GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2007

The tenth Goodwood Revival meeting was host to the rear-engine Formula Junior cars using drum brakes, of a type that raced between 1958 and 1962 (FJ class C & D).  The Chichester Cup has been contested by FJ every year and is a three year rotation of front- engine, (FJ class A & B); rear engine drum; and rear engine disc, (FJ class E).  Thirty cars were invited representing an impressive twenty-two different marques.

The weather for the whole meeting was dry though at times a keen wind blew through the FJ paddock attempting to thwart the fashion statements of the Ladies.  Summer dresses and high heels do not make for a comfortable time and many were resorting to mechanic overalls and flat shoes on Friday but made a brave attempt at period glamour on race day.  This year Saturday was designated ‘Ladies Day’  with spot prizes for the smartest and most elegant ladies, of flowers and champagne.  No one amongst our ranks divulged if they had won so please inform Sarah if you were amongst  the lucky few!

Thursday lunchtime was marked by the now traditional FJ Schnapps & Herring party compliments of the Scandinavian drivers that this year was hosted by Peter Kumlin.  This was well attended in the paddock and much appreciated - so thank you from all of the drivers and their teams.  Duncan presented a plaque designed by Doug Martin to Martin Carter to commemorate 50 years since his first race at Brand’s Hatch and to wish him well in the future, as he had earlier announced his decision to retire after the Revival meeting.  I was somewhat shocked to receive  a bottle of my favourite red wine  as a thank you for my support.  So thanks to everyone in the FJ family!   We then headed off to the cricket match for Pimms and afternoon tea, followed by the driver’s briefing.

Friday was practice qualification and all thirty cars took to the track to set their grid slot.  This year FJ was Race Three so there was not such a hectic scramble to reach assembly and many had time to fit in breakfast.  I am still amazed that spectators do not appear to hear a race car behind them and it takes some skill not to collect one as a bonnet mascot on the way to assembly!  The only casualty in practice was Martin Carter in the Lynx who had found extra speed and was hoping for a top six grid slot when he met a slow car at St. Mary’s and had to put two wheels on the grass when the car suddenly moved off line to avoid a collision.  Unfortunately there were sunken areas of ground at this point and the car was spun and airborne before hitting the tyre wall.  Luckily Martin was unscathed and the car, though too damaged to race, was not as bad as first thought.  Practice times were down changing all of the session with several different provisional pole sitters but as the final car crossed the line pole went to James Hicks in the Caravelle-Ford MkIII.

It was time to scurry back to base camps to prepare for the cocktail party at Goodwood House.  The champagne flowed freely and we were entertained with an aerial display.  Time to chat with friends both old and new before heading back for well needed sleep.

Saturday, Race Day, thankfully dawned warmer then the previous day as the drivers and their teams waited patiently in assembly for the signal to exit to the track and take up grid positions.  James Hicks on pole had last year’s Lurani Trophy winner and two-time Chichester Cup winner Martin Walford, driving Stuart Rolt’s Elva 200 alongside and John Delane’s Lotus 18 completing the front row.  The flag dropped and Walford led into Madgwick closely followed by Chris Drake in the Elva-Ford 300 which had rocketed up from fifth on the grid, with Delane in third.  Philip Venables’ Nota-Ford was the first casualty, ending up amongst the corn stalks with tyre failure but luckily no damage to driver or car. John Chisholm in the Gemini-Ford Mk3A was charging up the field and had reached sixth by the end of lap two from tenth, his grid place having been compromised by completing only two laps in qualification due to an electrical fault.  Delane tried valiantly to keep Chisholm behind but was passed on lap three. Walford had a clear space of almost two and a half seconds between him and the fight for second between Drake, Chisholm, Delane and Hicks.  Chisholm made his move on lap five, diving down the inside of Fordwater with two tyres on the white line to take second.  Now the tail-enders came into the equation and Mark Woodhouse in the Dolphin passed Drake in the middle of Woodcote only to be retaken into Madgwick.  Hicks and Woodhouse passed a slower car on either side as they continued the battle for place honours.  Walford was having gear selection problems and reduced to three working gears may have assisted Chisholm catching him, and taking the lead at the kink on lap seven.  Hicks slots in behind as the leaders once again are negotiating traffic.  Walford is quicker through St. Mary’s but is unable to latch on to Chisholm, while Hicks drives the fastest lap but then is held up badly by traffic.  Woodhouse pulls off on lap 11 with loss of oil pressure and Drake is in the pits with rotor arm failture. On the penultimate lap Hicks is up to second as Walford meets the Wainer-Fiat at a difficult place.  Chisholm holds on to his lead as Walford and Hicks are side by side through the Lavant straight kink.  Walford holds off Hicks and defends his position to the line.  There is a wait of half a minute for the fourth place John Delane who just pips John Tweedale on the line.  There has also been an exciting battle for sixth place with Andrew Hibberd in Peter Jackson’s Cooper-Ford T56 eventually holding off James Denty in the BMC Mk II.

With a crowd of 116,000 giving enthusiastic encouragement to the drivers they were not disappointed by the efforts of the Chichester Cup cars. This race was a real crowd pleaser as no contact was made and due courtesy given by all drivers, with each place strongly fought for and defended.  Lord March singled it out for special praise at the prize presentation. 

The theme of the ball was the 40th Anniversary of the Beatles Sergeant Pepper LP. and the guests were invited to dress accordingly.  Formula Junior were strongly represented by John and Kitty Chisholm, David Pratley and Alex Morton in this respect though it was difficult to tell under John’s wig and glasses to whom you were talking!  Kevin Musson also showed creativity with his costume and apologies to everyone else who made the effort but have not been mentioned.  The band was truly amazing and I have never experienced such a crush on the dance floor at  a previous Goodwood Ball nor has an evening sped past so quickly and enjoyably.

This was definitely an event to remember and it is a great shame that only a small number of the Formula Junior racing family can attend but those who did cherish their entry and good fortune.