2024 Graham Hill Trophy highlights
Between the Cobras, Mustangs, Corvettes, TVRs and the Chevy-engined Bizzarrinis, you might imagine the E-types, Porsches and diminutive Lotus Elans would feel a little intimidated.
Not a bit of it. Right up there in the mix were the Lotus Elan 26R of Nigel Greensall in seventh and the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS of Oli Bryant in sixth. The might of the Cobras, TVRs and Bizzarrinis is undeniable though, with Alex Buncombe, Miles Griffiths and James Thorpe putting each respectively in first, second and third. The big Shelby GT350s proved powerful but were consummately out handled, with the best car of Nick Sleep making 20th.
Come Sunday's race Buncombe got a great start but Griffiths remained in close contact to make the most of any opportunity. And make the most of it he did, eventually overcoming the Cobra to take victory. Further down the order the battle between the Porsche of Bryant and the Lotus of Greensall made for nail-biting viewing. The video above shows some great on-board from the Elan as Greensall clings on to the tail of the Stuttgart machine. Battles between Cobras and E-types also entertained.
What is the Graham Hill Trophy?
The Graham Hill Trophy hosts stunning GT cars of a type that raced at the original Tourist Trophies at Goodwood in the early 1960s. This year it takes place 60 years on from the final RAC TT to be held at Goodwood during its original time as a motorsport venue, which incidentally, Hill won. Last held at the 79th Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport in 2022, the race has been an on-again off-again staple of the Goodwood’s revitalised season opener since the 73rd Members’ Meeting in 2015.
The race is of course named after the two-time F1 world champion and to date the only holder of the triple crown of motorsport – victories at Le Mans, the Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix – Graham Hill. Hill was of course as much the passionate sportscar racer as he was a powerhouse in F1.
In terms of format, the Graham Hill Trophy has always been fairly consistent in the handful of times it’s been run. This year will be no different, with a 20-minute timed single-driver race around the Motor Circuit.
Which cars are racing in the Graham Hill Trophy?
The race typically features closed-cockpit sports GTs that raced up to 1966. These are cars typical of the TTs held during Goodwood’s golden era, with a broad trifecta of flavours to enjoy.
The big-name pin-ups are of course present and correct, with Jaguar E-Types joining AC Cobras and Shelby Mustang GT350s. Then we have lightweights in the form of Lotus Elans and Morgans and finally, muscular V8 bruisers including the TVR Griffith, Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray and Bizzarrini 5300 GTs.
Which drivers are racing in the Graham Hill Trophy?
While not a grid stacked with VIPs, the grid for the Graham Hill Trophy does include several very talented drivers well versed in finding success here at Goodwood. Jack Tetley is a regular attendee, and is sure to put on a show in his AC Cobra, while Oliver Bryant will be pulling out all the stops to get a results in a Porsche 904.
When is the Graham Hill Trophy?
Without doubt set to be one of the highlights of the weekend, the Graham Hill Trophy begins with Official Practice on Saturday at 14:05. The race is scheduled to begin at 15:15 on Sunday afternoon. It's not one to miss, so set your alarms for this one.
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 Graham Hill Trophy
|
Year |
Event |
Drivers |
Car |
|
2022 |
79MM Graham Hill Trophy |
Minshaw/Keen |
Jaguar E-Type |
|
2019 |
77MM Graham Hill Trophy |
Minshaw/Keen |
Jaguar E-Type |
|
2017 |
75MM Graham Hill Trophy |
Whitaker/Jordan |
TVR Griffin 400 |
|
2016 |
74MM Graham Hill Trophy |
James Cottingham |
Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe |
|
2015 |
73MM Graham Hill Trophy |
Lynn/Pirro |
AC Cobra Le Mans Coupe |
81MM
Members' Meeting
Graham Hill Trophy
Event Coverage
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