In the background we had received valuable support from a swiftly formed action group known as the Goodwood Supporters Association or GSA. A small band of local racing enthusiasts had enlisted nationwide help from many well known figures in the sport who campaigned tirelessly for the revival of the circuit. At the crucial council meeting, when votes would be cast, the public gallery was a sea of green GSA sweatshirts. Planning consent was given, safety improvements were agreed, and now the task of refurbishing and rebuilding began. A deadline of September 1998 was set and, while still staging the Festival of Speed, we set about bringing the famous motor circuit back to life.
I did not see this as a victory as I never considered this was some kind of battle, rather I saw it as the result of some careful and detailed negotiations with the District Council, the motorsport authority and the local community. We knew it would take time, and a lot of work, but I always believed that the revival of thecircuit would not only benefit the community economically, but also bring a new kind of motor racing event to all the fans who had supported the plan.