Goodwood. It lives up to its reputation. As in, I can’t count the amount of times that I pinched myself last weekend.
Whether it was watching Ott Tänak or Jari-Matti Latvala scream by in their Rally1 and 2 cars, standing with my jaw slightly dropped as the fireworks exploding directly above our heads at Saturday’s ball, or (and arguably the biggest pinch-me moment) suddenly realizing that my start-line jitters were happening on THIS start line.
I was in the driver’s seat of Steve [Rimmer]’s Mk1 Escort 1600, about to take on the Forest Rally Stage. The same Mk1 Escort that British Rally campion Roger Clark drove, still sporting its Daily Express livery.
Thursday’s practice went well, with my amazing (and apparently feeling risky) brother, James, sitting in the passenger seat with me. It rained, but it was nothing that us Seattle-ites weren’t used to! But then it kept raining. And raining. And raining. Friday’s driving was slick, incredibly slick, and unlike anything I’ve seen even in rainy Seattle.
I needed an expert.
Unexpectedly, my next set of start-line jitters happened with Ryan Champion in the passenger seat. No pressure.
Then, Alister McRae. No pressure at all.
More pinch-me moments. I won’t reveal all of uncle Al’s secrets, but can certainly attest to his most used words being “MORE THROTTLE!!!!!”
Friday evening rolled around and we were all drenched. There was no walking anywhere without getting soaked to the bone.
We’d started hearing rumors about a cancellation on Saturday, but were sure that wasn’t possible – “it’s Goodwood!”
Then the wind picked up.
All huddled in our ever-closer-to-blowing-over catering tent, we waited for our phones to light up with an announcement. At this point, a cancellation made sense, and cancel they did.
A 2am stop and ride up the hill in an…. interesting… rig. I daren't get anyone in trouble, so won’t mention specifics!
Onto a night of trying to sleep as our caravans waved back and forth in the wind.
Saturday passed in a quiet blur until the ball (to which I had the best date – Hollie McRae) – opening with a beautiful champagne reception, then moving on to a delicious dinner followed by a windy but wonderful concert put on by ZZ Top (I felt like I was back in America!). Then, time to dance.
A 2am stop and ride up the hill in an…. interesting… rig. I daren’t get anyone in trouble, so won’t mention specifics!
Sunday morning. A dash to the top of the hill to watch James emerge in the Peugeot 205 T16, his third run of the weekend. Another dash to the Women in Motorsport panel, where I was lucky enough to join Jade Paveley, Shelly Taunt, and Hollie McRae. Then, time for me to drive.
Alister and James each hopped in with me once more to share their knowledge, and by this point in the day, after the wind and moments of sun had dried out the stage, it was incredible. The grip was back; as were the smiles.
Back at our lineup of cars, I had to run up to the incredible mechanics at BGMsport to thank them for the drive. And maybe, just maybe, to ask about the logistics of building another Mk1…. one I’d be just a tiny bit less afraid of breaking.
Those guys. That team. BGMsport know how to do it. They’re just… there. Whether you need a bolt or a seat position change or a fun car fact or just a smile, they’re there. And when an engine failed in a Subaru, they drove home, got another one, and changed the whole thing in half a day.
It’s family. Whether in the forest in Shelton or in the forest at Goodwood, the rally world never ceases to bring together the very best people and make a family out of them. I can’t create enough words to express the gratitude I feel for this team in particular, though. They’ve been here forever.
James and I have known Ian Gwynne since we were old enough to point at a car and know it was cool. When we went for a visit at the ages of 10 and 12, he even had a Peugeot 205 ready for us to drive. But the best part of that first drive? Jess Gwynne decking it out in vinyl polka dots.
Yes, Goodwood hosts the glitz and the glamor, but I have to admit to loving our little muddy rally stage community the most. And this wasn’t the only rally community that came together this weekend.
Upon hearing the tragic news of Erin Kelly’s passing, rally families all over the world held each other a little tighter. For this type of love, I am infinitely grateful.
Thank you to that family. Thank you to goodwood, thank you, team, and thank you, dad, for allowing us to be a part of it all.
