Ground-shaking Can-Am cars came to the 81st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport for a celebration demonstration of some of the the wildest and most uncompromising racing cars of all time. The Group 7 rules that governed the formula barely governed it at all, with no limits on engine capacities, aerodynamic aids or much else. As long as the bodywork covered the wheels and there was space inside (only just) for two seats, it was allowed.
2024 Can‑Am Celebration demo | 81MM
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This ‘anything goes’ approach led to sensory overload for drivers and spectators alike. During 81st Members' Meeting, the Goodwood Motor Circuit echoed to the sound of huge capacity V8s – we're talking more than 8.0 litres, some with superchargers – as well as twin-turbo flat-twelves, it was a spectacle to see, hear and feel.
And that's precisely what we did on both days of the 81MM. After some time set aside for a gridwalk, the cars were fired up and competed to be heard above the overall cacophony of noise created by these huge-capacity monsters. Watching them circulate Goodwood for the first time on Saturday afternoon provided memories that will linger... but they didn't need to, because they did it all over again as a helpful refresher on Sunday.
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Despite being prepared for what was to come this time around, the sensory onslaught was entirely undiminished. These cars represent an unrepeatable time in motorsport, and the fact that we have the chance to witness them in action here at Goodwood is truly something to treasure.
81MM Can-Am demo cars and drivers
The Can-Am cars that form the demo range from 1968 to 1974. No fewer than seven of them came from the Shadow stable. Shadow made the most of the lack of rules, creating some of the most unusual-looking racing cars of all time. The form-over-function approach resulted in angular bodywork, extreme air intakes and often huge wings. Drivers taming these menacing-looking machines include Jackie Oliver and Tom Kristensen.
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Another marque represented in large numbers is McLaren. Witness the evolution from 1968 M6B to the 1972 M20, the common theme running through them all being the Chevrolet V8 engine. The grid will also contain a brace of Porsche 917/30s while, on static display, will be a Can-Am car that never was: the Lotus Type 66.
This car has recently been created by Lotus after original drawings of the stillborn racer were discovered in a drawer by Clive Chapman of Classic Team Lotus. While remaining true to the original concept, the small production run benefits from some 21st-century technology.
There’s another lesser-known Can-Am car in the field. The Open Sports Ford was designed by Len Bailey, who was employed by Ford but based at Alan Mann Racing. After initial testing at Goodwood, where it demonstrated competitive pace, it entered just two races. A DNF at Riverside was redeemed by a podium place in Texas. The car was shared by Frank Gardner and Jack Brabham, and it’s David Brabham who's at the wheel at 81MM.
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.
Photography by Nick Wilkinson and Jochen van Cauwenberge.
