Goodwood

A Photographic Guide to Goodwood Motor Circuit

Address: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester PO18 0PX

Telephone: 01243 755055

Website: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/

A photographic guide to Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Racing originally took place at Goodwood from 1948 to 1966, having served during WW2 as RAF Westhampnett, sister airfield to the better-known RAF Tangmere where Douglas Bader was stationed.

It is, therefore, a typical airfield racetrack – using the perimeter road to create a very fast flowing circuit. There is also a pleasing absence of fences providing a superb experience for spectators.

There are two race meetings each year – the Revival which first ran in 1998 and seeks to recreate the sixties race meeting experience. As such, period dress is encouraged but not, fortunately, compulsory unless entering the inner paddock. More recently, the Members Meeting was introduced – which might be described as Revival-lite – with much less corporate hospitality and restricted attendee numbers.

There are one or two differences between the MM and the Revival mainly in terms of slightly restricted access at the Revival.

For photographers, Goodwood is pretty much a dream. No fences to speak of, good angles in and out of most corners and the possibility of a sunset for the evening races.

So starting at the grid (01), a feature of the MM has been grid walks subject to timetable and weather. In the past, you have been able to rub shoulders with ‘is Lordship (now the Duke of Richmond and Gordon) and various racing drivers.

The MM also allows any spectators to stand above the pits (02 / 03) but its not ideal for photos once it gets busy. Perhaps better to head to the outside of the track and get a starting grid shot or two. Last race of the day at the MM allows for the possibility of a hint of sunset (02).

For the MM, it is also possible to walk up the inside of the track towards Madgwick giving a different angle on cars or bikes (04 / 05). Daffodils have been a feature of the MM although the addition of snow in 2018 brought a different ambiance and 2019 will be held in April.

Returning to the outside of the track, Madgwick is a very fast double apex right-hander and provides for a wide range of shots. The long shot back to the start (06), the mid corner shot (07 / 08), panning (09) or reverse angle (10).

The only race on the Friday of the Revival is early evening into dusk and seeks to emulate the Goodwood Nine Hours races in period. Thus, on a good night, there is a sunset to be had (9).

The walk from Madgwick to Fordwater allows for some panning shots, although for the Revival it is worth checking out any short term restrictions for air displays. Of late, these have much less frequent, more’s the pity.

At Fordwater, there is a shot back down the straight to Madgwick or as the cars exit the corner (11). The quicker GTs lift an inside front wheel here. Alternatively, there is a panning shot (12) – in this case of an 80s F1 car from one of the MM high speed demo runs.

Keep walking from Fordwater to “No Name” the right kink before St Mary’s – this provides for either a busy first lap photo (13) and for the quicker cars / aggressive drivers the inside wheels can be off the ground here.

As you head from “No Name” to St Mary’s the spectator fence, which has remained at a very friendly 4ft in height, is 5ft for a short distance for safety reasons. At the apex of St Mary’s the cars and bikes are at their closest and some ride the kerbs. As the cars exit St Mary’s there is a nice drifting shot with the false commentary box in the background (14).

There is also a rear three quarter shot here (15).

It is then a short walk to Lavant, the long right-hander, and again panning shots are available from a slightly higher elevation. To jump ahead for a moment, it is also possible to get a photo of the cars on the run to Lavant with a long lens (16).

At Lavant, there is a long shot of the undulating run from St Mary’s (17) or the exit (18).

Walking past Lavant, there is a nice exit shot with the cars coming towards you (19). Again, there are panning shots on the Lavant Straight, which has a distinct left kink on the run to Woodcote.

Approaching Woodcote offers front three-quarter angle (20) and a rear three quarter (21). Walking round to the exit of Woodcote, there are excellent out-braking (22), mid corner “oops” (23) and rear three quarter (24) shots.

The chicane was a feature of the original track and whilst it is now made of less permanent materials, still brings a sting in the tail of the lap.

It is usually possible to get to the inside of the chicane and get a braking / over-run photo (25), an approaching the chicane (26) or a panning shot (27).

There’s also shot a heading towards Madgwick photo (28).

Away from the track, there is the collecting area (29) and paddock shots (30/31). For the Revival there are restrictions for accessing the inner paddock (pass and appropriate dress required). The MM is much more relaxed with an access all areas approach.

Ah, what to wear ? For the Revival in mid-September, period dress is very much encouraged, although some of the outfits, especially when accessorised with Oakley’s and mobile phones, stretch that a little. I tend to dress for the weather and as you will see tend to spend most of my time away from the paddock.

At the 2018 MM in March, it was extremely cold, breezy as befits a former airfield and then snow arrived overnight Saturday. I went with as many layers as possible !

Equipment wise – a lens in the range 150/200mm would cover most of the track, although a 200-500mm zoom on a monopod allows for the head on shots. I use a Nikon D610 (some of my earlier photos are with my previous Olympus E500) and Madeline was using her Nikon D3300.

Having been a regular attendee at the Revival and MM, there are galleries on my Flickr account. It is also worth searching out Goodwood race videos on YouTube.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that this is a premium event both in terms of ticket price and on-site catering.

Hope this is helpful. The Goodwood website always has maps, entry lists and other information as the events get closer.

All words and pictures are by David and Madeline Harbey Photography.

You can share this report with your friends on social media.

General Enquiries

admin@pistonclick.com

A Photographic Guide to Goodwood Motor Circuit

﻿A photographic guide to Goodwood Motor Circuit.

A photographic guide to Goodwood Motor Circuit.