Mayor welcomes record crowds to Motorsport at the Palace

Sport
 | 30 May 2013

More than 8000 people bettered organisers’ expectations as they flocked to the Crystal Palace-based sprint on 26-27 May.

Mayor of Bromley Ernest Noad flagged off a host of race-prepared machines including Terence Watson’s 1934 Riley Rowson special, Trevor Mcllroy’s 1959 Austin Healey Sebring Sprite, Derek Pierce’s 1961 Jaguar Mk2 and Ian Wright in Richard Falconer's Chaparral Mk2.

Fastest classic of the weekend was Fyrth Crosse’s 1972 Ensign LNF3 in Class 20 (for racing cars up to 1600cc built from 1947-’76), which crossed the line in 37.19 secs.

Quickest overall was Gary Thomas, who shaved almost a second off the course record by posting a time of 32.87 secs in his Force PT ’bike-engined hillclimb special.

Away from the high-octane action of the sprint, Bill Newman’s 1952 Jaguar XK120 scooped victory in the Kleers Show and Shine competition.

And there was more glory in store for the marque, as the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club won Best Club Display on Sunday, while the Stag Owners Club pulled off the same feat on Monday.

The event’s organiser, the Sevenoaks and District Motor Club, raised more than £3500 for the Royal London Society for Blind People and St Christopher’s Hospice, taking the overall total to almost £15,000.

Tony Beesley, who commentated and competed, said: “This was my first visit to Crystal Palace in 40 years and it was full of nostalgia, wonderful camaraderie and a fantastic atmosphere.

“To be able to compete with such a diverse range of cars in front of such a crowd was fantastic. It will be remembered as one of my best days of motor sport.”