Where else can you arrive at an event and genuinely wonder whether you’ve travelled back in time? Tweed suits, period dress, the soundtrack of highly tuned, thoroughbred internal combustion engines, an incredible collection of historic cars and motorcycles make Goodwood Revival unlike anything else on the automotive calendar.

This year, I had the opportunity to attend a with our latest Ambassador recruit, Sophie. Having previously supported her with CV development and work experience placements, it has been incredibly rewarding to see how her journey has developed.

After graduating with an Events Management degree from Oxford Brookes University, Sophie has secured a full-time role with Motorsport UK as Club and Volunteer Administrator. It combines her passion for motorsport with her involvement in the car club community, making her a great example of what can happen when a young enthusiast is given the right support and opportunities.

Having Sophie involved at Revival was particularly special. Not only could she represent StarterMotor and share her own experience, but she was also able to reconnect with people she already knew within the community and meet new contacts who could help shape her career further.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, we were able to experience the event while at the same time reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting industry professionals and enthusiasts, and introducing Sophie to even more of the community she is now part of.

And then there was the racing.  From the spectacular grid of historic machinery to the sound and spectacle of the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, the competition was every bit as exciting as you'd expect, whether on four wheels or two.

The Heritage Skills Academy also had a magnificent display in the Tyrell Shed, where visitors could watch live demonstrations and meet apprentices developing the skills needed to keep the heritage sector moving forward. It was particularly encouraging to see Arthur from Woolmer Classic Engineering awarded with the Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award 2026, a great achievement for a young person who is already making his mark in the industry.

But perhaps what makes Revival so special is the sheer commitment of everyone who attends. The period-correct outfits, immersive backdrops, character actors, music and, of course, the cars and motorcycles combine to create an experience that feels as though you've stepped out of a DeLorean after accidentally hitting 88mph.

For many, Revival is an event that simply cannot be missed. For us, it is much more than a celebration of automotive heritage. It is a reminder of why the industry needs people with the passion, skills and enthusiasm to carry it forward, in turn providing validation for all the hard work the charity I doing to nurture and guide the next generation.