Goodwood cancels 2020 Festival of Speed and Revival
As expected, Goodwood has abandoned its big summer events season due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic
The year has been awash with cancelled events across the whole sporting and enthusiast spectrum, but just as some sporting events are beginning to reawaken after months of being on hold, Goodwood has confirmed it will not hold any of its summer events, cancelling the postponed dates of its 2020 calendar.
The cancellation will apply to the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, but organisers are still hopeful they will be able to run other motorsport gatherings such as the Members’ Meeting events behind closed doors in a similar fashion to Formula 1.
The news follows Goodwood’s initial postponement announcement of both main events back in March. However, with organisers and vendors unable to establish a safe and secure event under current government health guidelines with so many people present, the decision has now been taken to cancel them for 2020.
Those who have already purchased tickets will be automatically credited for the 2021 events. They will also be eligible for a full refund.
Last year saw the all-electric Volkswagen ID R, piloted by Romain Dumas, set a record hill climb run, tackling the course in just 39.90sec. With 2020’s event themed around motorsport’s high achievers, perhaps the ID R might not hold its title for long…
Not only will the show feature a display of the world’s latest and greatest vehicles, it will also celebrate maestros such as eight-time Grand Prix winner Jacky Ickx, John Surtees, and the legendary Jim Clark.
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Aside from the usual static display of metal, 2020’s Festival of Speed will also feature ‘The Arena’ amphitheatre, a section new to 2019 that featured live action from names such as Ken Block and ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett. Pedal-powered contraptions will also be showcased in the Goodwood Action Sports arena, with live BMX, freestyle motocross and mountain biking all on display.
Festival of Speed founder The Duke of Richmond said: ‘The heyday of the Goodwood Motor Circuit coincided with a time when some astonishing talent could be seen winning in different cars from one week to the next or even during the same race meeting. It is this level of artistry which we will be paying tribute to with our 2020 theme: “The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders”.’
Given there will have been a 24-month gap since the last round of events, whether that be the Festival of Speed, the Revival, F1 at Silverstone or even the WRC in Wales, doubtless punters will be more than ready to get back into a full event calendar when 2021 finally arrives.
