Which Goodwood bend is this?
Discussion
In the programme for Easter Monday 1951, there is an (admittedly small) aerial photo of the circuit.
There appears to be a small building opposite the apex of Lavant's second apex. Behind it is a short spectator bank, about 20 yards. It's difficult to say whether there are any trees. Lavant is a very flat corner. Although none of my period images show the building, I think Lavant 2 is highly probable.
At Madgwick there is a light blob, set back from the track by a small amount, and about 20 yards past the first apex. There is still a bank and trees behind the corner. However, as already mentioned, I think it should be more uphill. The banking is also rather light, suggesting it has recently been cut back into the chalk (though if your shot is much later it may have grassed over). I reckon it's slightly less likely.
No other corner matches. The Woodcote buildings are much further back, and no other corner has buildings (though these were coming down quickly in the first couple of years).
Having said that, I've found your photo in the Goodwood book, captioned "first meeting, first race, Woodcote Corner, Paul Pycroft's special-bodied Jaguar SS". The following image (from the same meeting) looks back at Woodcote from the start, and I can't see that hut, or a bank, or anything that really matches. I struggle to believe this is Woodcote, even though the track part is very similar.
Sorry I can't do better. To match the shot, I would suggest you go straight to Madgwick, and have a damned good look through the viewfinder to see whether you can get a match. Friday is the best day for photo's.
If you don't get a result, start walking against the traffic around the circuit (possible Friday but not really on other days) - walking "into the cars" you will see some great views all the way around. You'll be able to repeat the excercise at Woodcote 1, and move on the Lavant 2.
If you're still undecided, take the photo at Lavant 2 - it may be wrong, but I doubt anyone will be able to tell.
There appears to be a small building opposite the apex of Lavant's second apex. Behind it is a short spectator bank, about 20 yards. It's difficult to say whether there are any trees. Lavant is a very flat corner. Although none of my period images show the building, I think Lavant 2 is highly probable.
At Madgwick there is a light blob, set back from the track by a small amount, and about 20 yards past the first apex. There is still a bank and trees behind the corner. However, as already mentioned, I think it should be more uphill. The banking is also rather light, suggesting it has recently been cut back into the chalk (though if your shot is much later it may have grassed over). I reckon it's slightly less likely.
No other corner matches. The Woodcote buildings are much further back, and no other corner has buildings (though these were coming down quickly in the first couple of years).
Having said that, I've found your photo in the Goodwood book, captioned "first meeting, first race, Woodcote Corner, Paul Pycroft's special-bodied Jaguar SS". The following image (from the same meeting) looks back at Woodcote from the start, and I can't see that hut, or a bank, or anything that really matches. I struggle to believe this is Woodcote, even though the track part is very similar.
Sorry I can't do better. To match the shot, I would suggest you go straight to Madgwick, and have a damned good look through the viewfinder to see whether you can get a match. Friday is the best day for photo's.
If you don't get a result, start walking against the traffic around the circuit (possible Friday but not really on other days) - walking "into the cars" you will see some great views all the way around. You'll be able to repeat the excercise at Woodcote 1, and move on the Lavant 2.
If you're still undecided, take the photo at Lavant 2 - it may be wrong, but I doubt anyone will be able to tell.
I'm pretty sure it's Woodcote as the larger building is still there.
If you look at this video I picked at random from Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_wNHm8u4Rc
@ 1:30-ish you can see the building on the outside of Woodcote. It has obviously been painted white since the photo was taken.
[edit]
Also, the trees are in the right place for Woodcote - they're much further back at Madgewick and Lavant. Chances are they're still the same trees!
[/edit]
If you look at this video I picked at random from Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_wNHm8u4Rc
@ 1:30-ish you can see the building on the outside of Woodcote. It has obviously been painted white since the photo was taken.
[edit]
Also, the trees are in the right place for Woodcote - they're much further back at Madgewick and Lavant. Chances are they're still the same trees!
[/edit]
Edited by Tim S on Friday 12th September 13:51
Dear All,
I was wrong, our historian has confirmed that it's Woodcote. Those buildings and the trees are no longer there but what gives it away is the arched roofline of the blister hanger (located behind Chicane Grandstand). Also, most of the spectator banking was installed within the last 15 years, beforehand, it was mostly flat.
When we removed the Woodcote gravel trap a couple of years ago, we found the foundations for those buildings in the picture... Gives you an idea how exciting it must have been watching the racing then.. Much closer to the action!
Cheers,
J
I was wrong, our historian has confirmed that it's Woodcote. Those buildings and the trees are no longer there but what gives it away is the arched roofline of the blister hanger (located behind Chicane Grandstand). Also, most of the spectator banking was installed within the last 15 years, beforehand, it was mostly flat.
When we removed the Woodcote gravel trap a couple of years ago, we found the foundations for those buildings in the picture... Gives you an idea how exciting it must have been watching the racing then.. Much closer to the action!
Cheers,
J
I still can't get a satisfactory match to the other shots I have of the Woodcote area (shapes, distances and perspectives don't really match up), but I would say it's the favourite now over Lavant, and forget Madgwick. As I read it this would be Woodcote 2 (the second apex, now pointing to the chicane).
For your location, I would be pretty sure you need to be standing right beside the Shell building (long, low, white structure) at the Lavant end. Perhaps PM jgoodwood to get special permission to access quite a restricted area???
For your location, I would be pretty sure you need to be standing right beside the Shell building (long, low, white structure) at the Lavant end. Perhaps PM jgoodwood to get special permission to access quite a restricted area???
THE book is "The Glory of Goodwood" (Lawrence, Taylor, Nye), ISBN 1 85227 826 9, published by Virgin, 1999. May have been updated, but unlikely. I'm pretty sure it's still available - the Goodwood shop must sell a bundle every year.
About 300 pages, coffee table book. Covers the history up to the first GRM. Lots of glossy pictures, but with those authors there's enough of the factual history to actually learn something.
About 300 pages, coffee table book. Covers the history up to the first GRM. Lots of glossy pictures, but with those authors there's enough of the factual history to actually learn something.
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