The 25th running of the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone on 1–2 November 2025 delivered everything the event has become famous for — and then some. Celebrating a quarter-century of world-class Formula Ford competition, the iconic Silverstone National circuit once again hosted a vast, talent-packed grid featuring seasoned FF1600 heavyweights alongside the next generation of rising stars. Few club racing events anywhere can match the intensity, depth, and prestige of the Hayes — and this anniversary edition emphatically proved why.
A Format Built for Drama
The weekend unfolded in the traditional Walter Hayes Trophy format that relentlessly rewards speed, consistency, and composure under pressure:
A full slate of heats on Saturday to determine the top 36 qualifiers
A Sunday morning Progression Race and Last Chance Race to fill the remaining semi-final spots
Two no-holds-barred semi-finals to set the grid for the Grand Final — the ultimate showdown
True to form for early November at Silverstone, the weather added an extra variable. Damp, cold conditions early on gave way to drier sessions for the headline races, forcing drivers to constantly adapt. With grip at a premium and margins razor-thin, bravery and track position became just as valuable as outright pace.
Saturday: Depth on Display
Saturday’s heats underlined just how formidable the field was.
Joey Foster, four-time Walter Hayes Trophy winner, wasted no time reminding the paddock of his enduring class by snatching pole in the wet — proving he remains a benchmark despite fierce new challengers.
Jacob Tofts edged Foster later in the day to take a heat win of his own, firmly placing himself among the weekend’s contenders.
KC Ensor-Smith, Andrew Rackstraw, and the wider Team South Africa contingent impressed immediately, claiming poles and strong results that signalled their intent.
Meanwhile, Alex Walker produced one of Saturday’s standout moments in the morning progression race, slicing spectacularly through spray and traffic to charge from 27th on the grid to victory — a performance that injected fresh momentum into the unfolding narrative.
Semi-Finals: Survival of the Fastest
Sunday’s semi-finals were bruising, relentless, and utterly captivating.
Andrew Rackstraw delivered a gutsy, controlled drive to win the first semi-final, resisting sustained pressure from Jason Smyth, whose pace had been ominous all weekend.
Smyth, despite being arguably the fastest driver present, endured contact and complications across heats and semis. A 10-place grid penalty for an incident in his semi relegated him to 13th on the Grand Final grid — a setback that would ultimately set the stage for a remarkable finale.
Drivers like Harrison Morrow continued to shine, drawing praise for clean, high-quality racing amid the chaos.
The Grand Final: Silverstone at Its Best
Sunday’s Grand Final was Formula Ford racing at its absolute finest.
From pole, Rackstraw controlled the early stages with precision and calm, setting a measured pace as the pack swarmed behind him. But eyes quickly turned to Smyth, who began an astonishing charge through the field — picking off rivals with clinical precision and an apparent ease that belied the difficulty of overtaking on the tight National layout.
As the laps wound down, the intensity ramped up. A dozen cars ran nose-to-tail, trading positions and testing limits through Brooklands, Luffield, and Woodcote. With minimal room for error and nowhere to hide, every corner crackled with tension.
Last-Lap Climax
The final lap delivered a dramatic crescendo worthy of the occasion:
Jason Smyth emerged at the front, having completed an extraordinary climb from 13th.
Jordan Dempsey launched a bold, last-gasp move around the outside at Brooklands, triggering contact that sent him into a spin and out of contention.
Smyth held his nerve through the final corners, fending off relentless pressure to take the chequered flag — sealing one of the most memorable victories in Walter Hayes Trophy history.
Final Podium
Jason Smyth — a sensational recovery drive marked by speed, resilience, and composure
Andrew Rackstraw — consistent, fast, and deserving runner-up
KC Ensor-Smith — an excellent performance to complete the podium
Team South Africa enjoyed a particularly strong showing overall, with multiple drivers progressing deep into the event and finishing comfortably inside the top 20.
A Hayes for the History Books
Competitiveness: The 2025 edition was widely regarded as one of the deepest fields in recent memory, with heat-winning pace spread across dozens of drivers.
Drama & Overtaking: Packed racing, constant lead changes, and relentless pressure across every stage reaffirmed the Hayes as a crown jewel of UK club racing.
Legacy: Smyth’s victory, picked up by international motorsport media, further enhanced his already impressive 2025 résumé and opened doors for major opportunities in 2026.
The 2025 Walter Hayes Trophy was a masterclass in everything that makes Formula Ford special — raw competition, fearless racing, and unpredictable outcomes. Jason Smyth’s determined, unforgettable charge through the field crowned a weekend that will be talked about for years, ensuring the 25th anniversary of the Hayes lived up to its legendary reputation.
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
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