Goodwood Speedweek announced to replace cancelled Festival of Speed and Revival

The organisers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival have announced a new event - Goodwood Speedweek - to replace this year’s cancelled festivals.

The one-off event will take place behind closed doors but organisers say a unique, interactive digital presentation will bring the thrill of Goodwood to viewers around the world free of charge.

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Taking place from October 16 to 18, Speedweek will blend elements of the Revival and Festival of Speed, bringing historic racers and the latest and fastest road and race cars to the famous Goodwood Circuit.

Organisers say that while spectators will not be allowed, the whole event will be optimised for broadcast and the lack of crowds will allow them to stage “faster and more extreme” displays around parts of the venue usually not used by vehicles.

Modern racers will mix with classic vehicles at this year's Goodwood Speedweek (Photo: Jayson Fong)Modern racers will mix with classic vehicles at this year's Goodwood Speedweek (Photo: Jayson Fong)
Modern racers will mix with classic vehicles at this year's Goodwood Speedweek (Photo: Jayson Fong)

The Festival of Speed’s famous hillclimb track will not be used during Speedweek, with events staged on and around the Revival’s circuit. That means modern cars will compete on the 2.4-mile circuit for the first time - putting the 55-year-old lap record at risk of being smashed.

Modern racers will join their historic counterparts for a “winner-takes-all” single-lap shootout on the Sunday, while some of the world’s most famous drivers will pit some of the world’s most valuable historic racers wheel-to-wheel in a series of Revival-style races across the weekend.

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A rally competition will see vehicles race around, across and underneath the famous circuit and a Goodwood Gymkhana will take the action to parts of the venue that are usually strictly out of bounds.

Other elements of the regular festivals will also feature at Speedweek. The technology-focused FOS Future Lab will offer an online insight into the mobility of the future and auctioneers Bonhams will hold an online auction over the weekend, with viewing by appointment in the days leading up to the event.

The three-day event will be broadcast for free on Goodwood Road & Racing’s website, as well as via its social media channels and a range of broadcast partners, with organisers promising an innovative and immersive experience for viewers.

The Duke of Richmond, who established the Revival and Festival of Speed, said: “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.

“Speedweek will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion – the fastest, most exciting and spectacular event we have ever staged.”

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