The sense of anticipation is palpable. Drivers and mechanics alike are psyching themselves up for three days of historic motorsport to remember. A blazing sunrise has given way to blue skies and wispy white clouds, and the weather forecast promises wall to wall sunshine for the entirety of the three-day event. Goodwood Revival 2023 is almost ready to go.
There’s time to soak up the quiet atmosphere while dew-covered race cars lay silent, their pent-up potential seemingly giving them energy even when at rest under the paddock shelters. That wait to see them wheel to wheel around the Goodwood Motor Circuit is almost over, and with machines as diverse as pre-war Le Mans heroes, feisty 1950s saloon cars, nimble 1960s motorcycles and monstrous V8-powered Can-Am cars, there will be action for every historic motorsport taste.
The calm and quiet before the gates open is one thing but the true Revival atmosphere only comes to life when the spectators arrive in their droves. Dressed for Goodwood’s heyday period and enthusiastic for the racing and the many other elements that make Revival much more than a race meeting, it’s the fans that bring the venue to life.
And the best part of Friday morning at Revival? We know that this is just the start and that we have three full days of action laid out ahead of us. And if you can’t be here in person, you can keep up with all the on-track action via our live stream.
Photography by Joe Harding.
Goodwood Revival
Revival 2023
Early morning