Lord Drayson's Record-Breaking Car Stars At Royal Automobile Club's Centenary Midsummer Drive-In

Lord Drayson’s world land speed record car joins 1913 Argyll to celebrate Woodcote Park’s Centenary celebrations

WOODCOTE PARK, UNITED KINGDOM – June 28, 2013: The stars of the night at Woodcote Park's Centenary event were the 1913 Argyll 15/30, presented by Lord and Lady Borwick and the record-breaking 2013 Drayson B12 69/EV car that arrived at the Club straight from Elvington, only a few hours after setting a multitude of World Land Speed records. The 100 years of motoring that separated these two wonderful cars was a rare and privileged sight for all those present.

A warm dry Epsom evening welcomed the 360 guests who attended last night's Midsummer Drive-In at the Royal Automobile Club's Woodcote Park clubhouse.

A splendid selection of 104 members' cars were on display, including the Concours class-winning 1939 Bentley Derby 4.2 litre owned by Jack Henley in the pre-War category, the 1967 Ferrari 330GTC owned by Michael Bucher in the post-War category, and the 1987 Aston Martin Vantage Volante owned by Bill Horwood.

A very special thanks to Lord Drayson for bringing his record-breaking racing machine to the event and warmest congratulations on such a marvellous achievement. The Royal Automobile Club is proud to have had its badge carried on the side of the car during the record-breaking runs.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee: “A splendid night was had by all, with the arrival hot off the track of Lord Drayson’s car being the icing on the cake. Woodcote Park was the perfect setting for our members to enjoy the centenary celebrations at our annual Midsummer Drive-In. A special thanks to Lord and Lady Borwick for bringing their 1913 Argyll as a fitting tribute to the clubhouse’s centenary year.’

Lord Drayson: “I’m delighted we’ve beaten the record tonight and can show the world EVs can be fast and reliable, that’s the ultimate test of this technology – it has to be the best, no-one’s really interested in you talking about new technology when you are second – it’s about using innovation to move performance forward - it’s about competing – that’s what motorsport brings. You get all of that torque and all of that power from zero revs, with an internal combustion engine you have to get it into the power band so you are used to the gearbox interrupting the flow of acceleration but can you imagine what it is like to have 850 horsepower from a standing start and no gears to interrupt that feeling of acceleration – all the way up to 200mph – it is the best thing in the world.’