The Richmond & Gordon Trophies consists of two distinct battles unfolding in a single race. The overall winner claims the Gordon Trophy, while the first front-engined finisher takes home the Richmond Trophy. This race celebrates a pivotal era in Formula 1 history, when engines migrated from the front to the rear. Look forward to a diverse grid featuring rear-engine pioneers from Cooper, Lotus, and BRM racing alongside front-engined classics from Maserati and Connaught.

The Richmond and Gordon Trophies race brings together Grand Prix cars from an era when the formula was making its transition from front- to mid-engined set-ups. As such, the more advanced cars dominate the front end of the grid, but that doesn’t mean the front-engined cars don’t keep the rear-engined machines honest from time to time. Race results, therefore, are difficult to predict and the racing is often very close. Strap yourselves in, because this is a good one.
The battle for grid positions heated up during a dramatic qualification session for the Richmond & Gordon Trophies, featuring an incredible field of 1952–1960s 2.5-litre Grand Prix cars. All eyes were initially on William Nuthall, a formidable five-time winner of the event, as he smoothly held onto a strong second place position in his swift number 10 Cooper-Climax T53 ‘lowline’.
The track saw intense action as Nuthall pushed the limits alongside other historic machinery, including Michael Peet steering the stunning number 24 Maserati 250F. However, the limits proved unforgiving when Nuthall suddenly went wide, sliding his Cooper-Climax T53 ‘lowline’ onto the grass and forcing him to physically step out of the car.
The drama didn't end there; with less than a minute left on the clock, the session was turned completely on its head when Rudi Friedrichs crashed out spectacularly. The late-session incidents left the paddock breathless, cementing a chaotic and unpredictable starting order for the upcoming trophy race.
Photography by Joe Harding.

|
Position |
Driver |
Car |
Time |
|
1 |
Rudi Friedrichs |
Cooper-Climax T53 'Lowline' |
1:22.684 |
|
2 |
William Nuthall |
Cooper-Climax T53 'Lowline' |
1:22.857 |
|
3 |
Ben Mitchell |
Lotus-Climax 18 |
1:23.638 |
|
4 |
Mark Shaw |
Scarab-Offenhauser |
1:24.971 |
|
5 |
Miles Griffiths |
Lotus-Climax 16 |
1:25.167 |
|
6 |
Joaquin Folch-Rusinol I Corachan |
Lotus-Climax 16 |
1:27.030 |
|
7 |
John Spiers |
Maserati 250F |
1:27.707 |
|
8 |
Clinton McCarthy |
Lotus-Climax 18 |
1:27.715 |
|
9 |
Cameron Gillies |
Cooper-Climax T53 'Lowline' |
1:28.051 |
|
10 |
Richard Wilson |
Ferrari 246 F1 Dino |
1:28.519 |
Official Practice for the Richmond & Gordon Trophies is set for 13:50 on Friday, slotted between the sessions for the Goodwood Trophy and Sussex Trophy. The main event, the Richmond & Gordon Trophies race, will then take place on Saturday afternoon, at 16:35.
While designed to celebrate racing nostalgia, the Richmond & Gordon Trophies race still attracts an exceptionally competitive grid of drivers ready to tame these early F1 machines. Returning to fight for another podium spot is last year’s victor, Andy Willis, and he’ll face stiff competition from five-time race winner Will Nuthall, who will be hunting for a historic sixth victory.

These late 1950s Grand Prix racers naturally draw a diverse entry list of both front- and rear-engined marques. Returning to the grid are several iconic past winners including last year’s victorious BRM P48, alongside the Lotus-Climax 18, Cooper-Climax T51 and the five-time winning Cooper-Climax T53 ‘Lowline’. Spectators will also be treated to legendary machinery such as the stunning Ferrari 246 F1 Dino, the classic Maserati 250F and the rare Kieft-Climax Grand Prix — each carrying an immense amount of racing heritage.
Tickets for the 2027 Goodwood Revival will be on sale from Monday 21st September for a limited time only. Tickets will be available exclusively for 2026 tickets holders, as well as Members and Fellows of the GRRC.
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