Video: 2024 Derek Bell Cup highlights | 81MM

And so it proved as soon as the flag dropped at the start of the race, with position changes at the front of the field even before they’d reached the first corner. Wheel-to-wheel action continued until oil dropped by the Brabham of Simon Etherington caused Jeremy Tibbs to have an off aboard his Chevron.

The ensuing red flag meant that any hard-earned gaps that had been opened up evaporated when things ground to a halt for the grid to reform. That worked out badly for race leader Michael O’Brien and his Titan Mk3. He suffered a poor start and dropped down to fifth at the first corner. Did he regain position? No spoilers here – you’ll need to watch the video to see what transpired. All we will say here is that the battle that unfolded was one of the hardest fought of the whole 81^st Members' Meeting weekend.

A race for 1,000cc Formula 3 cars built between 1964 and 1970, the Derek Bell Cup is a peppy change of tune to the rumble of V8s. The sound of the tiny engines as they speed from the line akin to a swarm of hornets, energetic hornets with a temper.

What's more, with such equally matched machinery that rewards smooth driving, the racing is very close and the results reward skill behind the wheel. And the results from qualifying reflect that, with less than a second separating the top three places. We also have three different marques at the sharp end, Michael O'Brien (Titan Mk3) leading Peter De La Roche (Alexis Mk17) and Andrew Hibberd (Brabham BT18). That order could so easily shuffle come the race. These may not be the fastest cars of the weekend, but they’re no less enjoyable to watch.

The Derek Bell Cup has been a regular occurrence on the schedule since first appearing at the 73^rd Members’ Meeting, with four different winners over five years. At the 81^st Members’ Meeting, the cars and drivers will take part in a 20-minute sprint for glory.

Which cars are racing in the Derek Bell Cup?

For what they might lack in power, these ‘60s Formula 3 cars more than make up for in beauty. They’re very pretty little cars that evoke memories of that wonderful era of single-seaters. 

One of the most interesting aspects of the Derek Bell Cup is the sheer variety of cars in action. While nearly the entirely grid is powered by naturally aspirated 1.0-litre Ford engines, the list of manufacturers is vast.

Lotus, Brabham, Tecno, March, Chevron, Merlyn, Titan, De Sanctis are just some of the names you can expect to see out on track over the course of the weekend. The Brabhams have seen plenty of success in previous years, we'll be watching with interest to see if another name can force its way into the roll of honour this weekend.

Which drivers are racing in the Derek Bell Cup?

Expect a grid of up to 30 Formula 3 cars to line up for the Derek Bell Cup, each driven by experienced and talented drivers known the world over for their exploits in historic motorsport.

Former winners Andrew Hibberd and John Milicevic will once again be fighting for honours, and they'll be joined Nick Padmore, who knows the Goodwood Motor Circuit like the back of his hand.

When is the Derek Bell Cup?

The Formula 3 cars of the Derek Bell Cup will be in action for the first time on Saturday at 11:25 for their Official Practice. They'll be set for racing action on Sunday morning as the second race of the day at 09:40.

The 81st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport is live now! You can watch every second of the action right here on our GRR live stream.

Previous winners of the Derek Bell Cup

Photography by Jochen van Cauwenberge