The array of famous motorcycles and world-class riders at the Festival of Speed has become an integral part of the event for all motor sport enthusiasts. This year is set to be another great event for lovers of two wheels, when, over the weekend of the 1-4 July, Goodwood will showcase some of the finest competition machinery and most talented riders ever to have graced the world stage.
The Passion for Speed
To celebrate the main Festival theme – Viva Veloce, The Passion for Speed – there will be a selection of delectable Italian machinery, such as the ex-Phil Read 1974 MV Agusta 500/4, the ex-Stephane Mertens 1991 Ducati 888 and ex-Loris Capirossi Ducati GP5 ‘Desmosedici’. Great Italian World Champions, including 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini and five-time 250cc World Champion Max Biaggi are also set to attend.
The contemporary focus falls directly on the ultra-competitive World Superbike Championship and in particular, the influx of British talent. With riders from the UK making up almost a quarter of the field – and running right at the sharp end – this year’s Festival will illustrate the strength in depth of British riding talent. Current championship leader Leon Haslam is set to attend with his factory outfit, Team Suzuki Alstare. Reigning British Superbike Champion Leon Camier is also likely to be present with his new Aprilia Alitalia Racing team, alongside his fearsome teammate Max Biaggi.
World Supersport Champion
Other British title hopefuls are also expected, including two-time World Champion James Toseland and reigning World Supersport Champion Cal Crutchlow (from the successful Yamaha Sterilgada Team) and likeable Yorkshire lad Tom Sykes, on board his rapidly improving ZX 10R from Paul Bird’s Kawasaki Racing Team.
The World Superbike Championship’s predecessor, Formula 750, will also be an area of focus for this year’s event. Won by the late, great Barry Sheene in 1973, the series was extremely popular during the 1970s in both America and Europe. Expected are great machines such as the ex-Patrick Pons 1979 Yamaha 750 TZ Sonauto, the ex-Randy Mamola 1977 Yamaha TZ 750 and the Imola 200 winning ex-Paul Smart Ducati 750 Imola.
World Trials Champion
Twelve-time World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin will also be making a much anticipated return to the Festival of Speed, causing chaos throughout the whole event as he rides his Beta EVO over, through or on all manner of obstacles. Dougie’s most recent exploits can be seen in Episode 2 of Dougie vs Goodwood.