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Nottingham MRCC Track.

The Nottingham Club built a 70 ft diameter track on farmland adjoining Bassingfield Lane at Gamston which is to the east of the City on the A52. This was one of the later tracks to be laid down as it was not finished until 1951. The  tethered car movement had, by this time, become totally dominated by out-right speed and the track hosted virtually all of the top competitors of the period. Oliver cars and engines were being built nearby in Nottingham and the 1.5cc and 2.5cc Tiger engine units were almost universal in the smallest two classes. Very few tracks were still in operation at this time and so national and regional competitions held there would see the very fastest cars in action.

Sometime during late 1953 or early in 54 Roger Allton, who lived nearby in West Bridgford, visited the track with his Contax camera and recorded the images reproduced below. Unfortunately the specialist magazines had all ended publication by 1952 and so it has been impossible to identify all the individuals or cars pictured. However these represent an excellent example of track activities and methods of operating cars at that time.

Centre, a bobtail ZN car with 5cc ETA engine. Right, ZN spur drive car with ETA motor. Both cars have soft 'flinging' Grenwyn tyres
that grow significantly at speed. Background, top from teardrop car.

Jack Parker's ETA powerd carswith the now universal 'pan handles' rather than wire bridles. Both cars rigged to run 'wrong way round'.
Push stick and external glow battery on bench. Fitted case behind.

The last of Ian Moore's  competition cars, #14 with 10cc
Dooling motor. European record holder at 194 kph.
Sold to Philip Rochat in Switzerland at the end of 54 season.		 14 on the lid of purpose built 'pit box' Cables, fuel tins, dial gauge
and spare tyres in evidence. Upper space usually held the 5cc
'Moore Special'. It is believed that the box may still survive.

No electric starters, just an upturned bicycle wheel to start
the motor for testing. This method of starting is still used.

External glow battery attached by cable, push stick ready.
Jack Parker of the Meteor Club prepares to 'push off'.

Many thanks to Roger Alton for these evocative pictures

©copyrightRogerAlton2007