Goodwood Motor Circuit was officially opened on 18^th September 1948 when Freddie March, the 9th Duke and renowned amateur racer, tore around the track in a Bristol 400. He received a rapturous response from 15,000 spectators who had come to the opening of Britain’s first professionally organised post-war motor-racing event. The circuit closed its gates in August of 1966.

The 11^th Duke introduced the Festival of Speed in June 1993 on the Hillclimb at Goodwood House, before the Circuit reopened its gates 50 years to the day it closed for the inaugural Goodwood Revival.