Drew Gibson
This year’s 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting has been postponed until the autumn when crowds are expected to be able to return to the long-running event.
Originally scheduled for March 2021, the historic racing fixture was postponed to May this year but the government’s recent roadmap out of lockdown means there’s little prospect of maintaining the spring date and hosting spectators.
It will now take place from 16-17 October.
“We welcome the roadmap from the Government on Monday, and whilst we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to host the 78th Members’ Meeting in May, we’re pleased that we can safely reschedule it to later in the year,” said the Duke of Richmond, owner of the Goodwood Estate.
“We want to thank our Goodwood Road Racing Club members and fellows, competitors, partners, suppliers and fans for their continued support, patience and passion to bring the event to life. We can’t wait to welcome our guests back later in the year.”
Although at the opposite end of the year to its usual season-opening slot, this year’s Members’ Meeting should have a familiar feel. The sun will set just after 6pm, allowing evening races to head into the night, and the traditional fireworks display.
Among those will be a night-time rally sprint stage, as well as regular events, including the S.F. Edge Trophy for Edwardian machines, and the Gerry Marshall Trophy for Group 1 touring cars of the 1970s and early ’80s. The line-up remains unchanged from plans for this May.
Most ticket-holders for the original date had rolled them over to May and are able to do the same for October. Some are still available to members and fellows of Goodwood Road Racing Club.
The Bonhams auction due to take place at the Members’ Meeting will now be held in London on May 19.
The other two major motor sport events at Goodwood, the Festival of Speed and Revival, remain on the calendar for July 8-11 and September 17-19 respectively.
