There are car meets, and then there are days that linger with you long after the engines have cooled. Bank holiday Monday at Goodwood was one of those. Clear skies, 140 Porsches gathered in one place, and even a Spitfire arcing overhead to remind everyone of the circuit’s wartime roots. Add in a good cause and you had the makings of something more than just a track day.
This was a joint gathering of the Legends Drivers Club and the Sonderwunsch Circuit Club, a collaboration that felt entirely natural. Sonderwunsch translates to “special request,” and in its own way the whole day felt like exactly that: a unique request for Porsche owners and enthusiasts to come together, not just for the cars but for the bigger picture. The event supported CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a suicide prevention charity that works to save lives and open up vital conversations. Connecting Porsche passion with a charity like CALM gave the whole event meaning.
The vibe was exactly what I have come to expect from the Legends Drivers Club. Very laid-back, friendly, and chilled. More like a big family get-together than a formal event. Andre has a way of setting the tone, and his events always strike the right balance between serious driving and a relaxed atmosphere. You could feel that sense of community in the paddock, people catching up, admiring each other’s cars, and laughing over coffee before heading out on track.
A big shout out has to go to Paul Simpson, who pulled together the track side of the day in partnership with Legends. His organisation, as well as his ongoing support for CALM, is what made the whole thing run as smoothly as it did. Without people like Paul, days like this simply would not happen.
As the event photographer, what struck me most was the variety and the way every car felt like it had its place. The static display was a visual treat, with air-cooled icons sitting side by side with the latest GT machinery. But it was on track that things really came alive. Seeing a Porsche 356 being driven hard around Goodwood was a highlight. Too often these older cars end up as pristine “trailer queens,” destined only for concours lawns. Here, though, they were being used as intended, hustled through the corners with a mix of respect and commitment. It was a reminder that Porsche has always built cars to be driven, not just admired.
At the same time, the modern GT3s, Turbos, and Caymans showed how far the brand has come. Yet on track there was no sense of an old versus new divide. It felt like a seamless timeline, every generation adding to the bigger story of Porsche. That is what made it special: the whole history of the marque condensed into one day, one circuit.
Then there was the Spitfire. As the cars thundered below, its flyover cut across the sky in a moment that perfectly captured Goodwood’s heritage and sense of theatre. The circuit is unique in how it ties together history, community, and speed, and Monday brought all three into sharp focus.
A word of thanks must go to Goodwood itself, and especially to the marshals. Their presence is what makes these days possible, quietly but tirelessly ensuring safety for everyone on track. As photographers, drivers, and spectators, we all owe them huge appreciation. They are the unsung backbone of motorsport, and their professionalism is what allows us to enjoy these events with peace of mind.
Of course, at the heart of it all was CALM. The charity’s mission, preventing suicide and providing support when it is needed most, is serious. That only made the atmosphere on the day feel even more purposeful. Car culture is often described as an escape, a place to lose yourself in machines, noise, and shared passion. To take that energy and link it to something that genuinely makes a difference is powerful. I will be including a link to CALM’s work below, and I would encourage anyone reading this to explore it and support them.
On a personal level, what I love about these events is not just the cars. It is the people. Over time you get to know so many of the drivers, and meeting up with them at days like this is half the joy. The handshakes, the banter, the shared stories from past meets, all of that is what makes the Porsche community feel alive. Having my best friend of 40 years along with me for the day made it even better. It turned what was already a privilege, photographing such an event, into something more personal. To share the sights, the noise, and the atmosphere with someone close added another layer of enjoyment that I will remember as much as the cars themselves.
140 Porsches, a Spitfire, perfect weather, and a cause that matters. That is what made this bank holiday at Goodwood stand out. A day that was equal parts spectacle and substance, laid-back in atmosphere but strong in purpose. Exactly how a Porsche event should be.
CONTACTS
www.thecalmzone.net
www.legendsdriversclub.com
