Fireworks in the Pouring Rain

10 September 2016

Diabolical conditions and spectacular racing were features of this morning’s Madgwick Cup, second race of the day at the Goodwood Revival. It poured with rain throughout this 20-minute contest for under three-litre sports racing cars, 1960-1966. The front-runners, though, were undaunted, slithering and sliding throughout the race. It may have been an early lap to chequered flag win for Joe Twyman but that bland statement belies an exciting race and the fireworks that culminated in a closing seconds fracas at the chicane.

Joe took an early lead in one of the Sussex-built Elva-Ford Mk7s and seemed to be pulling away to an easy victory. Behind him a battle of the Lotus 23Bs splashed side by side, overtaking manouvres ending up off the track as often as not. For some laps, McLaren development test driver Chris Goodwin, who had initially led the field, seemed to have the measure of his fellow Lotus drivers. Andrew Newall and Andrew Hibbert, in their black and yellow 23Bs were not, though to be denied. At about half distance the two Andrews both briefly left the track as they bore down on Chris. This was almost repeated a lap later but this time Andrew H went past in dramatic fashion shortly to be followed by his namesake.

The brave battle of the Andys now set off after leader Joe. At first Andrew H seemed to have the upper hand only for Andrew N to take second at Woodcote corner. As the clock ticked down, the latter took three seconds off the leader in just one lap. As they charged into the chicane for the final time, Stuart Tizzard’s lapped Lotus 23 was in their path. First Joe clipped the Lotus then Andrew but in all the chaos both kept their cars on the track, crossing the line with the Elva still just ahead. ‘I’ve never raced in anything like this before,’ reported second place Newall.

(Ends)

Editor’s Notes

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