Group 5 monsters set for Goodwood Members’ Meeting

The 74^th Goodwood Members’ Meeting in March will showcase some of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the mighty 5.0-litre Group 5 cars which raced from 1969-71.

Under the regulations at the time, prototype racers were limited to 3.0-litre engines, but ‘production’ cars – of which at least 25 examples had to be built – were allowed to use 5.0-litre units.

This loophole was included to allow cars like the Ford GT40 to continue racing but, against the expectations of the governing body, manufacturers exploited it, building production runs of what were, in effect, full-blown prototypes with 5.0-litre engines.

The result was cars like the legendary Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512, which were immortalised in Steve McQueen’s cult classic movie Le Mans.

The Members’ Meeting on March 19-20 will celebrate this iconic era of sports car racing with a special high-speed demonstration on the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Created by Goodwood owner Lord March to recreate the atmosphere and camaraderie of the original BARC Members’ Meetings held at Goodwood Motor Circuit from 1949-66, the event conjures up some of the most evocative sights and sounds from the golden era of motor racing.

A total of 16 Group 5 cars will take part in the high-speed demonstration, which will give visitors a real sense of the brutal power and immense speed of these machines.

The line-up will include at least six Porsche 917s, including the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours winner and examples in the iconic Martini and Gulf liveries. Historic racer David Piper will drive the 917 he raced in period.

Five Ferrari 512s will also take to the track, including examples of the 512S and 512M derivatives, as well as a low-drag ‘Coda Lunga’, designed to maximise straightline speed on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. Four Lola T70 Mk3Bs will also be featured, including the car raced by ex-F1 racer Jo Bonnier.

Richard Attwood, who won the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours in a Porsche 917, will attend along with 1969 victor Jackie Oliver – both legends of the Group 5 era.

A packed, two-day programme for the 74^th Members’ Meeting will feature 12 races for vehicles ranging from Edwardian leviathans to 1970s Grand Prix motorcycles. There will also be demonstration runs covering two other celebrated motorsport periods – ground effect Formula One cars from 1977-82, and Super Touring cars of the 1990s.

As well as the action on the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit, the Members’ Meeting features a huge range of attractions for all the family off-track, including exclusive festivities on the Saturday evening and a wide variety of food and entertainment on offer throughout.

A fairground, live music, and a series of games in which visitors can score additional points for their chosen ‘house’ complete the carnival atmosphere.

Tickets for the 74^th Members’ Meeting are now available - but initially only available to Goodwood Road and Racing Club Members and people on the GRRC Waiting List.

The remaining tickets have been released and can be purchased by other motorsport fans, allowing a golden opportunity to get an insight into one of the most exclusive events in the world. For more information or to book tickets, please visit: www.goodwood.com/74MM