[/Quote]It's not always been that way but it is about how well connected you are with Goodwood and with which famous driver that does the trick. I remember having talks with Richard Sutton before the first Revival about which cars and drivers could be sourced and invited , I wouldn't get the phone answered now I don't think !
I can't believe Brian Redman hasn't raced a Mini there yet, he's just never been asked. Other period racers that still compete would love to take part like Phil Wicks but Goodwood do like to stick to their familiar connections, yes it is a bit of a closed shop. I can understand it to a degree though as most punters that spectate couldn't care less so long as they see a good race and the usual cars that get invited are well funded and tend
not to brake down !
There's plenty of corporate connections though at Goodwood, very much with Ford in years gone by who invested heavily (and boy couldn't you tell from the grids !) and it's the same situation with the BMW Mini being shoe horned onto the list this year (quite surprised they've let five Minis into the St Marys actually). They spent a fortune on building that car, a BMW factory backed entry in all respects and it went backwards last time. Just shows you how difficult it is to build a competitive top line App K car with all the 'tricks'. So who's driving the BMW car ?[/quote]
A succinct and measured appraisal. I'm still hoping for my day in the sun, although at 50 years old and pre-66s invited only every other year, I clearly have to face the fact that I may never get there. The whole thing is shrouded in mystery unless one is part of the specific Goodwood OBN. What is more, information surrounding it is jealously guarded....old friends I have known for years become deaf and mute when I enquire as to the possibility of racing there - "What do you want to race there for?"........."It's bloody dangerous there, you know?"......"I don't think it's the circuit for you, old mate", etc, etc....
Another thing I will say is that you know what sort of event it is classified as in the corporate network when it is easier to get a ticket from a Premiership football club's commercial director "How many do you want?" than a regular Goodwood competitor who was the best man at your wedding and is godfather to your son, "Not a chance, mate!"
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