walter hayes trophy
Walter Hayes Trophy
31 October - 01 November 2026

THE WORLD'S LARGEST FORMULA FORD EVENT

Since 2001 the Walter Hayes Trophy has provided some of the the very best racing seen here at the 'Home of British Motor Racing' on an annual basis. Formula Ford drivers from around the world descend on Silverstone every November to compete in the Walter Hayes Trophy, an event that provides a thrilling end to the Silverstone season.

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FIGHTING TO THE LINE

Wheel-to-wheel race action around the 1.6-mile Silverstone National Circuit  is guaranteed, with all competing cars in the Walter Hayes Trophy powered by the 1600cc Ford Kent engine. Tradition dictates that fierce competition is mandatory throughout the two day knockout competition, with the reigning champion being British driver Rory Smith. 

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SATURDAY

The route to the Walter Hayes Trophy Grand Final starts here, and nerves begin to kick in for competitors with every racer in the world's largest Formula Ford event in action on the opening day of competition. Over 100 Formula Ford drivers will race in qualifying sessions before participating in the opening series of Heats and Pre-Finals that provide their stepping-stone to Sunday's all-important knockout phase.  

SUNDAY

As dawn breaks and engines start, anticipation is high as the knockout rounds of the Walter Hayes Trophy begin early in the morning. Racers attempt to finish in a position that will enable them to progress to the next round, and after a series of races, and semi finals, those competitors remaining in the contest race off in three final events. After two of these contests the final 36 drivers line-up to compete in the event's Grand Final and race off for the Walter Hayes Trophy - Formula Ford's most coveted global award. 

ROLL OF HONOUR

Providing a weekend of unrivalled racing, the Walter Hayes Trophy has seen seven different winners in the last seven years such is the competitive nature of the event!
2018 Michael Moyers (GB)
2019 Jordan Dempsey (IRL)
2020 Oliver White (GB)
2021 Max Esterson (USA)
2022 Joey Foster (GB)
2023 Chris Middlehurst (GB)
2024 Rory Smith (GB)
2025 Jason Smyth (IRL)

SUPPORT RACING

A full support programme of races will also feature alongside the Walter Hayes Trophy. The final list of races at the event will be published nearer the time, but expect to see a number of Historic races on-track for sports and saloon cars organised by the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC), and single-seater races provided by the Monoposto Racing Club for their end-of-season Tiedeman Trophy throughout the weekend.

DRIVERS INFORMATION

RACE ENTRY & TESTING

Race entry for the Walter Hayes Trophy is coming soon.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY

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