Now featuring 25+ racing formulae from hot hatchbacks to single seaters and endurance options, the club also prides itself on having the UK's best motorsport paddock. The 750 Motor Club may be best known outside its membership as one of the leading organisers of club level circuit racing championships in the country, however the Club's history plays a key role in the development of motor racing in
the UK. The 750MC was formed in 1939 with the aim of providing an outlet for the owners of Austin Sevens to meet and talk about the subject of their enthusiasm. The long-standing editor of MotorSport magazine, Bill Boddy was among those who got 750MC off the ground and he remained as President until his death in 2011 at the age of 98. Legendary racing car design Tony Southgate has succeeded him in the position. Inevitably in those early days – interrupted, of course, by the Second World War – thoughts of putting the Austin Sevens to competitive use was never far away, although the contests clearly had to involve little financial outlay – there was, after all, a reason why members owned an A7 rather than something grander. Under the chairmanship of 'Holly' Birkett in the post-war years, there were a number of key developments that have had an impact on the United Kingdom racing scene for decades. The 750MC banded together with other small car clubs to run the 'Eight Clubs' meeting at Silverstone, an event that was an annual fixture until the last few years. The 750 Formula was created for two-seater sports racing cars using the Austin Seven engine – and today it is the oldest continuously running championship in the country. Although the engine that forms its basis is now on the third generation (Fiat) in order to maintain a plentiful supply, it still appeals to the amateur designer/constructor/racer on a budget – and many of the competitors have been loyal to the championship for decades. Birkett’s final innovation was the Six Hour Relay Race which continues to bear his name. It has now been run for more than 70 years, and these days races on the prestigious Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, usually with a full capacity entry of 70 teams (and 300+ cars and drivers) taking part every October. The Club’s racing formulae have evolved over the years to match changing tastes and trends with a portfolio now comprising in excess of 20 series and championships, but always with the emphasis on ensuring the best value for money in circuit racing – whether it be saloon cars, sports cars or single-seaters. Technical and engineering innovation is still encouraged, but within carefully policed regulations. The Club's recent innovations include investing in its own own mobile rolling road and instigating the use of power to weight - rather than capacity-based - class structures to prevent undue competitor spending. Over the last few decades categories such as Locost (a formula originally based on a book called 'Build your own Sports Car for as Little as £250'), Sports 1000 (formerly RGB) and Formula Vee amply demonstrate all of those values. One overriding aim of the Club since the very start is that when our members go racing, they should have a fun weekend away with family and friends in the unbeatable atmosphere of a 750 Motor Club paddock.
