“Naturally enough the possibility of long-distance racing at Goodwood was often discussed in committee, but no real tangible idea for an event of any novelty was forthcoming until, as a result of an informal discussion between Christopher Jennings, Editor of ‘The Motor’, with the writer” – John Morgan, Secretary of the BARC – “…the notion of a ‘day and night’ race was evolved. The scheme was for a sportscar race starting in the early afternoon and ending at the bewitching hour of midnight.
“The BARC Events Committee reacted favourably to the idea and considered the possibilities for the 1951 programme. However, there were technical difficulties to be contended with apart from those connected with the allocation of an international date, and the proposal was postponed until 1952.
“The regulations were drawn up, and it was decided that the start should be at 3pm and the finish, as we have said, at midnight. It was further decided that being the first race of its kind in this country some substantial sum should be awarded by way of prizes. Mr W. Emsley Carr, Chairman and Managing Director of the ‘News of the World’ and, incidentally, a member of the BARC, was known to be a keen motoring enthusiast, and when approached he immediately and sportingly agreed to assist the race financially by offering prize-money on a scale never hitherto made available.
“With this magnificent support the way was made clear and work began several months ahead of the 16th August, the date fixed for the race. Pits were erected, a pit service road was built, reflector posts were installed, and spectator safety precautions were overhauled – all by the Goodwood Estate staff.
“One of the anxieties connected with the event arose from the arduous nature of the Goodwood circuit (2.4 miles). Officials really wondered whether cars or drivers could stand up to nine hours continuous driving round the somewhat tortuous track…” – this tells us something about the reliability of British-built cars in period, perhaps? – “In order to bring as great a safety margin as possible in to the race, the committee finally decided that no driver should be allowed to exceed a period of two (approximately) successive hours at the wheel.