Images & Text by Louis Beausoleil.
Arguably the most famous event that the Goodwood Estate offers, Revival finally arrived this past weekend at the classic Motor Circuit after a 2 year wait, and what an event indeed.
People often say Revival is a journey back in time, and they couldn’t be more accurate – the vintage outfits and fashion, the deep rumble of pre-war engines and the massive 1960s fairground known as ‘Over-the-Road’, all contribute to a unique and incredible atmosphere.
The Hendon Way Motors Team attended the illustrious event on Friday, catching races such as the action-packed St Mary’s Trophy (featuring the classic Touring Car battles of the sixties), the motorcycle focused Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy and finally the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, our favorite and easily the most beautiful race of the weekend. Formerly known as the Kinrara Trophy, this hour-long race takes place at dusk, and features quite possibly the most expensive and exclusive grid on earth – with the likes of Ferrari 250 SWBs, fixed-head E-Types, AC Cobras and early-model Chevrolet Corvettes all gunning for the lead. They don’t play nice either – these drivers are absolutely fearless and often cars will return to the paddocks with some serious battle scars as they push these vehicles to the limit.
Being able to watch such rare and impressive sportscars (many of which you’ll never see outside of a Concours event) in a tense battle for pole position, during the stunning, summer sunset light is truly a breathtaking experience, and really makes you feel as if you’ve gone back in time.
Other highlights of the day included watching Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, taking on the Whitsun Trophy in his very own 1966 Ford GT40 – or the most entertaining race of them all, the John Whitmore Trophy featuring an entire grid of Mini Coopers.
While we only attended on the Friday, we could have easily spent the entire weekend and more at the Motor Circuit; there’s almost too much to experience. Whether you get your fix from watching classic racecars compete (we know we certainly do), prefer to visit the period-correct Drive-In Cinema, like to experience the live music of the era or just love to dress up and wander the paddocks, Revival has something for everyone and there’s really no wrong way to enjoy the amazing event.
Bring on 2022!
