GRR

2024 Can-Am Celebration demo | 81MM

14th April 2024
Adam Wilkins

Ground-shaking Can-Am cars came to the 81st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport for a celebration demonstration of some of the the wildest and most uncompromising racing cars of all time. The Group 7 rules that governed the formula barely governed it at all, with no limits on engine capacities, aerodynamic aids or much else. As long as the bodywork covered the wheels and there was space inside (only just) for two seats, it was allowed.

nwp_130424goodwood_214.jpg

This ‘anything goes’ approach led to sensory overload for drivers and spectators alike. During 81st Members' Meeting, the Goodwood Motor Circuit echoed to the sound of huge capacity V8s – we're talking more than 8.0 litres, some with superchargers – as well as twin-turbo flat-twelves, it was a spectacle to see, hear and feel.

And that's precisely what we did on both days of the 81MM. After some time set aside for a gridwalk, the cars were fired up and competed to be heard above the overall cacophony of noise created by these huge-capacity monsters. Watching them circulate Goodwood for the first time on Saturday afternoon provided memories that will linger... but they didn't need to, because they did it all over again as a helpful refresher on Sunday.

81mm_jochenvc_a1716.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_a1736.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_a1709.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_a1742.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b2909.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3001.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3039.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3067.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3112.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3149.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3155.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3190.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3215.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3275.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3282.jpg
81mm_jochenvc_b3360.jpg

Despite being prepared for what was to come this time around, the sensory onslaught was entirely undiminished. These cars represent an unrepeatable time in motorsport, and the fact that we have the chance to witness them in action here at Goodwood is truly something to treasure.

81MM Can-Am demo cars and drivers

The Can-Am cars that form the demo range from 1968 to 1974. No fewer than seven of them came from the Shadow stable. Shadow made the most of the lack of rules, creating some of the most unusual-looking racing cars of all time. The form-over-function approach resulted in angular bodywork, extreme air intakes and often huge wings. Drivers taming these menacing-looking machines include Jackie Oliver and Tom Kristensen.

nwp_130424goodwood_210.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_212.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_211.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_204.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_206.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_209.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_216.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_222.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_223.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_215.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_224.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_227.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_233.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_236.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_246.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_249.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_253.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_255.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_257.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_258.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_248.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_232.jpg
nwp_130424goodwood_203.jpg

Another marque represented in large numbers is McLaren. Witness the evolution from 1968 M6B to the 1972 M20, the common theme running through them all being the Chevrolet V8 engine. The grid will also contain a brace of Porsche 917/30s while, on static display, will be a Can-Am car that never was: the Lotus Type 66.

This car has recently been created by Lotus after original drawings of the stillborn racer were discovered in a drawer by Clive Chapman of Classic Team Lotus. While remaining true to the original concept, the small production run benefits from some 21st-century technology.

There’s another lesser-known Can-Am car in the field. The Open Sports Ford was designed by Len Bailey, who was employed by Ford but based at Alan Mann Racing. After initial testing at Goodwood, where it demonstrated competitive pace, it entered just two races. A DNF at Riverside was redeemed by a podium place in Texas. The car was shared by Frank Gardner and Jack Brabham, and it’s David Brabham who's at the wheel at 81MM.

The 81st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport is live now! You can watch every second of the action right here on our GRR live stream.

Photography by Nick Wilkinson and Jochen van Cauwenberge.

  • 81MM

  • Members' Meeting

  • Can-Am

  • Event Coverage

  • can-am-demo-81mm-goodwood-main.jpg

    Members' Meeting

    Can-Am monsters to roar in Goodwood 81MM demo

  • best-can-am-moments-goodwood.jpg

    Members' Meeting

    Video: The 10 best Can-Am moments at Goodwood

  • porsche_917_goodwood_14042024_81mm0_list.jpg

    Members' Meeting

    Did these Porsche 917/30s push Can-Am too far?

Explore the latest additions to our Revival collection

SHOP NOW