This year’s Goodwood Members Meeting was held on March 17-18 last. Coined 76MM for the 76th edition this all-important motoring event was held, it drew large crowds of racing enthusiasts and petrolheads from all over Europe. However, mother nature had brewed up a snowy storm just to test the determination of the marshals, corner workers, gentlemen racers and the spectators. No one budged!
One had to delve into the photo archives some 4 decades back to find Formula 5000 cars racing in similar snowy conditions. But the competition across all categories was just extremely intense, with drivers slamming the doors shut on others, as is always the case with this event, even more so than the Revival and especially the Festival of Speed.
When one is racing for one of the 11 prestigious trophies, such as the prestigious Bolster Cup and Moss Trophy, no one holds back punches. On Saturday a Ford Capri and a Rover SD 1 crashed hard on the first lap of the race. And on Sunday a couple of Jaguar E-Types put on a drifting show prompting the commentator to say “how sideways can you get”! Just incredible hard racing which is what the Goodwood Members meeting is all about. Father and son driving combinations, team mates yanking fellow drivers out of their car seats in order not to lose precious hard fought 1/10 of seconds won on the track. Mechanics on their backs on the frozen ground trashing away to try to get the old engine going again.
The 76MM will be long remembered by those who weathered the conditions to see passionate man and women at work, great levels of racing, and above all, great fun.
FULTROT Magazine 