In any other scenario off the racecourse the smell of fuel and the screeching of cars would not evoke such adrenalin. But it is safe to say that the iconic world-renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed will absorb you for hours and make your heartbeat that little bit faster. The Goodwood Festival of Speed does not end with car racing, they have motorcycles, helicopters and not forgetting a firm favourite, the fly over from the Red Arrows.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the most memorable yearly events in motorsport which is frequented by many of racing greats. Over four days it features racing from motorbikes, cars and F1, also displaying the most up and coming designs in modern mechanics. There is a selection of hospitality to cater for every whim whilst at the festival. Festival goers can also immerse themselves in the South Downs countryside.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is hosted in the Goodwood estate, in West Sussex, England. The estate was already historic for its motor racing, in 1993 The Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox wanted to bring it back to life once again by hosting the first Goodwood Festival of Speed. Little did the Duke know when finishing the final brush strokes to the bridge, that he was only hours away from opening what would become one of the largest motorsports meets in the world. The fastest recorded time in 1993 was made by Willie Green who finished in 56.34 seconds in his Surtees TS20.

Sunday is a chance to see the fastest drivers from the first glance, three main paddocks over the weekend compete for the fastest Hill Climb, better known as the Sunday shootout. The Anticipation is abundant whilst witnessing the speed the cars fly around the narrow winding track. There is viewing spots available all along the course from start line, sharp bends to the finishing line. The fastest Hill Climb to date was made by Nick Heidfeld in his McLaren MP4/13 in 1999, this record was made only six year since the first Festival of Speed in 1993, the record is still unbeaten all these years later.

In contrast to the Hill Climb is The Forrest Rally Stage, which offers more rough and ready racing. West Sussex is renowned for peaceful country walks; however, The Festival of Speed Brings the woodland to life with the earthly rumble and revving rally cars that come flying around the corners of the dirt track.

There are many fascinating events that continue all through the weekend it is often hard to see all of them, but there are a few in particular that you cannot leave unseen. For instance, Electric Avenue which has previously displayed some of the greats, such as new cars from Tesla and Audi. Another arena is The Main Paddock which allows visitors to get up close and personal to some of the most extraordinary F1 cars. Some of the greatest F1 drivers have raced the Hill Climb and blessed the Main Paddock with their presence over the years such as Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel to name but a few.

The festival offers an array of refreshments, be it a glass of chilled champagne to sip at whilst watching the racing or a substantial meal under the British summer sun. A couple of Suitable options are the Trackside Pavilion and The Clark Pavilion which was named in honour of the F1 driver Jim Clark. The Pavilion has trackside viewing of the famous Hill Climb at one of the most powerful corners of the entire track.

It is hosted in the Goodwood house estate, which is in Chichester West Sussex, the area is well known for its rolling hills on the south downs and homely country pubs. A notable country pub is the Fox Goes Free which is a 400-year-old Inn set in the countryside with a garden that looks onto the Southdowns and grazing sheep. They have a restaurant that serves up traditional British cuisine and have many locally brewed beverages. A local gin ‘Jarrold’s Gin’ is distilled less than 5 miles away and is a perfect pairing to this country pub.

West Sussex has many appealing factors, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed is certainly one to add to the list. You can immerse yourself in a weekend of unforgettable fine dining, socialising and some of the greatest motor racing to be seen.