The Goodwood Revival and the Festival of Speed have cemented Goodwood's reputation as one of the most important locations in the world for motor racing, but it also has a rich heritage underpinning these more modern events.

Goodwood Motor Circuit in period

The Motor Circuit opened its gates to the public on 18th September 1948 to host Britain's first post-war motor race meeting at a permanent venue. The event received a rapturous response as the public had been deprived of motor racing as a consequence of the War.

The huge demand for wheel-to-wheel competition saw thousands of spectators arrive at Goodwood to support the UK's first professionally-organised motor racing for many years.

Twelve years earlier, Goodwood's very first motorsport event was staged when a hill climb meeting was hosted by the 9th Duke of Richmond, Freddie March.

After 18 years of memorable competition, Goodwood closed its gates to contemporary motor racing. It was the end of a chapter, but certainly not the end of the story.

Motor Circuit History