Spitfires at dawn at the 2023 Goodwood Revival

While the Revival embodies the post-war period from 1948 to 1966, which are the years the track was in action for contemporary motorsport, the venue’s history is closely linked with the aircraft that were so instrumental to the allies during World War Two. Before becoming the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the site was home to RAF Westhampnett, and the circuit originates from the perimeter roads around the airfield. The airfield within the circuit remains active, but in this century you’re just as likely to see a Cessna taking off as you are one of the Spitfires housed here in Hangar 8.

But it’s when the warbirds take off that nobody can resist stopping what they’re doing and turning their gaze skywards. Who can resist the sight of two Spitfires swooping and soaring, that evocative soundtrack from the 27-litre Rolls-Royce V12 resonating throughout the area and demanding attention?

If you weren’t at Goodwood to experience the sights and sounds for real, we have the next best thing here having captured a gallery of images of the two Spitfires performing their aerobatic display. And there’s still tomorrow to catch a repeat performance...

Photography by Jordan Butters.