Thursday 26th March 2020

Goodwood Festival of Speed postponed

Annual car-fest has inevitably fallen prey to you know what

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With many of the year's foremost motoring events already either rescheduled, indefinitely delayed or cancelled altogether, this news likely won't come as a huge surprise. Nonetheless, the postponement of Goodwood's Festival of Speed will still be a disappointment to many, not least as it had been hoped that some semblance of normality may have returned by its early July start date.

Decision deadlines for these sort of things often precede the events themselves by months if not years, however, and with the 78th Members' Meeting already mothballed, the FoS has now met the same fate. Goodwood says that new dates will be confirmed in the coming weeks, with the aim still being to host both gatherings at some point this year. That's on top of the Revival, of course, which is still set for September 11-13th, and will hopefully remain unaffected.

Tickets that have already been purchased will remain valid for those new dates, whenever they may be, though there's no telling what the change will mean for the event itself, or the stars and cars scheduled to attend. The theme for 2020 of 'The Maestros - Motorsports Great All-Rounders', is a nod to the drivers, riders, teams and manufacturers who have enjoyed success across multiple disciplines over the years. But, with many current racing series scrambling to make up lost time and squeeze delayed events of their own into already crowded calendars, it remains to be seen how many will still be in attendance.

Speaking on the decision, the Duke of Richmond said: "Over the last few weeks, we have been working together with everyone involved to understand the viability of the Festival of Speed going ahead in July. Due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus threat and not knowing whether the situation will have significantly improved by then, we sadly need to postpone the Festival of Speed in July.

"These are dramatic and unbelievable times but they will pass and we are already trying to think about just how exciting it's going to be to welcome you all back to Goodwood for what perhaps might be the 'Greatest Event Ever".

It seems that on the other side of this trying time, we at least have the prospect of catching up on a whole host of fantastic races, meets, celebrations and shows to look forward to. They can't come soon enough.

[livinginasia]

Such a shame, but inevitable at the moment unfortunately. Looks like this year is becoming a write off for so many sporting events. Also a double shame as those of us overseas have booked flights and accommodation to attend FOS, hopefully this can all be rebooked as well. Much more important things to deal with right now.

So everyone, from someone over in Asia who survived SARS and surviving COVID so far, listen to the advice: keep your distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands / sanitize regularly, particularly after touching things like door handles and shopping trolleys. Take care of yourselves.