Hall of Fame 2016

New venue, new concept, live action for the first time… 

There was much that was fresh, but in essence the 2016 Motor Sport Hall of Fame remained true to the founding principles of our exclusive club for motor racing heroes: to gather the great and the good in a lovely setting and celebrate what makes this the greatest sport in the world.

The move to the Royal Automobile Club’s elegant Woodcote Park estate, near Epsom, opened up new possibilities beyond the attractions of previous central London locations. The Hall of Fame Live took its bow in the afternoon of May 31, heralding another first for our event: a public audience. The afternoon featured demonstration runs of a suitably eclectic mix of cars and motorcycles on Woodcote’s picturesque Captain’s Drive.
A panel of racing stars also gathered for a lively discussion themed around ‘great rivalries’, while afternoon tea was served in the spacious marquee in the grounds of the house. Tom Kristensen, Derek Bell, magazine columnist Darren Turner, Jackie Oliver and our own Damien Smith and Mat Oxley enjoyed a lively conversation that’s still available to revisit via our website.

Evening guests were welcomed by more demo runs, in a handy break from heavy downpours, before gathering for a sumptuous three-course banquet during which five more heroes were announced as the newest members
of the Hall of Fame. New host Jennie Gow kept things in order as the quintet from rallying, sports car racing, motorcycling, US motor sport and Formula 1 were revealed. Each had been chosen by the public, following long-running polls via our website that attracted more than 25,000 votes across the five categories.

A cast of special guests ranging from F1 and even Hollywood made it a night – and an afternoon – to remember. Now, plans are already brewing for the 2017 edition of a motor racing ‘happening’ like no other.