When opened July 1950, Castle Combe Circuit helped kick-start post war motor racing and went on to become one of the UK’s most popular and successful motor racing tracks, hosting many memorable national and international race meetings.
During the last 70 + 2 years many aspiring racing stars have competed on the Wiltshire tarmac including Sir Stirling Moss, David Coulthard, Martin Brundle, as well as future F1 world champions Mike Hawthorn, Ayrton Senna, Graham & Damon Hill. Not forgetting motorcycle legends; John Surtees, Jeff Duke, Phil Read, Mike Hailwood and Barry Sheene.
The Circuit’s 70th birthday fell July 2020, but celebrations were postponed due to the COVID pandemic. Two years later and with things returned to normal, Castle Combe’s busy season finally concluded on Saturday November 12thwith the long-awaited Birthday & Championship Awards dinner.
The glitzy end of season black-tie occasion had motor racing as its principal theme. Held at Aerospace Bristol’s Museum, a stunning venue in Filton within the boundaries of Bristol City, the site is steeped in aviation history and, since landing on the airfield’s 1-mile runway in 2003, has been home to Alpha Foxtrot G-BOAFone of the Concorde airliners conceived there.
It was this example of the finest 1960s aviation technology that provided a unique and atmospheric backdrop for 370 guests – on 39 tables – to enjoy a very special evening, dining below the supersonic aircraft’s internationally famous fuselage and delta wings, providing unique photo opportunities for guests.
The spectacular setting also had enough space to display seven Castle Combe Racing Club championship winning cars and in addition, guests had the opportunity to tour Concorde’s compact yet futuristic cabin and visit the adjoining aviation museum before enjoying aperitifs on the mezzanine balcony alongside the iconic airliner before dinner.
Providing a unique demographic, guests emanated mainly from the world of motor racing, including Drivers, Entrants, Team Members, Sponsors, Organisers, Officials, Marshals, and Promotors, with Aerospace Bristol’s scope and reputation allowinga number of the circuit’s key sponsors to garner prestigious exposure. For sure it’ll be difficult to follow up in 2023, but plans are already hatching!
