Lotus Type 119c clinches victory and second record
in Brooklands Soapbox Derby
The Lotus Type 119c soapbox, which topped the timesheets in the 2004 Goodwood Soapbox
Challenge, claimed its second consecutive title and record in the Brooklands Soapbox Derby,
at the Brooklands circuit in Surrey, on 16 July 2006. This earns Lotus a place in the history
books as being the most successful soapbox racing team ever in UK downhill gravity racing
competition.
Paul Adams, who was once again at the wheel of the Type 119c closed-cockpit "streamliner,"
dominated the practice run on the historic course from the very start, finishing ahead of closest
rivals and last year's competition winners, Lola Cars, by posting a fastest time of 72.4
seconds, just 0.6 seconds shy of last year's record.
The pace-setting performance continued, breaking the 2005 record in the very first of six
competitive runs with a time of 68.5 seconds, leaving second placed Lola 1.8 seconds adrift in
the opening round. It then proved difficult for both Lola and the remaining entrants to match
the blistering pace of the Lotus. Adams, having mastered the sweeping curves and the historic
banked section, went on to smash the record further in the second official timed run with an
even faster time. He set a new course record of 67.7 seconds, 4.1 seconds quicker than last
year's top time, reminiscent of the stunning performance at Goodwood in 2004.
Not taking any chances until the chequered flag, the Lotus continued to battle, and posted a
time on the final run which was within just 0.10 seconds of the new record. In only the second
race on the Brooklands circuit since 1936, the Lotus team mounted the top step of the podium
to aptly receive the winner's trophy from Sir Richard Noble, who successfully piloted Thrust 2
to the Land Speed record in 1983, before becoming Project Director for the Thrust SCC Land
Speed Record in 1997.
Commenting on the day's racing in the Brooklands Soapbox Derby, Paul Adams explains
"Taking a second win in the Type 119c is very special, and I am extremely proud to be
bringing another trophy back to Hethel. It is a testament to all the hard work and dedication of
all those involved at Lotus. The racing was both fun and very close, which I thoroughly
enjoyed. It is a great event."
The Lotus Type 119c will continue to be used for marketing activities as a demonstration of
capability of Group Lotus.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.