Video: Throwing an E‑type round Britain's fastest track

Historic racing cars like being chucked through fast corners – they were never really designed for circuits with hard braking zones and twisty segments, making many modern circuits a bit of a wishy washy experience in a cross-ply shod racer. Thruxton though, like Goodwood, brings in that perfect mix of sweeping corners and very few hard braking zones. So holding a historic racing event is a no brainer.

Which brings us to this video, and some more things very familiar to Goodwood. A Jaguar E-type in full racing spec, and James Cottingham. It’s a pairing we’ve seen many times, competing for the Kinrara Trophy and the RAC TT, and we’ve also seen James in many many other cars. But in E-types, he is a skilled pedaller. Here, on the sweeping corners of Thruxton, the Cottingham/Jag combination comes to life. Setting the fastest lap at the Pre-’63 GT race in the 2020 Thruxton Historic Festival. 

It’s one of those laps you just know is fast when you watch it, with no need for a timer – although there is a vbox if you so need it, registering over 220km/h on the back straight! Cottingham seems so relaxed hurling the car around the Hampshire track, and so at ease with managing its drift. And to top it all off, just listen to that straight-six engine sing.

If you like this, then have we got a treat for you! This is exactly the kind of racing you’ll find at Goodwood Speedweek in October! But what is Goodwood Speedweek we hear you ask? Well, you can find all the information you need right here.