- Davidstow Circuit
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Davidstow Circuit
1953-1955 Track LayoutLocation Cornwall, UK Coordinates 50°38′20″N 4°37′05″W / 50.639°N 4.618°WCoordinates: 50°38′20″N 4°37′05″W / 50.639°N 4.618°W Opened 1952 Closed 1955 Major events F1 1952 Circuit Length 4.2 km (2.6 mi) 1953-1955 Circuit Length 3.1 km (1.9 mi) Davidstow Circuit is a disused motor racing circuit and airfield built in Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. The circuit was built on the site of a World War II bomber base, RAF Davidstow Moor, opened in 1942. Davidstow circuit opened in 1952, and held three Formula 1 races between 1954-1955. The circuit hosted its last race in 1955, and was one of many of Britain's airfields to be transformed into motor racing venues. Davidstow circuit is notable for the first Formula One victory for a Lotus.
History
The original track layout of Davidstow circuit was used in 1952 and contained 3 corners, most drivers thought that this layout wasn't very challenging. The track was 4.2 km (2.6 mi) long and used the main runways of RAF Davidstow Moor.
The layout of Davidstow Circuit was changed for 1953. This layout was kept for 1954 and 1955 as well. The new layout contained a chicane before the first corner and was considerably shorter. This layout cut out the end of the original layout, this meant that this layout was only 3.1 km (1.9 mi) long. The start/finish straight remained in the same place on this layout.
Davidstow hosted the Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race between 1954-1955.
There is a flourishing ultralight and microlight flying school at the airfield today.
Results
Year Date Event Winning driver Winning constructor Report 1955 May 30 Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race Leslie Marr Connaught-Alta Report 1954 August 2 Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race John Coombs Lotus-Lea Francis Report June 7 Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race John Riseley-Prichard Connaught-Lea Francis Report References
- Swinger, Peter (2001) Motor Racing Circuits In England Then and Now. ISBN 0-7110-3104-5
- Lotus's first Formula One success
British motor racing circuits Current Anglesey • Brands Hatch • Cadwell Park • Castle Combe • Croft • Donington Park • Goodwood • Knockhill • Llandow • Lydden • Mallory Park • Oliver's Mount • Oulton Park • Pembrey • Rockingham • Silverstone • Snetterton • ThruxtonFormer Aintree • Birmingham • Blandford • Boreham • Brooklands • Brough • Catterick • Crystal Palace • Davidstow • Debden • Elvington • Fersfield • Full Sutton • Gamston • Gransden Lodge • Ibsley • Ingliston • Linton-on-Ouse • Longridge • Lulsgate • Ouston • Rufforth • Thornaby • WhitchurchThis article about a motor sport venue is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This article about an English sports venue is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.