Goodwood to host one-off Speedweek event, after cancelled Festival of Speed and Revival

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 31.07.2020

Goodwood organisers announce behind-closed-doors Speedweek event for October

Update 31/7/2020: After being forced to cancel both of its major annual events last month, Goodwood has returned to announce a three-day behind-closed-doors event that will take place on October 16-18.

The Frestival of Speed, originally set for July, and the Goodwood Revival, originally scheduled for October, have been combined into the single private event called Goodwood Speedweek.

Speedweek seeks to combine the best elements of both the FoS and the Revival, and will be broadcasted online in its entirety through the Goodwood Road & Racing website.

Embracing the inability to host live spectators, Goodwood's 2020 Speedweek event is set to hold a number of events that would otherwise be unfeasible; with previously out-of-bounds areas of the estate completely opened up for rally competition and the inaugural 'Goodwood Gymkhana'.

The usual Goodwood attractions won't be missing either, with some of the fastest cars in motorsport history set to battle it out in a time-attack style single-lap shootout. There will also be various modern supercar demonstrations, new car launches and a live Bonhams classic car auction.

Charles Gordon-Lennon, 11th Duke of Richmond and Host of Goodwood, stated: "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".

"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.

Original story 17/6/2020: It was announced overnight that the 2020 Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival will not be going ahead in 2020.

Organisers cited ongoing social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic which prompted the cancellations, but did hint at plans for a ‘behind closed doors’ event later in the year.

Those who have purchased tickets to either events will have their tickets remain valid for the 2021 event, or are entitled to a refund if you cannot attend.

Goodwood organisers have also relaunched the Goodwood Supporter’s Association (GSA), allowing enthusiasts to support the event alongside existing alongside existing Goodwood Road and Racing Club members.

Originally created 25 years ago, the GSA’s initial mission was to bring together a group of people to reopen the Goodwood Motor Circuit and lobby for planning approval. However, "the challenge today is very different".

The cancellation of the event has purportedly caused "considerable strain" on "not only future events but even the long-term future of the estate".

The Duke of Richmond stated: "for a business like ours, which is all about bringing people together to enjoy the things they love, social distancing has had an unavoidable impact on our ability to operate".

The Festival of Speed and Revival events will return in 2021 and, in the meantime, we are delighted to give our incredibly loyal members and dedicated followers a unique opportunity to increase their connection to Goodwood".

Meanwhile, the global Concours circuit seeks to resume activities with organisers of the  Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace stating that they fully intend to go ahead on September 4-6.

The palace’s 60-acre Fountain Gardens have reopened to the public this week, with the expansive space more easily allowing organisers to navigate British government’s Covid-19 measures.

The September event is set to be the first major Concours since Amelia Island back in March.

Tickets are on sale, albeit in limited numbers. If the event does end up being cancelled – all tickets will similarly be either deferred until 2021, or refunded.

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