Jenson Button Set to Conquer Goodwood in a Classic Chevrolet Camaro

By Tara Hurlin

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The 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button, is returning to the Goodwood Motor Circuit for the 83rd Members’ Meeting on April 18–19, 2026. In a thrilling contrast to his high-tech racing history, Button will swap his usual carbon-fiber machinery for the raw power of a Chevrolet Camaro Z28. This appearance marks Button’s competitive debut at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, where he will compete in the prestigious Gordon Spice Trophy.

A Proven Winner in Bastos Livery

The Camaro Button will pilot is no ordinary vintage racer. Claded in the iconic red and white Bastos livery, this specific Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has a formidable winning pedigree at the circuit. The car is owned by David Clark, the co-owner of Button’s former WEC team, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA. It previously claimed victory in the Gordon Spice Trophy in 2023 with Rob Huff and in 2015 with Matt Neal and David Clark. For this upcoming event, Button will share the driving duties with Andrew Smith.
Photo provided by Goodwood.

A Closer Look at the Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 being driven by Jenson Button is a 1978 model specifically prepared for Group 1 Production Saloon racing. While factory specifications for a road-going 1978 Z28 included a 350-cubic inch V8 producing roughly 185 horsepower, the competition car Button will pilot features significant mechanical upgrades to meet the demands of the Goodwood circuit.

Engine and Performance

The heart of this particular Bastos-liveried Camaro is a high-performance 5.7-liter (350 cid) Chevrolet V8 engine built by I.C.E. Automotive. This racing-spec powerplant is a significant departure from the original late-70s smog-restricted engines, utilizing modern racing components to produce substantially more power while maintaining the high-revving character required for the Gordon Spice Trophy. Historically, similar racing variants of the 350-cubic inch LT-1 were rated at 360 horsepower in factory form, but dedicated competition builds often exceed these figures.

Drivetrain and Chassis

To manage the torque of the V8, the car utilizes a heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission, likely a Muncie or Borg-Warner unit, which provides the direct, analog connection Button cited as a draw for the event. The chassis is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension featuring front and rear stabilizer bars and performance shocks. Braking for the competition car is handled by a heavy-duty system, often featuring power front disc brakes to ensure consistent stopping power during the close-quarters racing typical of the Members’ Meeting.

Weight and Aerodynamics

The racing version of the Z28 is stripped of many road-going amenities to reduce its curb weight, which for a standard second-generation model was approximately 3,850 lbs. Aerodynamic enhancements specific to the Z28 package include a front chin spoiler and a rear trunk lid spoiler, both of which are critical for maintaining stability at the high speeds reached on the Goodwood straights. The car sits on wide performance tires mounted to 15-inch wheels, providing the necessary grip for the circuit’s challenging corners.
Jenson Button behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Photo provided by Goodwood.Button will share the driving duties with Andrew Smith.
Photo provided by Goodwood.