Race format revisions for Goodwood 2008

See the legend live on at Goodwood

THE GOODWOOD Revival is to make some alterations to its race programme for 2008. A fresh grid of motorcycles and legendary top riders are set to star in a 'new look' Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy for 1950s motorcycles.

In the Goodwood Motor Circuit's racing heyday, between 1948 and 1966, there was only one dedicated motorcycle meeting - 'Goodwood Saturday', held in 1951. The new look Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy will be representative of this original meeting -- including machines such as the Matchless G45 and Vincent Grey Flash, rather than the handbuilt modern exotica that domiate the racing at present.

From 2008 onwards the motorcycle race at the Goodwood Revival will alternate annually between this newly-introduced 1950s race and the familiar competition for 1960s machines - such as the Manx Norton 500 and Matchless G50 - as is already the case for the popular St Mary's Trophy for saloon cars of the 1950s or 1960s.

Goodwood will also introduce significant revisions to the overall race format. As before, there will be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing. The difference in 2008 will be that each owner-rider will be paired up with a professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance. Plans are also afoot to introduce a Le Mans-style running start, which is certain to cause some drama and excitement for both spectators and competitors alike.

To meet the new eligibility criteria, motorcycles will have to be of a type that competed in the period 1951-1954, in the spirit of the original Goodwood race meeting. Owners of appropriate motorcycles or prospective competitors seeking further information should contact either Tom Hobbs in Goodwood's Competitions Department thobbs@goodwood.co.uk or Gordon Russell at the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club CRMCelig@aol.com

The 2008 Goodwood Revival is set to take place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit near Chichester, West Sussex, on 19.20.21 September. Entry to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only.

To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055Fax: +44 (0)1243 755058Email: bookings@goodwood.co.uk; Via the Online Ticket section of the Goodwood website: www.goodwood.co.uk

For further information please contact Gary Axon or Janet Bradley in the Goodwood Motor Sport Press Office by:Tel: +44 1243 755109Fax: +44 1243 755115Email via: speed@goodwood.co.uk.