As many as 150,000 motoring and vintage enthusiasts gathered from all corners of the globe to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the revival.
The Goodwood Revival was a vision of British charm and automotive elegance last weekend. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September, as many as 150,000 motoring and vintage enthusiasts gathered from all corners of the globe to immerse themselves in the event’s unique style and to experience the excitement of wheel-to-wheel racing.
Sir Jackie Stewart, a Rolex Testimonee for more than half a century and three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, says: “Every year, the Revival raises its game and attracts more people who come to see these cherished cars. Rolex is very much part of the event; the quality, attention to detail, and integrity perfectly aligns with the Swiss watchmaker. Goodwood always brings back fond memories for me, having first visited when I was just 14 years old, and since then I have spent many years at this historic track, where I am in fact still the lap record holder from 1966.”
Reflecting on the poignancy of this year’s event, Sir Jackie continues: “This year, the Revival coincided with the very sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I was extremely privileged to be a friend of Her Majesty and attended her funeral at Windsor Castle. I think that Goodwood recognized Her Majesty’s passing in a very dignified fashion.”
Rolex Testimonee and record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Tom Kristensen, adds: “First and foremost, I would like to thank The Duke of Richmond and his team for honouring The Queen’s astonishing life and legacy. On the track, the highlight for me was racing in the RAC TT Celebration on Sunday as it was amazing to be competing for the lead. I rediscovered my appetite for winning and came so close, finishing second in a thrilling race.”
Fondly known as ‘the heart of the Revival’, the Rolex Drivers’ Club welcomes drivers from an array of motor sport disciplines and, over the course of the three-day event, Rolex’s motorsport Testimonees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Tom Kristensen and Jenson Button, all sought sanctuary in its familiar surroundings.
Having raced in both the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy and the RAC TT Celebration, the 2009 FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, Jenson Button says: “The Goodwood Revival is one of my favourite weekends of the year; it has become very international but it remains so quintessentially British. Racing cars from the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and dressing up from that era is so much fun. I also get to race against some of the best drivers in the world and catch up with friends – everyone is here to celebrate motorsport, it’s incredible.”
On Sunday evening, the Duke of Richmond announced the Rolex Driver of the Meeting from the Race Control balcony, bringing the curtain down on a glorious summer of sport at Goodwood. To mark the spirit of the event and those who participated, Rolex awarded this headline driver with an Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41.
Taking the honours this year was the RAC TT Celebration winner Gordon Shedden, who demonstrated a great passion for motor sport. Speaking after the prize-giving ceremony, Shedden says: “I am over the moon to have won this amazing watch. The way Rolex continues to support the event is magnificent and it is just so wonderful to be here. The Revival offers something for everyone.”
Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner; Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1 race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion and, most recently, Jenson Button, 2009 FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion.
The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.
The Goodwood Revival is the world’s greatest historic motor race meeting, and the only sporting event of its kind to be staged entirely in a period theme. More than just an unrivalled weekend of historic racing, it is an immersive celebration of a less disposable world, where ‘make do and mend’ was a way of life rather than a casual slogan.
The Revival is, at its heart, a celebration of craftsmanship and sustainability, from an age when possessions were made to last and be cherished. It promotes a thoroughly modern ethos – to ‘reduce, reuse, repair, restore and recycle’ – in the most authentic way possible. All the cars are original, having been lovingly maintained since new, many of the outfits have been handed down through generations, and even the retailers specialise in pre-owned artefacts – everything from clothes and accessories to automobilia and books.
It is, proudly, the world’s biggest and most glamorous second-hand event.
