What was the original GSA?

Following the success of the first Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, and having seen the enthusiasm for the return of motorsport, the connection the fans still had with Goodwood, we were encouraged to re-double our efforts to revive the Motor Circuit. We had proved that we could successfully, and safely, stage an event, manage the traffic, and organise parking for 25,000 spectators.

So now the hard work began in earnest. Years of complex negotiations with local government, the infrastructure needed to comply with planning conditions, the licensing of the track for unsilenced historic racing and – perhaps most importantly – the preservation of a true classic circuit while observing any new safety regulations that might be needed.

Our original application to Chichester District Council sought permission for 21 days racing. It would take six years to realise the dream.

The challenge was that a noise abatement order had been in place since the 1970s. We needed permission to build the banks that would reduce the noise which, in turn, would enable us to get the abatement order removed. A classic Catch-22 situation that needed a very focused approach.

Relationships with the local community were important too, and we knew there would be some opposition to the return of racing. It didn’t take long before the opponents raised their heads above the parapet and, as expected, it was a number of Summersdale residents, on the northern edge of Chichester, who made their feelings known. They had formed an action group they called the ‘Environmental Protection Group’ (EPG) which began to get some press coverage. Their concerns centred around noise, pollution and traffic.

We did not want a battle – this was not a fight – it was all about careful and detailed negotiations with the council, the motorsport authority and the local community. We always believed that a revival of the circuit would not only be of enormous economic benefit to the community but would also bring hugely entertaining racing to the fans who supported us.

It didn’t take long for those who supported our plans to make their feelings known with letters to the local newspapers and radio interviews. Motor racing writer and historian Mike Lawrence, and solicitor Roger May, were the first to break cover, quickly joined by John Davidson who worked for the County Council. Mike was an old friend, had produced my radio programme ‘Track Torque’ from 1976 to 1981, and was well placed to drum up support from the motorsport community.

The ‘Goodwood Supporters’ Association’ campaign rapidly became a nationwide appeal. Soon a great many famous racers, including Murray Walker, Ken Tyrrell, Ron Dennis, Robin Herd, and Derek Bell, to name just a handful, responded with vigour, as did the motor racing media. The proposed revival of Goodwood made headlines both at home and abroad. Using his contacts in the sport, Mike brought big names to public meetings which, in turn, swelled the ranks of the GSA itself. Meanwhile, as the GSA stole the lion’s share of both national and local press coverage, and the EPG’s claims of air pollution and noise nuisance began to recede.

Our consultants had detailed their plans for noise reduction and there were signs of growing support within the community. A crucial District Council meeting, when votes would be cast, was fast approaching and the GSA moved up another gear as the day approached.

Lord March had dreamt of reviving his Grandfather’s circuit since returning to the Estate to work with his Father in 1991. Now the day of reckoning had arrived and our supporters were out in force, the public gallery at Chichester District Council a sea of green GSA sweatshirts. There were those in favour, and those against, but the former won the day. Planning consent was given for five days of unsilenced motor racing. The first Goodwood Revival was set for September 1998 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, more than 20 years later, the Goodwood Supporters’ Association has itself been revived to help sustain Goodwood through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic which has decimated live sport throughout the country.

For more information on the GSA, please click here.

Photography by Dominic James and Drew Gibson.