Radical SR8 RX sets new benchmark
Lightweight open-cockpit sportster lays down a new marker at British speed-fest, clocking up 208km/h on tight, winding circuitIt’s hard to think of a more British-sounding event than the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, so it seems fitting that the homegrown Radical SR8 RX set a new lap record at this year’s instalment of the annual celebration of all things horsepower-related.
Driven by professional race driver Robbie Kerr, the hard-core Radical completed a lap of the 1.93km circuit in just 55.29 seconds, smashing the previous track record by a significant 6.6 seconds.
Somewhat similar in conception to the celebrated Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Cholmondeley event saw 139 cars and bikes taking to the track over the course of the three-day event, divided into 13 race classes.
The Radical SR8 RX was competing in the ‘Racing Saloons & Track Day Cars’ class, which threw up the fastest lap times during the Pageant due to the track-focused nature of the cars competing.
In second place, and breathing down the tailpipes of the Radical, was the Caterham SP/300.R, which crossed the line in 56.53 seconds.
In addition to outright lap-record honours, the Radical also clocked the highest velocity (208km/h) through the speed trap.
Kerr, 33, is clearly no mug behind the wheel as his CV includes the 2002 British Formula 3 title and he also finished second in the LMP2 class at the 2007 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Given that this year marks Aston Martin’s centenary, a special race class was created at the Cholmondeley event, with 14 cars from the Brit sports car manufacturer – dating from 1934 to 2013 -– competing against each other for the honours.
In a race class that included the famous DB4 GT, the fastest Aston Martin of the weekend was the brand’s new Vanquish, topping the leader board with a lap of 72.51 seconds.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
