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Thruxton celebrated its 50th anniversary last weekend. The super fast Hampshire race track has been a popular motor sport venue since becoming the BARC’s home after the closure of Goodwood in 1966.<\/p>\n

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Originally used for racing in the ’50s, a new track was opened in 1968. Like many other race circuits in the UK it was the site of a military airfield during World War Two. It was operated as a fighter base with the United States Army Air Force taking over from the RAF in 1944 in the run up to D-Day.<\/p>\n

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Since 1968 it has become a favourite venue for motor sport fans of two or four wheels persuasion. I recall many great days’ racing on the traditional Easter Monday Formula Two meeting. It was a fine way to welcome in a new season and to see the next generation of Formula One stars in the making.<\/p>\n

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In recent years there has a major investment program with the opening of the Thruxton Hospitality Centre.<\/p>\n

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The racing was its customary close, competitive self, with the inner hooligan of the Mini fraternity never far from the surface.<\/p>\n

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And what would a Formula Ford race be without a bit of rough and tumble?<\/p>\n

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Motorsport’s answer to Morecambe and Wise, Nigel Mansell and Murray Walker, were guests of honour, deservedly so.<\/p>\n

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The sun shone and another excellent weekend of racing and things generally automotive were enjoyed by an appreciative audience. Here’s a salute to the next 50 years!<\/p>\n

As part of the tribute from those of us at DDC Towers we bring you another fabulous collection of imagery courtesy of the man of the moment. Simon Hildrew.<\/p>\n

John Brooks June 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t