Benjafield’s Racing Club held its first Sprint event in seven years on Saturday May 23, bringing a fantastic lineup of rare racing cars spanning more than 100 years to the Goodwood circuit. Included in the nearly 50 cars taking part were an incredibly rare 1907 Itala, an original Lister “Knobbly” Jaguar that raced at Le Mans and the Brooklands Bentley, the Pacey Hassan Special.
Impressive runs were also turned in by Martin Hunt in a 1964 Jaguar E-Type, Julian Grimswade in a 1934 Fraser Nash and Chris Lunn in a Lister Knobbly.
Some drivers had driven for 24 hours to get to Goodwood, while others flew in especially for the exclusive event from across Europe, New York, Singapore and beyond. Spectators were able to attend the event for free, and were rewarded with a fantastic day of sprinting, along with a lunchtime parade of 23 Vintage Bentleys taking part—including several of the original Bentley 4.5L Blowers—before the cars lined up on the grid for enthusiasts to take a closer look.
Representing modern motoring, the fastest times of the day were set during demonstrations by the Ferrari F12 and Mercedes SLS, while much interest was also created by the new Tesla Model S electric car. The Goodwood Grid Girls added to the glamour along with two aerial displays, one from a vintage Tiger Moth and the other from a fixed-wing stunt plane.
The event closed in true Benjafield’s style with a sumptuous dinner at Goodwood Hotel, where the various class winners were acknowledged in a lavish awards ceremony attended by the great grandson of Dr. Benjafield, who came to support the club.
Competitions Captain William Medcalf said: “This was a real fun-packed day showing just what like-minded enthusiasts can think up! Thanks to all the members, drivers and marshals who helped put together a unique event. The response from the spectators was brilliant, and we will be looking to make this an annual event for real enthusiasts to enjoy.”
“I have never seen so many boys with their exotic toys having such fun,” noted Goodwood’s Clerk of the Course Ian Stephens. “The Benjafield’s Racing Club is a really great bunch of people, so open and sharing of their passion. I would recommend everyone to make a note in their diary for next year, this event is going to grow!”
The next Benjafield’s Sprint will take place in May 2016, with the actual date to be confirmed on the club’s website, www.benjafields.com
