Here the Observer brings you the essential guide to the three-day event to make sure you do not miss a thing.

The Hillclimb competition

F1 star Lewis Hamilton will be among the drivers taking on the famous 1.16-mile course where he will speed along a tree-lined avenue in
front of Goodwood House.

Grand Prix cars, successful Le Mans and Indy cars, important rally and touring cars, plus some of the world's most famous competition motorcycles are among those taking part in the themed categories.

The competition begins with free practice on Friday before the competition gets under way on Saturday and Sunday, when around 250 cars run up the course in single file, each setting off at one-minute
intervals.


Sunday Times 'InGear' Supercar Run

Amoving motor show, which gathers together the most exclusive current production and planned production performance cars from around the world
and shows them in action – something no motor show can do.


FoS-TECH Goodwood technology pavilion

FoS-TECH is a greener motoring and state-of-theart- technology exhibition initiative showcasing a variety of innovative technologies from the motor industry, design specialists, oil companies and associated component suppliers.

Exhibits range from concept cars incorporating the very latest automotive thinking, to alternative fuels and future traffic management solutions.


The Forest Rally Stage

At the top of the Goodwood hill is a 2.8-kilometre loose-surface rally stage, cut into the wooded area close to the hillclimb finish line.

Around 30 cars from the history of rallying provide a thrilling demonstration of sideways driving throughout all three days of the event.

Both the start and the finish of the course are at the top of the hill, with spectators able to see the cars at the top and bottom of the course, or follow a woodland trail alongside the course.

This year's rally will also pay a special tribute to former world champion Colin McRae.


Cartier 'Style et Luxe' competition

Set on the tranquil lawn of Goodwood House, far from the throng of racing engines, the competition comprises around 50 cars in various
classes representing the history of motoring.

Judging is not a scientific points-scoring process, but a consideration of each car as an object of beauty and practicality.

This year's judges include TV and radio presenter Chris Evans, acclaimed art critic Brian Sewell and musician Roger Taylor.

A live jazz band also plays in the bandstand on both Saturday and Sunday.


Cricket pitch display

Goodwood Cricket Pitch – the world's oldest – will be turned in to a huge American drag strip.

Positioned on this will be a spectacular gathering of more a dozen of the most famous top fuel racers; from the first 'slingshot' models to the pioneering rear-engined examples of the 1960s and 70s.

Junior Festival of Speed

Specifically designed for kids and families, its most famous feature is a cluster of life-size fully working cars from the popular cartoon, The Wacky Races.

Joining the fleet this year is the final Wacky Racer to be built by Goodwood - the Bullet Proof Bomb with the Ant Hill Mob.

The Junior Festival of Speed also features a range of activities for younger children, including driving simulators; radical skating and boarding and mountainbike stunt riders, and graffiti art.

There will also be workshops, giving kids the chance to paint their own mural on canvas.

Central display

Land Rover is 60 years old this year and has chosen to celebrate in truly breathtaking style with a jawdropping automotive sculpture in front of Goodwood House.

The original 1948 production car, plus a selection of vehicles from
Land Rover's model range, will be displayed as an integral part of the
festival sculpture, culminating in a vision of the future with the stunning LRX concept car.

In various other locations around the Festival of Speed site will be a collection of other important Land Rover models.