Goodwood and Donington are both important names in the history of motor racing. Today, they are still very much in the spotlight. Goodwood has become renowned for its Festival of Speed, where visitors can get up close and personal with motor racing stars and cars. Donington has amassed an incredible collection of Formula 1 machinery covering the history of the category. A day out to either venue would please any racing fan.
Goodwood Festival of Speed Tickets
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has something for everyone and has established it as a unique motor racing and social event. The brainchild behind the festival is Lord March, and the event is staged in the grounds of his home, the magnificent Goodwood House.
The first Festival of Speed was staged in 1993 and drew a crowd of 25,000. It has since grown into an enormous annual event, attracting 150,000 spectators. Its status is reflected by the fact that most current Formula 1 teams send cars and drivers. In addition to modern machinery the festival organisers also go to great lengths to locate some of the most important and exotic cars in the world.
Both drivers and cars are easily accessible at the festival. Famous names who have driven there over the years include Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Jack Brabham, Mika Hakkinen and, in 2008, Lewis Hamilton. Bike fans are also catered for and riders to have graced the festival include Troy Corser, John McGuinness, Randy Mamola and Giacomo Agostini.
There is action to be savoured all over the festival site. At the top of the hillclimb course is a forest rally stage while visitors can also experience the thrill of taking a ride in a Paris-Dakar buggy. There is also a live music stage with various acts playing all day and air displays.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is held for three days (Friday-Sunday) each July. Admission tickets are approximately £30-£50 per day with children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are by advance sale only and are not available at the venue. Goodwood is located near Chichester in West Sussex.
A Trip to the Donington Grand Prix Collection
Any fan of Formula 1 will be in Grand Prix heaven at the Donington Grand Prix Collection. It is housed in five large halls next to the historic racing circuit and comprises the largest collection of Formula 1 machinery anywhere in the world. The collection was started by Tom Wheatcroft and he built it up over the years to its present size. Wheatcroft was involved himself in Formula 1 during the 1970s. A statue outside the collection commemorates his young driver, Roger Williamson, who perished in the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix.
Unlike many car museums most of the exhibits at Donington are in full working order and are driven regularly. Highlights include the Alfa Romeo Bimotore, examples of every Vanwall model produced and the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34. Admission prices for the collection are £7 for adults, £5 for senior citizens/students, £2.50 for children (6-16) or £14 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Larger parties are subject to discounts and guided tours, taken by qualified racing drivers, are also available but must be booked in advance. Photography is allowed when touring the collection. Donington is located next to East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire.
More gift ideas for motor racing fans.
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