Tracks of history

Goodwood, Silverstone, Thruxton, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch show that the British historic racing scene is in fine fettle. Owners of historic racing cars are spoiled for choice when it comes to venues that host historic racing events, but there are a forgotten few circuits which no longer pay homage to the heydays of classic racing.

One significant void left in the calendar is that of the Ingliston racing circuit, at which drivers such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss once competed. This year, there will be no Ingliston Revival after the circuit hosted a successful vintage racing festival in 2017, its first event for two decades. Nearby Knockhill, a touring car mainstay, also lacks a revival or vintage racing event this year.

Further south, Aintree – Merseyside’s answer to Goodwood – misses an appropriate event to highlight its historical significance. It’s another puzzling omission, given that for five years it was the British Grand Prix’s home and hosted several non-title F1 races. But while sprinting and bike racing continue on its short circuit, there’s room for a larger commemoration to remind today’s race-goers that a different type of horsepower once reigned there.

Brooklands gets a pass, its many events celebrating its unique history as a speed arena, but the UK’s other oval, Rockingham, hasn’t repeated the heady heights of its 2001-02 CART cameos.

Perhaps this discussion should be resigned to ‘pipe-dream’ status, given the wealth of historic appreciation that Britain enjoys. That said, which racetracks – defunct or otherwise – would you like to see used for celebrations of the past? Email us or send in a letter – we’re itching to see what you suggest.