Stirling Moss: Fan's Comments
Sir Stirling Moss: A Fan's View
Stirling Moss, Goodwood 2007
Sunday, September 2nd: It was few minutes after midnight when I set off on the long drive south from my home. This was to be my first visit to the Goodwood Revival meeting where my main goal was to see Sir Stirling Moss drive in a competitive race. (I had previously watched Sir Stirling at the Festival of Speed, which is an amazing event, so I was anticipating an excellent day ahead).
I arrived at Goodwood just as the car parks were opening and took my place in the already forming queue. At 7:30am, the “doors” opened officially and I made my way into the historic circuit.
My first job of the day was to stake a place at Madgwick Corner, so that I could get as many pictures of the racing as possible. After that, I headed off to explore the circuit and take in its sights and sounds. Visiting the Revival is truly like stepping back in time. The event is packed with period vehicles and aircraft, and on top of that, the dress of about 75% of the spectators (and all of the competitors) comes straight from the 40s, 50s or 60s.
After soaking up the atmosphere, I made my way round to the Porter Press stand to find out when Sir Stirling would be signing copies of his latest Scrapbook (Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1929 - 1954). Then, with my schedule for the day planned, I returned to my position to get some photographs of the action.
The racing was, of course, outstanding. Watching the drivers sawing at the wheel to steer their cars, sometimes while three abreast, around Madgwick corner is as exciting as attending any race meeting today. The competition between the drivers on the track is palpable - and is only equalled by the sportsmanship shown by one and all.
Sir Stirling’s race, the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, soon came around and I watched with anticipation as his driving partner took the wheel for the first leg. However, the event was not without incident, as the driver of car number 19, the ISO Bizzarini A3C, speared into the tyre wall while entering Madgwick corner. The marshals all sprinted into action and, thankfully, the driver, Martin Stretton, emerged unhurt, although badly shaken.
Sadly, the accident ended the action and what remained of the race was conducted from behind the safety car. Yet, even though Sir Stirling was not from that moment in a competitive race, it was still a pleasure to watch him guide the Ferrari 250 GTO around the track. It was so easy to let my imagination carry me back to the glory days of the Goodwood circuit!
After the cars had made their way back to the pits (with Stirling waving to the watching crowds), I made my way to the Porter Press stand for the much anticipated signing session. Once there, I took my place and absorbed the mounting atmosphere of excitement. The queue for Sir Stirling’s autograph grew rapidly. It was amazing to see so many fans, from the young to the old, from all walks of life, waiting patiently for a glimpse of their hero.
During the autograph session, I was overcome with a new level of respect for Sir Stirling - he took the scrum of people easily in his stride and I am sure he would have been more than happy to remain with his fans into the evening, if it were not for those other commitments.
I left the revival having achieved two out three of my goals. I had, once again met Sir Stirling and obtained his autograph but I still had to see him race competitively. That ambition had been thwarted by the unfortunate accident, yet I was still happy.
And, as for watching Sir Stirling race, well, if I needed an excuse to return next year then I have it. I am already looking forward to returning to Goodwood, this time with my family in tow, as the day is definitely not just for petrol heads.
Article by Steve Atkin
Click here to see Steve Atkin's Goodwood Revival photographs
Click here to read Steve Stkins previous article.
Photo by Steve Atkin, copyright Steve Atkin
Photo by Steve Atkin, copyright Steve Atkin
Photo by Steve Atkin, copyright Steve Atkin