Caption: The Restored Triumph Spitfire on Track
Photo Credit: Sue Chan-Wyles
In the world of Motorsport, where passion and camaraderie fuel every lap, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Honey Badger Racing. This team of 10 young enthusiasts didn’t just rebuild a car – they reignited a legacy, Sue Chan-Wyles Writes.
At the heart of the story is the memory of Brian Pollard, a cherished friend and car enthusiast who dedicated his life to Triumph engines and racing spirit. When Brian tragically passed away during COVID-19 at the age of 73, he left behind more than memories. He entrusted Ben Robinson and his team with a Triumph Spitfire – a gesture that would spark a remarkable journey.
Caption: The Triumph Spitfire loaded up for work to be carried out
Photo Credit: Ben Robinson, Honey Badger Racing
Ben had purchased a Triumph Spitfire chassis a few years earlier, and though it languished in storage, the seeds of a project were already planted. One day at the pub, over beers and shared memories of brain, the idea struck: why not turn the rusting Spitfire into a race car? The team agreed, knowing that while the car might not fetch much at auction, the sentimental worth was immeasurable.
“It probably wasn’t worth restoring it, but the sentimental value and our mates made it feel more like (a) family (affair),” Ben shared.
Caption: The Reminiscence of a Triumph Spitfire
Photo Credit: Ben Robinson, Honey Badger Racing
In September 2024, Honey Badger Racing rolled up their sleeves and began the painstaking work of transforming the neglected Spitfire. The journey wasn’t smooth. By March 2024, they made it to Cadwell Park, only to be thwarted by persistent gearbox issues. A subsequent outing at Anglesey proved equally frustrating, and the team made the tough decision to pull the car off the circuit for a major overall. What followed was an 18-month hiatus, marked by relentless dedication and step learning curves.
Caption: The team bringing the Triumph to Cadwell Classic 2025
Photo Credit: Sue Chan-Wyles
The rebuild was nothing short of transformative. The Spitfire was reimaged with a Triumph GT6 rear suspension, a robust tight Nine Ford gearbox, SU carburetors, electric fuel pumps, and bespoke fabrications crafted by the team themselves. These upgrades dramatically improved the car’s handling, durability, and on-track performance. However, it wasn’t just about parts – it was about determination.
Caption: Ben Robinson at the wheel of the Spitfire
Photo Credit: Sue Chan-Wyles
The biggest hurdle was welding.
“None of us have welded before. We had a welder that was a hand-down from somebody else. We fixed the welder up and then took on this ridiculous challenge of welding this body that should have really been scrapped,” Ben recalled.
“We completely cut all the rust out, learnt how to weld on the job. Some of the underneath welding was a little bit shoddy. As we got better at it, we redid some welds.”
Making the GT6 suspension fit the Spitfire chassis was a puzzle worthy of any engineering challenge, and understanding the drivetrain mechanics tested their mechanical mettle. This suspension is not built to fit the original chassis of the Spitfire.
“The lads had to work out the geometry of the rear and build some radius arms to adjustable radius arms so we could adjust the rear suspension. It is quite the chassis they’ve built,” Ben said.
Today, the Spitfire stands as a tribute to their resilience – and to Brian. A discreet plaque on the side of the car bears his name, a permanent reminder of the man whose love for motorsport inspired this remarkable journey.
Caption: The Spitfire achieved a lap time of 2:02.504
Photo Credit: Sue Chan-Wyles
For the races, the team completed 32 laps in total and achieved a best lap time of 2:02.504. While they were not at the top of the board, the accomplishment of completing the race was a significant milestone.
“It was quite an achievement getting the car on track, but it was nice to honour Brian, and he would have loved it as well,” Ben reflected.
The team acknowledges that while their Spitfire may not yet be a front-runner, it has proven its mettle. They’ve already identified areas for improvement – particularly in power output – and are committed to further refining their setup to shave precious seconds off future race times. But for now, they’re celebrating the true reward: the spirit of friendship, determination, and a shared love for Motorsport that turned a rusting chassis into a roaring contender.
As Honey Badger Racing looks ahead, they carry not only the lessons of their rebuild but also the memory of Brian Pollard – a man whose passion lives on in every turn of the wheel.
Circuit/Racing Photos and Story Written by Sue Chan-Wyles
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