Have space, will race

Brands Hatch

The circuit was formed in a natural hollow – which some describe as an amphitheatre – in the land near West Kingsdown, Kent, owned by Brands (hence the name) Farm. The site was used for military training then cycle racing/practicing, before hosting its first recorded race in 1926. But no engines were involved, as cyclists and runners competed over a four-mile circuit.

Within a few years, motorcyclists began casually racing over the quarter-of-a-mile, rough kidney-shaped course in the bowl, then more structured grasstrack racing was run jointly by the Bermondsey, Owls, Sidcup and West Kingsdown clubs from 1932 until the Second World War.

Used for military vehicle storage during the conflict – and consequently subject to bombing raids – much work was needed before grasstrack racing resumed over a one mile circuit under the auspices of the newly formed Brands Hatch Stadium Ltd, and a committee comprising representatives from the Gravesend Eagles, Greenwich and Rochester clubs. Over the winter of 1949/50, a consortium invested £17,000 applying tarmac to the circuit, which was thought by many an ideal venue for motorcycle and car racing.

In April 1950, both factions enjoyed their first meetings on what was correctly described as Britain’s first post Second World War, purpose-built racing circuit.

Motorcycle meeting entrants for the opener included Vincent Davey (later head of Gus Kuhn), Jack Surtees crewed by Charlie Rous (later a well known sprinter, editor of MCN and one time proprietor of a funeral vehicle hire Bernie Ecclestone) and young John Surtees, officially competing in his first road race meeting (John had naughtily crewed for his father from the age of 14 – and was rumbled!).