Bond girls and bike antics spice up Goodwood Press Day

Lord March was in fine form as he entertained guests at the Goodwood Press Day in April, outlining the 2008 event theme of ‘Hawthorn to Hamilton – Britain’s Love Affair with World Motor Sport’. Mentioning motor shows at Earl’s Court, he added “which we used to own. That’s why it’s called Earls Court…” 

Two dozen cars, from a 1906 Mercedes to current supercars, performed on the hill embracing Grand Prix, sports cars, CART and rallying, while classic and current racing ’bikes snarled by to emphasise the two-wheeled angle. Dragsters, the Land Rover LRX concept, and a trio of James Bond cars draped with glamorous lady “Russian agents” decorated the front lawn to illustrate the Cartier concours, Bonhams auction and what is promised to be a “jaw-dropping” lawn sculpture, while Dougie Lampkin demonstrated some mountaineering on his trials bike – including riding up the carpeted staircase of the Earl’s home (above). Goodwood’s Press Day is a miniature Festival in itself.