From Back of the Pack to Podium: Romain Dumas’ Thrilling Charge in a V8 Ford Galaxie
There’s something magical about watching a seasoned pro slice through the field in a powerful classic car. That’s exactly what we got to witness at this year’s Goodwood Revival, where Romain Dumas put on a masterclass in the St Mary’s Trophy race.
Picture this: a gleaming Ford Galaxie, its massive V8 engine rumbling with barely contained energy, sitting dead last on the grid. Behind the wheel, a driver with nothing to lose and everything to prove. That was the scene as Dumas, a two-time Le Mans winner, prepared to tackle one of the most challenging tasks in motorsport – fighting from the back.
A Rocky Start to the Weekend
Now, you might be wondering how a driver of Dumas’ caliber ended up at the tail end of the grid. Well, racing’s funny like that sometimes. A missed qualifying session on Friday left Dumas and Bill Shepherd’s Ford Galaxie starting from 29th position. In the cutthroat world of historic racing at Goodwood, that’s about as bad as it gets.
But here’s the thing about true racers: they don’t give up. They see a challenge and think, “Bring it on.” And boy, did Dumas bring it.
The Charge Begins
As the lights went out and the field roared away, Dumas wasted no time. The Galaxie might be a big ol’ boat compared to some of the nimbler machines on track, but with Dumas at the helm, it moved like a shark through water.
Lap after lap, he picked off competitors. A dive here, a switchback there – it was like watching a chess master at work, always thinking three moves ahead. The crowd was on their feet, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the blue Ford as it thundered past.
“It’s not about the car, it’s about the driver,” an old racing adage goes. But when you’ve got both – a skilled pilot and a monster of a machine – magic happens.
David vs. Goliath(s)
What made Dumas’ charge even more impressive was the variety of machinery he was up against. The St Mary’s Trophy is a veritable time capsule of 1960s touring car racing. You’ve got:
• Nimble Minis darting about
• Muscular Mustangs flexing their V8 power
• Alfa Romeos singing their Italian songs
• And everything in between
Each car with its own strengths and weaknesses, each driver with their own style and strategy. It was like watching a high-speed game of rock-paper-scissors played out on tarmac.
The Final Push
As the laps ticked down, the impossible started to look… well, possible. Dumas had clawed his way up to the sharp end of the field. The podium was in sight, but time was running out.
In those final few laps, Dumas showed why he’s considered one of the best in the business. He was milking every ounce of performance from that Galaxie, braking later, getting on the power earlier, using every inch of the track and then some.
When the checkered flag fell, Dumas had done it. From 29th to 3rd. A podium finish that felt more like a victory.
More Than Just a Race
Now, I’ve been covering motorsport for longer than I care to admit, and let me tell you – drives like this are why we love racing. It’s not just about who’s fastest over one lap. It’s about grit, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.
What Dumas did in that Ford Galaxie wasn’t just impressive driving. It was a testament to the spirit of competition that makes events like the Goodwood Revival so special. Where else can you see world-class drivers pushing vintage machinery to the limit, all while dressed like they’ve stepped out of a time machine?
The Bigger Picture
Dumas’ charge from the back wasn’t just entertaining – it was a reminder of a few key things:
1. Never count out a champion, no matter where they start
2. Classic cars, when driven in anger, can still put on one hell of a show
3. Goodwood continues to attract top-tier talent to its events
It’s this blend of serious competition and nostalgic celebration that keeps fans coming back year after year. And performances like Dumas’ in the Galaxie? They’re the icing on the cake.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on another thrilling St Mary’s Trophy, one can’t help but wonder: what’s next? Will we see Dumas back in the Galaxie next year, gunning for that top step? Or will another driver step up to provide the fireworks?
One thing’s for sure – the bar has been set high. Future competitors in the St Mary’s Trophy will be measured against Dumas’ remarkable drive for years to come.
In the end, it’s races like this that remind us why we fell in love with motorsport in the first place. The sound, the smell, the spectacle – and above all, the indomitable human spirit that turns a simple race into an unforgettable story.
So here’s to Romain Dumas, to that mighty Ford Galaxie, and to the magic of the Goodwood Revival. May we never tire of watching the masters at work.
