The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Richard Page

Crystal Palace holds an important place in the heritage of motor sport in Britain. Today it is barely remembered that it was the scene of some of the first competitions for pioneering motorists, including was probably the first car race in England in 1901. In 1937 a permanent road course was constructed. Its urban setting and railway-sleeper lined track provided spectators and drivers with the closest experience available to continental style street racing. Closing in September 1972, the circuit operated in what many feel to have been the “golden era” of motor racing and great names like Stirling Moss, Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart graced the entry lists. Amongst many other things it witnessed the dramatic arrival of Austrian future world champion Jochen Rindt on the international motor racing scene.

In the 672 pages, this monumental work by Richard Page provides the fullest possible documentation of the history of Crystal Palace motor racing. The two dark red hardbound volumes, come in a board slip case containing 89 illustrations, mostly previously unpublished. After an introduction briefly setting out the history of the site, the book chronicles year-by-year the motor sporting competitions, starting with the Pioneering Years – competitions 1896-1906 where 28 events have been uncovered. Later motorcycle sport thrived with racing on the pathways of the grounds and speedway.

However, the main section of the book provides comprehensive data on all the known car races held on the road circuit derived from extensive research in libraries, motor club archives and contributions from many enthusiasts (including the Chairman of the Crystal Palace Foundation). Every race has a full entry list, including many chassis numbers of competing cars and, in most cases, full starting grids and results are provided. This data is followed by a description of the race and a lap chart of the leading positions. Motorcycle racing is not forgotten and all meetings are covered, albeit at a higher level. Finally the results of the sprints held from 1997 to 2000 are recorded.

Such wealth of detail has never before been published.

The print run is limited to 150 individually numbered copies signed by the author and the book is clearly aimed at a specialist market.

Events from 29 May 1897 - 29 May 2000 over 100 years - held at the circuit are described in amazing detail.

10 pages of circuit history, 4 circuit maps, indexes of lap records, drivers and cars.

Post & packing included in purchase price. Despatched in the UK by Royal Mail Special Delivery (next day delivery) and overseas by International Signed For.