Davidstow Circuit

Davidstow Circuit
Davidstow Circuit
Davidstow 1953.png
1953-1955 Track Layout
Location Cornwall, UK
Coordinates 50°38′20″N 4°37′05″W / 50.639°N 4.618°W / 50.639; -4.618Coordinates: 50°38′20″N 4°37′05″W / 50.639°N 4.618°W / 50.639; -4.618
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

Davidstow circuit layout 1952

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.

Davidstow circuit layout 1953-55

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.

RAF Davidstow Airfield - 2 June 1951. The circuit can be seen to use the runway and perimeter roads at the top of the picture.

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 United Kingdom Leslie Marr Connaught-Alta Report
1954 August 2 Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race United Kingdom John Coombs Lotus-Lea Francis Report
June 7 Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Race United Kingdom John Riseley-Prichard Connaught-Lea Francis Report
Davidstow Airfield

References