People have been racing cars in the UK for more than a Century – and some of the most remarkable and successful machines will be gathering on the grid at Goodwood this weekend.
The RAC TT Celebration is one of the jewels of the Goodwood Revival: a one-hour, two-driver race that was originally hosted at Goodwood from 1958 to 1964 when it was primarily run as a round of the World Sportscar Championship.
The event is now one of the highlights on the classic car calendar – yet there are thousands more cars and Motorsport UK license holders involved in racing or rallying events around the country every year.
A Legendary Race
The original RAC Tourist Trophy was a top tier event that attracted drivers including Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Bruce McLaren and Innes Ireland. Moss won the inaugural race with Tony Brooks in an Aston Martin DBR1.
The Revival brings that history roaring back to life, recreating the spirit of the period, with Jaguar E-types, Ferrari 250s, Shelby Cobra Daytonas, Corvettes, TVRs, Porsches and other iconic GT cars battling wheel-to-wheel.
The wider event – which includes three days of three days of Classic Car action, has also become a meeting point for generations of racing talent, with historic racers sharing the grid with some of the biggest names in modern motorsport.
This year’s big names – mostly competing in the TT and the other flagship race, the St Mary’s Trophy for production saloons – spans the worlds of Touring Car, Indy Car and F1 and includes Jason Plato, Scott Dixon, Tom Ingram and Jenson Button.
A Different World
Goodwood Revival may be the most famous celebration of Britain’s historic racing heritage, but it represents only a small part of a much bigger classic-car ecosystem and Motorsport UK’s list of 4,500+ annual events includes many historic race meetings through the year.
The classic and historic racing community itself includes specialist organisations such as the Historic Racing Drivers Club, Historic Sports Car Club, Classic Sports Car Club, Motor Racing Legends and Masters Racing, alongside specific marque Clubs and local motor Clubs.
The cars may be special, but this is not simply a world for wealthy collectors or professional drivers, the community includes amateur racers, mechanics, restorers, club members, volunteers, officials and spectators, all united by an enthusiasm for cars and their history.
There are classic vehicles involved in all sorts of disciplines including Club racing, Trials, Sprints, Hill Climbs, Rallies and Touring events.
That breadth is the greatest strength of the UK classics scene – and whether it’s a priceless Jaguar on the grid at Goodwood or a family-owned historic car competing at a Club event, the dedication of those who participate in these machines is what keeps their stories alive.