38 replies to this topic

[Classicpics]

Sorry it seems to be mainly cars with some bikes on show but we have some Palace fans on here!!

For Immediate Release
MOTORSPORT AT THE PALACE - ONE WEEK TO GO!
There's just a week to go before the second annual Motorsport at Crystal Palace, in association with the Ancaster Group. Last year's event attracted over 5,000 spectators; this year, we're building on that success with a host of attractions to entertain visitors of all ages, alongside the exciting on-track action.

We're especially pleased to announce two very special demonstration vehicles this year: A1 Grand Prix driver Aaron Steele in his Grays Motorsport Dallara Formula 3 car and Greg Thornton of Titan Historic Racing, who will be at the wheel of a Surtees TS11 F5000. Both should prove very exciting to watch around the twisty, parkland track.

We're also very pleased to announce that the Brooklands Motorcycle Museum team will be displaying a number of their cherished bikes. If you're a fan of two-wheeled classic machinery, you're in for a treat, as the Brooklands boys will be firing-up a range of bikes from their collection.

Elsewhere, numerous clubs and organisations will be displaying their vehicles, including the Colin Chapman Museum, the RAC Heritage Collection, the Ferrari Owners' Club and the Historic Rally Car Register, among many others.

Visitors can test their driving skills in an authentic Formula One simulator, or try navigating an off-road track at the wheel of a Navara Simulator. There will also be Playstation pods to play on.

Younger guests will be pleased to hear that Roary the Racing Car and Big Chris will again be making an appearance in the Roary Zone, where a range of child-friendly activities will be taking place. A bouncy castle, inflatable slide and other activities will keep younger visitors entertained.

On track, of course, you'll find a huge variety of classic and modern vehicles pushing as hard as they dare, to claim that elusive accolade of Fastest Time of the Day. A quick glance at the entry list reveals some extraordinarily rare and exotic machines, including Maseratis, Bugattis, Coopers, Ferraris. . . the list goes on!

So pack your camera and help us celebrate the rich history of motorsport at Crystal Palace.

For more information, please visit the website at http://motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/.

- Ends -

Motorsport at the Palace, in association with the Ancaster Group, enjoys the support of Dale Process Engineering Ltd; Rozone Sustainable Solutions; and Ton Hire.
For more information, entry forms and regulations, please visit the event website at http://motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/.

For further details, please contact:
Kevin Turner
Media Relations, Motorsport at the Palace
Tel: 07944 500883
Email: bergwerk@hotmail.co.uk

[Distributed by CDWrite on behalf of Sevenoaks & District Motor Club. To unsubscribe from all CDWrite email lists, please reply with "STOP" as the subject line]

[tonyed]

Sorry it seems to be mainly cars with some bikes on show but we have some Palace fans on here!!

For Immediate Release
MOTORSPORT AT THE PALACE - ONE WEEK TO GO!
There's just a week to go before the second annual Motorsport at Crystal Palace, in association with the Ancaster Group. Last year's event attracted over 5,000 spectators; this year, we're building on that success with a host of attractions to entertain visitors of all ages, alongside the exciting on-track action.

We're especially pleased to announce two very special demonstration vehicles this year: A1 Grand Prix driver Aaron Steele in his Grays Motorsport Dallara Formula 3 car and Greg Thornton of Titan Historic Racing, who will be at the wheel of a Surtees TS11 F5000. Both should prove very exciting to watch around the twisty, parkland track.

We're also very pleased to announce that the Brooklands Motorcycle Museum team will be displaying a number of their cherished bikes. If you're a fan of two-wheeled classic machinery, you're in for a treat, as the Brooklands boys will be firing-up a range of bikes from their collection.

Elsewhere, numerous clubs and organisations will be displaying their vehicles, including the Colin Chapman Museum, the RAC Heritage Collection, the Ferrari Owners' Club and the Historic Rally Car Register, among many others.

Visitors can test their driving skills in an authentic Formula One simulator, or try navigating an off-road track at the wheel of a Navara Simulator. There will also be Playstation pods to play on.

Younger guests will be pleased to hear that Roary the Racing Car and Big Chris will again be making an appearance in the Roary Zone, where a range of child-friendly activities will be taking place. A bouncy castle, inflatable slide and other activities will keep younger visitors entertained.

On track, of course, you'll find a huge variety of classic and modern vehicles pushing as hard as they dare, to claim that elusive accolade of Fastest Time of the Day. A quick glance at the entry list reveals some extraordinarily rare and exotic machines, including Maseratis, Bugattis, Coopers, Ferraris. . . the list goes on!

So pack your camera and help us celebrate the rich history of motorsport at Crystal Palace.

For more information, please visit the website at http://motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/.

- Ends -

Motorsport at the Palace, in association with the Ancaster Group, enjoys the support of Dale Process Engineering Ltd; Rozone Sustainable Solutions; and Ton Hire.
For more information, entry forms and regulations, please visit the event website at http://motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/.

For further details, please contact:
Kevin Turner
Media Relations, Motorsport at the Palace
Tel: 07944 500883
Email: bergwerk@hotmail.co.uk

[Distributed by CDWrite on behalf of Sevenoaks & District Motor Club. To unsubscribe from all CDWrite email lists, please reply with "STOP" as the subject line]

Raced at the log lined circuit several times.

Awe inspiring through the Glade and up Annerly Ramp into North Tower Corner.

One late bank holiday meeting, my late father and I were up there for a Bemsee meeting over the three days on my race tuned Ariel Arrow (twin carbs, close(ish) box, exworks rear wheel and exhausts, Dominator front brake, Dunlop triangulars)

Day one (Saturday) practice and then pull the gearbox from the Cortina estate that was the race transport as well as the family car and px this at Sydenham motor spares for a recon unit.

Day two (Sunday, day of rest) except if you were changing a Cortina gearbox.

Day three (BH Monday) racing and home with new gear box.

Those wuz the days

[rotrax]

Raced at the log lined circuit several times.

Awe inspiring through the Glade and up Annerly Ramp into North Tower Corner.

One late bank holiday meeting, my late father and I were up there for a Bemsee meeting over the three days on my race tuned Ariel Arrow (twin carbs, close(ish) box, exworks rear wheel and exhausts, Dominator front brake, Dunlop triangulars)

Day one (Saturday) practice and then pull the gearbox from the Cortina estate that was the race transport as well as the family car and px this at Sydenham motor spares for a recon unit.

Day two (Sunday, day of rest) except if you were changing a Cortina gearbox.

Day three (BH Monday) racing and home with new gear box.

Those wuz the days

Hi, Raced at the last ever meeting there. Before that I would attend all the bike races by getting the bus. Joe Dunphy was the man to beat around there then. It was a great ride on the slow bike I was on but it was easy to see all the hard bits if you got it wrong. Saw Norman Surtees come off a 125 at North Tower once. He lay still for a moment and then broke the world record for the 10 yard crawl on tarmac! He knew the pack was just behind him and was keen to get clear. Remember E.T.Young and his sidecars and Martin Carney on the Bultaco-one of Franco's I believe. Happy days.

[Robin127]

I went to my first ever race meeting at Crystal Palace on Easter Monday 1968. It was the 250 race that sticks in my mind the most, Martin Carney, Tim(?) Samways and the one who I wanted to win, Ian Goddard (he was from my home town of Boreham Wood). From that day on all I wanted to do was race.

I also went to the last race there, August Bank Holiday 1972 to watch my brother race. Having been there since to play footie and seen the remnants of the track plus looking back at old footage, it was a really dodgy place to race bikes.

Edited by Robin127, 25 May 2011 - 02:34.

[tonyed]

I went to my first ever race meeting at Crystal Palace on Easter Monday 1968. It was the 250 race that sticks in my mind the most, Martin Carney, Tim(?) Samways and the one who I wanted to win, Ian Goddard (he was from my home town of Boreham Wood). From that day on all I wanted to do was race.

I also went to the last race there, August Bank Holiday 1972 to watch my brother race. Having been there since to play footie and seen the remnants of the track plus looking back at old footage, it was a really dodgy place to race bikes.

Yes I did the last meeting as well. Still have the program.

It was such an 'intimate' place being situated where it was. I seem to remember as you approached North Tower Corner up the ramp you could see the outside roads, cars and people going about their normal everyday business.

As for the sleepers through the Glade was a bit intimidating and I think I remember a concrete wall somewhere down on the bottom part of the circuit that lined the road.

[rotrax]

Yes I did the last meeting as well. Still have the program.

It was such an 'intimate' place being situated where it was. I seem to remember as you approached North Tower Corner up the ramp you could see the outside roads, cars and people going about their normal everyday business.

As for the sleepers through the Glade was a bit intimidating and I think I remember a concrete wall somewhere down on the bottom part of the circuit that lined the road.

Hi, in a similar vein but far less well known I raced with the Hayes and Southall club on a grass track they had permission to use from the socialist Lambeth council in Brockwell Park,Brixton. The track was just by the swimming pool and was part of a sports festival over a weekend. I remember chatting to a very surprised rasterfarian guy through the fence-he had heard the noise and had come for a look. He spent all morning watching practice through the fence by my pit in case he was asked to pay if he came in!

[Russell Burrows]

Yes I did the last meeting as well. Still have the program.

It was such an 'intimate' place being situated where it was. I seem to remember as you approached North Tower Corner up the ramp you could see the outside roads, cars and people going about their normal everyday business.

As for the sleepers through the Glade was a bit intimidating and I think I remember a concrete wall somewhere down on the bottom part of the circuit that lined the road.

I liked the Palace too - something I may have mentioned before. I'm not at home at the moment so not able to check the prog , but think I was once given a grid position alongside you and the Macchi Mettise, Tony.

Edited by Russell Burrows, 27 May 2011 - 16:04.

[tonyed]

I liked the Palace too - something I may have mentioned before. I'm not at home at the moment so not able to check the prog , but think I was once given a grid position alongside you and the Macchi Mettise, Tony.

Monday 28th August 1972 - The Metropolitan Meeting.

Last motorcycle meeting at the Palace.

As well as me there were a few other 'names'

Dave Potter
Dave Nixon
Paul Butler
Terry Grotefeld
Ken Buckmaster
Tony Godfrey
Charlie Sanby
Martyn Ashwood
Graham Sharp
Tony Jarvis
Lance Capon
Richard Peckett
Julian Soper
Mick Attenborough
Richard Perrs-Jones
Vaughan Young
Clive Offer
Pat Mahoney
Butch Hobbs
Peter Pinion (one of the men who built the Frepin Yamaha that sits next to me here in the workshop)
Chris McGahan
Vic Sousan
Brian Wackett
Tony Nash (the Romford Rat)
Robin Gray
Phil Masters
Dave Whapshot
Brett Gaites
Roger Winfield
Len Lamborne
Rod Cull
Ian Radcliffe
Paul Selleck
Brian Flak
Dave Habel
John Daly
Tony Heirons
Mick Quaife
Barry Seward
Rex Piles
Derek Loan
Ron Mellor
Chris Neve
Roger Monnery
Doug Cash
Mervyn Stratford
Stewart Rogers
Arthur Wheeler
Derek Whalley
Roger Imberg
Steve Goodrum
Alan Sansum/Chris Emmins
Dell Saville/Mick Craswell
Gerry and Nick Boret
George O'Dell/Bill Boldison
Derek Jones/Brian Ayres


In the back of the program is an ad for 'Garden Party V'

Line up

YES
Lindisfarne
Mahavisnu Orchestra

Compere

John Peel

What a great era

The only digital implement of the day was the thumb

Edited by tonyed, 28 May 2011 - 08:40.

[Robin127]

Monday 28th August 1972 - The Metropolitan Meeting.

Last motorcycle meeting at the Palace.

As well as me there were a few other 'names'.......

You left my brother Derek out

.....Peter Pinion (one of the men who built the Frepin Yamaha that sits next to me here in the workshop)

He sold the Greeves he was riding that day to my other brother after the 'Stars of Tomorrow' meeting at the end of the season.

Here he is at Druids in 1977.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[tonyed]

You left my brother Derek out



He sold the Greeves he was riding that day to my other brother after the 'Stars of Tomorrow' meeting at the end of the season.

Here he is at Druids in 1977.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I do remember Derek on the Silverstone. I bought back a Silverstone to do the 73 MGP on as the BSA was not eligible.

I’d had a 350 Aermacchi-Metisse which I traded for the BSA to go ‘Formula 750’ racing. What a mistake that was. Despite being an ex-works machine from Tony Smith I had to part it out for next to nothing to buy a TR3, but in the end couldn’t raise the cash so finished up with a TD2B in a Maxton copy frame, which was quite a nice machine, but the TZs were just coming in. I should have done the 73 Manx on the ‘Macchi.

Should you come across Peter Pinion (I have been told he is in the country) I would like to contact him. I have tries several P Pinions in the London area all of which assume I must be mad or trying to swindle them out of money.

[Robin127]

It was my brother Kevin who had the Greeves, Derek raced a Norton.

You mentioned earlier about approaching North Tower Corner and seeing the people outside of the circuit going about their daily business. I was watching a race a few years ago at a circuit called Nelson Ledges in Ohio and as the bikes went blasting down the start finish straight there was an Amish horse drawn buggy trotting along a road that runs parallel with that part of the track. It was quite a sight, I think I've got a photo of it somewhere.

[tonyed]

It was my brother Kevin who had the Greeves, Derek raced a Norton.

You mentioned earlier about approaching North Tower Corner and seeing the people outside of the circuit going about their daily business. I was watching a race a few years ago at a circuit called Nelson Ledges in Ohio and as the bikes went blasting down the start finish straight there was an Amish horse drawn buggy trotting along a road that runs parallel with that part of the track. It was quite a sight, I think I've got a photo of it somewhere.

Do you know, Robin, you're right. It was Kevin with the Greeves. When I wrote that post I was wondering why Derek went back to a 250 from the 750. But then we did a lot of strange things in the 70s.

Derek was along side of me on the grid in both 750 races that day at the Palace.

[TZSFB]

Now I'm really starting to feel guilty, I did promise Pete Pinions contact, and some photos, which I will do soon. My Dad was the 'Bramwell' you see on Petes TZ, I have loads of other photos of his, and my, Frepin. Appalling that I haven't got my act together, sorry. I still have your email address.

[tonyed]

Now I'm really starting to feel guilty, I did promise Pete Pinions contact, and some photos, which I will do soon. My Dad was the 'Bramwell' you see on Petes TZ, I have loads of other photos of his, and my, Frepin. Appalling that I haven't got my act together, sorry. I still have your email address.

I like a good wallow in guilt, especially when it’s someone elses

Yes that would be appreciated I would love to see more pictures of other Frepins and contact Peter if possible.

[Robin127]

That photo gives a good view of the lovely railway sleepers that seemed to be everywhere. Looks like a very good crowd though.

I have a recollection of a race from the Palace being shown live on Grandstand in the late 60's/early seventies. What brings it to mind is that the chequered flag came out a couple of laps early, with no last lap flag as the BBC wanted to switch to a horse race and they also wanted to show the bike race finishing.....an early example of TV dictating the conduct of a sporting event. There was total confusion amongst the riders as they crossed the line and then we had twenty minutes of horses being paraded around before the actual horse race took place.

Edited by Robin127, 30 May 2011 - 16:01.

[jonnoj]

If there hadn't been any horse racing on a Saturday, would Grandstand have existed? If only some bright spark had introduced betting on scrambling - what odds against Bickers or Lampkin?

[tonyed]

The first meeeting we raced at the Palace, the one where we changed the Cortinas' gearbox on the Sunday. An Ameican tourist sort of 'befriended us' in the paddock campsite.

He claimed to be a journo from an American Bike mag. So, because we were racing, we managed to ge him a press pass, (how Dog knows).

Anyway he promised to send over photos of the meeting from his magazine.

Funny that, I'm still waiting.

Luvverly photo of the start straight. Shows the sleepers well.

Talking of sleepers. One Saturday evening on our way from Brands to Lydden, we stopped in Canterbury to watch the speedway.

There was a corner 'incident' where one rider (Arthur Browning??) parted company with his machine. Canterbury was also lined with sleepers as I recall. As he hit them you could see the sleepers bend.

Well he got up, dusted himself down and made the rerun.

Hard them speedway riders

[Robin127]

....There was a corner 'incident' where one rider (Arthur Browning??) parted company with his machine. Canterbury was also lined with sleepers as I recall. As he hit them you could see the sleepers bend.

Well he got up, dusted himself down and made the rerun.

Hard them speedway riders

That's a bit like the Flat Track riders in America. They have a saying "Go fast, turn left, don't look at the fence"

[pete53]

T
I have a recollection of a race from the Palace being shown live on Grandstand in the late 60's/early seventies. What brings it to mind is that the chequered flag came out a couple of laps early, with no last lap flag as the BBC wanted to switch to a horse race and they also wanted to show the bike race finishing.....an early example of TV dictating the conduct of a sporting event. There was total confusion amongst the riders as they crossed the line and then we had twenty minutes of horses being paraded around before the actual horse race took place.

Wouldn't surprise me at all. In those days horse racing was sacrosanct and was never messed around with like other sports - we had to endure all the preliminaries with the nags in the parade ring, the race and then the post race analysis and results. Only then were we allowed to move to another venue. I well recall broadcasts of car races where the start was held up until the 3:15 at Kempton had finished or where the last laps were missed to ensure that the punters didn't miss the 4:00 at Doncaster. Used to make me fume!!!

[Russell Burrows]

That photo gives a good view of the lovely railway sleepers that seemed to be everywhere. Looks like a very good crowd though.

I have a recollection of a race from the Palace being shown live on Grandstand in the late 60's/early seventies. What brings it to mind is that the chequered flag came out a couple of laps early, with no last lap flag as the BBC wanted to switch to a horse race and they also wanted to show the bike race finishing.....an early example of TV dictating the conduct of a sporting event. There was total confusion amongst the riders as they crossed the line and then we had twenty minutes of horses being paraded around before the actual horse race took place.

The shot is from around '69 and was taken by former racer and TNFer, the late Dennis Rapley. I think some of us thought the guy out front might be John Ringwood on Tony Blain's MZ ?

Edited by Russell Burrows, 30 May 2011 - 21:30.

[picblanc]

Nice to see Dennis picture again Russ. RIP Renzo.

[GD66]

Now I'm really starting to feel guilty, I did promise Pete Pinions contact, and some photos, which I will do soon. My Dad was the 'Bramwell' you see on Petes TZ, I have loads of other photos of his, and my, Frepin. Appalling that I haven't got my act together, sorry. I still have your email address.

Very interesting ! I have a mate in Perth, WA with a Frepin in his attic, and I know there's one in Murray DeLacy's workshop. Tony's one, your one...I have heard of one for a 500 Suzuki motor...wonder what the total was ?
Also I recall your dad's involvement all those years ago, have you been through the Marlboro Series thread ? There's mention in there of a Bramwell-sponsored 250 ride for Ian McDermid. Also I think the 500 Manx your dad had is now racing in Victoria, owned and entered by Bob Minogue.

[dixie]

That photo gives a good view of the lovely railway sleepers that seemed to be everywhere. Looks like a very good crowd though.

I have a recollection of a race from the Palace being shown live on Grandstand in the late 60's/early seventies. What brings it to mind is that the chequered flag came out a couple of laps early, with no last lap flag as the BBC wanted to switch to a horse race and they also wanted to show the bike race finishing.....an early example of TV dictating the conduct of a sporting event. There was total confusion amongst the riders as they crossed the line and then we had twenty minutes of horses being paraded around before the actual horse race took place.

I'm a couple of years late in responding to this but I remember this race well because I was in it. I'm pretty sure it was the August Bank Holiday meeting in 1969. The flag went out a couple of laps early and there certainly was confusion and everyone looking at each other wondering what the hell was going on. The race was re-run later in the day which was bloody annoying because I couldn't take part as I had to get to Heathrow.

[Paul Collins]

Finally made it to the Palace for a look around today, its been on my 'to do' list for years.

I did a lap on foot to check the place out and I so wish I had got chance to see it in its heyday or to ride the place, it looks like the sort of circuit I would have loved, especially that bit around the top through the trees (The Glade?) very much an Olivers Mount feeling as I walked through there.

Some of the houses up around that section would have only been about 25ft from the action though so I can imagine there must have been noise issues raised by some residents, but an amazing place and such an unlikely location to find a race circuit!! to be honest I think it could still be used with only one small original section missing just after the startline which has been grassed over but could be bypassed very easily with a chicane onto existing tarmac on the inside, and co-operation from the sports centre who now use some of the track as their car park, i've already got it planned in my head

There was a poster up advertising a sprint which I think is at the end of the month and uses a part of the track so its good to see they are still trying to keep something going there.

[Russell Burrows]

Finally made it to the Palace for a look around today, its been on my 'to do' list for years.

I did a lap on foot to check the place out and I so wish I had got chance to see it in its heyday or to ride the place, it looks like the sort of circuit I would have loved, especially that bit around the top through the trees (The Glade?) very much an Olivers Mount feeling as I walked through there.

Some of the houses up around that section would have only been about 25ft from the action though so I can imagine there must have been noise issues raised by some residents, but an amazing place and such an unlikely location to find a race circuit!! to be honest I think it could still be used with only one small original section missing just after the startline which has been grassed over but could be bypassed very easily with a chicane onto existing tarmac on the inside, and co-operation from the sports centre who now use some of the track as their car park, i've already got it planned in my head

There was a poster up advertising a sprint which I think is at the end of the month and uses a part of the track so its good to see they are still trying to keep something going there.

It's lost about half of its width in many places, Paul. I'm trying hard not to think about the Palace with a chicane.
http://www.speedhunt...crystal-palace/

[sterling49]

It's lost about half of its width in many places, Paul. I'm trying hard not to think about the Palace with a chicane.
http://www.speedhunt...crystal-palace/

I attended a few years ago, run by 7Oaks MC and a good day out too, and, hold your breath, a grass paddock too !

[Paul Collins]

It's lost about half of its width in many places, Paul. I'm trying hard not to think about the Palace with a chicane.
http://www.speedhunt...crystal-palace/

Yes I read somewhere that the top end of the circuit had been reduced in width to create more park-like paths, and obviously the sports centre encroaches onto the inside edge at the bottom end, still wide enough for bikes though

[billlawrence]

Yes I read somewhere that the top end of the circuit had been reduced in width to create more park-like paths, and obviously the sports centre encroaches onto the inside edge at the bottom end, still wide enough for bikes though

first meeting I ever went to was the Palace 7th August 1961 rode my push bike across London I lived in East Ham .I can still remember the Castrol R and noise spectated at North Tower I still have the program cost 1shilling 50cc race was won by R Nicholson others in the 50cc race D Simmonds 2nd Mrs B Swain and reserve P Inchley others riding that day R Chandler I Goddard R Hunter G Jenkins P Dunphy E Minihan B Setchell N Surtees R Grant M O,Rourke R Wyler Mrs P Wise R Everett B T Osborne who was very fast but I think he was killed at Brand .198 solos yes 198 and 26 sidecars race records D German 50cc K Whorlow 125 J Surtees 250 T Thorp 350 J Surtees 500 C Williams Vintage E T Young & P V Harris sidecar .What a gret day .
Bill Lawrence

[Yendor]

My first race on a CR93 in 1963. Hadn't had time to fit a fairing, couldn't afford the official alloy one. Good impression of
the notorious sleepers!

[Russell Burrows]

first meeting I ever went to was the Palace 7th August 1961 rode my push bike across London I lived in East Ham .I can still remember the Castrol R and noise spectated at North Tower I still have the program cost 1shilling 50cc race was won by R Nicholson others in the 50cc race D Simmonds 2nd Mrs B Swain and reserve P Inchley others riding that day R Chandler I Goddard R Hunter G Jenkins P Dunphy E Minihan B Setchell N Surtees R Grant M O,Rourke R Wyler Mrs P Wise R Everett B T Osborne who was very fast but I think he was killed at Brand .198 solos yes 198 and 26 sidecars race records D German 50cc K Whorlow 125 J Surtees 250 T Thorp 350 J Surtees 500 C Williams Vintage E T Young & P V Harris sidecar .What a gret day .
Bill Lawrence

I was probably hanging over the fence too. Did you ever race there, Bill?

[billlawrence]

I was probably hanging over the fence too. Did you ever race there, Bill?

NO never did dont know why would have liked to Bill Lawrence

[RC162]

My first race on a CR93 in 1963. Hadn't had time to fit a fairing, couldn't afford the official alloy one. Good impression of
the notorious sleepers!

Are you down to ride a CR93 in the Past Masters at the Festival of 1000 Bikes or am I getting two people muddled up ?

[fil2.8]

Are you down to ride a CR93 in the Past Masters at the Festival of 1000 Bikes or am I getting two people muddled up ?

Rod is , yes and hopefully my MT at Donington in August

[Paul Collins]

When you consider that the lads go and race around Macau i'm sure it wouldnt be beyond the realms of possiblity to do something around the whole circuit once a year at the palace, I know the north end is now very narrow with the track being narrowed to a more park-like road, but its still about as wide as Scarborough through there and a bit of recticel fencing here and there would help to make it a bit safer.

A good 250 would be my weapon of choice

[alansart]

i'm sure it wouldnt be beyond the realms of possiblity to do something around the whole circuit once a year at the palace, I know the north end is now very narrow with the track being narrowed to a more park-like road, but its still about as wide as Scarborough through there and a bit of recticel fencing here and there would help to make it a bit safer.

I doubt it as unfortunately the front straight has been covered over. This is looking back to the startline.

[alansart]

Yes I read somewhere that the top end of the circuit had been reduced in width to create more park-like paths, and obviously the sports centre encroaches onto the inside edge at the bottom end, still wide enough for bikes though

Although it's car related, here is a repeat of one of my posts from May 2009 in another thread on TNF.

A had a few hours spare while I was in London so made a nostalgic trip to Crystal Palace. CP was the first race track I ever visited and I was there for it's final meeting.

As seen on Google Earth with layout and corner names added:



The startline and pits circa 1971...


...a similar view 12.30pm 12/03/2009 (yesterday) - My apologies for the quality, these were taken with the camera on my mobile phone!


1971...


...2009


A view from towards the back of the grid. A short stretch has been grassed over.


Looking back towards the startline - the tarmac here looks like it could be all that's left from CP's racing days.


Heading towards North Tower.


North Tower in..


...North Tower out.


The Glade


Park Curve. This area was out of bounds for spectators. I never realised the houses were so close. No wonder there were complaints about the noise.


New Link.


Stadium straight. There is a little track by the blue boxes which I think maybe for radio controlled cars.


Stadium straight towards Ramp Bend. The Grandstand and offices now use part of the circuit.


Ramp Bend. I think the concrete wall on the left may have been around in racing days.


Anerley Ramp


Maxim Rise. The bridge from the station that went over the track has gone.


Finally heading into South Tower.


It's sad that there appears to be no recognition that racing took place there. I was chatting to a chap who was walking his dog and he had no idea what I was talking about. There is a little Museum on site, but unfortunately that was closed due to structural damage by vandals!

Edited by alansart, 15 May 2013 - 12:26.

[MCS]

Fascinating, but sad pictures, Alan.

Looks a lot like when I last visited and I guess it will stay much the same for many years to come unless something fairly major happens.

I fully agree that it is sad - I use the word again - that there is no real evidence of what once was, nor any recognition of the fact.

Thanks for posting though. Let's hope to God we are not posting similar pictures of Mallory Park in a decade's time...

[Paul Collins]

I doubt it as unfortunately the front straight has been covered over. This is looking back to the startline.

Yep i'd planned a short hop across to the other bit of tarmac on the inside for about a hundred yards just there, as much as I hate chicanes it would get around the grassed over bit, its never going to happen but we can dream

[alansart]

Fascinating, but sad pictures, Alan.

Looks a lot like when I last visited and I guess it will stay much the same for many years to come unless something fairly major happens.

I fully agree that it is sad - I use the word again - that there is no real evidence of what once was, nor any recognition of the fact.

Thanks for posting though. Let's hope to God we are not posting similar pictures of Mallory Park in a decade's time...

I must admit I was very surprised by the lack of Motor Sport history at CP. It was a fabulous little circuit which put on some pretty impressive racing at times, although I can see how it wouldn't work in modern terms with health and safety etc. but it doesn't deserve to be forgotten, which is why am glad they've put the Sprint Meeting on. I've not been yet but am hoping to make it sometime.

Although I'm a car man, I did see a few bike races there. You have to have great respect for racers who were prepared charge around the place with those unforgiving railway sleeper barriers so close!!!