Crystal Palace

[Peter Mallett]

Interesting headgear for 1930s.

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Interesting lack of headgear for 1930s.

I agree Peter, and something that we all take for granted these days.

[Peter Mallett]

Hmm, my point was that cork helmets didn't generally arrive until the late 40s/early 50s. Seems strange that there are 30s pics with 50s headgear.

[MG Rover Sport]

Mmmmmmmm, sorry about that then Peter - I assumed you meant Maclure's lack of any headgear in the Riley, rather than Nickols seemingly innovative attitude in the MG.

You learn something every day.

[Vitesse]

Helmets weren't all that unknown in the 30s, although those who wore them were sometimes considered a bit ... wet. Indeed, some only wore them in the rain, since you could fit a visor to them to stop your goggles getting wet and fogging up. Earl Howe and Arthur Dobson were notable lid-wearers, though: His Lordship probably owed his life to his after his Brooklands shunt in '37.

The picture of Nickols and Maclure is at Stadium Dip, BTW. You can just see the bottom of the New Zealand Scoreboard top right.

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by Vitesse

The picture of Nickols and Maclure is at Stadium Dip, BTW. You can just see the bottom of the New Zealand Scoreboard top right.

That's great - thank you 'Vitesse'!

I'm really starting to get into pre-war racing now following all the digging about I have done into these two MG photos, and even more so on Crystal Palace itself.

It seems such an evocative era in British motorsport, and you can almost sense the excitement just by looking at the crowds that attended back then.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by MG Rover Sport

It seems such an evocative era in British motorsport, and you can almost sense the excitement just by looking at the crowds that attended back then.

I used to go to CP a fair bit back in the early to late 60s for bikes and cars, unless you got there early it was always a struggle to find a good place to watch on the best corners.
Motor racing was well attended because there wasn't much else to do at the weekends as most places like shops were closed on Sundays and big shopping complexes were non existent, also CP had a large catchment area within walking distance.

[Andy Clegg]

When I was going to Brands in the '90's, there used to be quite a large knowledgeable crowd then. I suppose with London being so close that would be the case.

[MG Rover Sport]

Bumping this topic to the top, but...

Does anyone have any details of an entry for Andrew Hedges in one of Dick Jacobs' infamous MG Midget Coupes : Reg 770 BJB #71 at Crystal Palace in late 1963 please?

Many thanks.

[RAP]

Originally Posted by MG Rover Sport

Bumping this topic to the top, but...

Does anyone have any details of an entry for Andrew Hedges in one of Dick Jacobs' infamous MG Midget Coupes : Reg 770 BJB #71 at Crystal Palace in late 1963 please?

Many thanks.

7 Sept 63 GT up to 1600cc
71 Andrew Hedges MG Midget

By the way, re Gordon Streeter's post, there was never racing at Crystal Palace on a Sunday because of the noise issues with the neighbours. That was part of the track's financial problem. Saturday meetings usually lost money and there are only so many Bank Holidays.

RAP

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by RAP

7 Sept 63 GT up to 1600cc
71 Andrew Hedges MG Midget

RAP

That is most helpful 'RAP' - I don't suppose you have any results for the entry do you? Many thanks.

[RAP]

Originally Posted by MG Rover Sport

That is most helpful 'RAP' - I don't suppose you have any results for the entry do you? Many thanks.

6th Overall 15 laps in 16'58.6" 2nd in Class to Keith Holland (GSM Delta)

[ss_collins]

By the way, re Gordon Streeter's post, there was never racing at Crystal Palace on a Sunday because of the noise issues with the neighbours. That was part of the track's financial problem. Saturday meetings usually lost money and there are only so many Bank Holidays.

Today though the situation is different - the noise is not longer a huge issue with the current (responsible) organisers. Indeed the locals are broadly supportive and I'm sure would not object to a return of full racing.

Formula E wouldn't create a noise issue either.

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by RAP

6th Overall 15 laps in 16'58.6" 2nd in Class to Keith Holland (GSM Delta)

That's excellent 'RAP' - many many thanks!

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by RAP

By the way, re Gordon Streeter's post, there was never racing at Crystal Palace on a Sunday because of the noise issues with the neighbours. That was part of the track's financial problem. Saturday meetings usually lost money and there are only so many Bank Holidays.

RAP

Quite right it was Saturdays, but as I used to go to most meetings for bikes and cars between Brands and CP it's easy to get confused at my age !