Goodwood Revival to feature air displays

With just two weeks to go until the 2009 Goodwood Revival meeting (18-20 September), the nostalgic appeal of the world’s most authentic historic motor race meeting is set to continue with a huge variety of rare aircraft to complement the racing and period fashions on terra firma.

The origins of the Goodwood Motor Circuit are based around the perimeter road of former RAF Westhampnett, a key Battle of Britain airfield and the location of Sir Douglas Bader’s final sortie. Throughout the Revival weekend a series of legendary aircraft – long associated with Goodwood – will be flying over the famous motor circuit.

In addition to air displays featuring the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with Spitfires and the Avro Lancaster PA474 in action, the 1919-type Vickers Vimy will be making its last ever flight in public. Revival spectators should be in for a real ground shaking treat too as they will have the rare opportunity to see and hear a pre-1966 jet-powered aircraft perform over Goodwood, as the stunning Vulcan bomber is expected during the Revival weekend.

Down on the ground, the prestigious ‘Freddie March Spirit of Aviation’ – an aeronautical ‘concours d’elegance’ that recalls the style and excitement of flying as it used to be – will be held again this year following its successful debut at the Goodwood Revival two years ago. Freddie March, the present Earl of March’s grandfather, was a keen aviation engineer, as well as an accomplished racing driver and vehicle coachwork designer.

This attraction for historic aircraft built up to 1966 – the same cut-off year as all motor vehicles permitted on site during the Revival meeting – is in memory of the great man who had such an influence on Goodwood. A select panel of judges, including Sir Terence Conran, James May and NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin – the second man to set foot on the Moon 40 years ago – will be selecting the winner of the coveted Freddie March prize from around 30 pre-1966 aircraft, set to include a 1934 Hawker Nimrod, a 1942 Douglas C-47A Dakota and a 1965 Bolkow Bo 207.

In addition to exciting aircraft, the Goodwood Revival promises an exceptional selection of the best machinery on the planet with a spectacular array of cars and motorcycles, plus fabulous star drivers and riders to thrill the crowds on all three days of motor racing, as well as the finest period fashions, music and ambience.

As in previous years, admission to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only. Tickets can be ordered online at goodwood.com/motor sport/ website