Who ten years ago would believe you if you told them that a Ford Transit was in the running to potentially win the Timed Shootout at the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard? Well, as things stand on the Sunday morning of the 2024 edition, the Shootout is a Transit’s to lose.
As of the end of Saturday's Timed Shootout Qualifying, it was a two-horse race between the Ford Supervan 4.2 and the Subaru Project Midnight, with the Supervan in the lead with a 45-second time.
It is, of course, not your average load lugger. Supervan 4.2 has more in common performance-wise with a Rimac hypercar than the humble long-serving workhorse you can buy at any Ford dealer. In place of an efficient diesel engine, four 500PS electric motors fed by a high-voltage battery for a 1,400PS (1,030kW) combined maximum output.
In place of generous load space, a scalloped-out rear end that turns the box-end extremities of the transit into giant wings above an enormous diffuser at the bottom. Those giant wings have themselves, a giant wing hanging off the back. At the front, a giant splitter and heat exchanger. The downforce potential, Ford claims, is some two tonnes at 150mph.
That will have been useful at Bathurst, where he drove the Supervan to a 1:56.605, triple-world-record-setting lap time – fastest closed-wheel, fastest commercial model and fastest electric vehicle, if you’re wondering.
The only time Romain will get anywhere near that on our Hill is across the finish line, where in qualifying he hit 147mph. Further down the Hill, it’s more about driver skill, as Dumas is tasked with threading the not-diminutive mutant load-lugger up past the flint wall. He really has no choice but to use all the track.
F1 ace Sergio Perez warmed up the Red Bull-liveried Supervan for the morning run. He was no doubt under instructions to not bring it to any harm, given it’s in with a chance of victory, so after a fairly smoky start the Mexican no doubt wound it down to six-tenths. All eyes on you, Romain…
Ford
Supervan
FOS 2024
Festival of Speed
Timed Shootout
Romain Dumas
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
Flying jetpacks doesn't have to just be a spectator sport at FOS, you can have a go at our very own Aerodrome!
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Leading women of business, sport, fashion and media, take part in one of the most exciting horseracing events in the world.
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account