British Motorcycle Racing Circuits Since 1907: England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland

by Walker, Mick

• ISBN13: 9781859836576
• ISBN10: 1859836577
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-02-15
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl

Summary

Mick Walker has produced the definitive book on British motorcycle racing circuits. Here, for the first time, is every circuit, from Aberdare Park to Waterbeach, with hundreds both well known and now long-forgotten in between. Fully illustrated by way of colorful program covers, circuit maps and period photographs, this is a must-have for any real racing enthusiast. Motorcycle racing in Great Britain began in 1907 with the opening of Brooklands near Weybridge in Surrey, the first purpose-built circuit in Europe and the inaugural staging of the Isle of Man TT. Then, during the interwar period came venues such as Cadwell Park, Crystal Palace, Syston and Donington Park. However, it was after the end of the World War Two in 1945 that really saw circuit racing establish itself. Not only with the influx of former wartime airfields including Boreham, Haddonham, Ibsley, Thruxton, Silverstone, and Snetterton, but also Brands Hatch, Alton Towers, Scarborough, and Outton Park to name but a few. North of the border came Beveridge Park, Errol and Charterholl, while across the Irish Sea, the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200 were bolstered by a myriad of new road courses.

Author Biography

Mick Walker is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading motorcycle authorities. In a career which has spanned over 45 years, he has written over 100 books and curated several exhibitions. He has also been a successful racer, tuner, team manager and talent scout. In 1998, he was involved in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum, in New York. There is virtually no aspect of the motorcycle industry in which he has not been involved – he has even acted as the British importer for several Italian marques, including Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Cagiva. During the 1980s, he was editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast magazine and, in 1999, Ducati presented him with a lifetime achievement award, the first of its kind ever made.