Young racers and those young at heart dazzled thousands of spectators with a high-octane show as part of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Benetton's Formula One star Jenson Button, 21, revved up in a three-litre Renault Clio V6 alongside veteran French driver Jean Alesi, Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa.

They were joined by Grand Prix and Indy car champion Juan-Pablo Montoya, British legend Derek Bell from Pagham, Rubens Barrichello, Martin Brundle and Sir Sterling Moss. Ex-world champion Niki Lauda was also present.

Five F1 teams were at the three-day event near Chichester, including Ferrari, Benetton, Williams McLaren and Jaguar.

Turnout was as awesome in the motorcycle competition with four-times World Superbike champ Carl Fogarty meeting old adversary Honda legend Wayne Gardner, who rode an NSR500.

The festival featured 15 ex-Indy 500 and Monte Carlo cars plus an example of every Jaguar since the team's first Le Mans win in 1951 as part of an historic racing car display totalling more than £20 million.

Youngsters were given a chance to pit themselves against Britain's brightest racing star when Button took on challengers in the virtual racing game, Gran Turismo 3 for PlayStation2.

Donations went to Goodwood's charity, Snowdrop, which supports children, such as Luke Spencer, who have long-term illnesses.

Luke, eight, said: "I really like it here. The fast cars are the best but some of the bikes look good."

Other highlights included Damon Hill who yesterday displayed his skills on two and four wheels in his third visit to the event after first appearing in his father Graham's Jaguar 3.8 Saloon.

In the air were the Blue Eagles helicopter team and the Red Arrows.

Away from the action were displays showcasing hundreds of old and modern racing cars, a funfair, a military helicopter display and virtual reality games.

For younger enthusiasts, there was a chance to watch cartoon favou-rites including Dick Dastardly and canine sidekick Muttley battle it out in the Wacky Races.

Their lavishly designed machines led the soapbox competitors up the famous Goodwood hill before the heats.

Rolls-Royce's entry had the famous radiator while Bentley, Renault and Honda also made carts with bodies resembling production models.

The show reunited many cars with their original drivers such as Sir Jack Brabham, 75, who drove the Brabham-Honda BT18, which he used to dominate the 1966 Formula 2 season.

The event, which raised thousands of pounds, was also a hit with non-motor racing fans.

Louise Spelling, 32, of Portsmouth, said: "It's lovely to sit with a picnic with so many wonderful machines and men around!"