I opted to ditch the tweed this year, selecting instead, to dress in bleu-workwear favoured by mid-century French labourers. This proved to be a good call as the weather was glorious and I’m not sure I could have handled the heat in tweed. It does feel a little odd dressing to fit in with an event, yet turning up in a modern sports car, but it’s all part of the fun of trying to fit or stand out. People make such an effort with their attire at Revival you could be mistaken that you’re in the middle of a fashion and culture history lesson.
Every genre and sub-culture is covered. From leather-clad ’60s Rockers and Café Racers to parker-wearing Mods. Carnaby Girls in the Mary Quant dresses to 1950’s belles. Americana, British tweed and racing drivers. The war-time period covered by WRNS and land girls to military personel in various uniforms. The people are as much of an attraction as the vehicles. I have an interest in clothing, but more mid-centry inspired workwear, if you’re more interesed in personal styling at Goodwood Revival then Jonathan Wells ahs written this great article over on The Gentlemans Journal. For me the people really make a difference and provide great oppotunity to capture images that aren’t just cars.
With a focus on the 1960’s we saw over a 150 Mini’s take to the track to celebrate this little, but iconic, cars 60th birthday. Alec Issigonis’ wonderful design was represented in all its guises, from Monty Carlo Rally Coppers to Mini Mokes. They made for a great display both on track and around the site.
Also celebrating was British racing marque Cooper, marking 60 years since their first Formula One World Championship. Military vehicles took to the track to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and parachutists dropped from the sky as we remembered those who gave their lives.
Paddock action
Friday is practice and qualifying, allow for all those final tweaks to get drivers, riders and their machines ready for a weekend of full on racing. There’s plenty of action for photographers to capture on and off the track. Unlike at the Members Meeting the main paddocks and pits can only be accessed by team members and official press, but you can get close to the action thanks to the low fences. Yes, it would be nice to have access to the paddock, but in reality, I’m not sure how much difference it makes. You can still capture almost all the action from the sidelines. Use a longer lens and the cars parked in the middle become fair game too. You just need to think a little bit to get good images.
As the day ends the racing begins
Friday’s first race is the Kinrara Trophy. An hour long, two driver, race for tin-top GT cars. This is an expensive race with the likes of Ferrari 250 GT’s and Aston Martin DB4GT’s rubbing shoulders with E-type Jaguars, Austin Healeys and AC Cobras. While the race starts in daylight the sun sets quickly and offers an amazing opportunity for photographers. Knowing that the sun sets over Lavant Corner I thought shooting the cars silhouetted against the setting sun could make for a great image – but so did every other photographer in attendance too. All the way from Woodcote around to the Lavant Straight it was at least three deep at the fence. Looking for other vantage points to try and see over the others was fruitless. I was too late and just had to wait my time. It’s at time like these that you either give up or rise to the challenge. I decided to try shooting through the crowds, resultign in mixed success, but that’s the beauty of digital, no wasting film. It took a few attempts, but I captured some images I’m fairly happy with.
With the race over the drivers and crew prepare for tomorrow while the rest of us head ‘over-the-road’ for night-time funfair action, live music and outdoor cinema. Alongside these there are food stalls and bars doing a roaring trade. Although I thoroughly enjoy these events on my own, it’s at this point it would be nice to share a drink or two with mates and not have to worry about driving back to my my hotel.
A new day, revival racing
Up early and stood waiting to get in you can hear the sounds of classic machinery being fired up which only adds to the excitement. Once across the bridge, back into the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, the are is buzzing with people and machinery. It’s a photographers dream, early morning sun, beautiful people and wonderful scenery. Oh, mustn’t forget the cars and bikes. If you just span around with your finger on the shutter you’d stand a pretty good chance of capturing a great image. OK, maybe it’s not quite that simple, but there are so many opportunities. I’m not sure I’ve created top quality images, but I do think they’re an improvement over last years photographs. Hopefully next year will be even better.
