The Two Faces of Goodwood – Members’ Meeting & RetroRides Weekender

Goodwood Motor Circuit: 2.4 miles of tarmac that can claim a unique status. It’s the only historic circuit in the world to remain entirely unaltered from its original 1948 configuration. That alone makes it a special venue. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, just outside Chichester, Goodwood boasts some of the most celebrated events on the motorsport calendar. We visited two very different Goodwood events, which take place just weeks apart: Members’ Meeting and RetroRides Weekender.

Late April plays host to the Members’ Meeting. This exclusive, invitation-only race meet brings the sort of close-fought competition that today’s Formula One could only dream of. While Goodwood Revival steals the limelight with the evocative period costume and impressive displays, Members’ Meeting is altogether more focused on the racing. The atmosphere is considerably more relaxed without the expectation to dress up, and with all attendees permitted to circulate freely around the paddock. 

Early May has become the setting for the hugely popular RetroRides Weekender, a two-day extravaganza celebrating the immense diversity of classic car culture. All pre-2000 vehicles are guaranteed a place in the show, with no pre-booking or curated displays. The atmosphere at RetroRides is wholly unserious, with a distinct ‘come as you are’ feel. The range of vehicles on display is as eclectic as you could possibly imagine, with an emphasis on custom car culture, be that an American low-rider or a suped-up Volvo estate. 

Goodwood Member’s Meeting

Revived by the Duke of Richmond in 2014 after a 45-year hiatus, the Members’ Meeting was conceived to recapture the spirit of the original Goodwood meetings of the 1950s and early 1960s. The racing is serious, regardless of the age, rarity and value of the machinery involved.

The 2026 running delivered something for every enthusiast. Historic single-seaters, sports-racing cars, classic bikes and touring car legends diced through Madgwick and Fordwater at the hands of some of the sport’s most skilled drivers. 

The paddock offers a level of access rare at events of this calibre: cars are prepared in front of you, drivers and teams are approachable, and the atmosphere retains the club-like informality of years gone by. Members’ Meeting is quintessentially English. In the great tradition of the British school system, all attendees are assigned to one of four ‘houses’ (Aubigny, Darnley, Methuen, and Torbolton), which compete for the prestigious House Shield at the end of the event.

The cars, inevitably, are extraordinary. But what defines the Members’ Meeting is not the monetary value of what is assembled, though that figure would be sobering to calculate, but the seriousness of intent. These cars are there to race.

83rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting Super Tourer Demo

Besides usual crowd favourites like the Gordon Spice Trophy and Phil Hill Cup for mid-1960s sports and GT cars, a highlight of the 2026 Goodwood Members’ Meeting was the inclusion of ‘90s Super Tourers, by most accounts the largest gathering of these cars ever assembled in one place. This was an era of bitter rivalries between numerous manufacturers. The money invested in the development of the cars was immense, resulting in machines that were little more than thinly veiled F1 cars disguised as a ‘90s family saloon.

The demo featured legends of the era, including Colin Turkington, Anthony Reid, Matt Neal, Steve Soper, John Cleland, and Rob Huff. They were joined by Car & Classic’s very own Tom Wood, driving his Peugeot Mi16 Super Turismo.

Alfa Romeos, Audis, BMWs, Fords, Hondas, Peugeots, Vauxhalls and Volvos were all represented, recreating the manufacturer diversity that made the era so fiercely competitive.

The format across the weekend built to a climax. A 20-car demonstration featuring champions from the period set the stage for a high-stakes Shoot-Out, which built to a dramatic crescendo on Sunday afternoon. Rob Huff set the pace throughout practice and qualifying in a Vauxhall Vectra from 2000, towards the very end of the Super Touring era, and his winning lap of 1 minute 22.452 seconds at 103.91mph was set on wet tyres.

RetroRides Weekender

“Every story. Every corner of car culture together in one place – no egos, no judgement, just people enjoying cool cars in all forms.”

And now for something completely different. RetroRides sets out to demonstrate that car culture is so much bigger than old men in flat caps polishing their E-Types.

It defies easy categorisation, which is precisely the point. Founded on the principle that interesting cars come in all shapes, ages, and price brackets, it has grown into one of the most genuinely eclectic gatherings on the UK calendar. For its annual Weekender, the RetroRides organisers use the Goodwood Motor Circuit as a stage on which to showcase the sheer breadth of cars people bring along. 

We attended on the Saturday, along with 1,600 others, some of whom kindly helped bump-start our Alfa Romeo when the starter motor decided not to cooperate… The range of the machinery, from ratty survivors to full concours restorations, reflected just how broad the RetroRides congregation has become. It’s refreshing to attend an event where the exhibitors clearly love their cars but don’t take themselves too seriously. 

Its best feature? Undoubtedly, the fact that any pre-2000 vehicle is welcomed and given equal billing. If a priceless 250 GTO rocked up, it would likely end up parked next to a rusty Mazda MX-5. And that’s exactly how it should be. No matter how much wedge you’ve got, ultimately, we’re all in it for the love of cars. 

RetroRides Weekender Track Sessions & Special Displays

While RetroRides Weekender isn’t centred around motor racing to the same extent as Goodwood Members’ Meeting, there is still some thoroughly entertaining on-track action with special stages and sprints. Particular highlights included Richard Woolmer’s gloriously patinated and wonderful-sounding Armstrong Siddley, a much-modified Gilbern Invader, and a somewhat sideways Mitsubishi Gallant. All enormous fun to watch.

While any pre-2000s car is guaranteed a place, RetroRides Weekender also features several curated displays, which add a welcome dash of structure to an otherwise freestyle event. 2026’s edition included belly tank racers, ‘Saloonatics’ – a celebration of three-box saloons, ‘Rave From The Grave’ – an area dedicated entirely to defunct or long-abandoned car brands, and Deadline – a paddock showcasing fresh automotive projects making their very first public appearance after winter or multi-year builds.

What Goodwood Gets Right

There are other circuits around the world with equal claims to motorsport history, but few have managed what Goodwood has: the ability to be genuinely all things to all enthusiasts, without compromise.

The Members’ Meeting works because Goodwood takes its history seriously. RetroRides works because Goodwood is willing to open its gates to something entirely outside that history. Together, Members’ Meeting and RetroRides represent the diverse ecosystem that is car culture in 2026.

Which Goodwood Event Should I Attend?

Having attended both the 83rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting and 2026 RetroRides Weekender within the space of just a few weeks, we can say that both are eminently worthy of your time. Members’ Meeting offers some of the very best historic motor racing anywhere on Earth, while the RetroRides Weekender is a wonderful celebration of car culture.

The former is technically invitation-only, in that tickets must be purchased by a member, or ‘fellow’, but you don’t have to be either to attend. By way of contrast, RetroRides Weekender is open to all, with any pre-2000 car being automatically entered into the show area.

Same circuit. Two very different events. But both are celebrating vehicles in motion, being used as their makers intended.

Practical Information

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting

When does it take place? The Members’ Meeting takes place over a weekend in April each year. The 84th Members’ Meeting is already confirmed for 10–11 April 2027.

How do I get a ticket? Tickets are exclusively available to members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. To attend, you must join the GRRC Fellowship, which gives you access to purchase tickets.

How do I join the GRRC Fellowship? The Fellowship is priced at £46 per year on a rolling 12-month basis and can be purchased via a ‘My Goodwood’ account on the Goodwood website. It also brings a range of benefits beyond the Members’ Meeting, including priority ticket access and discounts for the Festival of Speed and Revival, access to GRRC-only enclosures, and early entry to the Revival main site each day.

When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on sale to full GRRC Members first, with Fellows able to purchase shortly after. Joining the Fellowship as early as possible is strongly recommended, as tickets sell out quickly.

Can I buy tickets on the day? No. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day, and admission is not possible without a ticket.

Is there parking on site? There is no forward parking at the Members’ Meeting, unlike at the Festival of Speed and Revival. Standard parking is available, with courtesy shuttles in all car parks for those unable to walk to the entrances.

Are children admitted? Children under 12 do not require an admission ticket but must be accompanied by an adult and wear a wristband, which must be ordered in advance online.

RetroRides Weekender

When does it take place? RetroRides Weekender typically takes place in May at Goodwood Motor Circuit. A second RetroRides event, the Gathering, is held in August at Prescott Hill Climb.

How do I get a ticket? Tickets are available to purchase in advance via the RetroRides website and are open to all, no membership required. Tickets sell fast, so booking early is strongly advised.

Can I bring my classic car? If you arrive in a pre-2000 car, you’ll be placed in the show area. No advance booking is required for this; just bring your ticket. Be aware that the site can reach capacity, so arriving early is recommended.

Is there camping? Yes, on-site camping is available. Camping tickets are sold separately and tend to sell out ahead of general admission.

Is there food and drink on site? Yes, a range of carefully selected caterers offer high-quality food and drink options across the weekend.