Croft
Circuit Nostalgia Weekend
Report by Mike Scorer,
Pictures by Stephen Carr and Tony Todd
About
a week before the event, a number of MV owners, re-enactors, and
racing car owners met up at Croft for the press day. Enthusiasm was
high, but being a first event, we were all unsure how much support we
would have for the actual event.
As
it turned out, the event was a resounding success. Any doubts as to
the shows format being a joint venture between Durham Tees Valley Area
MVT, Croft Race Circuit, HSCC and TYMC were soon forgotten, as by
Friday evening, many of the military vehicles were in position with
their crews encamped behind the vehicles. Karls '1944 Auster AOP5'
aircraft was the last construction job of the day and then the BBQ'S
were on the go.
Saturday
morning saw a steady stream of military vehicles take up position
along 3 tenths of a mile of the old east/west runway, formally home to
Halifax and Lancaster bombers of the RCAF, with the smell of bacon
cooking and tea constantly on the boil, it captured the feel of a
bygone time.
Opposite
our displays were members of the Historic Sports Car Club who would be
competing on the circuit throughout the weekend in vehicles from five
decades motor racing. All other areas of the circuit had classic cars,
motorcycles, bus's and pedal cycles with many of the exhibitors in
period dress, adding to the 'Goodwood Revival' theme of the event.
The
few early downpours did not dampen their spirits and by the afternoon
there was more sunshine than rain. Simon Johnson from Airfield
Aviation piloting a Soko P2 Kraguj fighter monoplane, and then an
Issaccs Fury and Taff Smith, who was also competing in the HSCC event
on track, flew his 1940's Bucher Junmeister, both biplanes, gave the
crowds 'barnstorming' displays of aerobatics on both days, the
aircraft were then on static display for the public to admire.
The
1940's dance on the evening was very popular with military and race
competitors alike, many 'racers' entering into the spirit of the night
by donning the trilby hats and waste coats they had purchased from the
stall holders during the day. Both the dance floor and the bar were
well attended.
Sunday
was warm and dry and by mid morning more military vehicles arrived in
time for the parade laps of the track, with thirty plus vehicles on
the track all following their own 'racing line' it created an
interesting spectacle for the onlookers.
As the motor
racing commenced and the public thronged into the circuit George
Formby (aka Colin Bourdiec) entertained the crouds as they meandered
between military vehicles and living history displays.
A
1940's fashion show saw a capacity crowd pack into the Marque and in
the words of the circuit staff, 'It was amazing ".
The
feedback we have received from exhibitors, competitors and public
alike has been exceptional, the date for next years Nostalgia Weekend
is under discussion and provisionally will be.....
