Goodwood’s “Horseless to Hybrid” Celebrates 130 Years of Speed

Get your goggles prepped and dust off your finest driving gloves, because the Goodwood Festival of Speed is about to set history ablaze with its 2024 theme: ‘Horseless to Hybrid – Revolutions in Power.’ It’s a high-octane journey through 130 years of automotive evolution, from those rickety contraptions belching steam and sputtering down dusty lanes to the silent tranquility of today’s hybrid marvels.

Remember the Paris-Rouen Trial of 1894? A madcap dash where anything from gravity-powered contraptions to hydraulic monsters vied for glory. Back then, the “best” engine was anyone’s guess. Fast forward a century, and the internal combustion engine reigned supreme. But now, at a new crossroads, electric, hydrogen, hybrids, and sustainable fuels are promising a greener future.

The 2024 Festival of Speed is set to show roaring legends gracing the Goodwood Hill to mind-bending tech in the Future Lab, “Horseless to Hybrid” is a celebration of both where we’ve been and where we’re heading. And trust us, Goodwood knows a thing or two about championing cutting-edge innovation. Remember Sebastian Vettel’s “Race Without Trace” campaign last year, urging us all to shift gears towards sustainable fuels? Now, the entire Goodwood Revival weekend in 2024 will be powered by green juice, marking a monumental leap for motorsport history.

But this isn’t just about the future. 2024 also shines a spotlight on some legendary names. They’ll raise a toast to the incomparable Niki Lauda on his 75th birthday, celebrating 50 years since his first Grand Prix victory and 40 years since his final World Championship. The iconic Shadow team, 50 years after their Can-Am triumph, and Joest Racing, 40 years after their Le Mans debut, will also be basking in the Goodwood glow. And that’s just the tip of the celebratory iceberg – more legends await!

So, are you ready to buckle up for a weekend of automotive alchemy? Don’t miss the early bird ticket offer before it vanishes like Verstappen at the start of a race. Grab your mates and get ready to ignite your passion at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. But tell us, which era of automotive history makes your engine purr the loudest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Remember:

• Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard: Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July 2024.
• Tickets & Hospitality: Still available! goodwood.com or 01243 755055.
• Don’t miss the early bird offer! Valid until 29 February.

We’ll see you at the starting line!