The coronavirus outbreak has created a devastating impact on the automotive industry, hurting global production and canceling major auto shows. Earlier this year, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show was canceled and just a few weeks later, the New York Auto Show was postponed until August. We are hoping the world will gain some semblance of normalcy by the end of the summer but based on the latest cancelation, we aren't as optimistic.
Organizers of the 2020 Goodwood Festival of Speed have just announced that the event, which was scheduled to take place from July 9-12, will be called off. In a press release, the organizers say new dates will be confirmed later this year likely in late summer or early autumn.
Goodwood is home to a variety of events including the world-famous hill climb (which we participated in last year in a McLaren Senna). Even the parking lot is worth the cost of entry into the event. This year's theme was set to be "The Maestros - Motorsport's Great All-Rounders," which celebrates the drivers, riders, teams, and manufacturers that have conquered in motorsport.
"Over the last few weeks, we have been working together with everyone involved to understand the viability of the Festival of Speed going ahead in July. Due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus threat and not knowing whether the situation will have significantly improved by then, we sadly need to postpone the Festival of Speed in July," The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, owner of the Goodwood Estate, said.
"These are dramatic and unbelievable times but they will pass and we are already trying to think about just how exciting it's going to be to welcome you all back to Goodwood for what perhaps might be the 'Greatest Event Ever'".
The Goodwood Revival, which is set to take place from September 11-13, should still be held if the Covid-19 pandemic is stable by then. In order to give people their fix of racing, Goodwood Road & Racing will host a live stream this weekend on March 28 and 29, showing a selection of races and demonstrations from its archive.