England's Goodwood Festival of Speed has come out of nowhere in the last couple of years to be the premiere event for race fans around the world.
The fabulous baronial setting near Chicester (almost due south of London), combined with the attendance of classic and modern race cars and drivers retired and contemporary in an extremely casual setting make for the most open fan experience in today's racing scene.
And the cars actually do race up Lord March's driveway in a setting that has to be experienced to be believed. It's a time-warp thing, with many people in period dress and a graciousness you won't get at any other racing venue, even if many of the top F1 teams weren't there.
This year should be particularly tasty for Mercedes-Benz fans, since the 2001 Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 6, 7 and 8 will celebrate the centenary of that famous German marque.
But there'll also be a selection of Indy 500 cars, cars from Ford's 100 years of racing, World Rally Championship cars, and current and past racing motorbikes.
Because the date is moved from its traditional June date to early July and is only a few days before the British Grand Prix, Goodwood is expecting a record turnout of Formula One teams. Rob Widdows of Goodwood.says McLaren, Williams, Jaguar and BAR are already confirmed for the event.