Rufforth Circuit

Summary

Rufforth Circuit is a disused motor racing circuit built on an airfield in North Yorkshire, England. Rufforth circuit was built on the site of a World War II bomber base, RAF Rufforth, opened in 1942. The airfield remained in active service after the war, eventually closing in 1954. Rufforth circuit opened in 1959, and held races until 1962. The circuit hosted Formula 2 and Formula Junior races between 1961 and 1978 as well as numerous sports car events. The circuit was one of many of Britain's airfields to be transformed into motor racing venues.

Rufforth Circuit
Rufforth 1960-1978 Track Layout
LocationNorth Yorkshire, England
Opened1959
Closed1978
Major eventsFormula 2, Formula Junior
1959 Circuit
Length3.4 km (2.1 miles)
1960-1978 Circuit
Length2.7 km (1.7 miles)

History edit

 
Rufforth circuit layout 1959

The original track layout of Rufforth circuit was used in 1959. This layout was 3.4 km (2.1 mi) long with the start/finish straight 2/3 of the way down the main straight.

The layout of Rufforth circuit was changed for 1960. The track was shortened to 2.7 km (1.7 mi) with the start finish straight being shortened and The Esses being inserted between Becketts Hairpin and Runway Bend. The start/finish straight was moved from the main straight to between Fosse Curve and Grange Curve.

Results edit

Year Date Class Event Winning driver Winning constructor Report
1960 10 September Formula 2 X B.R.S.C.C. Formula 2 Race   Klaas Twisk Cooper-Climax Report
1961 1 April Formula Junior John Davy Championship Round 3   Peter Procter Lotus-Ford Report
20 May Formula Junior John Davy Championship Round 9   Derek Bishton Elva-BMC Report
9 September Formula Junior John Davy Championship Round 15   Peter Procter Alexis-Ford Report
1962 21 April Formula Junior B.R.S.C.C. Junior Championship Round 3   Geoff Breakell Lotus-Ford Report
8 September Formula Junior B.R.S.C.C. Junior Championship Round 17   Bill Bradley Cooper-Ford Report

References edit

Bibliography edit

  • Peter Swinger (2001). Motor Racing Circuits In England Then And Now. ISBN 0-7110-3104-5.

53°56′57″N 1°11′05″W / 53.9492°N 1.1848°W / 53.9492; -1.1848