Rush tells the titanic battle between racing giants James Hunt and Niki Lauda for the Formula 1 world title in 1976. It's a deeply personal as well as professional rivalry. Goodwood - famous for its retro Revival motor racing - was pitch perfect to transport us back to that historic encounter. In a year when Covid-19 restrictions have forced a year-long postponement of both the Festival of Speed and Revival, the estate has once again shown its ingenuity to 'bring people together' - as the Duke of Richmond rightly proclaimed. With a forensic eye to safety and enjoyment, the audience is cocooned in their own personal bubble, their car - but this is very much a shared experience. The season, presented by Secret Cinema and Goodwood, opened on the first night with an interactive session with Frankie and Johnny Starlight designed to get everyone in the mood - transmitting their in-car celebratory moments via Zoom on to the silver screen. You could order food and drinks - inspired by the American diner - on your phone and they were brought direct to your car. Goodwood burgers topped the menu with the meals realistically priced. The first night raised cash for the two charities MediCinema and the Sussex Community Foundation's work to help those impacted by the current virus. Audiences dressed up 'to impress' and give a little extra sparkle to a grey Saturday evening. But there was no rain and the view to the giant screen was uninterrupted. The sound - each car is loaned its own speaker system - was first class. A great innovation. Let's hope there's a real Rush for tickets and this concept becomes embedded in the Goodwood calendar long after the current pandemic has itself faded into history. By Gary Shipton
