We’ve no need to tell you why, but Goodwood cancelled both the Festival of Speed and Revival in 2020. Not to mention the more exclusive Members’ Meeting held each Spring.

But just as there’s a glimmer of hope our social lives might be returning, so Goodwood has found a way to make sure this isn’t a completely fallow year. Goodwood Speedweek will take place from October 16 to 18, and we can all go…

…virtually. Yep, like all the sport is right now, it’s taking place behind closed doors, but Goodwood assures us that – unlike eerily echo-y fanless Premier League games – Speedweek is designed to be watched online.

In PR speak, it’s “a uniquely immersive, interactive broadcast occasion to be made available free of charge globally”. Saving usual Goodwood visitors a ton of cash in posh sausage sandwiches or petrol can-based home décor from the Revival market.

And it’s taking place around Goodwood Circuit rather than up the hill. “On the track, the most valuable cars will do battle in the closest, most competitive historic racing in the world, driven by a glittering line-up of famous faces,” we’re told.

“Embracing the lack of spectators, a dramatic rally competition will see cars go on, over and even under the circuit, and the inaugural ‘Goodwood Gymkhana’ will literally take over the venue, going to places that would normally be strictly out of bounds.”

“Building to a climax on Sunday, a never-to-be-repeated competition will see some of the fastest cars in motorsport history vying for honours in a winner-takes-all shoot-out over one lap. Modern cars have never competed at Goodwood, so the speeds they achieve will be unlike anything previously seen at the iconic venue.”

And they might set lap times that’ll never be beaten, too. “Having taken the heart-breaking decision not to hold the Festival of Speed and Revival this year, we were determined to find a way of bringing motorsport to Goodwood in 2020,” says the Duke of Richmond.

“Speedweek will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion – the fastest, most exciting and spectacular event we have ever staged.”

Excited?

STORY Stephen Dobie