The Walter Hayes Trophy: Formula Ford racing at its brilliant best
10 October 2024Silverstone’s revered Walter Hayes Trophy is the world’s largest celebration of Formula Ford 1600 racing, with drivers from around the world flocking to the circuit to compete in a two-day event of non-stop single-seater action.
The inaugural Walter Hayes Trophy was held at Silverstone in 2001, and was named after Walter Hayes who worked as a journalist, before heading up Ford’s public relations department.
Walter was instrumental in developing Ford’s F1 programme in the sixties. His contributions to the project were significant to say the least; signing an unproven Scottish racer named Jackie Stewart, as well as being influential in the approval and funding of the Cosworth DFV V8 F1 engine – the most successful Grand Prix engine of all time.
A packed schedule
Saturday’s timetable features wall-to-wall entertainment, with over 100 cars in a series of heats as professional and amateur drivers vie for just 36 spots on the second day of racing.
Those who make it through the knockout phase on Sunday will contest the Grand Final. At the end of the weekend, the winner will receive their prize and lift the most sought-after trophy in Formula Ford racing.
A star-studded line-up
The Walter Hayes Trophy has attracted many a famous racing driver over the years including three-time BTCC champion Gordon Shedden, three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, Le Mans racer Neil Cunningham, BTCC driver David Leslie, ex-Minardi F1 reserve driver Bas Leinders, W Series driver Alice Powell, IndyCar driver Conor Daly (the 2008 trophy winner), two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden, current FIA Formula 3 racer Max Esterton (the 2021 trophy winner) and Rick Morris who raced against Ayrton Senna in the British Formula Ford Championship in the early eighties.
The most successful driver to race at the event is Joey Foster who recorded a total of four wins in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2022.
Among those racing in 2024 will be ex-F1 driver and four-time Le Mans 24 Hours class winner Jan Magnussen, who won the Formula Ford Festival in 1992.
In the thick of it
The Walter Hayes Trophy provides an amazing level of access to fans, allowing free access to paddock areas so you can be in amongst the drivers and cars.
Not only that, but there’s roving grandstand access included with admission, free parking and free entry for children aged 15 and under. Tickets to a day of unforgettable action are just £19 or you can attend the full weekend for £35.
