'True grit' theme for 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Earl of March has announced the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed’s theme. The July 3-5 event will celebrate ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’ and will reflect on some of the drivers and riders who overcame huge physical, mental and mechanical obstacles to carry on racing.

Jackie Stewart’s victory with a broken wrist in the 1968 German Grand Prix and Mick Doohan’s return to ’bike racing without the full use of his right leg in 1992 have been singled out as two of the many feats that will be celebrated.

“It will be fabulous to have so many great cars and drivers here at Goodwood to celebrate our endurance theme,” said Lord March. “I look forward to seeing some of the great endurance drivers, riders and machines in action.”

Along with the range of cars tackling the 1.16-mile hillclimb, the FoS-TECH technology pavilion returns along with the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance. The event will also celebrate the centenaries of Bugatti, Audi and Morgan, 50 years of both Mini and the Daytona Speedway, and 60 continuous years of both the Motorcycle World Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours.