James at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
6th July 2005



20 Year old race ace James Gornall from Werrington, Peterborough, took part in the world famous ‘Festival of Speed’ (24,25 26th June) hosted by The Earl of March at Goodwood, near Chichester, West Sussex. (www.goodwood.co.uk)


Turning Heads in the Paddock (TVR Sagaris)

James, at Goodwood for the first time, and in his capacity as Ambassador for Private Banking, LloydsTSB, (one of the event title sponsors) was one of a host of top motor racing drivers from around the world attending the event, which attracts crowds of in excess of 150,000 people. Current F1 drivers included Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Fernando Alonso and Takumo Sato to name but a few. In fact the top drivers from all current motorsport categories take part in this fabulous event, along with some very famous past world champions. James was introduced to Sir Stirling Moss, and took time to introduce John Surtees to the guests he was entertaining.

The event was a fabulous spectacle of cars (and bikes) from past era’s and current technological marvels, being driven up the world famous Goodwood Hill by the very best drivers in the world.


On track at Goodwood

James, had been asked to drive the new TVR Sagaris in the Sunday Times Supercar run. This event showcases the latest crop of supercar exotica from all over the world, often driven to their limits and in spectacular style up the 1.1 mile hillclimb circuit. This year was no exception, with James getting into the spirit of the event, with a huge cheer from the grandstand after his startline burnout was nearly twice as long as the BBC TV’s ‘Stig’, who he followed on one of his 4 runs over the 3 days!! “What a fantastic experience” commented James. “I’d heard a lot about the Festival of Speed over the last year or so, but had never been able to go due to my racing commitments. I was absolutely thrilled when I was invited to not only attend as the Ambassador for Private Banking, but to also get the chance to drive alongside the worlds great racing drivers, past and present. Over the 3 days, I met and was introduced to some very nice people, and some very famous ones, all of who were interested in my career to date and what I hoped to achieve in the future. The hillclimb circuit we use, is very fast but also very tight, the smallest mistake and you’re in the wall, literally! I’m happy to say all 4 of my runs were quick and ‘clean’. The TVR Sagaris was probably one of the fastest supercars there 0-60, in only 3.7seconds! 0 -100 is only 8 seconds. It was great fun to drive and I would really love to have one! Maybe soon! My thanks go to TVR for supplying both the Sagaris and Tuscan 2.”


The ‘JIG’,waiting to follow the ‘Stig’ (TVR Tuscan 2)

When asked about his current racing, James said “ we were not able to find the full budget for this year to mount a competitive challenge in Formula Renault, and so are using this year to do some testing and build the budget to be able to compete competitively in 2006.”