Racing at Stapleford Tawney
I read with interest the letter in July’s OBM relating to ‘Schweisos and a very special AJS’ and the connection between Les Schweiso and racing at Stapleford Tawney, which I understand was the ex-RAF airfield.
The abandoned military airfield fell into disrepair after the war, but fortunately, in 1950, the site was purchased by the Frogley family, who commenced remedial work to the runways and buildings. As well as becoming an active aerodrome, the airfield was the occasional venue for motorcycle racing. One of the events, a motorcycle speed trial, was held on Saturday, August 1, 1953, organised by the NE London Motor Cycle Club. Stapleford Tawney is also mentioned in the book, Racing Line – British Motorcycle Racing in the Golden Age of the Big Single.
Local residents objected to the noise, but eventually planning permission was granted for the running of a motor racing circuit, including a new timekeeper building, but this was never implemented.
Historic information is rather sketchy, but Julian Hunt’s book Motorsport Explorer provides information from 1954 to 1964, concentrating on hill climb events along the eastern perimeter road (hard to believe, an airfield with a 75ft height variation). The West Essex Car Club organised the events, attracting major competitors including Les Leston and Paul Emery. Competition cars included 500cc single seaters, a F1 Cooper Climax and Lister Jaguar. Over the 10-year racing period the perimeter road was breaking up, becoming too bumpy to use, with the track closing in 1964.
Possibly other motorsport enthusiasts might have further historical information on Stapleford Tawney motorcycling activities?
Chris Sharman, Chelmsford, Essex