This may seem totally unthinkable today, but there was a time when the machines in the 500cc world championship could easily struggle in events that didn't count for the general classification. These non-championship races were commonplace, on two wheels as in Formula 1. Just imagine that the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, once a year, welcomes our heroes with no other goal than to offer the greatest spectacle possible. Wouldn’t that be exceptional? Today, let's go back in time and discover one of the most famous races of this kind, the "Race of the Year", organized on the Mallory Park route in Great Britain.
We are in the heart of England, not far from the city of Leicester. Here in the 1940s, a racetrack entertained the townspeople from time to time. But the company in charge of organizing these trotting events goes bankrupt. From then on, the track was transformed into a grass track stadium by a city motorcycle club, before being bought, in 1955, by a certain Clive Wormleighton. He wants bitumen, the way we like it. In 1956, a new circuit was built. Mallory Park was born.
The layout of Mallory Park. Illustration: Will Pittenger
The spectators respond and do not hide their admiration for the motorcycles and cars that ride the route. Moreover, we notice the presence of John Surtees, who is racing against his father Jack, a very good grass track driver who passed through there some time earlier. Casually, the complex benefits from significant exposure in a very short time. In view of the success, Mallory Park organizes two major races in the motorcycling year, but which do not count for the world championship; THE Post-TT Races, or races after the Tourist Trophy, and the famous “ Race of the Year » at the end of the season. England, as a constituent nation, did not have a Grand Prix, despite the massive presence of natives of the country in the world; in fact, the Ulster GP took place in North Ireland and Tourist trophy on the Isle of Man. Ultimately, the race of the year makes up for it.
The first takes place in 1958, and it is John Surtees which imposes itself on a route that he already knew. Each season, the greatest get involved, like Mike Hailwood, Gary Hocking, and even the big Giacomo Agostini in 1966. In short, it is an event which also allows young hopefuls to get noticed.
Over the years, the emergence of a British Grand Prix on English soil undermined the “Race of the Year”. Additionally, racing at the highest level is expensive, and Mallory Park, at the dawn of the 1980s, was soon only visited by small teams from the British championship. After a five-year hiatus in the mid-1980s, Mallory Park reared its head again, but the stars were no longer there. Goodbye Barry Sheene, Pat Hennen, Kenny roberts et al.
Yes, even King Kenny was there. Here in Assen in 1980. Photo: ANEFO
It did not cease, however, and the myths of TT what are Michael Rutter ou Steve Plater took the event to their advantage at the beginning of the 2000s. But when studying the winners, we realize that it launched big recent names, some of which were seen in MotoGP ; Cal Crutchlow won there in 2007, followed by Tom Sykes and in 2008 Sam Lowes in 2011. Clearly, a little over ten years ago, it was still a benchmark race across the Channel.
No need to lie to yourself these days Mallory Park has fallen into disuse, and is no longer even on the calendar of BSB, the British Superbike Championship. Even more important in the world of single-seaters, this track holds a special place in our history that must not be forgotten.
Did you know about the existence of the “Race of the Year”? Tell us in the comments!
Sam Lowes may not have a world title, but at least he won the Race of the Year! Photo: MarcVDS Racing
Cover photo: Oz
