As always, most of us in North America will only view the Goodwood Festival of Speed by watching the Internet or reading magazines. Happily, "Classic Driver's superb weekly newsletter" keeps me informed and, by rote, you as well. Editor Steve Wakefield, who lives the life most of us only dream about, explains that the 2007 Festival has as its theme "the distillation of man's desire to be fastest in outright straight-line speed, to cover the greatest distance in 24 hours, to accelerate over ¼ mile in the shortest possible time, and now, with a 'green agenda' on everyone's lips, to achieve all of these feats using the smallest amount of fuel and causing the minimum damage to the planet."

It is, as he says, a tall order, but the lineup of cars, previewed by organiser Lord March at his Goodwood House yesterday, is truly remarkable. It includes several land speed record cars, ex-Le Mans racers, a bevy of F1 single-seaters (and former drivers), a brace of modern supercars, drag racers, the incredibly fast Group C racers, plus some wonderful classics to be sold at a Bonhams auction. No less than four Bugatti Type 41 Royales will be there, one of which made a nice "prop" (above) for Lord March and friends. The 2007 Festival of Speed, slated for June 22-24, is highlighted by flat-out runs up a twisting paved hillclimb, the cars driven by motor racing heroes of yesterday and today. Tickets must be purchased in advance: the number to call is +44 1243 755055 or you can buy online from "the Goodwood Web site".

Photo Credit: Classic Driver