Goodwood Festival of Speed

[White Lightning]

Just back from my first FOS today and had a fantastic time - any other Pitpassers head down to Chichester this weekend?

I've heard it said on other forums that the lineup wasn't as good this year, but if that's a bad lineup then I can't wait to see a good one.

My highlights were the F1s - last year's Lotus, McLaren, Ferrari, Merc, Red Bull and Caterham; last week's winning LMP1 Audi and a line-up of classic Lotus GP and tintop machines to celebrate their diamond jubilee. I've also got a special place in my heart for the Lancia Stratos, so seeing that is always a bonus.

Managed a bag a decent haul of autographs too: Karun Chandhok, Jerome d'Ambrosio, Christian Horner, Rene Arnoux and (the biggie) Alain Prost. Unfortunately I missed Vettel, but fair play to him, he made sure all of the kids caught in the crush got a short chat and even took one upset boy into the garage to cheer him up - something I'm sure he'll dine off in the playground for weeks to come!

Definitely going back next year, it's the perfect buildup and I'm already excited for next weekend. Thursday night in the White Horse, if any Pitpassers are there too!

[The Rumble Strip]

Sadly, I can't make the race this year, which given it is the first time since 2003 that I have failed to do so, I'm rather gutted.

Due to usually staying in the Warwick area then I've only ever been in the White Horse once during a camping year but it amazed me, not that it should have done, as to just how busy it was.

Roll on 2013.

[AllanL]

As ever an interesting piece from Mike:

http://www.pitpass.com/46803-Lotus

It did cross my mind at Goodwood that the Lotus stand was as big as those for big hitters like Audi, Skoda and Toyota - which struck me as odd for such a small manufacturer.

On the plus side the sculpture was one of the best that I've seen. I just hope that Lord March doesn't end up sticking £2m on next year's tickets to cover for Lotus. The price of the weekend has gone up by 55% in the last six years alone, and don't get me started on the price gouging by Premier Inn and Travelodge for Goodwood weekends.

In spite of that it was my 16th, every year it seems to get busier and it certainly had more manufacturer stands this year. So maybe the Thursday is paying off for them at least.

I think some folk get blase at the range of cars that Lord March, and his advisory team including Doug Nye, manage to attract every year. Every year they turn up something that I haven't seen before or at least for a while (Lotus 77 and MclEagle for starters this year). So I keep going back!

Tony Brooks in the Connaught, John Surtees in a Lotus 18 and Alain Prost in a Renault were all pretty unique and historic sights, and the Eagles from '67 were a welcome if low-key Gurney salute ahead of the Revival. Which reminds me it must be time to book the tickets for the Revival. (Hotel booked 12 months ago!)

[SkidMarks]

Having missed the FOS for 2012, Mrs SkidMarks and I are planning on going to the revival next year.

Anyone fancy a 50/60's theme party?
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Yes, I Know that I'm a BOF. Someone please tell me why I still watch.

[AllanL]

Cheers Bernie!

Mucking about the German GP date, to make room for a Turkish race (or "other European ") that their government have the sense to refuse to fund has also screwed up arrangements for next year's Festival of Speed.

As the transport arrangements for bringing cars are such a complex jigsaw, I would guess it would be easier to push it back one week than bring it forward two. But then I'm not Lord March!

Doubtless the WMSC did not dream this up on their on. After the Turkish government posturing has died down, what money on Bernie "riding to the rescue" - for a suitable fee like the last few Turkish GPs?