Video: Incredible Mini vs. Lotus track battle

13th September 2020

Seán Ward

We’re used to seeing Nick Swift at the wheel of Mini, less so a Mini Marcos. Still, it appears that no matter what he’s driving, so long as it’s small and lightweight he can throw it round a track at great speed. Evidence of this can be found in the 2019 Revival’s Fordwater Trophy.

Swift is in a 1966 Mini Marcos, and ahead of him is a similarly light and, with Robert Barrie at the wheel, similarly fast 1964 Lotus Elan. The pair qualified fourth and third respectively, but before long they were up to first and second, and, well, even with a horsepower deficit, waving to Barrie down the Lavant Straight, Swift really wanted the win. A hard task – it isn’t easy to outbrake an Elan…

Don’t forget, if you want to see some historic motor racing at Goodwood in 2020 be sure to tune in for Goodwood SpeedWeek in October. A one-off behind closed door event, you’ll be able to watch it for free on GRR.