From 1-4 July, Goodwood will be in celebratory mode as it marks a number of significant motor sport and automotive anniversaries and key moments. A selection of the many anniversaries being recognised at the 2010 Festival of Speed will include:
100 Years:
Alfa Romeo:
The legendary Italian marque celebrates its centenary in style with a stunning central feature and an impressive collection of the revered Milanese manufacturer’s most important motor racing and road car moments, from the dominant pre-War 1750, 6C and 8C racers, through to the stylish and desirable post-War Alfas, including the Tipo 33 racers and brand new Giulietta, due to make its British public debut at the Festival of Speed. For more information, please see the accompanying Alfa Romeo news release.
60 Years:
Formula One World Championship:
Since the inaugural World Championship in 1950 – won by Dr Giuseppe Farina in a stunning Alfa Romeo 158 ‘Alfetta’ – Formula One has maintained its place as the very pinnacle of motor sport. The names of the great drivers – Fangio, Ascari, Moss, Clark, Stewart, Prost, Senna, Schumacher, Alonso, Hamilton, Button – trip off the tongue as easily as those of the classic manufacturers – Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Vanwall, BRM, Lotus, Brabham, McLaren, Williams, Renault. Simply put, for many people Formula One IS motor racing. The 2010 Festival of Speed will celebrate F1’s 60th anniversary with a momentous gathering of cars and drivers illustrating many of the key moments in the formula’s rich and varied history.
Carrera Panamericana:
To celebrate the opening of the Mexican leg of the Panamerican Highway in 1950, an epic nine-stage road race was held along its length, from Ciudad Juárez| in the north to El Ocotal in the south. It was to be one of the longest, fastest and most dangerous races of all time, with average stage speeds of up to 138mph by the fifth and final running in 1954. Initially dominated by big American saloons, it soon attracted the top European teams and drivers, with Ferrari winning in 1951 and ’54, Mercedes in ’52, and Fangio, in a Lancia D24, in ‘53. As well as the epic distances and monstrous speeds, the race was characterised by the distinctive colour schemes worn by many of the cars. With many of them still bearing the same liveries, the Carrera Panamericana class is sure to be one of the most evocative ever to grace the Festival of Speed.
50 Years:
Forest Rallying on the RAC Rally:
2010 marks 50 years since rally cars took to the forests of Britain for the first time on the RAC Rally. This event, the forerunner of today’s Rally GB, quickly became an all-time classic, ranking alongside the Monte Carlo, Safari and 1000 Lakes as the most prestigious on the calendar. This year the Forest Rally Stage will celebrate the rich history of the RAC, with a sensational gathering of cars and drivers, including many former winners.
Bathurst’s ‘Great Race’:
The Bathurst 1000 is the undoubted highlight of the Australian motor sport year. Tracing an unbroken history back to its first running at Phillip Island in 1960, the ‘Great Race’ moved to the Mount Panorama circuit in 1963, since when it has achieved mythical status, bestowing instant greatness on all who triumph. On display at this year’s Festival will be a selection of the thundering saloons that have defined this unique event.