Giving a 10-week-old baby a first motorsport experience at Goodwood

Though it might not be at the top of things to do with a little one for tired parents, I’d highly recommend it. Don’t be daunted. A pair of defenders to protect young, tender ears is essential. George Duke’s were hand-me-downs with cushioned cups and an elasticated adjustable headband, which protects the fontanelle.

Unfazed by the early start (ten-week-olds don’t tend to watch the clock), we were greeted by a glorious, soporific morning; the sun hugged the horizon and mist lingered on the ground. At 09:00, activity on the 2.4-mile track began. To familiarise George Duke with the layout of the land, we walked a full lap.

To do the same, you’ll need a pram that can withstand country terrain; there’s grass, a stony path and if it rains, a very muddy track. Even with a four-wheeled suspension system, ours offered a bumpy ride, so we carried George Duke the majority of the way. Setting off from the Old Control Tower in an anticlockwise direction, he was asleep by the time we reached Woodcote Corner.  

With the Motor Circuit located in the rolling Sussex Downs, being prepared for microclimates is vital. Extra layers as well as sunscreen must be packed. You might feel laden, but that’s better than being caught out — you can never have too much kit. George Duke wore a flat cap, a bobble hat and a sun hat all in one day.

On the Lavant Straight, our little lad continued to snooze as pre-war Grand Prix machinery and Can Am and Group 7 sportscars rumbled past. He stirred on the approach to St. Mary’s, so we set up camp on the bank and blew bubbles. The pearly floating balls failed to impress. It was in the paddock that our wee one was wowed.

Cradled in my arms, I carried George Duke, facing out. His eyes wide and expression aghast, there was so much for him to see, feel and smell. A chaotic, thumping environment, where burnt octane hung in the air, it offered a level of stimulation that trumped even the best sensory play session in some bougie cafe. Tense, busy and expectedly dirty, on paper the paddock doesn’t read like an ideal environment, but stay alert and listen out for instructions from the Marshalls and I promise, you’ll be just fine.

The arts and crafts tepee in Creative Corner — an area hosted by the Goodwood Education Trust — provided a haven. A place where sticky fingers, tears and tantrums were accepted, activities such as painting and leaf printing were set up. Free of charge, the three of us got stuck in. Plunging George Duke’s hands into a lump of lard, which we used to stick seeds on to a pinecone for a feeder for birds. Not quite the souvenir I was expecting.

When racing ceased just after 19:00, the circuit was opened to pedestrians and my husband took George Duke for a spin. Approaching the Chicane flat out, he mimicked the roar of an engine. A father-and-son moment to remember, it was an utterly joyful scene. Our access to normally inaccessible areas continued with a stroll along the pit lane straight.

Meeting one of the biggest names in Formula 1 — albeit a man named Phil in fancy dress as James Hunt — signalled a tipping point for George Duke, he became a full-on grump. Never meet your heroes, they say. Foregoing the fireworks and evening entertainment, we departed for a decent night’s rest.

There was a dedicated parking area serving families with children under 12 in close proximity to the entrance, and a complimentary shuttle service was available, too. Baby changing however are vital facilities that could be improved.

As dusk descended, parents loaded boots and decanted kids into their cars. Sharing recommendations, survival tips and stories, the car park was a surprisingly sociable place. For many, going to Goodwood is a tradition and that doesn’t have to stop if you give birth. Our weekend could have been a disaster, but you never know unless you give these things a go and I’m confident this first taste of motorsport got George Duke revved up. 

Tickets for the 84th Members’ Meeting will be available immediately after this year’s event for Members and Fellows of the GRRC. Admission and Grandstand tickets will go on sale on Monday 20th April for Members, and Tuesday 21st April for Fellows. If you haven’t already, you can  join the Fellowship today.