Pink Floyd's Nick Mason appeared at Goodwood House this week, helping to launch the 2005 Goodwood Festival Of Speed, which is held on Lord March's front lawn in Sussex, England. The event involves the finest vehicles from all over the world coming together with the finest drivers, who drive up a hill trying to miss hay bales and stone walls, whilst trying to beat the time set by others.

The launch for the 2005 Festival, which takes place on June 24th, 25th and 26th this year, was held in brilliant sunshine, with many well-known drivers taking to the hill during the morning.

Nick brought along his Ferrari Enzo supercar, which The Times newspaper reported that he said he would be taking to his children’s school fête later. 'The kids love it,' he said. 'Well, they're vaguely interested. But it makes the parents absolutely green.' The report went on to say "his lovely wife Nettie popped out of the house to say: 'OK, Nick, I’m off to do the school run. I'll take the helicopter.' She wasn’t joking."

The Earl of March, in his welcome speech, introduced this year’s theme of ‘Racing Colours – National Pride and Culture’, which celebrates the essence of what makes the cars and motorcycles of different countries so typical of their makers' cultures, passions and skills. New for 2005 is the spectacular Forest Rally Stage – a three-kilometre loose-surface rally course which has been cut into the wooded area close to the hillclimb finish line. Around 30 cars from the history of rallying will provide a thrilling demonstration of sideways driving throughout all three days of the event. We suspect that Nick will stick to more conventional driving displays!

Each year a magnificent automotive sculpture in front of Goodwood House represents an important motoring milestone. In 2005, Honda celebrates ‘40 Years of Grand Prix Success’, with a stunning collection of Honda cars and motorcycles around the display. Pictured to the right is the 2004 display.

Amongst the cars shown during the launch, was the new Ferrari F430, getting its first outing in the UK. Nick also brought along a couple of his Ferrari's - namely, his 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Competizione' LM car, and his 2003 Ferrari Enzo. The photo to the left shows them lined up and raring to go. Our thanks to Dave for sending over the picture.

TICKETS
As in 2004 all days of the Festival will be for advance ticket holders only - no tickets will be for sale on the gate. To book your tickets for the Festival, please either telephone the Booking Office on +44 1243 755055 or buy on-line by visiting the "Online Shopping & Tickets" section of www.goodwood.co.uk, were you will also find the latest news and press releases for this and the later Revival race meeting at Goodwood Circuit, to be held from September 16th - 18th 2005, which again Nick is expected to attend.

In other Mason/Enzo related news, Nick has lent his Enzo to the Classic Cars Live! Show. The car will form part of the Future Classics display at the show, which takes place at Alexandra Palace, London this weekend.

The venue is legendary amongst Floyd fans for the 14 Hour Technicolor Dream in 1967, where the band played as dawn broke.

Phil Bell, editor of Classic Cars Magazine commented: "We're delighted to be able to offer visitors to the show this unique chance to glance at one of the rarest, finest and most expensive cars on the planet. The Enzo is certainly tipped to be a classic car of the future."