My First Goodwood Festival of Speed: A Bucket List Dream Come True
- Diane Caplan
- Jul 26
- 2 min read
Attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed has been a dream of mine for years — and this year, I finally made it happen. From the moment I arrived, it was everything I’d hoped for and more: raw, gritty, fast-paced, and utterly unforgettable. This isn’t just a car show — it’s a full-sensory celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and pure automotive passion.
Living the Dream with Zenvo
I had the incredible opportunity to stay with the Zenvo Automotive team — and let’s just say, this wasn’t your average campsite. Picture a luxury camper surrounded by a fleet of Zenvo supercars, nestled just steps from the heart of the action. Each morning began early with a coffee in hand, either from the drivers' lounge or Zenvo’s ultra-sleek hospitality lounge near the supercar paddock. Not a bad way to start the day.
Being embedded with Zenvo gave me front-row access to the adrenaline. One of the absolute highlights? Helping guide one of their hypercars to the starting line for the final supercar hillclimbs. Standing on the edge of that legendary tarmac, with engines roaring and crowds buzzing — it’s a feeling I won’t forget.
The Icons, Up Close
The festival is a playground for car lovers, and I made it a mission to visit every one of our Post Oak Motors brands while I was there. Bentley’s display was nothing short of stunning — getting up close with the Batur and Bacalar felt like stepping into the future of luxury performance. Over at Lotus, the full lineup was on show, including the standout Jim Clark Emira, a special edition that pays homage to one of motorsport’s greats.
And then there was the Cartier Style et Luxe Lawn. A jaw-dropping showcase of Bugatti Veyrons in every imaginable spec — a rare moment where even the most seasoned enthusiasts were left speechless.
Gala Nights & Goodwood Legends
Capping off the experience was the prestigious Governor’s Gala with Zenvo — an elegant evening surrounded by some of the UK’s most influential figures in the automotive world. It was the perfect mix of exclusivity and community, bringing together collectors, drivers, designers, and die-hard enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is unlike anything else. It’s not just about horsepower and heritage — it’s about the people, the passion, and the shared love of everything fast, rare, and remarkable. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, this festival will ignite your soul.
I went for the cars — I left with memories that will last a lifetime.
