The weather on this day could only be described as scorching, the sun shone so brightly that everyone without a hat or sunglasses was reduced to doing their best, eyes squinted, furrowed brow impressions of Clint Eastwood.
Having sat in a modern, cosseting, air-conditioned car for a number of hours then suddenly finding myself standing among thousands of people under bright sunshine with the roars of high-powered car engines was an assault on my senses.
As the beads of sweat started to form on my forehead, I knew that we had to get to some place cooler. There was only one option – weave our way through the enormous crowds and get into to the Clark Pavilion for some first class hospitality and refreshment.
The Clark Pavilion is a stunning modern structure situated on the Molecombe Corner, one of the most challenging parts of the Goodwood Hill Climb. For those unfamiliar with Britain’s fine motor-racing heritage, the building is named after the British Formula One driver, James ‘Jim’ Clark, Jr OBE, a Scottish-born driver who won the world championship in 1963 and 1965.
Once we reached the pavilion, we had our tags scanned and were allowed to proceed up the gently sloping walkway. Upon entering, it felt like a different world to what we’d experienced outside, air conditioning, a significant muting of the exterior sound, a gleaming white décor and memorabilia celebrating the achievements and life of one of Britain’s greatest drivers.
First impressions count and upon our arrival, the receptionists in the Clark Pavilion made us feel very special. We were provided with some swanky programs among other items and escorted to our trackside table overlooking the Molecombe Corner. Immaculately dressed waiting staff were quickly on hand to cater to our every whim and the ambience was exactly what you would expect from a ticket costing £834 per person.
The dining area of the Clark Pavilion is elevated with steps leading down to the garden area where you can experience the roar and smell of the engines up close. You can relax at a table under an umbrella and feel the shudder within your body as the cars roar past you, some with in excess of 1000hp under foot. It’s an invigorating and at the same time, somewhat scary experience.
A glance at the 6 or 7 deep throng of sweating people on the other side of the track, jostling frantically to get a good view really hit home why some will spend a significant sum of money to ensure that they get to experience the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the finest possible way.
After indulging in the various foods on offer and watching the aerobatic display from the jet fighters overhead, it was time to join the throngs and take a look at what the festival had to offer outside our luxurious air-conditioned bubble.
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