Lotus Evija X’s Disappointing Performance at Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Lotus Evija X was expected to be a standout performer at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. With its impressive 2,000-horsepower and a record-setting lap time at the Nürburgring, it seemed like the hypercar had a good chance of dominating the competition. However, all hopes were dashed when the Evija X encountered a major setback right after leaving the start line.
During the first day of the timed shootout at the festival, the Evija X made its appearance. Although it’s unclear who was behind the wheel, it’s worth noting that the other two runs by Evijas featured Scott Maxwell, a skilled British GT driver of Canadian origin. As soon as the green flag was waved, the Evija X accelerated with such force that it created a cloud of smoke and lit up all four tires. Unfortunately, within just a few seconds, disaster struck as the car veered off course and crashed into the hay bales, effectively ending its participation in the event.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, but there are a few factors that could have contributed to the sudden loss of control. It is likely that the Lotus Evija X has an alignment with extreme negative camber, which improves traction on the outer wheels during spins. However, this setup may not be optimized for high speeds. Additionally, the road’s visible crown and traction management systems that may not have been calibrated for these extreme speeds could have caught even a professional racing driver off guard. It is worth noting that the driver did attempt to correct the slide by applying countersteer, but it was too late to prevent the crash.
While it is possible to rebuild the car, similar to how McLaren F1s have been repaired after crashes, it is uncertain whether it can be done in time for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Although the crash was not severe and only involved hay bales, it is crucial not to overlook any underlying damage that could compromise the car’s safety if it’s rushed back onto the track. Perhaps the Lotus Evija X will have a chance to redeem itself next year.
In conclusion, the Lotus Evija X’s highly anticipated appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ended in disappointment due to a sudden loss of control and subsequent crash. The exact cause of the accident remains a mystery, but factors such as the car’s alignment and traction management systems could have played a role. While it is possible to rebuild the car, it is uncertain if it can be done in time for this year’s event. Regardless, enthusiasts will have to wait for another opportunity to witness the full potential of the Lotus Evija X on the track.