June 28, 2004
F1VWC Admin and Phoenix F1 boss Andy Graydon was seen at the wheel of a Honda powered car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. But is this perhaps a strong indicator of his F1 team signing Honda for the 2005 season?

NO! It was at the wheel of a 1967 Honda RA300 during a demonstration race at the Goodwood event. But it appears that these drivers do not know what "demonstration" means as they challenged and raced, cars taking on 4 wheel drifts around the corners - just like F1 should be without traction control and mega-downforce!

"I had a great time" commented Andy. Starting from the back of a grid of 20 classic F1 cars, Brabhams, Coopers, BRM's, Ferrari's, Eagle's, Lotus - they were all there, and to race with the likes of Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss was a real honour. Of course, I had to remember that these cars are worth a lot of money (and do not have the safety aspect of modern F1 cars) but I still managed to finish a creditable 15th after 12 thoroughly enjoyable laps".

Graydon (white Honda) takes on a Guy Ligier liveried Brabham

Honda RA300 in-cockpit, challenging a 1967 Ferrari

"To put on the old style helmet and goggles, to get set the car up for each corner - almost like a rally car, with the 4 wheel drifts through the corners, it was a thoroughly enjoyable time. Compared to the modern F1 car, its almost like driving on ice! Those guys must have been mad actually racing these things back then!"

So, does he expect to be taking the wheel again in modern F1? "No, I'm 95% sure my days as a race driver are over. I've been too long out of the cockpit and have far less time to get back on the pace. I did this for fun, and that is as far as it will go. I wouldn't fancy hitting a barrier or a banking in one of these babies!"