Spectator Fencing Keeps Goodwood Racing on Track

We recently installed innovative and unusual spectator fencing at Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Why is it innovative and unusual?

Well, Motorsport UK, the national motorsport governing agency, and the Duke of Richmond gave us a very specific spectator fencing challenge and we had to come up with a very specific spectator fencing solution.

What was unusual about our spectator fencing project?

So, because the Members’ Meeting and the Revival are hosting racing, the Motor Circuit needed new Motorsport UK-compliant spectator fencing. Modern motorsport spectator fencing is made of steel.

However, the Duke of Richmond didn’t want to lose the period charm of the wooden spectator fencing. This feature is part and parcel of the Goodwood Motor Circuit look and why its events are so popular with motorsport fans around the world.

As a long-term fencing partner with Goodwood, our task was to come up with a spectator fencing solution that met both needs.

What fencing challenges did we face at the Motor Circuit?

Our job was to design race-track spectator fencing that both complied with Motorsport UK regulations and kept the distinctive period look of the circuit.

On top of that, the fencing that we came up with had to be installed on uneven ground (maintaining a specific minimum height from the track to the top of the fencing) – never a straightforward thing to do.

So, what did we do?

How did we meet these fencing challenges?

What we came up with was steel spectator fencing that had a timber-fencing look when seen from trackside. This way, spectators, drivers and anyone filming all still get the classic Goodwood period charm.

Working closely with Motorsport UK, we presented three designs to the Duke of Richmond. After taking to the track to try them out, the Duke made his choice and our installation crew got to work.

No waste or spoil went off site. The old timber fencing was removed and taken to the on-site biomass energy facility, which delivers electricity and hot water to the Estate, and the spoil went to the Goodwood quarry, which is being back-filled.

The new fencing, featuring our unique design, is now in place, keeping everyone safe at events all year round.

What did Goodwood say about the job?

What did the good people at Goodwood Motor Circuit have to say about the project?

We’re happy to say that we got a thumbs up. This is what the Director of Goodwood Consulting said:

“Knight Fencing carry out a lot of fencing projects for our motor circuit. This is phase 5 of an ongoing project that they’ve seamlessly worked with us on, making sure there’s no disruption to any of our live track events while the work is in progress.”