Background
I received two e mails today, one from Motor Racing Legends (MRL) and one from the Historic Racing Drivers Club (Julius Thurgood). They both carry the press release explaining the reasons for the acquisition.
“Motor Racing Legends owner, Aythorpe Promotions Limited, has broadened its portfolio in historic racing with the acquisition of HRDC. The move sees Motor Racing Legends’ leadership team, led by chairman Shaun Lynn and CEO Pierre-Antoine Lecoutour, take the helm of HRDC alongside founder Julius Thurgood.”
History
Way back in time Julius ran a series for pre 1966 touring cars. The Top Hat series expanded to include Pre 1966 Sports Cars and Pre 1983 Touring Cars.
The Top Hat series was subsequently acquired by Masters Historic Racing and over time became Pre 66 Touring Cars and what is now known as Gentlemen Drivers, the pre 1983 Touring cars were dropped.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Julius developed the A35 Academy to a set of regulations based on tuning available in the early 60s. From there he set up the Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC). The HRDC now runs four series; Gerry Marshall Trophy, for pre 1983 Group 1 Touring Cars (with a class for “Willhire” prodution saloons); The Dunlop Allstars (pre 1966 sports cars); The Alfa Romeo Challenge; and, The Jack Sears Trophy (for pre 1966 Touring Cars).
The amalgamation makes some sense because whilst the MRL series are expanding into Europe, the HRDC remains firmly in the UK (of course this may change). Nonetheless there is a cross-over in each organisation’s series and as is often the case, HRDC cars run in MRL series and vice versa.
MRL/HRDC combined events this year
The first MRL race meeting is the Donington Historic Festival 2 to 4 May. This is followed by the Snetterton Classic 28/29 June and finally the MRL Silverstone GP meeting 18/19 October.
Stand Alone Events (UK)
HRDC stand alone events are the HSCC Oulton Park Gold Cup 26/27 July, and the Castle Combe 75 Autumn Classic on 21 September.
MRL will be attending the Silverstone Festival 22-24 August.
Feel free to comment.
Peter Mallett Racing 
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