CLASSIC F1 BEASTS OFF TO GOODWOOD

Ground-effect monsters of the ‘70s set for high-speed demonstration

More than 30 ground-effect F1 cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s will take part in high-speed demonstration sessions at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting on March 19/20.

Some of the fastest cars ever to run in public at the Sussex track will be a key highlight of the 74th Members’ Meeting and the entry will include iconic designs like the Ferrari 312T5, Williams FW07 and FW08, Brabham BT49C and Mclaren MP4. Cars from Ensign, Fittipaldi, Osella and Wolf will also be in the line-up as the demonstration recreates an era when designers harnessed the airflow beneath the cars.

Leading historic racer Nick Padmore says it will be an incredible spectacle. He will share the driving of the ex-jan Lammers Shadow DN9 with the car’s preparer, Sam Thomas.

“The aim is to show the cars off within sensible limits,” said Padmore, who set the outright Goodwood lap record in a Lola T70 Spyder at last year’s Members’ Meeting. “Goodwood is one of those circuits you have to respect and it will make the lap very short. Fordwater and ‘no-name’ are so quick. The F1 car has the potential to be a lot quicker than the Lola and it will be seriously quick. We’ll be chasing the circuit record if the conditions are right.”

Padmore will also be racing the Lola again in the Bruce Mclaren Trophy and is particularly excited by the chance to race the Mini Cooper owned by his father Keith in the Whitmore Cup pre ’66 touring car race.