Video: The craziest Festival of Speed run ever

18th July 2023

Simon Ostler

Cast your minds back to the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Adam Smalley was at the Start Line preparing for his final run of the weekend in the Timed Shootout. The next 45 seconds or so are relentless stream of drama, with wheels on the grass, wheels in the air, and several moments where you’re waiting for his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to end up in the bales.

This is about as close to the limit as we’ve ever seen at the Festival of Speed. The urgency to get up the Hill as quickly as possible is obvious, as Smalley refuses to ease off the throttle, even as his odds of maintaining forward velocity get dangerously thin.

The way he keeps his foot in as he barrels past the House with two wheels on the grass, and several in the air, is indicative of his determination, bravery and undoubtable talent. It’s a theme that continues as he makes his way through Molecomb with similar flair, carrying unbelievable speed through the apex and hanging it out on the grass through the exit.

A word for the car, too, with its 510PS (375kW) flat-six which sounds absolutely wondrous. These are seriously capable racing cars, and this is proof that they are just as well suited to putting on a show at Goodwood as they are doing the serious stuff on the track.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Acceleration, burnouts and drifts off the line at 2022 Festival of Speed