Goodwood Revival 2018 is roaring success

The Goodwood Revival returned this past weekend from Friday, September 7 and Sunday, September 9 for the 20th time, offering up two days of closely-contended classic racing on both two and four wheels.

Biking royalty including Freddie Spencer, John McGuinness and Troy Corser were in action as 30 pre-1955 bikes competed in teams of two in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy.

BMW brought along three pre-war racers to compete against a series of other stunning bikes from the likes of Vincent, Norton, Brough Superior, Rudge, BSA, Triumph and Velocette.

Closely contended battles

Overall winners were Corser and Herbert Schwab, with McGuinness and Glen English second. MCN Senior Road Tester, Adam Child, and team-mate Stuart Tonge finished fifth overall.

Most bikes were 500cc racers from the 1950s, but Corser’s bike was much older – a rigid-framed 1929 BMW R57 Compressor. “It’s got a lot of power, but the front-end jumps about quite a bit. I think I’m riding it too hard really,” said Troy.

The first race was won by the duo of English and McGuinness aboard their shared Manx Norton after a thrilling 25-minute scrap. In Sunday’s race, it was Corser who took the win alongside wingman and bike-owner Schwab.

A race of two halves

At the beginning of the race, it was again English that dominated on the Manx, leading by 13 seconds at the hand-over stage with McGuinness.

Schwab had already pitted on the Beemer, allowing Corser to knuckle down and give chase. With five minutes left on the clock, Corser eventually caught the TT-star – patting him on the back as he came past, before pulling a gap of 11.628 seconds.

Plenty to see and do

Wherever you look you’ll find immaculate outfits spanning the 40s, 50s and 60s, from Battle of Britain fighter pilots to Mary Quant catwalk models.

And it’s not just the attendees, as the fabulous attention to detail includes bowler hats for security staff, white overalls for marshals and brown shop coats for TV camera operators – it’s a truly immersive experience.

Guy Martin pulls out of racing

Former road racer and television presenter Guy Martin was also set to race a 1950 Vincent Lightning over the weekend, partnered by Patrick Walker, however was unable to compete.

Guy has enjoyed classic racing since he announced his retirement from road racing to MCN last year, finishing on the podium at the Endurance Legends meeting at Donington earlier this year. He was also entered in the Revival last year, but failed to complete a race lap after bike trouble.

Find your next two-wheeled companion at MCN Bikes for Sale.