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Fun with a Purpose: Track Day at Goodwood

25^th September 2003
by Christopher Darwin

A fine early autumn day enabled 50 drivers to enjoy their cars at Goodwood. As usual, there were no recycled kamikazes, only one Caterham and no modern Porsches; on the other hand three Aston Martins, two Ferraris, two Jaguars, several TRs, MGs and Austin Healeys with a smattering of modern saloons such as Peugeot, Saab and BMW meant moderate speeds and no incidents. Saab was represented by 9000, 900 and 99 – all turbos. Each driver had about six ten minute sessions – approximately 30 laps.

35 of the drivers were regulars, which gave the day a clubby atmosphere and the newcomers were made welcome and provided with free tuition if required.

Digital photography was provided by EDP of Bognor Regis, who produced first-class 10 x 6 ins prints within minutes.

A steam lorry from the Hogs Back Brewery made an interesting sight at lunchtime – rapid acceleration to about 35mph and roughly 4 minutes per lap.

The parade laps (two laps at moderate speed with no overtaking) at the start of the morning and afternoon raised £640 from 32 vehicles; these ranged from a huge 1960 Cadillac convertible to our old friend from Bosham in his Trabant.

Donations from passenger who took five laps in the track day cars generated nearly £1100.

Further funds came from various donations and two £10 fines (mobile telephone during drivers’ brief; car abandoned in pit lane).

After paying about £5400 for the circuit and insurance, a total of £4325 was raised for treatment of prostate cancer in Sussex, shared between Chichester and Eastbourne hospitals.

Many thanks to the helpers who sold parade lap tickets and organised the passengers and assisted my wife Heather running the pit lane.

The next days are Thursday 6th November, then next 20th March and 7th April 2004 – all will be 98dBs days. The 6th November is already full and there are several bookings already for March.

If you would like to take passenger rides or drive parade laps on 6th November please contact me soon. Please also contact me for the events in March and April. c.darwin@virgin.net or 01403783458

(All photographs courtesy of EDP Photo News.)

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