Members could revolt at Silverstone
Jackie Stewart and the British Racing Drivers’ Club hierarchy are facing a revolt from members over plans to redevelop Silverstone.
The board of the BRDC, who own the British Grand Prix track, want to lease the venue to horse racing firm Northern Racing in order to finance a major overhaul of facilities.
BRDC members were asked to vote on the issue at an extraordinary general meeting last month but the vote was postponed after opposition to the plans.
Some members oppose a long-term lease of Silverstone, as well as plans to build houses near the track, and they today called for a vote of no confidence in the BRDC board.
A statement from former British Formula Three champion Harry Stiller, who has led opposition to the proposals, outlined the objections.
It read: “The membership has been given insufficient information and details of the proposed transaction as well as having given the president and board an emphatic show of unity that they do not want any deal that means granting a 100-years-plus lease to any individual or organisation.
“It is the intention of the members, at all costs, to preserve Silverstone as the UK’s home of British motor-sport, to uphold the aims and objectives of the club’s forefathers in maintaining the circuit as the only home of the British Grand Prix.
“There are many other avenues to achieve this aim safely.”
Northern Racing, a subsidiary of property group St Modwen who specialise in horse racing venues, have already agreed the terms of a deal with the BRDC but cannot proceed without members’ approval.
