John Bowe labelled the Goodwood Revival as the best experiences of his motor racing career despite being hampered by a gearbox issue at the renowned historic racing festival.

The 1995 Australian Touring Car champion drove a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray once raced by Peter Brock at the Goodwood Revival in 2005 and 2006.

Competing in the RAC TT Celebration race for 1960s sportscars, Bowe qualified 20th in the 29 car field fractionally ahead of Le Mans 24 Hour winners Derek Bell and Emanuele Pirro in their 1964 Ferrari 250LM.

However, gearbox gremlins saw the car he shared with Joe Calleja classified in 24th position, eight laps down on race winners Chis Ward and former British Touring Car champion Gordon Shedden (Jaguar E Type).

Mechancial problems aside, Bowe throughly enjoyed the experience admitting he would be keen to return to the event next year.

“Goodwood Revival has been run and I have to say it has been the best motor racing experience of my life and that is saying something,” wrote Bowe on his Facebook page.

“Joe (Calleja) and I had a gearbox issue and ended up with only two gears, so it was a tough race for us but none the less great fun.

“It’s a fabulous circuit of the old style and the people are amazingly friendly and helpful. The events all run totally to time too which is unusual in itself. No wonder it’s world renowned.

“I’d love to come back again next year, it’s that good.”

The meeting also saw Australian historic racer Laurie Bennett record a sixth place finish in the Whitsun Trophy race behind the wheel of a 1965 McLaren-Chevrolet M1B.

VIDEO:RAC TT Celebration Race Highlights