A Day at the Races
“The first photograph is taken through a Rolls Royce booth window at Goodwood Revival 2024. It sums up the day for me: rain, nostalgia, and reflection in this quintessentially English setting.
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Leica M11, APO 50mm lens at f4, 1/640s, ISO250
Remembrance
Before we celebrate vintage motorsport, the heart of Revival, I want to raise a glass to two WW2 veterans who were honoured guests. A Rolls Royce transported George Chandler (born in 1925) and John Dennett to the Start Line for Sunday’s 80th anniversary track parade. George (pictured below) was 19 years old when he took part in the D-Day invasion. He served on Motor Torpedo Boat 710 as part of the 59th flotilla, protecting American landing craft as they approached Omaha Beach. It was a privilege to meet them.
Leica M11, APO 50mm at f/3.4, 1/640s, ISO500
Motorsport
A road next to the Paddocks is used as a holding area. Officials and drivers often engage in banter at this spot. In the following image, a steward is in good humour, pointing out an approaching heavy rain cloud to a sports car driver. Throughout the day, we had several downpours, making conditions tricky.
Leica M11, APO 50mm at f/2.4, 1/640s, ISO80
Before cars enter the Pit-Lane, the final engineering checks are an excellent time to get up close with a camera and isolate aerodynamic lines. For this (below) Grand Prix car photograph, I wanted to get the driver’s visor reflected in a round mirror. Engines were running, and momentary breath-holding dealt with exhaust fumes while I got an interesting angle.
Leica M11, APO 50mm at f/2, 1/750s, ISO80
Fashion
Goodwood Revival is a day to dress in period clothes from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s to maximise participation. Alongside motorsports, there are arcades with yesteryear experiences. The Leica Gallery was one hub of activity. This visitor’s selfie (the Leica logo behind the umbrella) perfectly captured the mood.
Leica M11, APO 50mm at f/5.6, 1/640s, ISO400
Final Thoughts
Live music is a constant companion throughout the Goodwood Revival, which celebrates motor racing culture and fashion from periods famed for the jitterbug, rock, and swing. Goodwood House served as a WW2 military hospital, and the motor circuit’s site was once RAF Westhampnett—a fitting location to mark the 80th anniversary of Overlord poignantly.
Revival’s motor races are fiercely combative despite some participating cars having significant historical pedigree and value. Drivers still push all vehicles to their competitive limits on wet and dry tarmac and occasionally onto the grass! The event offers an intoxicating mix of famous sights and sounds and the addictive aroma of gasoline. This final photograph is panned to celebrate speed.
Leica M11, APO 50mm at f/11, 1/60s, ISO80
Copyright Martin Urch Photography
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