Screaming V12s and Can-Am Thunder: Goodwood's 81st Members' Meeting
Last weekend, Goodwood kicked off its motorsport season with the 81st Members' Meeting. The sun shone, daffodils blossomed, and engines roared. It was an event that brought together some of the world's most iconic racing cars, so that they could be thrashed mercilessly in the name of healthy competition.
Demand for Members' Meeting always vastly exceeds supply, and if you missed this opportunity to get to Goodwood, or you want to reminisce over what was a fantastic weekend, we have you covered with a recap of some of our standout moments.
Written by Archie Hill for The Apex by Custodian.
Parnell Cup: Single Seater Throwback
Named after Reg Parnell, who earned the affectionate nickname “Emperor of Goodwood”, after his exploits on track at the dawn of the circuit’s golden era, this race comprised of the Grand Prix, Formula 2 and voiturette cars from 1935-1950's, and featured Custodian's very own Charles Clegg. Charles got behind the wheel of a Bristol engined AC Monoposto, and after a strong qualifying secured him 5th on the grid, intermittent misfiring caused problems in the race, with the end result being a respectable 11th place finish.
Credit: Archie Hill // Goodwood P.A.
It was great to see so many former Apex interviewees also out on track, with Tiff Needell, Oliver Webb, Nick Padmore, Katarina Kyvalova, Rob Hubbard and Gregor Fisken all getting behind the wheel. Walter Heale's 1910 Star Raglan Cup also competed in the SF Edge Trophy, driven by Alex Hearnden.
Credit: Archie Hill // Goodwood P.A.
V12 Madness
A euphony of screaming V12s echoed around Goodwood's hallowed circuit, lead first of all by Gordon Murray's masterful T50S. Based on the T50 supercar, the T50S is designed for the track, and in the hands of Dario Franchitti, it danced and sang, much to the delight of spectators.
Left: Gordon Murrary's Track ready T50S // Right: Dario Franchitti // Source: Goodwood P.A.
10x Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger was also reunited with his 1989 Ferrari 640 Formula 1 car for the first time since 1989. The former team-mate to Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Jean Alesi took a couple of laps to get used to the car again before unleashing the sound of that screaming V12 Ferrari engine. Standing behind the car as it started up was nothing short of acoustic ecstasy. Long live the V12.
Gerhard Berger getting ready to drive his Ferrari 640 for the first time since 1989 // Credit: Archie Hill
Can-Am Thunder
From screaming V12s to the hammering sounds of Can-Am. This years demonstration run consisted of iconic cars from the Canadian-American Challenge Cup - a series with deliberately few regulations, encouraging the creation of the most outrageous and powerful racing cars of all time. Among which was the Porsche 917/930, a car that dominated the 1972 and '73 championship, and developed well over 1,000 bhp.
Credit: Goodwood P.A. // Archie Hill // Andrew Larkin
Ken Miles Cup: The Sound of Freedom
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mustang, the Ken Miles Cup was one of two races running exclusively on sustainable fuels (the other being the Gordon Spice Trophy). One make races always deliver brilliant on track action, and it was quite the spectacle to see 30 Mustangs pedalled by the likes of Dario Franchitti, Timo Bernhard, Neel Jani, Emanuele Pirro, Tiff Needell, Oliver Webb, Jamie Chadwick and many more. But it was Mike Whitaker and Andrew Jordan who took the win, followed by the pairing of David Brabham and Alex Brundle, and in third place, Rob Fenn and Jake Hill.
The Bonhams Auction
Away from the track the Bonhams auction was a hot spot for any discerning collector. Upon entering, there was one car that demanded your attention, a McLaren-Mercedes SLR 'Crown Edition'. One of 10 examples made specially for Middle Eastern royalty. Finished in white with chrome wheels and red interior, it was hard to miss. It was the highest seller of the auction, going for £425,500 inc premium.
Other interesting sales included a 1954 Bristol Aerodyne Coupe which sold for £172,500 inc premium, and a 2006 Ferrari 575 Superamerica, one of just 63 right-hand-drive examples built with only 1,600 miles from new. The 575 sold for £189,750 inc premium. You can find a list of all the top sellers from the auction here.
Source: Bonhams
Tyrell Shed Saved from Demolition
Other attractions included the former home of Ken Tyrrell's world championship-winning Formula 1 team. Originally situated in Okham Village, Surrey, for more than 70 years, it has now been relocated to Hurricane Lawn at the Goodwood Motor Circuit after the estate was approached to save it from demolition. Restoration workers were tasked with retaining as much originality as possible, right down to details such as stickers on the walls. Attendees were able to get an exclusive preview ahead of its official opening at the Revival later this year.
Source: Goodwood P.A.
You don't have to wait too long for more Goodwood action, as motorsport returns later in the year with the Festival of Speed (Thursday 11 - Sunday 14 July) and the Goodwood Revival (Friday 6 - Sunday 8 September).