Indy 500 centenerary celebrations
Josh Hill became the third-generation member of the same family to drive the Lola-Ford T90 ‘Red Ball Special’, albeit a recreation of the original car which was destroyed in a last lap accident in the 1967 Indianapolis 500. His grandfather Graham Hill won the 1966 Indy 500 on his maiden visit to The Brickyard, his son and fellow Formula One World Champion Damon piloting this car on several occasions in recent years. Formula Renault driver Josh returned to Goodwood for another run at the hillclimb course, the Lola being significantly different to the Ford Focus WRC he drove in 2010. “It was such a great experience to drive something that has such a family link,” he said. “My grandfather won Indy with Lola and my dad (1996 Formula World Champion Damon Hill) has tried it so it’s really cool to drive this car. It’s pretty quick, too. It has a lot of power so it’s been a very special experience.”
Hill Jr’s run in the car formed part of Goodwood’s Indy 500 centenerary celebrations. Triple winner Arie Luyendyk savoured the same car yesterday, and was still raving about it this morning. “It was such a great experience. When I first became interested in motor racing I was aware of Graham Hill’s achievements so it’s very special to be driving this car.” The Dutch ace hopped into the 1977 Vollstedt-Offenhauser for another run at the hill this morning, the Oregon-based marque being perennially under funded in period but an Indy stalwart for much of the 1960s and ’70s.
Former Formula One driver and 2002 Indy 500 winner Eddie Cheever was still wide-eyed after braving the 1931 Duesenberg ‘Cummins Diesel Special’. “I went back in time,” he said. “I imagined driving it on bricks as they did all those years ago. Somehow I expect it was a bit more difficult than when I won. Just being here is good for the soul. It’s such a stunning place to have all these drivers and cars from different eras and they’re accessible. It’s just brilliant that Goodwood is celebrating the Indianapolis 500.”