Brands Hatch hosted a poignant moment as a Lola T292, driven in period by Guy Edwards, drove to victory in the 2-Litre Sportscars race at the London Historic Trophy this afternoon (Sunday). Chris Ward piloted the car to victory, on the very weekend that news broke of Edwards’ death at the age of 83.
Edwards raced the car in 1973, most notably to wins at Charade and the Österreichring. But his career spanned far further than that, including a stint in F1 for which he was best remembered for his exploits in the British Championship. He also received a Queen's Gallantry Medal for his bravery when assisting with saving Niki Lauda from his burning car at the 1976 German Grand Prix.
Beyond that, Edwards contested Formula 5000, the World Sportscar Championship and the BTCC in a career which spanned the ‘60s to the ‘80s.
Ward’s victory was delivered in spectacular style, as he demolished the opposition with a quite exquisite sequence of unrivalled laps at the head of the field. Ultimately, this was enough for the car to claim the fitting result by over a lap from nearest rival Olly Bryant in a Chevron B19. Dan Balfour completed the podium in a Lola T210.
Other notable entrants included Alex Brundle, son of F1 racer and commentator Martin, and television personality Chris Harris. Their own T292 was forced into retirement earlier on during the hour-long race.
Motor Racing Legends, 2-Litre Sportscars, Brands Hatch
- Chris Ward, Lola T292
- Olly Bryant, Chevron B19, +1 lap
- Dan Balfour, Lola T210, +1 lap
- Bat Eggiman, Cheetah G601, +2 laps
- Bhuhofer/Willis, Lola T212, +2 laps
Click here for a full race results from the weekend.