Although there was never a race called the Brooklands Trophy in Goodwood’s heyday, it was not unusual to see pre-war cars competing at the circuit in club racing and very early ‘historic’ events. At the Goodwood Revival, the Brooklands Trophy features thundering cars of a type that raced at the famous Brooklands banked circuit prior to 1939.
The 2009 Goodwood Revival saw Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason claim a hotly-contested Brooklands Trophy but his victory was far from assured for much of the running. Pole-sitter Patrick Blakeney-Edwards initially appeared to have the race in the bag aboard his Frazer Nash Super Sport only for his work to unravel – more than once. He out-dragged fellow front-row starter Jeremy Brewster’s Lea Francis Hyper off the line but the order reversed as Brewster made his move at Woodcote at the end of the first lap. The Frazer Nash was back in front by the time the pair made it through Madgwick for the second time with third-place man Mason still in touch aboard his Aston Martin Ulster.
Blakeney-Edwards then pulled clear before heading for the pits twelve minutes into the 20-minute encounter. Frantically gesticulating to his mechanics to top up his radiator, his gander was visibly up when a yellow flag-wielding marshal stopped him momentarily from rejoining the action.
On returning trackside in seventh place, Blakeney-Edwards drove a blinder and within three minutes had worked his way up to the back of the leader. As they entered Madgwick for the eighth time, the Lea Francis gave up the ghost and pulled off the circuit. Outwardly appearing to have the race under control, and having lapped some 2.5-seconds inside his Friday pole lap time, Blakeney-Edwards then slowed dramatically in the dying stages with a loss of fuel pressure. A smooth-driving Mason took his place at the front and held on to the flag.
The delighted victor said: “It’s just a delight to drive. I started out in racing 35 years ago in this car so it’s very special.” Gracious in defeat, Blakeney-Edwards added: “The car was overheating and then lost some fuel pressure but it’s an honour to come second to an absolute hero.”
Brooklands Trophy Race Results (11 laps)
1. Nick Mason, Aston Martin Ulster
2. Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, Frazer Nash Super Sports
3. Richard Wills, BMW 328
4. Hubert Fabri, Bugatti Type 59
5. Neil Davies, Bentel Speed Model
Fastest Lap: Patrick Blakeney-Edwards Frazer Nash Super Sports at 1:43.608 (83.39 mph)
Click for complete results: Brooklands Trophy Race Results
[Source: Goodwood Revival]
