Goodwood Motor Circuit, 10 September 2023 – A vibrant scene greeted the 150,000 spectators who walked through the historic gates of the Goodwood Motor Circuit from Friday 8–Sunday 10 September. This year’s Goodwood Revival celebrated revered motor sport figures past and present, many of whom were pushing prized machines to their limits on track, before seeking sanctuary from the late summer heat in the Rolex Drivers’ Club. It was here that drivers and teams reminisced and refuelled over the three days. Fondly known as the heart of the Revival, Rolex became Title Sponsor of the prestigious Drivers’ Club in 2004, when the Swiss watchmaker first supported the event as the Official Timepiece.

Honouring the 75th anniversary of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, a collection of nostalgic parades and competitive races entertained and inspired. On Saturday afternoon, nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen achieved an impressive podium during part one of the St. Mary’s Trophy, showcasing the enviable speed of the Austin A90. The Fordwater Trophy proved a particular highlight, with wheel-to-wheel action in the event’s first all sustainably fuelled contest. Rolex Testimonees Mark Webber and Jenson Button drove pre-1966 Porsche 911s, adding miles to their history and laps to their pedigree. Multiple Formula 1® Grand Prix™ winner Webber, who made his Goodwood Revival racing debut this year, says:

Style took centre stage off the track, with everyone embracing the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s theme, ensuring the event perfectly reflected these influential decades. It was during this time in 1968 that Sir Jackie Stewart became a Rolex Testimonee, before going on to win three FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Championships, the third of which was celebrated on Saturday afternoon. Recognizing his extraordinary contribution to motor sport, onlookers saw Sir Jackie enjoy a high-speed lap of the circuit in his 1973 title-winning Tyrrell 006. Sir Jackie says:

Beyond the roar of expertly tuned engines, visitors were immersed in spectacular displays around the circuit. The Revive & Thrive Village celebrated creative ingenuity with experts re-thinking ways to repair and re-wear for a lifetime of use. Bringing the Indonesian jungle to life, the Rolex Drivers’ Club paid tribute to the research of evolution and its impact on science and exploration. Rolex supports the Goodwood Revival’s exacting and relentless endeavours such as these, ensuring knowledge is preserved for generations to come. Webber continues:

The Duke of Richmond brought the proceedings to a close on Sunday evening when he presented the Driver of the Meeting with an Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41. The Swiss watchmaker rewards this timepiece in honour of the exceptional racing spirit shown during the event. Describing how it feels to be acknowledged in this way, Andy Willis, who competed in the Richmond & Gordon Trophies, says:

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.