The old ones will be especially celebrated in 2019. At the 77th Goodwood Members Meeting on April 6 and 7, 2019, a race for veterans born up to 1930 will be held for the first time, dedicated to racing driver John Duff ...
John Duff's first chapter of life in China & World War 1
John Duff was not the only, but the first Canadian to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, he was to remain the only Canadian to win the race, alongside Frank Clement. The "Bentley Boy" celebrated numerous other successes and held over 50 world records in the speed and endurance categories.
Duff was born in China in 1895, but was soon sent by his family to Ontario to be educated. He returned to China for a short time, but soon after fought for Britain in World War 1, where he was wounded and sent to an English hospital to recover. There he fell in love with the nurse who treated him and married her. He learned to drive in 1919.
The start of his racing career
In 1920, Duff drove his first race at Brooklands. Over the next few years he would break several speed and endurance records and was known for his determination. This was demonstrated when he drove a 3-liter Bentley two days in a row at an average speed of 90 miles per hour to claim the "Double 12" record.
In 1923, Duff first heard about a new 24-hour race that was to take place in Le Mans. He was determined to take part in it, and in his own Bentley. His talent for persuasion must have been incredible, because he managed to persuade W.O Bentley, the company's founder notabene, to "lend" him his test driver Frank Clement for the race. Together they finished fourth, although they had been busy with repairs for some time in the middle of the race.
The most important victory
In 1924, the team competed again and managed to win the race. A full ten minutes ahead of the competition. After this success, W.O Bentley decided to enter a works team in the next Le Mans race. He himself also took part and raced until 1930.
Duff's subsequent careers
After retiring from racing in 1926 following a serious accident, Duff turned his attention to another passion, horse riding. For a few years he was now a mounted stuntman in Hollywood, but later returned to England, where he came to prosperity as a fencer. Unfortunately, he died in a tragic riding accident in Epping Forest in 1958.
"John Duff Trophy"
In honor of this extraordinary man, cars from the late twenties will take part in a race. In addition to Alfa Romeo, Bugatti and Mercedes Benz, Bentley will also be represented in the race. No wonder, as Duff was responsible for bringing Bentley to LeMans. The brand and the person.
Tickets for the 77th Goodwood Members Meeting are now available for the Goodwood Road Racing Club and for club members. Find out how to become a member here.
