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JOY BATCHELOR
But back to the world of historic ormula racing and 1 is those without magnificent doubt the men and pinnacle women in of their motorsport racing machines globally,. and Keston Britain Pelmore is founded home to the F1 itself Bentley, with Drivers the championship Club in 1936, three’ s headquarters years after and buying 11 F1 his teams first vintage based 3 here Litre. We. At also the host opening the biggest Brooklands meeting best race that in the March British, he Grand placed Prix cards, which headed this“ Bentley year welcomed Drivers a record Club” on 564,000 the windscreens spectators of, while vintage British drivers Bentleys continue, inviting to their break owners records to join and him compete in forming for a victories club. and world championships The response. exceeded expectations. Twenty-six What interests enthusiasts me, though descended, is not on so much Pelmore the’ s pinnacle small Sloane as everything Avenue flat that supports for the inaugural it. meeting, forcing proceedings None of these to move successes to the exist nearby in isolation Boltons Hotel. They, where are the the product first committee of an ecosystem was elected of. The engineering club was companies formally, specialist incorporated manufacturers on 6th July, 1936 motor and clubs was, volunteers soon organising, officials runs and and competitors racing at that Brooklands has developed. over many decades. Our It also National quickly Motorsport attracted Week some provided formidable an names opportunity. Woolf Barnato reflect on became that wider President picture, while and W to. O. remind Bentley, people Dudley that Benjafield motorsport, Bertie is Kensington- far more accessible Moir and Frank than Clement many imagine were. among There is a its motorsport early members for everyone. By the end. of its first Research year, the tells new us club that had 26.2 not million only people established in Britain itself consider but secured themselves motorsport enthusiastic fans backing. Yet fewer of the than original half realise Bentley they Boys can. actively take part. That is As a remarkable a boy I would statistic accompany when you my consider father to the Silverstone opportunities to the available Bentley across Drivers our Club 14 annual disciplines race. meeting Whether your interest and be dazzled lies in competing by these thunderous, marshalling, officiating machines, and engineering the smell, volunteering
of Castrol R. or The becoming first event involved was held through there in a local 1949, club and, there 2026 is a edition route into was the 78th, in sport an unbroken for almost string everyone. I think. that sums up the indefatigable nature of BDC members and indeed the historic racing family – the challenges of just keeping the infernal things running is a test of a
Goodwood person’ s Festival resolve and spirit! of Speed celebrates the My breadth host of for UK the day was Brian Rivett, motorsport one of the leading authorities on
vintage Bentleys and its long-standing DVLA liaison officer. I have got to know Brian quite well as he has provided shrewd counsel to Motorsport UK on matters of insurance in recent years. He kindly suggested I join his family on the banking at Copse, with the plan being to use his 1952 Bentley
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Lando Norris reads through the previous winners on the Hawthorn Trophy
Other sports have long understood the connection between watching and participating. Wimbledon inspires people to pick up a tennis racket. Major football tournaments encourage children to join their local clubs. Motorsport should be no different. Every Formula 1 fan, every rally enthusiast, and every spectator at a hill climb or sprint meeting should know that there is a place for them within our community if they want it.
The British Grand Prix remains our biggest shop window. Silverstone once again demonstrated why it is regarded as one of the finest events on the Formula 1 calendar Radford. Alongside Countryman the, which record attendance he explained, the was weekend the ideal also vehicle showcased, being fitted the depth with of picnic British boxes talent and, with drinks Alisha cabinets Palmowski. The fresco, Freddie Slater lunch, George was superb Russell, but, Lewis the Hamilton Countryman and had Lando failed Norris to make all giving the trip home and supporters much to Brian plenty’ s to celebrate chagrin,. the pre-lunch drivers’ parade had Success to be like in a that borrowed is never Bentley accidental as. his own 1927 3-4 ½ Litre had expired on the trip over. Fun but fickle these Bentleys. I met so many fascinating characters, many of whom either knew or knew of my father’ s work on and racing of pre-war Bentleys for which he is still seen as something of a legend.
ELECTRIC PROGRESS
The following day could not have been more of a contrast. Taking the Elizabeth Line from my nearest station in Maidenhead, I was whisked directly under the streets of London to emerge 100 metres from the entrance to
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The Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP visits the Motorsport UK HQ at Hugh Bicester and friends took part in the Silverstone track parade with the
Bentley Drivers Club
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Revolution Magazine |