Video: This trackside footage of the McMurtry Spéirling is barely believable

25th June 2024

Simon Ostler

Can it really be two years since the McMurtry Spéirling quietly arrived at Goodwood with seemingly misplaced ambitions of breaking the long-standing Festival of Speed Hill record? We all exchanged looks at the time, as we had seen the car at Goodwood before, and on that occasion it did not look like a car capable of completing the 1.16-mile Hillclimb quicker than a Formula 1 car.

Then the thing took off from the Start Line on Friday morning and we watched in stunned silence as Max Chilton absolutely rocketed up the Hill. That was just the beginning as well, because the McMurtry got quicker and quicker as the weekend went on, and by the time we were all sat ready for the Timed Shootout to begin on Sunday afternoon, there was an electric expectation in the air that the Festival of Speed record that had stood for more than 20 years was about to be broken.

Not just broken, it was absolutely obliterated.

And here in this video by Automotive Mike, you get a fantastic look at exactly what the McMurtry Spéirling looked like as it tore up the Hill, its fan, producing 2,000kg of downforce, sending up a rooster tail of dust as it went.

It’s launch away from the start at the 53 second mark is as astounding now as it was then, it still seems inconceivable that a car can accelerate that quickly. Then there’s the speed through the corners, which is utterly biblical, and even more impressive when viewed from track side.

This was a special, special moment in the history of Goodwood, and one that will live long in the memories of anyone who was lucky enough to see this monumental record run in person.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The ultimate F1 track day at Hockenheim

Main image photography by Martin Hoare.