The silence was surreal.

After an entire day shooting trackside and in the paddocks – getting soaked to the skin and racking up 20,000 steps – exhaustion had clouded my mind after Saturday at the 2024 Goodwood Revival.

It may be a cliché, but ‘an assault on the senses’ perfectly describes the hustle and bustle at Goodwood. The crowds, of course, add atmosphere and context to my coverage. Nobody wants to see an empty event, and Revival is truly for the people.

Yet, as an enthusiast, I sometimes wished the crowds would vanish despite their vibrant presence. It’s hard to appreciate the precious metal when a swarm of spectators and mechanics surrounds it, blocking my shots and getting grumpy when I nudge past.

I lingered as one of the last people in the media tent this year, a couple of colleagues dotted around the place and the cleaning crew chatting away for company. It was dark, it was cold, and I was fading. It was time to head home.

But just as I stepped out of the tent, chatting with another photographer, I felt a surge of energy. Imagine my awe as I rounded the corner into an empty paddock lit up for the night.

The tannoy, the crowds, and the revving engines were all gone, replaced by a soothing quiet interrupted only by raindrops on canopies and distant conversations. I was free to roam and explore the cars in the peace I desperately needed.

I pulled out my camera and wandered, taking in the sights. Rain-spattered noses and chrome details were glowing under strings of bulbs.

Far from a major city, light pollution was minimal, and the contrast against the dark sky felt cinematic. It was impossible not to focus on the cars, especially those resplendent in vivid colours.

Though I was nearly alone, dedicated mechanics working late into the night, dealing with mechanical mishaps or fine-tuning setups for Sunday’s final races. The security guards dotted around were a mixed bunch. Some were engrossed in the vintage machinery, others were tucked away trying to stay warm.

VIP guests enjoyed their own shuttle service between the Goodwood Hotel and the after-parties happening just across the road, which explained the squadron of Rolls-Royce Cullinans lined up in Parc Fermé with their lights on. Quite intimidating.

The walk back to my car took me through the shopping and party village, where the evening was winding down. Music, drinks, food, and classic cars on display will naturally make for a great time. I stress the importance of not drinking and driving, however.

For an in-depth look at the action from Goodwood Revival 2024, check out my coverage from earlier in the month. I hope you enjoy my photos from the night after the race, a surreal experience that still feels like a dream to me.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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