Video: Frantic hot lap at Indy in a 1964 Lotus Elan

11th December 2023

Simon Ostler

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to be one of the bucket list race tracks. A temple of speed with heritage to match the likes of Silverstone, Monza and Spa-Francorchamps, it must be one hell of a rush to drive out on that front straight, albeit in the ‘wrong’ direction as stipulated by the Road Course.

Today we’re riding onboard with Kyle Tilley, founder of Era Motorsport, as he lashes his Lotus Elan 26R around the twisty infield section of the legendary 2.5-mile oval. In such a lightweight and agile machine, keeping up momentum is paramount in a car powered by a relatively meagre four-cylinder engine.

Tilley does just that with some pretty brave driving as he slides this beautiful Elan in and out of each corner and just barely holds on as he makes it out onto the banking and onto the main straight once again.

This is the kind of car we see in action regularly at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, and it’s good to see them put through their paces all over the world. There really is nothing quite like historic motor racing.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Stunning convoy of Ferrari F40s embark on a three‑day road trip