United Kingdom: Goodwood revs up again By Victoria Macmillan Bell

This year has seen a stream of postponements and in many cases cancellation as a result of the global pandemic, which runs on and on unabated. Next week however, Goodwood’s famous Motor Circuit will come alive with the sound of multiple engines from both historic and modern cars in an event combining elements from its Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival.

Running behind closed doors from 16th - 18th October, Goodwood SpeedWeek, presented by Mastercard, will feature some of the world’s greatest drivers and latest cars shown around a live television studio and beamed live via a dedicated streaming site and across Goodwood’s social media feeds.

Goodwood Estate owner The Duke of Richmond said: “It’s wonderful that we can welcome our global automotive partners to SpeedWeek and help them showcase their latest and greatest to an incredibly passionate global audience. SpeedWeek will be the first time many of these vehicles have been seen in action and we’re thrilled that they’re debuting here at Goodwood.”

Situated in West Sussex, the Goodwood Estate is a mecca for fans of motorsport, horse racing, golf and aviation, but how does such an estate like this cope when the doors have to close and revenue streams from headline events such as the Festival of Speed, Qatar Goodwood Festival and Revival come to an abrupt halt?

Some 700 plus staff are employed across the 12,000 acre estate which also houses cafes, restaurants, the Goodwood Hotel, Hound Lodge and The Kennels. The estate had to close on 23 March, leaving a skeletal staff to manage the fallout and palpable disappointment of its many fans.

A large proportion of the staff were put on furlough, those that weren’t set to work engaging with Goodwood’s followers across their social channels in efforts to keep spirits alive.

So what did see the light of day as we came out of lockdown?

A few glorious days of horseracing managed to go ahead behind closed doors but with a small number of members in attendance under Covid distancing rules.

Golfers returned in their droves, even some who swore never to pick up a club ever again, such was the desperation to get outside.

Goodwood’s Flying School reopened and resumed its activities alongside Boultbee Academy’s Spitfire passenger flights, the Merlin engine sending a rousing chorus of determination and resilience across the Sussex Downs.

There are very few industries that haven't been affected so far by Covid-19 least of all the entertainment and hospitality industry. However, planning for the 2021 events is in full swing, details of which will be released in the coming months.

https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-speedweek/

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 8th October 2020 | Issue #576

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