British Racing Drivers' Club

Did You Know?

• Members who died or were killed during the Second World War included Cecil Kimber, the 6th Earl of Cottenham, and Lionel Martin.
• After the war, the club opened a "Le Mans Fund" for the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, raising £358 and 11 shillings to help rehabilitate the Le Mans circuit, which had been almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing.
• The club's presidency has been held by former Formula One world champions Sir Jackie Stewart and Damon Hill; as of July 2019, David Coulthard is president, having replaced Paddy Hopkirk.

Early days

The club was established in April 1928 by Dr. J. Dudley Benjafield, a member of the informal group of British racing drivers known as the "Bentley Boys." Initially conceived as a social club for Benjafield and his fellow drivers, by its inauguration the 25 members had formulated objectives: to promote the interests of motor sport generally, to celebrate specific achievements in motor sport, to extend hospitality to overseas racing drivers, and to further the interests of British drivers competing abroad. In 1929, the BRDC began promoting and organizing racing events, starting with the BRDC 500-Mile Race at Brooklands on 12 October, won by a Bentley 4½ Litre driven by Jack Barclay and F.C. Clement. The 1930 event achieved International status, won by the Earl of March and S.C.H. Davis in an Austin Seven. From June 1935 the club published the monthly magazine Speed, which was incorporated into Motor Sport after its final issue in April 1939.

Membership status

In the modern era, full membership is offered only to drivers judged successful at an international level for several seasons; every British or Commonwealth Formula One World Champion has received full membership. Associate status is awarded for significant contributions to motor sport, and honorary membership may be granted in special cases, such as a notable World Champion who might not otherwise qualify. Membership is open only to British or Commonwealth drivers, though Irish drivers born in the Irish Free State or Republic of Ireland before 1950 are considered British by the club, a rule that allowed Eddie Jordan to join. Prospective members must be proposed and seconded by existing members, then approved by the membership, board of directors, and BRDC President. Initially, membership was restricted to experienced and successful male drivers by invitation only; when John Duff joined in 1935 he was proposed and seconded by existing members, while James Robertson Justice became a member despite a limited track record. In 1946, eligibility required competing in an open motor road-racing event or taking a first, second, or third place at a Brooklands Automobile Racing Club meeting. Women have been elected Honorary Members since 1928, when Jill Scott was inducted, but full membership was not available to women until 1994, leading to the founding of the British Women Racing Drivers Club in 1962 by Mary Wheeler.

Race promotion and circuit ownership

After the war, the BRDC expanded by taking over the lease of Silverstone from the RAC in 1952. In 1966, the club formed Silverstone Circuits Limited, a subsidiary responsible for developing the British Grand Prix and, after purchasing the circuit in 1971, the circuit itself. Other BRDC-organised events at Silverstone include the BRDC International Trophy. The club also oversees the BRDC Marshals' Club, BRDC Club Races, BRDC 500 Summer Races, and the BRDC Walter Hayes Trophy.

Young driver support

Supporting and developing young British drivers has become a key focus, notably through the annual Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award, which honors a young driver from a British championship judged to show the most talent and potential. The BRDC also runs the Stars of Tomorrow karting championship and provides financial backing to selected young British drivers in junior formulae. In 2008, the club launched its SuperStars program, designed to advise and financially support Britain's most promising young drivers; Tim Harvey was appointed its first Director, and the current director is Andy Meyrick.