MORE THAN 9,000 ATTEND BIGGEST-EVER MOTORSPORT AT THE PALACE
More than 9,000 race fans packed Crystal Palace park over the Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy what orgasnisers are hailing as “the largest and most diverse Motorsport at the Palace to date.”
The two-day sprint, now in its sixth year, entertained the crowds with a host of events and attractions – and raised over £3,700 St Christopher’s hospice, Sydenham in the process.
Motorcycles were welcomed back on track at the Palace for the first time since the old venue closed in 1972, and the 40-strong parade of vintage two- and three-wheelers proved a huge draw.
Crowds lined the circuit to see ex-racers like Colin Seeley, Joe Dunphy and Bill Hodgkins take to the course on classic Nortons, Triumphs, Ducatis, BSAs and Hondas, among others.
On track, the competition was fast and furious among the 200 competitors. Kevin Creaven took fastest time of the day on Sunday in his OMS (34.92 seconds), while Monday’s honours went to David Seaton driving a Pilbeam MP43/BMW (33.95 seconds).
Elsewhere, more than 300 exhibitors impressed the spectators with a range of show machines as diverse as it was large. Vehicles on display included hot-rods and muscle cars, Ferraris, and the extraordinary Cosmotron, a sci-fi car straight out of the Jetsons.
Motorcycle fans were treated to the deafening roar of Loris Capirossi’s MotoGP Ducati, among the many other classic machines on show.
Gerald Philbrick chose Motorsport at the Palace to reveal his Aston Butterworth Formula 2 car, one of only two ever made and ‘lost’ for the last 50 years, while guests also enjoyed a collection of racing karts from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
A spokesman said: “Motorsport at the Palace would like to thank the Ancaster Group for its support over the last six years.
“The Ancaster Group’s sponsorship has been instrumental to the event’s success and we hope to see many of our friends from the group as welcomed guests at next year’s event.” (Sources: Motorsport at the Palace / Sevenoaks & District Motor Club.)
All photos copyright / courtesy Mike Lambert/Gridshots.com
