CROFT CIRCUIT will join in the recent wartime commemorations this weekend when it hosts the popular Battle of Britain Race Meeting more than three decades on from its last edition, writes Larry Carter.

Having originally been staged at the North Yorkshire venue as Croft Autodrome back in 1964, the Darlington and District Motor Club-organised event was unique in its appeal as it showcased both car and bike racing.

Held in deference to Croft’s Aerodrome roots and its role as the most northerly bomber base in the UK during the Second World War, under the command of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the event also reflected the fact that a number of DDMC members had actively served in the conflict.

The Northern Echo:

A traditional August Bank Holiday highlight, the Battle of Britain Race Meeting regularly drew crowds of up to 30,000 who were wowed by a blend of two, three and four-wheeled on-track thrills, with the event raising substantial funds for charity. Local heroes always featured prominently, including motorcycling ace Ken Redfern, car racing front-runners Andy Barton and Ron Harper and sidecar stars Matt Hobson and Colin Appleyard.

What’s more, the Battle of Britain Race Meeting became so well-established on the annual motorsport calendar that by the 1970s it was attracting drivers of the calibre of legendary world champions James Hunt and Barry Sheene and multiple Grand Prix winner Patrick Tambay to perform demonstration runs and present trophies.

Since re-opening in 1995, Croft has gone from strength-to-strength, and the re-introduction of one of the most illustrious dates on its schedule maintains that momentum.

“It’s fantastic to have the Battle of Britain Race Meeting back here at Croft,” said circuit manager Mike Cantelo.

“For a long time, this was one of the most prestigious motorsport events to be hosted anywhere in the country, and to be reviving it in such a significant year is fitting indeed.

"Both the DDMC and NEMCRC have worked tirelessly to put everything together, and it is entirely appropriate that we have a tremendous variety of bikes, cars and sidecars on the bill. A superb weekend of racing and family-friendly entertainment is guaranteed."

The packed programme will include solo motorcycles, the final round of the British F2 Sidecar Championship, the Northern Saloon & Sports Car Championship, the Porsche Club Great Britain Championship and the MG Cockshoot Cup, with a coveted Battle of Britain Trophy awarded to the overall winner.

Tickets are priced at £10 in advance for either Saturday or Sunday, or £13 on the gate. Accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted to the circuit free of charge. For further information, visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk/or call 01325 721815.

Meanwhile, Hutton Rudby driver Chris Pearson recently took part in the Pre War Challenge with Aston Martin Owners Club at Brands Hatch on the full GP Circuit, where he came away with a victory in his Austin Seven.