Geneva, 30 August 2023 – The Goodwood Revival recreates the golden era of motor racing at Goodwood Motor Circuit from 1948 to 1966, a time when fashion flourished, music evolved and motor sport legends emerged. This year’s edition, from Friday 8–Sunday 10 September, will reflect on these transformative decades as the Revival celebrates its 25th anniversary. Recognizing the event’s dedication to preserving the past and the legacies of racing heroes – many of whom competed at the track during its heyday – Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the Goodwood Revival and Title Sponsor of the Rolex Drivers’ Club since 2004.

A familiar face at the Revival is three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, who joined the Rolex family of Testimonees in 1968. He reflects:

Since opening its gates 75 years ago, the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex, England, has provided thrilling action and spectacular displays. It also shares a unique history with British automotive company Lotus, whose own 75th anniversary will be celebrated at this year’s event. For the first time, the Revival will feature the Rudge-Whitworth Cup, named after the original 24 Hours of Le Mans trophy. To mark the endurance race’s centenary, which Rolex and the motor sport world observed in June, the two-driver contest will showcase sports cars from the first years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the grid comprising some of the most prestigious racing models, including Alfa Romeos, Bentleys and Bugattis. Meanwhile, Carroll Shelby, the 1966 Ford GT40 winning team manager, will be commemorated during the event.

Among the line-up of legendary drivers at the Revival this year are Rolex Testimonees Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber and Jenson Button, who have achieved success across a variety of motoring disciplines. Fresh from competing in the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans, 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Button says:

During the three days, close to 150,000 motor sport and vintage enthusiasts are expected to flock to the beautiful Sussex Downs to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era, while celebrating the ongoing influence of these pioneering years on the modern world. Rolex has been closely associated with motor racing for more than 90 years, supporting the sport’s development of technologies for future generations and the sharing of its expertise with wider society. Reinforcing this commitment, the 2023 Goodwood Revival will present its first-ever 100 per cent sustainably fuelled race: the Fordwater Trophy, featuring Mark Webber, who will compete at the event for the first time in a pre-1966 Porsche 911. Off the track, the Revive & Thrive community provides a platform for fashion and craft experts, who gather to share their passion for preserving items for a lifetime of use.

Ahead of his Revival race debut next week, multiple Formula 1® Grand Prix™ winner and a Rolex Testimonee since 2017, Webber adds:

ROLEX AND MOTOR SPORT

Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner; Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion, and Jenson Button, 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion. Most recently, Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT driver, three-time W Series Champion and the sport’s most exciting young female talent, became part of the Rolex family. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.