The Goodwood Members’ Meeting has become a cornerstone of Britain’s historic motorsport calendar, a celebration of the rich tradition of club-level racing in its purest form. Held annually, the event blends competition, camaraderie, and a carefully curated selection of cars from motorsport’s golden eras.
Originally established by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) between 1949 and 1966, the Members’ Meeting was conceived as a more informal counterpart to the headline races of the time, allowing amateur drivers to compete on a circuit that would become hallowed ground. Though racing ceased at Goodwood in 1966, the circuit was later restored, and the Members’ Meeting was revived in 2014 under the stewardship of the Duke of Richmond, as part of the Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC) calendar.
Now held each spring, the modern incarnation remains true to its roots, eschewing the broader public spectacle of the Festival of Speed or Revival in favour of a more intimate atmosphere. Attendance is largely restricted to GRRC members and their guests, preserving a strong sense of community and exclusivity.
On track, the Members’ Meeting features a series of competitive races and demonstration runs that highlight an impressive array of historic machinery. These range from 1950s sports cars and touring saloons to more modern exotics including Formula One and Group C prototypes. Races such as the Gerry Marshall Trophy and the Salvadori Cup draw fierce competition and celebrate distinct eras of racing history.
Unique to the event is its house system, modelled on traditional public school structures, where attendees and participants are assigned to one of four houses. Points are accrued not just through racing results, but also through various on- and off-track challenges, fostering a sense of friendly rivalry that defines the spirit of the meeting.
While steeped in nostalgia, the Members’ Meeting is far from a static retrospective. It continues to serve as a living tribute to Britain’s rich motorsport heritage, championing the values of accessibility, sportsmanship, and technical excellence that once made Goodwood a hub of post-war racing.
