The Goodwood Members’ Meeting kicked off 2024 in thunderous fashion, showcasing some of the world’s best and noisiest historic motorsport. It delivered a cacophony of outrageous Can-Am cars, introduced modern motorcycle sidecars to the Goodwood Motor Circuit for the first time, and the Ken Miles Cup offered an entire grid of 30 first-generation Mustangs to delight the crowds.
Surprising as it may sound, this was my first visit to Retro Rides Weekender. In all honesty, it was my first Retro Rides event, but having lived previous gatherings through digital and print media I thought I had a good understanding of what to expect. Was I right? Let’s say that disappointment was at a big fat zero and every other sense was at 11. With such a wild mix of rides, a fantastic venue and a great vibe throughout the event, all I can say is I’ll be back for more.
With a bucket and spade full of excitement, it was time to head down to glorious Margate to enjoy the annual tradition of watching inappropriate motorcycles racing along the golden beach. That’s right; it’s Malle Beach Race time of year, and with warm sunny weather predicted, it could be a scorcher…
As Goodwood celebrates 75 years of motorsport, the Members Meeting delivered us a showcase of some the best historic motorsports on the planet, plus a delightful selection of classic and interesting vehicles to admire.
With the 80th Members Meeting round the corner, it’s the last chance for the teams to get some miles on the Goodwood circuit, putting their cars and bikes through their paces on the Goodwood Motor Circuit ahead of the event itself. Previous years these test days have been open to the public, but this year exclusive access was only offered to the GRRC community.
Only three weeks into the new year, my motorsports season kicks off with the MGJ Engineering Winter Stages Rally at my local track, Brands Hatch. Last year was wet and cold, as you would expect for January in the UK, but this year, Kent’s premier race circuit was bathed in glorious winter sun. It was still pretty chilly, and I was glad of my thermals.
It’s hard to believe we’re into the third year of the Malle Beach Race, but we are, and it still feels fresh. This year saw over 200 riders participating in a series of races on inappropriate two- and three-wheeled motorcycles. Everything from custom, classic and vintage rides to stock and race bikes. The one thing in common was the desire to have fun on the beach.
As Goodwoods’ 79th Members’ Meeting returned to its more traditional time of year, celebrating the start of the West Sussex estates’ motorsport calendar for 2022. We were gifted a riot of sunshine and classic motorsport, recreating the atmosphere of the original BARC race meetings held at Goodwood through the 1950s and 1960s. This event is always a thrilling weekend of epic motor racing, high-speed track demonstrations and fun-packed festivities.
The first event of the new motorsport season at Brands Hatch was the return of the MGJ Engineering Brands Hatch Winter Stage Rally. Ideally, this event should blast away the winter blues. However, the winter remained in full swing, delivering very wet ground. Brilliant for the competitors, not so great for those of us using the public car park by the entrance, where many people required assistance to get in and out. An idea for next year is to open the level Airfield Car Park; this would also avoid frustration and reduce the workload on Brands Hatch Staff.
Typically Goodwood Members Meeting is the curtain raiser for the UK historic racing season, but this year it felt more like a triumphant season finale. After many delays due to pandemic restrictions, the flag finally dropped at the 78th Members Meeting on 16-17 October 2021, moving from its originally scheduled date in May.
When a friend mentions they’ve had a new set of tyres fitted for an upcoming track day, it’s only natural to ask where, when and can I come take some photographs, isn’t it? When that friend is Charles Evans and the location is Goodwood Motor Circuit, you know it’s going to be a fun day.
When Malle London announced their beach race, my mind turned to thoughts of Pendine Sands, The Race of Gentlemen, Normandy Beach Races and the Rømø Motor Festival. Then I noticed the location, Margate. In my mind, a dismal, run-down location, but it does have a beautiful, golden sandy beach…
