Bicester Heritage Test Track

Photos by Jonathan Sharp

Last week Jonathan Sharp sent us a report which highlighted the cars of the Flywheel Festival and some of the many shops which now permanently inhabit the old RAF base. This week Sharp gathered up the photos take of the cars running on the adjacent test track. This is a pretty complete facility and a vintage racer’s dream.

Says Jonathan:

I have wanted to visit the Bicester Heritage complex for some time. This year’s Flywheel Festival offered an ideal opportunity to tour site, enjoy the cars and get a small aviation fix all at the same time.

I had read good things about how the site was being developed and whilst it is still a work in progress, within about 10 minutes of my arrival on site I had already fallen for its charms. The buildings where officers once barked orders and Erks (RAF Slang for airman) grumbled but complied, have now become homes to various restores, dealers and old car specialists. I got as much pleasure exploring the buildings and workshops as I did viewing the entrants in the paddock and on the test track.

As to the entrants, a few old favorites and a good selection of stuff I had not seen before, or if I had, it was many years ago. The aviation content was small but of good quality, the stars for me being the RAF Battle of Britain memorial flights Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire, though the Bremont Great War display team put on a first-class display. The only disappointment being Miss Helen, a genuine 352 Fighter Group 8th USAAF (The Blue Nose Bastards) P51 Mustang went tech, her slot being filled at the last minute by a Super Pitt’s Special, an aircraft I had not seen display before.

Much more information at the Bicester Heritage website

Lead image: We could not identify the rider of the de Dion trike in the lead image, but it’s a great shot by Jonathan Sharp.