Lap Time
The year was spent testing, checking and testing again to make sure our Historic Lotus Eleven was ready for the 2026 season. The work felt endless: a rebuilt engine, refreshed carburettors, gearbox and differential, plus a full rewiring to chase out stubborn electrical problems. We were lucky to have former Lotus driver Adam Wilcox test the car earlier in the year. His racing experience and thoughtful feedback helped guide us through the final push. After a second test with ex‑MINI racer Bradley Gravett, the car was finally ready for the last race of the season in the Motor Racing Legends Stirling Moss Trophy at Silverstone in October. That race proved to be a standout moment for the little Lotus, with Michael O’Brien steering it to a strong second in class and fourth overall after a lively battle with our friends Ollie Crosthwaite and Nick Finburgh in their Cooper‑Monaco.
as we take on the MRL Series across the UK and Europe. On a final note, a very special moment took place at GP59 in November. Alan Gough’s daughter and grandson visited to see the Lotus he owned and raced in GT form back in the 60s. It was their first time experiencing the car in person, and it turned into an emotional day for everyone involved. Picture below shows Alan in blue overalls with the Lotus in GT form in 1965.
Michael O’Brien brings deep experience as a leading McLaren driver and is a familiar face in historic racing, with success in single-seaters and wins at Goodwood Revival and Silverstone Festival. As an ambassador for British Army Motorsport, it was a real privilege to have him with us. Now we look to 2026, when racing duties will be shared between Michael and our star Porsche driver Josh Stanton
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