30 replies to this topic

[Racer.Demon]

Having been to the Festival of Speed the past few years, I'm thinking of switching to the Coys Historic Festival for 2001, which has effectively swapped dates with the FoS and is hosted by the new Rockingham oval for the first time. It could also be combined with a visit to the Donington Museum, which is very appealing to me.

Would it be a sound decision to visit Coys - and see some actual racing - or is the Revival Meeting at Goodwood a better plan? What is your experience of both these festivals?

Also, I can't (as yet) find any web information on Coys regarding programmes, schedules and tickets. Is it too early days for that? Should I just call the Rockingham ticket office or am I overlooking the festival's presence on the Web? Web booking (as is so easily done for Goodwood) seems to be the obvious thing for visitors from the continent, such as me.

[FlagMan]

I believe the Coys Festival next year will indeed be at Rockingham - however this is not the same Coys Festival that has held in the past been at Silverstone in July - which for next year becomes the Brooks Festival - and is due to be held over the August Bank holiday weekend.

Coys have transfered their sponsorship to a new event to be held at Rockingham - I think it may be earlier in the year - but I have not seen any definitive calender for Rockingham as yet..

[David McKinney]

Both the Silverstone Festival and the Goodwood Revival meeting feature real racing, and I wouldn't miss either. But for real atmosphere - a feeling that you are actually at a 1950s race meeting, Goodwood can't be beaten. It also offers better viewing of the action, but on the other hand it's harder to get to see the cars in the paddock. I wouldn't put the Goodwood Festival of Speed (the hillclimb) in the same class - too many poseurs, not enough action.
The Coys Rockingham affair is scheduled for May, and as it hasn't been held before, it's difficult to predict what it will be like. They're making a big play of the banked circuit, with emphasis on Brooklands cars and US oval cars, but I believe the road circuit will also be used for the meeting. I haven't seen anything yet about advanced ticket sales, but will keep my eyes and ears open and try and let you know.
But if you have to make a decision now, go for the Goodwood Revival meeting!

[Barry Boor]

I'd much rather go to Goodwood; I dislike Silverstone intensely. But being a teacher and living up here in wildest north west Wales, there is no choice. I cannot get to Goodwood; it's too far to go during school term time; Silverstone is during the summer hols.

End of story.

[Bernd]

The Revival no question. Not only do you get Period Cars, Period Racing, Period Dress etc but you get all that on a period race circuit. This makes the Revival completely charming and unique

[Eric McLoughlin]

Having attended the Revival and Coys this year, Goodwood wins hands down. The only negative aspect of the Revival neeting is the cut-off date of 1966. As a result, you don't get to see some of the most innovative and dramatic racing machinery of the last 30 odd years. One other major benefit of Goodwood is the closeness of the action. The only barrier asround the track is a low wood fence, very handy on which to hang your umbrella or back-pack. I got showered by gravel from a wheel spinning Formula Junior stuck in the litter at Woodcote last meeting, that's how close it is.

Although the hill-climb has a large "pose" element to it and can get very crowded these days, the sheer variety and rareness (and time span) of vehicles on show is amazing, not to mention the opportunity to rub shoulders, literally on many occasions, with motor sport legends like Moss, Brabham, Cooper, Bell etc.

[Roger Clark]

I'll support Goodwood too. Silverstone just isn't right for historic cars and will probably get worse when they redevelop it for the Grand Prix. Goodwood seems as close as they can get it to the way it was in the 50s and 60s.

[Racer.Demon]

I'll agree Silverstone doesn't seem right for a historic festival but with Coys moving to Rockingham (and re-creating the Race of Two Worlds for one thing) that one looks very interesting from the outside. Of course Rockingham is a very modern facility too, just like Silverstone, but the chance to see some of Indy's greatest roadsters on a true oval seems one to be sorely missed. Plus there's the opportunity to visit the Donington Museum. At least that was my thought when considering a move to the North... And then there's the cut-off date of 1966 at the Revival Meeting. On the other hand, the period dress makes the Revival very tempting. (Is the period dress obligatory? I should make an appointment with my taylor then!)

BTW, two years ago I got the chance to race the Goodwood circuit in my own car so I know from first hand what a great track it is!

So I'll just do both?;)

[Roger Clark]

I would certainly do both. THe period dress isn't compulsory, except in the paddock. On the other hand, f you've got my fashion sense, it's not a problem.

[Eric McLoughlin]

Even though I do make a bit of an effort to dress "In Period" for the revival, my hunch is that the clothes "police" will gradually relax their atitude as the novelty wears off. In actual fact, the period clothes worn are so various, the crowd looks nothing like a typical Goodwood crowd of the 50's or 60's. Too many people dress up in wartime gear - some going to the effort of hiring RAF or US Army uniforms, certainly unlikely to be found in the Goodwood paddock in 1965. Also, you can't keep the 21st century out - giant TV screens, modern choppers, and other light aircraft, going in and out of the airfield, Sting blasting out over the PA system etc. It's the cars, the racing and the circuit itself that make the occasion.

I hope to get to Rockingham in 2001, either for the CART race or the "new" Coys Festival. I've heard the admission charges for the CART race are going to be in the £80 region.

[Criceto]

I hope the sense of occasion doesn't wear off, and that the spectators are still encouraged to make as much of an effort as the entrants.

Where else does one get an opportunity to wear a tweed blazer and a trilby?!

And while it is quite true that the 21st century can't be kept at bay totally - isn't it nice that they try?

Incidentally, I actually approve of the 1966 cut-off. I was hesitant about the running of the 3-litre GP cars two years ago, as the circuit closed because of its inability to safely accommodate them. And my peace of mind was not helped any by seeing Sir Jack Brabham's accident unfold in front of me. Yes, the crowd is good and close to the action, but it really wouldn't have taken much of a deflection to put that McLaren in the spectator area.

Long may Goodwood remain a safe, distinct and separate time warp of an event. Which is not to say that I won't be at Coys Rockingham, Brooks Silverstone and any number of VSCC, Bentley and Aston Martin club meetings. I'll be there - nose pressed to the fence, tongue hanging out.

It's just that Goodwood is the best of the lot.

[Eric McLoughlin]

I hope no one thinks I was criticising Goodwood, far from it - it's the best historic race meeting in the world. I'm a fully paid up member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club - I've just had my Christmas card from Lord March.

Goodwood must surely be the equivalent of the best Scalextric set money can buy. In fact, it has inspired me to revive my childhood interest in Salextric. I'm now on the hunt for period cars and accessories - pre 1966 of course, so I can recreate my own miniature Goodwood. Many of you,I'm sure, know that the buildings and track accessories designed for Scalextric were based on the actual Goodwood race track as the company who made Scalextric were based very close to the track.

[Dennis David]

I'm planning to visit the Goodwood Revival Meeting in September. Where should I sit? Is there any automobilia (Books) for sale during this time or should I go book hunting prior to the race? I'm planning on making it a long weekend from the US.

[Allen Brown]

The book sellers and other memorabilia people have never been let into the Revival meeting in the past as it was thought they would spoil the appearance!

Something may change for this year but I'd suggest you play safe and do your book buying elsewhere. Beaulieu's good, so's the Festival of Speed but you'd need more than a long weekend to do those. My suggestions would be a trip to Leeds (Race-lit) or Gloucestershire (Simon Lewis) so you can see their complete stock. Only a sample makes it to the events.

Allen

[Dennis David]

I had figured to visit their shops. Thanks for the tip. Now where should I sit?

[Roger Clark]

Prior to 2000, there were booksellers at the revival meeting but outside the circuit. At Coys last year I spoke to Chis Knapman of Collectors Carbooks who told me somewhat ruefully that "his Lordship has decided that there will be no more trade stands at te revival meeeting".

As regards where to sit, my advice would be to save the money of a stand ticket and to spend your time wandering around savouring the atmosphere and watching the racing from different angles. THere is excellent viewing all round te circuit.

[Dennis David]

Where is Collectors Carbooks located?

[Roger Clark]

Originally posted by Dennis David
Where is Collectors Carbooks located?

14 Bedford Street,
woburn,
Bedfordshire
MK17 9QB

http://www.collectors-carbooks.co.uk

[Eric McLoughlin]

My favourite location is Woodcote, the last corner before the chicane. It's a double apex corner so the variety of lines taken is quite diverse. It can be very dramatic too, lots of spinners etc. Madgwick is also good - the long double apex (again) corner right after the start finish line. It also has a pronounced crest part way round which can unsettle cars on the limit.

I was a bit disappointed that there were virtually no book traders in evidence at the Revival although one (Millhouse?) did have a stand in the paddock.

[David McKinney]

The trader at the 2000 Revival Meeting was Mike Horton who used to be Connoisseur Carbooks. Might still be. He probably as the best selection of any of the UK booksellers, especially of furrin' titles, a fact which is reflected in his prices.

[Dennis David]

David what is the name of his present firm? I am planning to do my book hunting prior to the race.

[Xrayman]

For what it's worth, my favorite spot for viewing the Goodwood action is Madgwick or the approach to Madgwick. From this vantage you can get a good view of the start and witness the jostling for position into the first corner.

IMHO, if you are going for the full 3 days, spend the first couple touring the circuit during the practices and visiting the paddock and then secure a spot at Madgwick for the Sunday's racing.

Whatever you do Dennis I know you will enjoy the event.

Martin.

[David McKinney]

Exactly what I would have said, Xrayman. You HAVE to go at least as far as St Mary's - I don't normally like rear views but watching the best guys go into the right-hander leading to St Mary's will live in my memory for ever!
Dennis D - I'll look for the address and post it later

[David McKinney]

Dennis David
If I'd known it was going to be this easy I wouldn't have sent that last message!

Connoisseur Carbooks Ltd
11a Devonshire Road
Chiswick
London W4 2EU
Phone (+) 20 8742 0022
Fax (+) (+) 20 8742 0360

Managing director: Mike Horton
Warning: this information is probably three or four years old, but should still work

[Racer.Demon]

With Ursula Atkins asking about Revival Meeting viewing points I thought I'd revive this particular thread on the historic festivals in the UK.

Is Rockingham still in trouble financially? Would that put a big risk on the new Coys festival? It's just over two months ahead and I've heard absolutely nothing about what the programme is going to be like. Doesn't seem like a viable prospect for a cross-Channel visit, does it? (I might as well go and see the Auto Union revival at Donington a week earlier, and see the Donington Museum as well.)

No, the more I think of it we'll be staying at our regular Bognor Regis B&B yet again, but this time around it will be in September...

[Darren Galpin]

As far as I am aware, Rockingham hasn't been in financial trouble. They got rid of one of the directors, and replaced him with Roy Lane (I think it was), a former British Hillclimb Champion and successful businessman. The track is nearing completion, cars have run on it, and all looks like being OK for the Coys Festival.

[UAtkins]

Originally posted by Eric McLoughlin
Even though I do make a bit of an effort to dress "In Period" for the revival, my hunch is that the clothes "police" will gradually relax their atitude as the novelty wears off. In actual fact, the period clothes worn are so various, the crowd looks nothing like a typical Goodwood crowd of the 50's or 60's. Too many people dress up in wartime gear - some going to the effort of hiring RAF or US Army uniforms, certainly unlikely to be found in the Goodwood paddock in 1965.

As a note on dress, I am posting a photo of my Mum at a practice (most likely) in the early 60s, as you can see the dress was practical and sensible. (Since the post didn't work I'll just put the link here). Duh! sorry.




Ursula

[Darren Galpin]

That is if the Geocities server allows you to spool the image......

[UAtkins]

Thanks Darren, I thought I had it right from the last time I posted a photo (with Ray Bell's help), but apparently something was amiss.

Ursula

[Ray Bell]

Try changing the 'www' to 'fp'... don't know why!

Works for me...

here it is for now:



I'll wipe it when you fix yours...

Which is mum and who's the company?

[UAtkins]

Mum on the right, Roy Salvadori's girlfriend (Sue, can't remember the last name) on the left. Mum told me a story last weekend of sitting in her mini at Goodwood when Stirling Moss made a beeline over to her...my Dad, who was rather a possessive type.....told him "oh no you don't, that's my wife!". Having seen similar comments written in various books, that's probably right on the ball!

She also told a story of some of the drivers short-sheeting their bed at one of the Grand Prix races, she still doesn't know how they got into their room. Those were definitely different times.

Ursula