Goodwood’s truly atmospheric classic motoring events have built a strong following among enthusiasts, who flock to the West Sussex location to see, hear and be close to historic vehicles used in motorsport, as they would have been in their heyday.

These unique events are loved and respected as they show not just static displays of old cars, but showcase the vehicles being driven in seriously competitive fashion. In many cases the cars are driven by the famous drivers who extracted the utmost speed from them in decades gone by, and who are motoring legends in their own right.

The 2011 Festival of Speed will take place from July 1-3, and this year’s theme (it changes annually) is to be ‘Racing revolutions – quantum leaps that changed motorsport’ – including, for example, turbocharging and four-wheel drive.

This year’s central feature (created by Gerry Judah), to be positioned in front of Goodwood House, will mark the 50th birthday of Jaguar’s amazing E-type. In addition, a class in the exclusive Cartier Style et Lux concours d’elegance (held on the Sunday of the Festival) will be devoted to this most famous of Jaguar models.

That’s not all for Jaguar devotees, for there will also be celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the company’s first Le Mans win. On display will be C- and D-types of the Fifties, plus XJ-Rs from the Eighties, as well as examples of every Jaguar model to compete in the 24 hour race.

Between September 16-18, the Goodwood Revival will take place at the restored Goodwood Motor Circuit.

The track is unchanged from the layout adopted in its glory years from 1948 to 1962, and is ideal for seeing hard-fought duels between classic cars competing in a variety of classes.

Lord March is honouring his grandfather the 9th Duke of Richmond (Freddie March) at this year’s Revival. During the Thirties, he achieved many victories at Brooklands for the works teams of both Austin and MG. Freddie March went onto establish the Goodwood circuit in 1948.

The Revival will also celebrate 100 years since the birth of the motor racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio, and (separately) 100 years of Ford in Britain. As part of this there will be 100 Fords on the grid.

The superb Goodwood events are always sold out, so if you have never been before and would like to attend this year, you will need to book early. The Ticket Hotline is 01243 755055.