The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Sam S Collins

After dropping out of a degree in Automotive and Motorsport engineering, SS Collins went on a mission to write a clear and easy to use guide to getting started in Motorsport (How to Get started in Motorsport).

Currently Collins is working in the commercial section of 'the voice of British Motorsport' that is the weekly newspaper Motorsport News. Collins is also a regular sight on entry lists as he competes on a regular basis in Sprints Hillclimbs, Races, Rallies and Trials. Collins was first brought into the sport when his local Park at Crystal Palace was turned into a sprint venue in 1997.

The main features of this new book are:
* The History of one of Britains oldest race circuits
* Many rare / unseen photographs
* Coverage on the very early Meetings 1899 - 1902
* Coverage of the final speed events 1997 - 2001.
* Post closure events
* The circuit seen as it is today
* Potential future plans for the venue
* A much needed update on the tracks history
* Written by a local enthusiast
* List of Events 1899 - 2001

The chapter titles are:
The very Early Days - 1899 - 1902
Path Racing 1920's & 30's
Londons Own Circuit, Road racing 1937 - 1939
A New circuit for London - 1950's
Golden Era - the 1960's
The beginning of the End - 1970 - 1972
Abandonment - 1972 - 1997
Speed returns to Crystal Palace -1997 - 2001
Now and the Future.

Crystal Palace, London's own circuit, has recently been found to be one of the oldest Motor Racing venues in the world - this is its story. Focusing on the development of the venue over the years and its untimely demise. Many rare and unseen photos are included.

For thousands of enthusiasts who flocked to the picturesque park at Crystal Palace between 1927 and 1972 to watch their favourite riders and drivers in action, the pilgrimage so often held the promise of much more than just another race meeting. Whether a club, national or international event, featuring motorcycles, cars or karts, a fixture at the Palace offered a day out for all the family, an informal rendezvous amid the trees and grass banks, at a venue which could be easily reached by bus or train.

Part of the Palace's magic, as a circuit which attracted large crowds from London and the south-east, was that it brought the legendary riders and drivers of the day to the regular spectators' own doorsteps.

Harold Daniell, Prince Bira, Raymond Mays, Dick Seaman, and in later years, Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Bob McIntyre, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, Graham Hill ... the list seems endless, and they all played a vital role in creating and sustaining that special "Palace atmosphere".

When the circuit closed in 1972, one of the most colourful eras in British motorsport came to an end.

The author describes how bureaucracy, environmental threats and rising costs conspired to bring down the chequered flag for the last time, and shows us, finally, how the track looks today, when racing at Crystal Palace is gone but not forgotten.

96 pages 110 illustrations