The Goodwood Estate has announced the theme of the 74th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, set to take place over the weekend of March 19-20, 2016. The West Sussex, UK, circuit will play host to the Group 5 cars which raced from 1969-71.
Under the regulations at the time, prototype racers were limited to 3-litre engines, but ‘production’ cars – of which at least 25 examples had to be built – were allowed to use 5-liter units. This loophole was included to allow cars like the Ford GT40 to continue racing but, against the expectations of the governing body, manufacturers exploited it, building production runs of what were, in effect, full-blown prototypes with 5-litre engines.
Created by Goodwood owner Lord March, to recreate the atmosphere and camaraderie of the original BARC Members’ Meetings held at Goodwood Motor Circuit from 1949-66, the event conjures up some of the most evocative sights and sounds from the ‘golden era’ of motor racing.
The line-up will include at least six Porsche 917s, including the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours winner and examples in the iconic Martini and Gulf liveries. Five Ferrari 512s will also take to the track, including examples of the 512S and 512M derivatives, as well as a low-drag ‘Coda Lunga’, designed to maximise straightline speed on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. Four Lola T70 Mk3Bs will also be featured, including the car raced by ex-F1 racer Jo Bonnier.
A packed, two-day programme for the 74th Members’ Meeting will feature 12 races for vehicles ranging from Edwardian leviathans to 1970s Grand Prix motorcycles. There will also be demonstration runs covering two other celebrated motorsport periods – ground effect Formula 1 cars from 1977-82, and Super Touring cars of the 1990s.
As in previous years, drivers will contest the meeting representing one of four ‘houses’, captained by:
Former Super Touring ace Anthony Reid Le Mans legend Emanuele Pirro Ex-Formula 3000 race-winner and sportscar racer Nicolas Minassian Ex-F1 race and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Jochen Mass
Tickets for the 74th Members’ Meeting are now on general release, having been initially only available to Goodwood Road and Racing Club Members and people on the GRRC Waiting List.
