Certainly, the general public received the full force of the Goodwood promotional machine prior to the event. And there were traffic issues, but once inside, at least over the weekend, it was just about acceptable. Having said that the chances of rubbing shoulders with stars was an impossibility, although I did get close to a very irritated Nelson Piquet, and I was disappointed the Vulcan was kept at a distance. By UK standards, it was hot (30 degrees), and the dust just has to be seen to be believed, especially close to the rally stage. However, as a journalist we were well looked after in the media centre by Martini, who provided welcome ice cold drinks on Sunday. Even after all these years Im still not sure why it is such a success, there is no competition, and a family day out at a regular club race meeting cost peanuts compared with Goodwood prices. For example, the HSCC Brands Hatch Superprix took place over the same weekend, with classic racing in all categories, including an outing for the Fulvia Sport of Louis Kennedy. Brands Hatch is friendly, easy to access and offers multitudinous spectator viewing points. Next year? In the meantime we have two comprehensive galleries from Goodwood FOS at
www.retro-speed.co.uk. Image for illustration only.
