If, like us, you’re missing the Goodwood Motor Circuit in this time of lockdown, you could watch any number of circuit onboards (a recent favourite is that of the great Sir Stirling Moss racing a Lotus Cortina at the 2007 Revival), or you could simply look back at snaps on your phone from the last time you visited. Or you could do what GRRC member Mark Saunders has done and build yourself a scale Circuit. Yes, really.
“I have been collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars for a long time and have seen many of these vehicles at Goodwood events over the years,” says Mark. “So, I thought a good way to display them would be to create a model of part of the Motor Circuit.” The result, as you can see, is quite spectacular.
“I’m still working full-time during the lockdown,” Mark explains, “but it still seemed like the ideal opportunity to make a start. It’s taken me two months to create the layout of the pits, part of the pit straight, the paddock and the tow-road. I’ve made it all from thousands of photos I have for reference.
“It’s not to actual scale, the cars are 1/64th scale, so there’s been a bit of best-guessing the detail,” Mark shared. “I've just built the Jackie Stewart Pavilion and lap board using card and parts from the model shop. I'm so glad I went to the model shop before lockdown to get what I needed as I've only ever made Spitfires before.”
Mark works as Head Gardener at Fittleworth House in West Sussex so has ensured the grass looks in tip-top condition and neatly manicured. “I’ve found a suitable vehicle for the NAAFI wagon too but adding OO scaled people in is proving difficult without spending lots of money,” he says. “Maybe it will just be a scaled model of me wandering around among all my favourite cars.
“Recently, Hot Wheels have produced a model of the lightweight E-type Jaguar, exactly like the car we see racing at the Goodwood Revival, along with an Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA and the IWC Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, all of which will definitely be on display in the paddock!”
Mark was keen to point out that “when it’s all finished it will take pride of place in my study!” Bravo, Mark, bravo.
If you’re a GRRC member or part of the GRRC Fellowship and you’ve been getting creative in your garage or study, let us know by sharing your photos on our new GRRC and Fellowship Facebook groups.
GRRC
Goodwood Motor Circuit
Revival
Members Meeting
E-Type
Jaguar