GRR

Video: McMurtry Spéirling obliterates opposition at Laguna Seca hillclimb

15th August 2024
Russell Campbell
One of Goodwood’s favourites, the McMurtry Spéirling, has mullered another record with a 21.958-second run at the little known Corkscew Hill Climb at Laguna Seca, a sideshow to the main event on Saturday. The Spéirling fan-car makes an impassioned argument for why 2,000kg (constant) downforce and more horsepower than you can count maketh a good hill climb car, shrieking up the severe gradients like a scalded banshee.

Numbers aren’t required to understand that the McMurtry’s run is quick. Accelerating like a passing bullet train, all too soon the first corner is upon us, regular keeper of the keys, Max Chilton, locking his left wheel into the turn.

Sawing the steering on exit it’s time for another burst of pure adrenaline as the McMurtrey launches itself towards the horizon and into a drama-free turn two, we’re deep in turn three while most people’s brains are still processing the first and, split seconds later, it’s over and a record is set.

For point of reference, the next fastest car – a 1967 Ford Falcon – was eight seconds slower, and even last year’s record holder, a 1976 Lotus Type 77 F1 car's 34.690-second run, couldn’t touch the Spéirling.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: 360 Challenge Stradale is the best-sounding Ferrari V8

  • McMurtry

  • Spéirling

  • Eleveneses

  • Video

  • Modern

  • Race

The must-have subscription for motorsport enthusiasts

JOIN NOW
McMurtry Spéirling obliterates opposition at the Corkscew Hill Climb at Laguna Seca.jpg

Modern

Video: McMurtry Spéirling obliterates opposition at Laguna Seca hillclimb

15th August

McMurtry sets new Hockenheim record MAIN.jpg

Modern

McMurtry Spéirling annihilates Hockenheim lap record

21st June

mcmurtry-speirling-pure-main.jpg

Festival of Speed

McMurtry Festival of Speed record-breaker going into production

21st June 2023

mcmurtry-video-copy.jpg

Modern

Video: McMurtry embarrasses McLaren GT3 around Silverstone

16th May

Saleen_S7_Spa_elevenses_Goodwood_13082024_list.jpg

Historic

Video: Saleen S7R thunders round Spa

16th August

Elevesnes McMurtry FOS 2022 trackside MAIN.jpg

Festival of Speed

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

25th June

joe-harding-mcmurtry-timed-shootout-1.jpg

Breakfast Club

How to break the FOS Hill record

21st July 2022

mcmurtry-fos-main.jpg

Festival of Speed

Max Chilton to attempt FOS hill record in McMurtry Spéirling

16th June 2022