Situated within the historic Goodwood Estate near Chichester, Goodwood Motor Circuit is one of Britain’s most celebrated racing venues and a living monument to post-war motorsport. Originally created from the perimeter roads of a former Royal Air Force airfield, the circuit quickly established itself as one of Europe’s leading venues for international motor racing during the 1950s and 1960s.
Although modern championship racing ended in the mid-1960s, the circuit has enjoyed a remarkable second life. Today it serves as the home of the Goodwood Revival and the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, where historic racing cars and motorcycles once again compete on the original layout. Preserved with exceptional authenticity, Goodwood Motor Circuit offers one of the closest experiences to witnessing motorsport as it was during its golden era.
In Brief
- Goodwood Motor Circuit occupies the perimeter roads of the former RAF Westhampnett airfield.
- The circuit officially opened in 1948 and quickly became one of Britain’s premier post-war racing venues.
- Many of the greatest racing drivers of the twentieth century competed here, including Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Bruce McLaren.
- Competitive racing ceased in 1966 before returning with the inaugural Goodwood Revival in 1998.
- Much of the circuit’s original layout remains unchanged, making it one of the most authentic historic racing venues in the world.
- The circuit continues to host historic races, manufacturer demonstrations, driving experiences and private testing.
History
Goodwood Motor Circuit was inaugurated in 1948 under the leadership of Freddie March, later the 9th Duke of Richmond. Built on the perimeter roads of the former RAF Westhampnett airfield, the circuit immediately attracted many of the era’s greatest drivers, manufacturers and racing teams.
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Goodwood hosted Formula One, sports car races, touring car championships and motorcycle competitions. Legends including Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, Graham Hill and Bruce McLaren all competed here, helping establish the circuit as one of Britain’s premier motorsport venues.
Competitive racing ceased after the 1966 season, reflecting growing safety requirements and the rapid evolution of modern motorsport. Nearly three decades later, the circuit returned to international prominence when Charles Gordon-Lennox, the 11th Duke of Richmond, launched the Goodwood Revival in 1998. By restoring historic competition to its original setting, the circuit once again became one of the world’s most admired racing venues.
Circuit Design
Goodwood Motor Circuit measures approximately 3.8 kilometres (2.4 miles) and retains the fast, flowing character that defined many post-war British circuits. The layout features sweeping high-speed corners connected by long straights, demanding commitment, precision and mechanical sympathy rather than heavy braking or complex chicanes.
Many of the circuit’s original features remain intact, including the famous Madgwick, Fordwater, St Mary’s, Lavant and Woodcote corners. The preservation of these historic characteristics allows drivers and spectators alike to experience the circuit much as competitors did during the 1950s and 1960s.
Unlike modern Formula One venues, Goodwood’s relatively narrow track and minimal run-off areas provide an authentic glimpse into the challenges faced by earlier generations of racing drivers.
LENGTH
3.809
kilometres
WIDTH
9–15
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
9.8
metres
OPENED
1948
78 years ago
Goodwood is defined by fast, sweeping corners where maintaining momentum is considerably more important than repeated heavy braking. Its relatively simple geometry can initially appear less technical than modern circuits, but the high speeds involved make accurate positioning and smooth vehicle control essential throughout the lap.
From Madgwick, the circuit establishes its flowing character before competitors accelerate towards Fordwater, one of its fastest and most committed sections. St Mary’s introduces a more complex change of direction before the circuit continues through Lavant and onto the long acceleration towards Woodcote. The final approach through the Chicane provides the lap’s most pronounced interruption, requiring competitors to shed speed before returning to the start-finish straight.
Although individual corners such as Madgwick and Fordwater have considerable historical identity, Goodwood’s defining challenge comes from carrying speed through the entire sequence without disturbing the natural flow of the lap. Drivers who remain smooth, position the car accurately and preserve momentum through its long-radius corners are generally rewarded most strongly.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Madgwick Right |
| 2 | Fordwater Right |
| 3 | T3 Right |
| 4 | St. Mary's Left |
| 5 | Lavant Right |
| 6 | T6 Right |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | Woodcote Right |
| 9 | The Chicane Right |
Goodwood Motor Circuit occupies an important place in post-war British motorsport. Created around the perimeter road of RAF Westhampnett, the circuit opened in 1948 and became one of Britain’s leading racing venues during a period in which the country’s modern motorsport industry was rapidly developing.
During its original competitive era, Goodwood attracted many of the leading drivers, manufacturers and racing cars of the period. Formula One machinery, sports cars, touring cars and motorcycles competed there, while events including the Goodwood Nine Hours and Tourist Trophy gave the circuit international significance. Its fast, flowing layout became characteristic of an era when British circuits frequently evolved from wartime airfields.
Regular racing ended in 1966, allowing the circuit to escape many of the substantial alterations experienced by continuously active venues. Its revival as the home of the Goodwood Revival consequently created something unusual: historic racing taking place on a circuit whose fundamental character remains closely connected to the period represented by the competing machinery.
Goodwood Motor Circuit therefore has significance in two distinct eras. It was an important venue during the formative decades of post-war British motorsport and later became one of the world’s foremost stages for historic competition conducted within an authentic period setting. That continuity gives Goodwood a position within automotive heritage that extends well beyond nostalgia.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Goodwood Motor Circuit experience a venue unlike any other in modern motorsport. Throughout much of the year, the circuit hosts driving experiences, track days and private events, allowing enthusiasts to drive or observe historic and contemporary performance cars in a relaxed environment.
During the Goodwood Revival, the venue is transformed into a living recreation of post-war Britain. Historic grandstands, vintage aircraft, classic vehicles, period music and meticulously restored racing machinery combine to create one of the world’s most immersive automotive experiences.
Whether attending a competitive race or simply walking through the paddock, visitors enjoy an unusually close connection with both the competitors and the machines that have shaped motorsport history.
Location
Goodwood Motor Circuit lies within the Goodwood Estate, just north of Chichester in southern England. Conveniently located approximately 100 kilometres south-west of London, the circuit forms part of a wider estate that also includes Goodwood House, Goodwood Aerodrome and Goodwood Racecourse.
Its position within the South Downs National Park offers visitors scenic countryside, historic towns and excellent road access while remaining closely connected to Britain’s rich motoring heritage.
Address
Goodwood Motor Circuit
PO18 0PH Chichester
United Kingdom
Website