The 500cc F3 machines celebrating Castle Combe’s 500th car racing event
Castle Combe commemorates its 500th car race meeting on Easter Monday with 500cc Formula 3 cars harking back to the circuit’s very first event on 8 July 1950, organized by the Bristol Motor Cycle & Light Car Club. The 500cc concept, originating from Bristol motorsport enthusiasts in 1946, was officially recognized as Formula 3 in 1950, contributing to Castle Combe’s early success as a race track on a former aerodrome. The inaugural event saw Clive Lones triumph in his Tiger Kitten II, powered by a JAP engine, establishing this accessible option as a foundation of the category’s growth. Over time, competitors saw a shift towards more powerful engines, like the overhead cam Manx Nortons, although some continued to experiment with various engine types. The 500cc F3 contests became a regular attraction at Castle Combe until 1955, showcasing rising stars and famous drivers like Stirling Moss and Ronald ‘Curly’ Dryden, who tragically lost his life in a racing accident at the circuit in 1951. Despite the risks, the 500cc Formula 3 races at Castle Combe played a pivotal role in shaping the future of single-seater motor racing and the British production racing car industry.
