Matthew Goodrich

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Biography

I have been interested in cars and racing for as long as I can remember, which is strange coming from a distinctly non-driving family

My first memories are of the RAC rally at Weston Park, taken by a kind uncle, which really blew my mind. The Metro 6R4 has been my hero car ever since and the very first thing I would scan the classified for if a lottery win were to fall my way.

Apart from a few track days over the last 10 years, I only really began competitive driving in the last few years, racing my restored Mk1 mini Cooper on various hill climbs and sprints with the NHSC. I’ve owned my Mk 1 Cooper for over 20 years. Originally old English white with a black roof, but during the very lengthy restoration, I made the decision to go with my favourite colour of duck egg blue (BMC official colour name is Honolulu blue) with distinctive yellow noseband (Chartreuse if I’m being pedantic!). The car is built to FIA Appendix K, which also is quite restrictive, is representative of how the cars raced in period (pre-1966). 2026 has already seen my very first race on circuit and I’m committed to more rounds with the HSCC alongside a busy calendar of sprints and hill climbs with the NHSC.

I also really enjoy motorsport marshalling which allows me to keep a foot in both camps, so when racing funds run a little dry, I don my orange fireproof overalls and am often found on the start line helping direct the drivers to their grid slot before the flag drops.

I have been a fan of the classic mini since seeing one bouncing down the road towards me when I was walking home from school aged 11 or 12. They make me smile as much now as they did then and it’s so lovely being approached by young and old when I’m out competing, it seems everyone has a similar memory of their own. I’m not sure when gives onlookers the most amusement, the sweet little car, or the sight of a 6’2” lump trying to extract himself post-race.

The mini and motorsport community is wide and welcoming, I have already made some lifelong friends and had some absolutely amazing adventures, which I’m hoping will lead to many, many more.

I am proud to be a trustee of Ireland Motorsports, set up by the daughter (Christianne) of the legendary F1 driver Innes Ireland. Our aim in simple, to inspire young people and help them explore their own journey into a career in motorsports. I am honoured to be a small cog in a machine that helps to nurture, mentor and guide keen youngsters and help open up new opportunities for them.

Outside the race scene, I adore good food and more importantly cooking it, spending time at the beach with my partner (who I’m thrilled is also a petrol head) and pack of dogs including the indomitable Mr Bridger, the dalmatian and team Goodrich mascot.

Car description

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NHSC – the club for historic hillclimb and sprinting