The fifth annual Motorsport at the Palace - in association with the Ancaster Group - proved a huge success, with over 5,000 spectators passing through the gates, despite Monday's inclement weather. Indeed, the rain served only to demonstrate how popular this two-day sprint has become, among both enthusiasts and local residents, who came together to enjoy two wonderful days of motorsport-themed family fun.
Motorsport at the Palace 2014 raised over £3,500 for local charity St Christopher's Hospice, and spectators were treated to some thrilling on-track action. Gary Thomas, driving a Force PT, smashed the course record on Sunday, with a time of 32.58 seconds, while Justin Andrews claimed Fastest Time of the Day on Monday, with a time of 31.19 (on a shortened course, resulting from the poor weather).
The Eco Kart races proved tremendously popular, as schoolchildren driving their own environmentally friendly go-karts competed on a dedicated track, bringing smiles to the faces of all who cheered them on. Congratulations to St Margret's C of E Junior School from Rainham, Kent, which eventually triumphed in the face of strong competition.
A highlight of this year's Motorsport at the Palace saw a wonderful reunion of cars and drivers from the legendary 1971 Osram Saloon Car race held at Crystal Palace. Under the banner of "the Class of '71", the cars and drivers which contested that fierce battle lined up in grid formation along the old Terrace Straight, just as they had done 43 years ago. Ex-racer Mike Crabtree, back behind the wheel of his Ford Escort MkI RS1600 for the first time in over four decades, appeared visibly moved by the experience, as did the sizeable crowd which gathered to watch history repeat itself.
Gregor Marshall - son of Gerry Marshall who won the race that day in 1971 - represented his late father in Colin Robbins' replica of Marshall's Vauxhall Viva GT, while John Shoesmith completed the front row formation in the formidable Chevrolet Camaro, campaigned by Martin Thomas.
Behind them sat Julian Townsend's pretty WRA Anglia, which raced at Crystal Palace in period, and the rare 'Fraud' Cortina Mk2, raced by famous Australian driver Doc Merfield (and now owned by Jon Doubleday).
It was a wonderful spectacle, made all the more so as the original commentary of the '71 race blared from the loudspeakers, carrying the unmistakable voice of Murray Walker across the park like a timeless breeze. It felt like the culmination of so many years of history; a final chequered flag on a wonderful era, which has come to define the splendid Crystal Palace circuit of old.
Commenting on the event, Mike Crabtree said: "It was a great weekend. The organisation was excellent and everyone was so friendly. The Escort went well and it was terrific to be driving the car again after 43 years. I should like to thank everybody at the Sevenoaks Motor Club for a very good event."
The organisers would like to thanks everyone who helped make this year's event such an enjoyable success.
