Challenge Chronicles: Ruby Races
Morgan Parade: during the lunch break, a rather chaotic invasion of the track of more than 100 Morgans headed up by an early factory Supersports, has been dubbed by many as one of the most memorable Morgan experiences to be involved in.
TSL Timing Race Results
Championship standings Provisional Points
Latest Lap Records
Yokohama Driver of Race 1: James Sumner (Class 3 – 4/4)
Yokohama Driver of Race 2: Jack Bellinger (Class 3 – 4/4)
Photography
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The Bentley Drivers’ Club’s ever-popular annual Silverstone meeting delivered something truly special this year: the largest Morgan Challenge grid in history. A staggering 40 cars entered of which 37 took to the track for qualifying. Silverstone’s quirky micro-climate was kind enough to keep the session dry and warm, giving everyone the chance to stretch their legs on the 1.64-mile National Circuit.
Round 7 – Sensational Silverstone
From the very first lap of Race 1, it was clear that the 40th Anniversary Ruby Races would live up to their billing. The racing had everything the Morgan Challenge stands for as the packed grid produced thrilling battles throughout the field, with new lap records, standout performances, and the occasional heroic recovery drive from out of position cars.
Race 1 – Class Winners
- Class 0: Oliver Bryant – Plus 8 – 1:01.991 (95.26 mph)
- Class 1: Elliot Paterson – Plus 8 – 1:02.462 (94.54 mph)
- Class 2: Louis Ruff – Plus 4 – 1:04.861 (91.05 mph)
- Class 3: James Sumner – 4/4 – 1:08.207 (86.58 mph)
- Class 4: Graeme Smith – Plus 8 – 1:08.104 (86.71 mph) New lap record
- Class 5: Tom Richards – Plus 4 Clubsport – 1:09.480 (84.99 mph)
- Historic (H): Richard Plant – Plus 8 – 1:08.041 (86.79 mph)
Round 8 – Sunset at Silverstone
As the sun dipped behind the grandstands, the second race brought a fitting finale to the Ruby Races’ celebrations. Mechanical attrition from Race 1 drew a smaller starting grid, nonetheless even those drivers not competing stayed to spectate to support and social with fellow Techniques Trophy racers at the joint awards ceremony at the end of day.
Race 2 – Class Winners
- Class 0: Bill Lancashire – Plus 8 – 1:03.524 (92.96 mph)
- Class 1: Elliot Paterson – Plus 8 – 1:02.871 (93.93 mph)
- Class 2: Louis Ruff – Plus 4 – 1:04.464 (91.61 mph) New lap record
- Class 3: Jack Bellinger – 4/4 – 1:08.318 (86.44 mph)
- Class 4: Howard Clark – Roadster Lightweight – 1:09.029 (85.44 mph)
- Class 5: Tom Richards – Plus 4 Clubsport – 1:09.113 (85.44 mph) New lap record
- Historic (H): Richard Plant – Plus 8 – 1:07.764 (87.15 mph) New lap record
Philip Goddard Trophy
Elliot Paterson’s double Class 1 victories earned him the Philip Goddard Trophy, first awarded in 2023 for exceptional performances, Elliot seated in 43 MOG for just the second outing showed exceptional skill against strong competition of similar cars piloted by Oliver Bryant, Keith Ahlers and Bill Lancashire.
Bob Bull long-time series photographer – whose images have documented countless moments of Challenge history – was presented with a commemorative memento of anniversary artwork signed by the drivers.
The Ruby Races proved a perfect 40th-anniversary showcase: record-breaking entries, sensational racing, and the unmistakable Morgan spirit, alive and well at Silverstone.
With the celebrations complete, attention now turns to the championship fight. Louis Ruff and Tom Richards remain dead-level on points as the series heads to Brands Hatch for Rounds 9 and 10. Both will be pushing hard, knowing that one slip—or a hint of mechanical trouble—could decide the title.
