CAN-AM THUNDER ROLLS IN TO GOODWOOD
The greatest field of Can-Am and Interserie cars ever assembled outside the North American continent brought thunderous demonstrations on both afternoons.
Jackie Oliver, reunited with a Shadow DN4 of the type with which he won the 1974 Can-Am Challenge Series, the last of its nine-year run begun by John Surtees (Lola T70) in 1966, led the high octane festivities.
Highlight for many was a set of
Don Nichols’ Shadows – from the tiny Trevor Harris-designed prototypes – brought together by American fanatic Jim Bartel and Briton Kyle Tilley’s ERA Motorsport team. Tony Southgate, who designed Nichols’ early F1 chassis as well as the most successful sportscars, was among the guests, while nine-time Tom Kristensen and Marino Franchitti were on the driver roster.
McLarens were out in force of course representing the four-time title winner, including the ex-Fred Parkhill M8E of UK-based Kiwi Warren
Briggs, the ex-Bill Cuddy M8F shared by Dutchmen Michiel Campagne and Allard Kalff and an M20.
Mark Williams drove the ex-Helmut Kelleners Interserie March 707/717 while Stephen Hepworth reunited BRM P154 and P167 chassis on track for the first time since 1972.
Two mighty Porsche 917/30 turbocars – Peter Harburg’s Roger Penske/Sunoco car reminding spectators of Mark Donohue’s brilliance and Porsche Museum GOH’s Vaillant Interserie version which Tiimo Bernhard piloted – but sadly the Ferrari 712 that Brian Redman saddled was on static display only.
David Brabham had an illuminating drive the Alan Mann Open Ford Prototype that his father raced in the 1969 seasonal finale. With
Lola T70s racing in the Surtees
Trophy event, Eric Broadley’s marque’s colours were flown by Marcus Black (T160) and the T222 of David Edwards with which Geoff Hobbs was reunited.