Scott Pruett escapes Lexus fire at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Sportscar racing veteran Scott Pruett escaped unharmed from a fire at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday that engulfed his Lexus RCF GT3
The 57-year-old American, who announced his retirement from competition after this year's Daytona 24 Hours, had completed his second run of the day when the fire took hold entering the event's Formula 1 paddock.
Pruett exited the car under his own power before the fire was contained. A Goodwood spokesperson confirmed that nobody was injured.
"Something broke - we were just about ready to turn in when I heard something snap in the rear," said Pruett, making his second appearance at Goodwood.
"I don't know what it was, the guys will get into it, but I started to smell some fuel.
"They had me get out real quick and unfortunately it dumped a load of fuel on the ground.
"It makes for an exciting day, I'm glad to be here and I'm glad everybody is fine."
Pruett, a five-time Daytona 24 Hours winner, confirmed that Lexus had not planning to do a timed run in the shootout on Sunday.
Since his retirement, Pruett has concentrated on his vineyard in California, but was present in Long Beach as the IndyCar grand marshal and drove the pace car before the NASCAR race at Sonoma.
"I'm not sure what that retired word is!" he said.
"I'm not sat behind the wheel much, but still I'm awful busy."
BTCC champions Sutton, Rydell and Cleland for Silverstone Classic
Pikes Peak-winning VW I.D. R smashes Goodwood electric car record
How a little electric storm thundered to Goodwood's hillclimb record
Nick Heidfeld's official Goodwood Festival of Speed record in McLaren's MP4/13 Formula 1 car - and the unofficial hillclimb record set by the Volkswagen ID.R - were both brushed aside by the McMurtry Speirling driven by Max Chilton on Sunday. Here's a look at the fan car that blew away the competition
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force
Colin Chapman’s marque was the most successful across Goodwood’s 71 contemporary era Members’ Meetings, from 1949 to 1966. Many of the future Formula 1 pacesetter's finest creations will be in action during this weekend's 2022 event, attempting to re-live an era when period Lotus was gaining unstoppable momentum
Remembering Goodwood’s heroes at 78th Members' Meeting
A year and a half after it was originally scheduled, this weekend’s 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting honours key figures from the circuit’s history, including the likes of Stirling Moss, Dan Gurney and Gerry Marshall
The restorer keeping a land-speed record-holder's memory alive
From a famous land-speed special to an Indianapolis 500 frontrunner, restorer and racer Geraint Owen has a fascination for making old machines work
The restored BSCC battler back in its family's hands after 50 years
The Imps of George Bevan became famous in British Saloon Car Championship competition during the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of a small band of enthusiasts, including Bevan's grandson Jonathan, one of the ex-Bill McGovern title winners has recently returned to the race track
Why Goodwood Revival’s revival will be an unmissable event
After a year's enforced absence due to the pandemic, the Goodwood Revival Meeting returns this weekend for the 23rd in a series that transports fans to a bygone era of motorsport. Here's 10 reasons why you should check it out
The mixed return of a historic racing stalwart
Last weekend's Silverstone Classic may not have benefited from the best British summer weather, but there was some great racing – and a baffling result
The part rolling relics can play in motorsport's high-tech future
OPINION: Last weekend's Silverstone Classic was another reminder of the joys of dusting off racers from days gone by. But while it might not be obvious, the historic racing world has the potential to play its part in our futures – on and off track