Goodwood has announced a new behind-closed-doors event for petrolheads and retro racing fans who have missed out from the cancellation of this year’s Festival and Revival – the 2020 Goodwood Speedweek.
It will run in the autumn, from 16-18 October, and is a one-off event that will be streamed online.
What’s more, it will be free to air.
Organisers say it combines the best of Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival into one event. What’s more, as there are no spectators, the displays can be more extreme and spectacular.
“It will redefine the experience of watching motorsport at home,” is the bold claim.
The Duke of Richmond said: “Having taken the heart-breaking decision not to hold the Festival of Speed and Revival this year, we were determined to find a way of bringing motorsport to Goodwood in 2020.
“Speedweek will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion – the fastest, most exciting and spectacular event we have ever staged.
“An event unlike any that’s gone before, Goodwood Speedweek will be a fitting celebration of the spirit of the Festival of Speed and Revival, both of which will return, bigger and better than ever, in 2021.”
It will be aired via the Goodwood Road & Racing website, on social media, and a range of broadcast partners.
The driver-line up and programme of events will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
Goodwood Speedweek: what’s on?
The event will be based at the Goodwood Motor Circuit rather than Goodwood House, location of the Festival of Speed.
Replicating the Festival aspect, car makers will be present to show off their latest cars on track.
The recently-introduced FOS Future Lab will present future tech, and longstanding auction partner Bonhams will run a special Speedweek auction.
Although Speedweek itself is closed, Bonhams will open its doors for viewing on Wednesday-Friday, by appointment only.
Historic racing will mimic the Revival aspect, and the rally aspect will be expanded with a track that “goes on, over and even under the circuit”.
A Goodwood Gymkhana will go to places that would normally be out of bounds – again, made possible by the lack of spectators.
On Sunday, a dramatic shoot-out to run the fastest ever lap around Goodwood will take place.
“The official Goodwood lap record has stood for 55 years, and, with modern cars never likely to return, it’s entirely possible that the times recorded at Speedweek will remain unsurpassed for the next 55…”
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