Goodwood announces new Speedweek festival for 2020

Historic Racing News

Combining elements of the Members' Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival, Goodwood Speedweek will be streamed free online

Goodwood Revival

Goodwood Revival returns this autumn

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This summer, Goodwood will echo to the sound of V12 GTs, V8 touring cars and modern hybrid supercars after all, with the announcement of a new festival in October.

Goodwood’s Speedweek is an attempt to capture the excitement and atmosphere of its regular events in a crowd-less, Covid-compliant arrangement that will be streamed online.

Incorporating a rally-sprint event from the Members’ Meeting, historic racing from the Revival, as well as new car launches typically seen at the Festival of Speed, the Speedweek Festival is said to be “an incredible celebration of speed, power, grace and beauty”.

The three-day event, from 16-18 October, will culminate in a unique supercar shoot-out on the racing circuit.

The lack of spectators allows modern cars to run on the limit at the historic circuit for the first time in 55 years, potentially setting a new lap record — the current unofficial record is reputedly under a minute.

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In an exclusive interview with Motor Sport, published in the magazine next week, Goodwood’s owner, the Duke of Richmond describes Speedweek as a “once in a lifetime, unmissable three-day extravaganza”.

He says the events will be optimised for viewers, and will include a ‘Goodwood Gymkhana’, that will incorporate usually unaccessible areas of the Estate.

In an announcement today, Goodwood said that more than a century of motor sport will be on display. Historic races will include “Edwardian aero-engined monsters, glorious ‘60s GTs and gnarly ‘70s saloon cars.”.

An online Bonhams auction will be held, and there will also be next-generation technology on show with the Festival of Speed Future Lab.

Pick up a copy of Motor Sport from next Wednesday, or subscribe now for more details of the event, and the interview with the Duke of Richmond,

Coverage of Speedweek will be streamed free online via Goodwood’s website and other broadcast partners.