Video: Racing a GT40 in torrential rain at Goodwood

22nd March 2024

Simon Ostler

The cars of the Whitsun Trophy are damn near impossible to keep under control at the best of times, such is the ferocious power being sent through their rear axles. Send them out in torrential rain and, as you can see from this incredible onboard video courtesy of JD Classics, the skills required to keep these cars on the road are beyond those of mortal folk.

Chris Ward is at the wheel of this Ford GT40 during a soggy 2016 Goodwood Revival, and we join him as he gingerly navigates the Chicane and has to leap off the throttle halfway down the pit straight as the car threatens to sling him into the wall at high speed. Opposite lock in a straight line? Standard procedure for the monsters of the Whitsun Trophy.

This is next level though, the sheer amount of time Ward is spending either completely off, or on half-throttle as he waits, waits and waits some more for the grip to arrive through the corners is astonishing. We’re not entirely sure he ever makes it to full throttle for the entirety of this video.

The level of concentration must be exhausting, because you know any mistake is incredibly likely to end up with the car in the wall. But then to have the bravery and the skill to send one up the inside of Madgwick of what looks like a Lola T70 through the spray is utterly outrageous.

Hats off to these drivers for their performance in this race, seriously impressive stuff.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Ride onboard with this heroic TVR mountain pass attack