Image credit: Kieran Cleeves/PA Media Assignments
After the impressive displays on the first day of the 81st Goodwood Members’ Meeting, Sunday brought a different kind of excitement to the renowned racing circuit.
Sunday is dedicated to racing, and Goodwood did not disappoint, offering 10 thrilling races for spectators to enjoy both trackside and through international live streaming.
For those who appreciate racing from the past, the Members’ Meeting showcased the superiority of historic racing compared to contemporary action.
Right from the start, there was intense wheel-to-wheel action, with Will Nuthall skillfully maneuvering his Cooper-Bristol Mk2 T23 through the final chicane on the last lap of the Parnell Cup. He overtook John Ure in a Cooper-Bristol Mk2 T24/25 to claim victory in the race featuring Grand Prix, Formula 2, and Voiturette cars from 1935 to 1953.
The iconic Formula 3 single-seaters from the 1960s gracefully slid around the Goodwood Circuit, setting the stage for one of the most hotly contested races of the afternoon: the Surtees Trophy. This race featured sports prototypes from 1960 to ’66.
The grid was filled with Ford GT40s, Lola, Chevron, and McLaren, resulting in an exciting 20-minute race. Alex Brundle fought to stand out and skillfully navigated through the slow traffic in an impressive 1965 Ford GT40, reminiscent of the car that won Le Mans in the 60s.
Unfortunately, Brundle’s race came to an end due to technical issues, preventing him from continuing the intense battle at the front of the pack. Meanwhile, John Spiers, in his thrilling McLaren-Chevrolet M1B, spun out after comfortably leading while weaving through backmarkers at Woodcote.
Spiers, a sports pilot, recovered admirably and finished in second place, while Andrew Kirkaldy, initially the winner in his Chevron-BMW B8, was demoted to fourth place after officials discovered an early start.
However, this did not stop Kirkaldy from engaging in an exciting duel with teammate Ben Mitchell in the final moments of the race, with Mitchell emerging as the winner.
The fierce wheel-to-wheel action, where drivers pushed their limits in search of speed and track positions, shattered the perception that these cars are priceless relics that need delicate handling.
On the contrary, the essence of the Members’ Meeting and Historic Racing is to drive these vehicles as they were designed to be driven: with intensity and speed.
This serves as a delightful reminder of a bygone era, contrasting with the calculated precision of modern racing, where drivers rarely display the same level of skill in controlling slides and pushing the limits of their cars.
Excitement filled the atmosphere at Goodwood, with spectators and participants delighting in the festivities. One enthusiast in particular was Mike Rockenfeller, a newcomer to the Members’ Meeting, who expressed his admiration for the event. “It’s an absolutely amazing experience,” he exclaimed. “The passion, the cars, the daring drivers pushing these vintage vehicles to the limit on such an iconic track – it’s simply incredible. I can’t wait to come back to Goodwood again and again.”
Kyle Tilley, founder of Era Motorsport, shared Rockenfeller’s enthusiasm. His racing company initially focused on historic markets, with contemporary races becoming an unexpected addition. “Although I enjoy modern racing, it’s the historic cars that really capture my heart,” confessed Tilley. “Being at Goodwood is always a pleasure for me. This is my third or fourth Members’ Meeting, and I simply love it.”
For those with a deep appreciation for the history of car racing, Goodwood is a paradise. Everywhere you look, there are iconic two and four-wheeled vehicles to admire. This was evident during the thrilling Graham Hill Trophy race, where AC Cobras, Jaguar E-Types, and Lotus Elans fought for first place. In the end, Miles Griffiths, from Era Motorsport, emerged victorious in his impeccably presented TVR Griffith.
The excitement continued with the Grover-Williams Trophy, featuring pre-war Grand Prix cars from Bugatti and Alfa Romeo. The roar of these historic vehicles echoed throughout the Goodwood Circuit, captivating all in attendance.
As the weekend came to a close, a sense of tranquility settled over Goodwood. Most of the Members’ Meeting paddocks had already been dismantled, and the atmosphere became more calm. Classic cars like Alfas, Coopers, and Austin Healeys mingled with other iconic sports cars from 1948 to 1953, including the Jaguar C-Type, Aston Martin DB3S, and Maserati 300S, in the Peter Collins Trophy. Richard Wilson triumphed in his stunning 1957 Maserati 250S, adding another memorable moment to the weekend.
To close out the weekend festivities, the legends of touring cars returned to the track once again for the thrilling 15-minute Gordon Spice Sprint race. This electrifying race featured Minis, Rover SD1s, and Chevrolet Camaros, giving the Goodwood crowd one last glimpse of historic racing action.
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until the Autumnal Revival event for the return of historic racing action at Goodwood. This gives Rover #18, which caused Mini 1275 GT #64 to spin off the track, the opportunity to make the necessary repairs and prepare for future races.
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