Andy Middlehurst wins the 2024 Glover Trophy: The back story

Andy told us how the race went from his point of view. “We qualified on full wet settings and it was looking likely to be a wet race. When it became clear it would be a dry race we changed back what we could in the time available, so were a little compromised. I was happy with the start and was running comfortably in fourth. I weighed up the two cars in front and reckoned I could get them with a fast exit speed and good pace by the middle of the straight. When the leader went off things were looking good, then there was the safety car which missed the leader and picked up the fourth place car, which caused confusion, then it was red flagged because of the oil trail around the whole circuit.

For some reason they counted back two laps so the BRM was back in the race, albeit with damage from his off; this meant I would start P4 on the grid, but this time with the Ferrari right next to me, having made up lots of places in the early laps.

After the re-start I was able to work my way into the lead as I hoped, but Joe appeared on my tail and I thought I would have a hard job to keep him back. I was still on the full wet tyres with wet shock absorber settings and with 50lb softer springs. As it turned out the softer springs gave me more traction out of the corners which proved to be vital. The sector times showed the Ferrari was 4 or 5mph quicker through the speed trap, which means it probably has around 25 to 30 more horsepower.  The 25 is around 30kg lighter, but even so, I knew that if Joe got past me, that would be that. I braked as late as I possibly could, exited as fast as I could and made myself as wide as necessary, at times. To be honest when I saw the 2-minute sign I didn’t think I would be able to hold on for two more laps.  Then after one lap I glimpsed what I thought was the chequered flag and lifted off. Meanwhile Joe carried on full tilt so I worried I had messed it up. When I got round to the grid there was no one there and I thought ‘Oh God, what’s happened’ and set off on another lap. Next time round everyone was there and I was ushered into the winner’s position, much to my great relief.

Everyone was so excited. I have never had so many people congratulate me for a win, so it must have been a good one. I was pleased to have the opportunity in the post-race interview to thank John and Lewis and Classic Team Lotus. I spoke with John soon after who was thrilled. He reckoned it was the best win ever for his car, for a race which he decided we should do quite last minute. I am so pleased for John, especially as his car has scored the double once more, with victories at Monaco and Goodwood.”

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