bulletin.
• Watch
  It may sound silly, but you don’t want to be queuing up for a burger just as the formation lap begins. Obviously used in conjunction with the programme.
• Tickets
  Because there’s nothing more annoying than driving halfway across the country before realising you’ve left your entry passes on top of the TV.

For an interesting read and insight into travelling to and from a circuit, read F1Fanatic’s post on his visit to Istanbul Park in 2006. Oh, and I’ve probably missed something from the list, so feel free to add your pearls of wisdom in the comments below.

Original article by BlogF1.

Ten Things You Need For Going To A Grand Prix

Last year I had the great privilege to briefly meet Keith from F1Fanatic and Christine & “me” from Sidepodcast. Unfortunately, due to my overwhelming experience of the whole show we didn’t get to see or do much, but again I will offer fellow F1 bloggers and commenters who are going, to meet up, chat motorsport and put a some faces to some names. I’ll perhaps organise it a bit more this time, closer to July 2008. We (me and girlfriend) have booked seats in the Starting Line grandstand, and if you would like to know which hotel we’ll be staying in send me an email*.

Talking of hotels, if anyone has accidentally booked two rooms at the Goodwood Park Hotel and wouldn’t mind selling me one, feel free to get in touch. Typically, the 94-roomed place is already fully booked up. But I’m willing to cancel my current place if a room becomes available at the Park. Wishful thinking, I know…

Edit: *That really isn’t meant to sound as weird as it does. I meant for a meet-up drink or something if you happen to be staying near the event, ’tis all.

Original article by BlogF1.

Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2008