Cyclekarts at Goodwood with the Retro Rides ‘Weekender’ - May 9th/10th 2026
Lining up on the grid on the Saturday afternoon
The Cyclekarts GB club was honoured to be invited by Retro Rides to take part in their weekender event at the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit - a venue steeped in history and one we’ve long dreamed of attending. For many of our members, Goodwood has always been a bucket‑list track, and having the opportunity to run our Cyclekarts there was both a privilege and a milestone moment for the club.
Opened in 1948 on the site of RAF Westhampnett, Goodwood quickly became one of Britain’s most iconic racing circuits, hosting everything from early Formula One machinery to sports car legends and the stars of the 1950s and ’60s. Its classic layout and preserved heritage make it a living museum of motorsport - the perfect backdrop for machines that celebrate engineering creativity and vintage style.
Retro Rides, the hosts of the event, are a community built around enthusiasm for all things automotive: modified classics, obscure gems, grassroots engineering, and the joy of building something unique. Their events bring together an eclectic mix of eras, styles, and ideas - united by passion rather than prestige. It’s a scene where craftsmanship, individuality, and storytelling matter just as much as horsepower.
That’s exactly why Cyclekarts fit so well. Our machines capture the spirit of early motorsport in a lightweight, home‑built form that celebrates ingenuity over budget. They’re visually striking, mechanically simple, and full of character - the kind of machines that spark conversations, smiles, and curiosity wherever they go. At a Retro Rides event, surrounded by people who appreciate creativity and heritage, Cyclekarts feel right at home.
Arrival and Setup
Before the action even began, it was clear just how huge the Retro Rides Goodwood event had become. The organisers experienced an overwhelming response, and the Friday arrival period was exceptionally busy. Although there were long queues and delays getting everyone into the camping area, spirits stayed high throughout. As with any event the club hasn't attended before, we had to be prepared to go with the flow, learn what works, and adjust as things unfold - at the end of the day, we were guests at a very, very busy event. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was relaxed, and once we finally rolled in, it was simply a case of pitching tents, firing up the BBQs, and settling into what promised to be a fantastic weekend.
Track Sessions & Our South End Circuit
Instead of running on the main Goodwood circuit, Cyclekarts GB were given our own bespoke driving area on the old go‑kart track located just in-field from the starting grid. We were part of a new area for the event called South End - a brilliant space that Retro Rides transformed into a lively hub of activity. CKGB had previously visited the site and advised on the layout that was ultimately implemented, working closely with the team to create a course that suited the Cyclekarts perfectly. The track was lined with large hay bales, giving it an authentic vintage feel that matched the character of our machines and added to the atmosphere of the entire zone. Surrounded by the Cool Flo BMX show, curated car displays, and a row of independent traders, the area buzzed with energy all day, with every session drawing a crowd as the karts weaved through the tight, technical layout all day long while Spitfires took off in the background adding to the whole experience.
One of the standout moments of the entire event was being invited onto the iconic Goodwood starting grid to recreate a period‑style race start. Lining up on such hallowed tarmac created some truly unforgettable memories for our members - a moment that captured the spirit of early motorsport and the essence of what Cyclekarts are all about. Although we weren’t able to run up and down the main straight this time, the experience sparked plenty of excitement and conversation, and it’s something we’re hopeful will be explored for future years… watch this space.
Sunday arrived with the kind of weather only Britain can deliver - a steady drizzle that lingered for most of the morning. But if the grey skies thought they were going to dampen the mood, they were very much mistaken. The crowds still came out in force, umbrellas in hand, and the Cyclekarts quickly turned the slippery surface into an opportunity for some light‑hearted mischief. With reduced grip and plenty of space, the chaps couldn’t resist sliding around, kicking the tails out, and generally behaving like big kids! The laughter, the sideways moments, and the sheer fun of it all became one of the unexpected highlights of the weekend.
Retro Rides Community & Public Engagement
The Retro Rides crowd embraced the Cyclekarts instantly. Known for celebrating individuality and the joy of building something unique, the community recognised the spirit behind our machines straight away. Families, enthusiasts, and photographers stopped by throughout the day, asking questions, taking photos, and sharing their own memories of vintage racing. Many had never seen a Cyclekart before, and the mix of nostalgia, engineering creativity, and accessible fun made a strong impression. Several builders and fabricators commented on the craftsmanship, while classic‑car owners appreciated the nod to early motorsport aesthetics. The Cyclekarts added a new dimension to the event - something dynamic, characterful, and unmistakably different.
A Milestone for the Club
For CKGB, Goodwood wasn’t just another event - it was a milestone. Running at such a prestigious venue, hosted by a community that values creativity and passion, felt like a natural evolution for the club. It showcased what we do, how we do it, and why the Cyclekart spirit resonates with so many people.
Looking Ahead
The success of the day has already sparked conversations about future collaborations, and the enthusiasm from both Retro Rides and the public suggests this won’t be our last visit to Goodwood. For now, we left with great memories, new connections, and a sense of pride in what the club achieved.
Words & Pictures: Andy Boulton
Additional Photography
Thanks to the following photographer who kindly let CKGB use her great pictures for our website.
Kirsty Russell www.kirstyjaynerussell.co.uk
