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Revival roars into action
It's time to climb aboard the time machine again as the world-famous Goodwood Revival roars into action today.
The circuit near Chichester has been turned into a giant film set as the event recreates the heyday of motor racing in the 1940s, '50s and '60s.
Up to 120,000 people are expected over three days to watch action on track and in the skies and join in the fun by dressing up in period clothes.
No modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter throughout the weekend, bands play nostalgic music and even chips come wrapped in newspaper headlines of yesteryear.
This year's Revival marks two important 50th anniversaries. It's half a century since Goodwood staged arguably its single most famous race, the 1959 Tourist Trophy in which Aston Martin won the World Sportscar Championship.
It's also 50 years since the launch of probably the UK's most iconic car, the Mini, and a whole race is devoted to the model. This will be run in two parts tomorrow and Sunday.
Meanwhile minis of a different kind - the Mary Quant-designed skirts worn by fashion-conscious women back in the '60s - are celebrated with a recreation of Carnaby Street.
Tomorrow is Ladies' Day, with Champagne awarded to the best-dressed women judged by fashion experts.
Stars expected to race this weekend include the legendary Sir Stirling Moss, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday. Goodwood staff have managed to assemble 80 of the 96 cars he raced for a unique tribute.
Other famous names to watch out for are Derek Bell, Bobby Rahal, current Ferrari F1 test driver Marc Gene, Gerhard Berger, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and comedian Rowan Atkinson.
As well as racing, each day he will play his famous character Mr Bean and drive a Mini around the track while sitting on the roof!
Bike heroes include Wayne Gardner, Phil Read, Mick Grant, Leon Haslam and Jamie Whitham.
Today is official practice, while tomorrow and Sunday see a packed programme of historic racing on two wheels and four featuring Ferraris, Aston Martins, Maseratis, MV Agustas and Manx Nortons.
Air displays will include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with Spitfires and the Avro Lancaster PA474 in action, while a jet-powered Vulcan bomber is expected to shake the ground.
Lunar landing astronaut Buzz Aldrin is flying in from America to judge a concours d'elegance for pre-1966 aircraft, along with Sir Terence Conran and Top Gear star James May.
There's also a Bonhams auction of classic cars and automobilia this evening and attractions including a period funfair and shopping village.
Admission is strictly by advance ticket only and there is still limited availability. Call 01243 755055 or go to goodwood.com/tickets
Don't miss The News tomorrow and Monday for full reports and pictures, plus a Sunday update here.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
