Top Hat historic racing is set for a change of leadership in 2011 with the appointment of James Beckett to run the national element of Masters Historic Racing’s portfolio.  James will take over Top Hat from Tim Beavis, who unfortunately cannot commit the time for 2011, but will still be a regular face on the track and at Top Hat races as part of the Masters Team.    

Beckett, formerly the BRDC Assistant Club Secretary, has been the driving force behind the hugely successful Walter Hayes Trophy for FF1600 cars and has been credited with the resurgence of the category in the UK. His appointment to run Top Hat will strengthen the portfolio of races, which includes touring cars, sports cars and GT racers of the 1950s to 1970s.

Buckingham-based Beckett said: “I am delighted to be working with Ron Maydon and the Masters Team on Top Hat. Longer races for national competitors are a great idea and we are working on a raft of new ideas and venues for 2011 that we will be announcing soon. We don’t just wave competitors into the paddock and forget about them: we look after them by providing for them in our hospitality area, by longer races, by being customer-focussed and by listening to what they want and by trying to move forwards. We recognise that our drivers are not just competitors, they are customers and we want to make them as happy as possible.  We have some exciting announcements about entry fees that will be made soon but undoubtedly Top Hat will be the place to race in 2011.”

Ron Maydon of Masters Historic Racing said: “I am thrilled that James Beckett is joining us, showing our ongoing commitment to Top Hat.  We have a very strong base of drivers in Top Hat and James will be working with them all closely to ensure that we have a great season of racing and to work towards a bright and healthy future for Top Hat.”

The final touches are being made to the Top Hat calendar for 2011 and will be announced shortly.