When you think of the global automotive enthusiast community, it’s hard to beat the bonafides of Goodwood. Charlses Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, and his grand estate play host to some of the most renowned automotive events of the year. And while Audi is a regular player in the better-known Goodwood Festival of Speed or Goodwood Revival, it’s this weekend’s Member’s Meeting that may be even more interesting even though it’s unlikely there’s an Audi anywhere on the grid.
This is Goodwood, so the idea of vintage racing cars from the most common to the most extravagant driving hard and even swapping paint is the norm and not the exception. That’s all to be expected here, along with the usual grandeur one would expect from a British Duke’s estate. What makes the Member’s Meeting more entertaining though is the social architecture, dipping into British boarding school culture to create four houses that compete with each other for top honors.
Does that sound like the world of Harry Potter? You bet it does, because Hogwart’s too is based on this rich history of British academics. Like Hogwart’s then, Goodwood sorts its members into three houses… only swap out the wands and wizardry for gears and gasoline.
In the case of the Goodwood houses, each house is named for one of the Duke of Richmond’s titles. These are:
Aubigny
There’s Aubigny, named for his role also as the ‘Duke of Aubigny’ in France. In this case, the Duke is a descendent of Louise de Keroualle who was herself a young French aristocrat who became the mistress of Charles II. That association would also cause her to become the mother of the of the first Duke of Richmond. King Louis XIV of France would eventually make Louise de Keroualle the Duchess of Aubigny , giving her the Aubigny estates.
Aubigny House’s symbol the fleur-de-lys is taken from the Duke of Richmond’s coat of arms where it appears in the first and fourth quarters of the design.
Darnley
Another title of the Duke of Richmond is ‘Earl of Darnley’, which is a Scottish title.
The symbol for Darnley House is a boar’s head, which comes from one of the crests of the Duke of Richmond. That crest sits below the motto, ‘Avant Darnlie’ meaning ‘Darnley to the Fore’.
Methuen
The Duke of Richmond also holds the title ‘Baron Methuen of Torbolton’, which is another Scottish title.
In the case of Methuen House, the symbol is the lion’s head. This design is taken from the first and fourth quarters of the Duke of Richmond’s coat of arms.
Torbolton
Here again, the name for this house is inspired by the ‘Baron Methuen of Torbolton’ Scottish title. Notably, Audi Sport’s own Emanuelle Pirro is a former captain.
In the case of Torbolton House, the symbol is the harp. This design is taken from the first and fourth quarters of the Duke of Richmond’s coat of arms.
Why You Should Care About the Goodwood Houses and the Member’s Meeting
Though Audi hasn’t officially taken a presence at Goodwood that I recall, the Audi family of racecar driving royalty have been inducted into the world of Goodwood’s automotive high society for years. No surprise, any number of the family of Audi Sport racing legends are active participants,
Like the Houses Cup competition amongst the houses at Hogwart’s, the Goodwood Revival serves effectively the same function. House captains lead the charge in the competition, and in 2023 the latest round of captains boast some familiar faces – Andy Priaulx for Aubigny, Dario Franchitti for Torbolton, Gordon Shedden for Methuen and, most importantly for our audience, nine-time 24 Hours Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen for Darnley.
Even better, the competition isn’t just for house captains or even professional racecar drivers like André Lotterer who is also participating at the Goodwood Member’s Meeting this weekend. Everyone visiting the Member’s Meeting has a chance to get involved and win points for their house by competing in off-track games in between cheering on the on-track competitions.
Competitive events underline the family atmosphere going on here. Darts, snooker, sack races, three-legged races, an obstacle course, bean bag tosses, shuffleboard, a soccer shootout, a tug-o-war, croquet, French boule, giant connect four, giant tumble towers (a.k.a. Jenga) will probably sound somewhat familiar. More unique events like duck herding, ferret racing, laser clay shooting and a mini assault course may peek your interest even further. For adults only, there’s also stunt driving and axe throwing.
I Had No Idea. Now I Want to Attend Even More.
If you watch the most excellent event broadcast on YouTube embedded elsewhere in this story, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Member’s Meeting is only for driving competitions. I felt the same until they ran a brief piece on each of the house captains and spotted Tom K.
I’ve known about the event but have never gone to see it for myself. Now I want to attend even more. If you do also, check out more information on the house competition HERE.
SIDENOTE: Maybe merch is also a guilty pleasure for you, or maybe you just want to show Tom Kristensen and Darnley House your support. Whatever the case, items such as pins, patches, ties and more can be found in Goodwood’s online shop HERE. Or, better yet, go attend for yourself and pick some up in person.
The Goodwood Member’s Meeting is this weekend and will be broadcasting live throughout the event. Make sure to check it out embedded above or subscribe to Goodwood’s YouTube channel HERE.
