Goodwood is pleased to announce the success of the Fordwater Trophy at the Goodwood Revival, understood to be the first historic race run entirely on sustainable fuel. The line up of 30 pre-1966 Porsche 911s took to the iconic Motor Circuit on Saturday 9 September, following a practice session on the Friday of the event.
In order to take part, competitors needed to comply with the FIA’s advanced sustainable fuel requirements and use a fuel which has a minimum of 70% advanced sustainable components. The race featured many notable cars and faces including Jenson Button, Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber and Goodwood’s very own Earl of March and Kinrara, Charlie March (Lord March) driving car number 44. After a dramatic and exciting race, Andrew Jordan and Matthew Holme took the win.
Speaking about his participation in the Fordwater Trophy, Lord March said: “I’m thrilled to have taken part in such an important race. The cars and drivers on the grid were spectacular but it also plays a crucial role in promoting the future of historic motor racing. Goodwood will continue to champion and advocate for the use of alternative energy sources and we can’t wait to see an even bigger presence of them at our events next year and beyond.”
In addition, a sustainable fuel panel discussion was held on the Friday of Revival, bringing together media and industry leaders to debate the role of these alternatives and the importance of races like the Fordwater Trophy. On the panel were:
• Richard Tuthill – prolific Porsche specialist, responsible for the preparation of many of the cars participating in the Fordwater Trophy.
• Anders Hildebrand – owner of Anglo American Oil Company, involved in developing and mixing sustainable fuels.
• Emanuele Pirro – 5-time Le Mans winner, racing at Goodwood Revival. Member of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, FIA Circuits’ Commission and FIA Historic Motorsport Commission.
A copy of the discussion can be viewed and embedded here.
While the Fordwater Trophy marks the first time a historic race has run fully on sustainable fuel, alternative fuels have featured at Goodwood in recent years and the role they play at the events is rapidly evolving.
The Festival of Speed continues to champion the future of mobility and automotive technology, with the expansion of Electric Avenue and a growing number of alternatively fuelled vehicles. At the 2023 Festival of Speed, approximately 20% of the vehicles at the event ran on alternative fuels – including hydrogen, electric and synthetic. Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel also attended this year’s Festival of Speed and drove his ex-Nigel Mansell 1992 Williams FW14B and ex-Ayrton Senna 1993 McLaren MP4/8 cars on sustainable fuel as part of his ‘Race without Trace’ initiative. Cars also ran at the 80th Members’ Meeting and 2022 Revival on substitutes to traditional fossil-fuels.
Following the success of this year’s event, Goodwood will be looking to expand the role of alternative fuels in the race list for 2024 with the majority of cars set to run on sustainably going forward.
Report by goodwood.com
