There are few greater spectacles in the world of motorsport than the Goodwood Revival. The sound of old race engines, unmuffled by pesky silencers, roaring around 2.4 miles of fast, sweeping tarmac never fails to inspire, nor does the sight of priceless machines being wrestled with just as much vigour as they would have been in period. Whether you’re a seasoned spectator or a first-timer, this year’s Goodwood Revival (12th to 14th September) should absolutely be marked on your calendar.
Of course, we all know how spectacular the racing is the Revival, to the point where it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off the circuit. But top-drawer wheel-banging is just the tip of the Revival iceberg, with plenty more activities on and off the track to keep you entertained over the weekend. This year, for example, the event will mark the 75th anniversary of the ‘Split Screen’ Volkswagen Type 2, bringing together ambulances, fire engines and ice cream vans all based on the iconic Transporter.
You don’t have to be a van fanatic to appreciate the old Type 2. Arriving in 1950 as VW’s second mass-production vehicle, the Type 2 (which later became known as the Transporter) utilised the running gear from the Beetle, the company’s first mass-produced car, and wedded it to one of the most recognisable vehicle designs of all time. The curvy, swept-back shape came out of a necessity to get on top of the flat-fronted prototype’s woeful aerodynamics. VW realised that if the front of the van were to taper inwards, it would cut through the air far better, so it chopped the windscreen into two elements to form a ‘v’ shape, giving the Type 2 its distinctive ‘split screen’ look.
As wonderful as the Type 2 is, it’ll be sharing the limelight with another automotive icon: Alfa Romeo. Given the Italian marque’s illustrious heritage (it’ll turn 115 later this year), there’s rarely a time when it isn’t celebrating a landmark in its history, and 2025 will be no exception. This year marks 50 years since its World Sportscar Championship title in 1975, and you can expect an array of sports cars and prototypes, including the Zagato-bodied TZ2 and numerous Tipo 33s. The Revival will also recognise Alfa’s Grand Prix greats such as four-time champion Juan Manual Fangio and pre-war legend Tazio Nuvolari with the cars that cemented them and Alfa Romeo as motorsport legends.
Speaking of racing royalty, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button will return once again to the Revival, taking on the legendary RAC TT Celebration in his very own Jaguar E-Type. Button made his Revival debut in 2021 driving a 1962 E-Type in that year’s Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, and returned a year later to drive another E-Type, this time entered by legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey. On his 2025 return, Button said: “I am delighted to be coming back to the Goodwood Revival in September, for the most enjoyable weekend of racing of the whole year. In fact, I love it so much, I have bought my own car to take part! I am very excited to be racing my ‘new’ Jaguar E-type in the TT. I can’t wait.”
That, folks, is just the tip of the iceberg and you see the full race list here. Better grab yourself some tickets before they’ve all gone. Prices start at £75, with kids going free and young people half price. Parking is also free, and there’s a shuttle bus running from Chichester station if you don’t fancy driving. Be quick, though. Early bird discounts run until 30th April, so be sure to grab your passes before they sell out. You really don’t want to miss this one.
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