WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MALLORY PARK?
"Mallory Park" is situated in the rural countryside of Leicestershire and sited in the grounds of a 200 acre ancient estate once owned by the Noel family. The track itself lies within a natural basin making it an ideal viewing venue. Construction work first started in the 1940`s with the aim of creating a Pony Trotting track. Marsh ground was drained and a small strip of Kirkby Wood was cleared to accommodate the track, although the bulk of the mature trees were felled earlier under the instruction of the "War Agricultural committee" as a contribution towards the war effort.
The 1660 yd oval grass track was eventually completed in the late`40`s, with Judges Box erected, and starting gates in position . Then without warning the "Kirkby Mallory Racing Association" together with "The Shirley Race Course" and other associated companies, were forced to cease trading when the parent company "The Pony Turf Club" went into liquidation.
The Leicester Query Club then rented the track to put on motorcycle scrambling events . This continued for several years, the highlights of which were the holding of the National Grass Track Racing Championships, the first being held September 1951.
Although Mallory Park launched itself in 1956 as the circuit that we recognise today. In 1955 the estate came into the possession of Mr. Clive Wormleighton from Earl Shilton a prosperous local builder, who had the vision of introducing motorcycle road racing and car racing at the venue. Work commenced at once on re -designing the circuit, the first major project was to construct a hard road racing surface in place of the existing turf.
The second, was to extend the track by adding an hair pin bend at the Northerly end of the circuit . The track now measured 1.35 miles and was ready for opening on the 25th of April 1956, a lap of honour being performed by the motor racing ace Bob Gerrard .
The official opening before a crowd of 20,000 was a month later on the 13th of May, when 248 riders put on a display of motor cycle racing with George Salt setting up the highest lapping speed of 84.08 mph on a Norton.
Memorable meetings to follow were, In 1958 a young rider called John Surtees, who had competed with his dad Jack as a sidecar passenger in the grass-track days, won major races here and formed the platform of a glorious career on two wheels and four with strong Mallory overtones.
Bob McIntyre`s win in the first "Race of the Year"competition in 1959 and in the following year, 1960 Mike Hailwood, setting up a new lap record of 89 mph to win the second prestigious "Race of the Year "event.
Further facilities were to follow, a new clubhouse was built on the site of the old hall .The brook that ran through and under the track was dammed with a sluice gate which was then used to control the level of the newly formed lakes.
Unfortunately all these improvements were not achieved without a price, wooded areas, tracts of rhododendrons and formal gardens were to be cleared in the process.
In 1962 Clive Wormleighton sold Mallory Park to Grovewood Securities, a leisure company which already owned Olton Park, Snetterton and the Brands Hatch racing circuits. Under their expertise Mallory Park Circuit Ltd. continued to prosper attracting crowds of up to 50,000 for the more popular events like the Post TT International Motor Cycle meetings, when in 1962 Mike Hailwood clocked up the winning speed of 91.70 mph. In1964 the Daily Mail sponsored both the "Race of the Year "and the "Sidecar Race of the Year", The Transatlantic series motorcycle racing spectaculars. Mallory Park was now firmly established as the leading motor cycle circuit of the midlands.
Other attractions were to be introduced, the Derby Speedboat club held regular events on the large lake, the British Racing Sports Car Club regularly organised race meetings, Fordsport days with Grand Prix drivers; Formula 5000 and for diversity there were the momentous "Radio 1 Fun Days". In 1970 the Mallory Park circuit was incorporated into the World Cycling Championship route, which formed part of a round trip that took in several local villages. The main indoor events being held at the Saffron Lane Sports Stadium in Leicester.
The two greatest races of that era came in 1967 and 1971 on four wheels and two wheels respectively. To quote 'Autosport' in May 1967: 'John Surtees, using a Cosworth Ford engine in his Lola T100, once again demonstrated his tremendous skill in difficult conditions by running away with last Sunday's abominably wet Guards Trophy Formula Two International.'
In 1971 it was the clash of World Champion Giacomo Agostini and local hero John Cooper in the Race of the Year. By the end of 41 thrill-packed miles, Cooper edged his bike ahead by a fraction of a second to send 50,000 fans delirious.
But being limited to only 30 meetings a year and with attendances now steadily falling, Mallory Park , on the 31st. of October 1982 gave notice that it was due to close. The prospect for any future racing looked bleak .
Then in February 1983, Titan Properties Ltd. a Leeds based company agreed to buy the estate from Grovewood Securities, so ensuring the continuation of motor sport at Kirkby Mallory.
Titan properties is headed by the colourful Chris Meek who achieved over 500 wins during his car racing career embracing all kinds of single-seater racing. Chris was also a previous lap-record holder at Mallory Park
After a short period of companies looking after the running of the events a lease was drawn up between titan Properties & the Overend family which resulted in the forming of Mallory Park Motorsport Ltd. The Overend family ran the circuit very successfully until 2005. The family run business had increased the use and stature of the events over the years, these events included the British Supercup championship, British Superbikes, the British Touring car championship and many other prestigious events including the Post TT & race of the Year events
On 12th January 2005 BARC Ltd announced the purchase of Mallory Park (Motorsport) Ltd from the Overend family. Therefore, in safe hands, - the fast, simple venue that provides spectacular motor racing looks forward to its next half century.
A full and illustrated history: 'MALLORY PARK - 50 YEARS AT THE FRIENDLY CIRCUIT' by Gareth Rogers can be ordered on-line from www.mallorypark.co.uk or purchased from the track shop or by calling 01455 842931.