Goodwood Revival to celebrate 100 years of Carroll Shelby in 2023

Historic Racing News

100 years after the birth of Carroll Shelby, the 2023 Goodwood Revival will celebrate the life and achievements of the racing great

Carroll Shelby races Aston Martin DBR1 at Goodwood in 1959

Shelby won at the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1959, driving alongside Jack Fairman and Stirling Moss

National Motor Museum/Getty Images

This year’s Goodwood Revival will celebrate the long and varied career of Carroll Shelby, with details announced today on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Cars from throughout his life will run on the track where the legendary racer won the 1959 RAC Tourist Trophy, driving an Aston Martin DBR1/300 alongside Jack Fairman — joined by Stirling Moss after his own Aston was engulfed in flames during a pitstop.

Shelby first made his name in road-racing, beginning his career in 1952 at the wheel of an MG TC. The model is a Revival regular, with examples set to join the celebrations this September.

As ever, the Revival’s Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration will resound to the rumble of Shelby Cobras, while Ford GT40s will return to the Whitsun Trophy, a reminder of Shelby’s role in the cars’ infamous 1960s Le Mans successes.

From the archive

“Goodwood held a very special place in my grandfather’s heart,” said Aaron Shelby, board member of Carroll Shelby International. “He competed there as a driver in an Aston Martin and returned to race at the Circuit with the Shelby American team cars during the 1960s.

“Carroll attended the Goodwood Revival with his Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, and as a Word War II aviator he especially admired the vintage warbird exhibit. We’re honoured that the Duke of Richmond and his team have chosen to honour the 100th anniversary of Carroll’s birthday this year. We look forward to a marvellous weekend at the Goodwood Revival.”

The Revival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, running from 8-10 September. Goodwood’s owner, the Duke of Richmond, recalled Shelby’s early enthusiasm for the event.

“It’s such a privilege to be celebrating Carroll Shelby at the Goodwood Revival this year,” he said. “He was a good friend and I remember when Carroll first came to the Revival back in 2000 – having raced and famously won at Goodwood in the 1959 TT – bringing with him his infectious personality and competitive spirit. It will be wonderful to see those glorious cars that Carroll raced and designed in action at Goodwood once again over the weekend.”