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Historic Racing Drivers Club Acquired by Motor Racing Legends
The Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) has recently undergone a significant transition, now being under the ownership of Shaun Lynn, chairman of Motor Racing Legends (MRL). This acquisition marks yet another shift within the historic racing sector, following several such changes over the past 18 months.
Shaun Lynn, an accomplished racer himself and the father of Cadillac World Endurance Championship driver Alex Lynn, took charge of MRL nearly a year ago. His new venture through Aythorpe Promotions now includes the HRDC, a well-respected organization within the racing community.
Julius Thurgood, the founder of the HRDC, will continue in his role as leader of the club. He emphasized that this strategic partnership will enhance the club’s longevity and stability, which oversees popular competitions like the Jack Sears Trophy, Gerry Marshall Trophy, and Allstars/Classic Alfa Challenge. These events attract a diverse range of retro touring cars and sports cars.
Thurgood expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “I’ve known Shaun since the Top Hat days, and he has always represented clean and fair competition while promoting the historic racing scene.” He added that MRL is now experiencing a revitalization under Lynn’s leadership, stating, “It’s really upbeat, and we’re excited to take the HRDC to new heights with Shaun’s support.”
Despite the change in ownership, Thurgood reassured competitors that there would be no immediate operational changes. The HRDC will maintain its focus on UK events, while MRL will continue to participate in various European gatherings.
“No staff changes are planned, and the usual services, including our caravan and catering, will remain in place,” he mentioned. “However, we’re looking forward to collaborating on future events for 2026, with some exciting ideas in the pipeline.”
Lynn also commended Thurgood’s achievements, highlighting the importance of preserving the HRDC’s contributions to the motorsport landscape. “With our combined expertise, we can harness our knowledge to create a promising future for the club,” he noted.
Recent Changes in the Historic Racing Landscape
This acquisition follows another notable recent change in the historic racing domain. Masters Historic Racing transitioned ownership at the end of 2023 when Ron Maydon stepped down, passing the reins to Frederic Fatien of GP Extreme.
Industry Perspectives
From an industry viewpoint, the collaboration between Thurgood and Lynn showcases a practical approach in the often tumultuous world of motorsport. This alliance not only benefits both organizations but also strengthens the ties between the HRDC and MRL, which have coexisted at various events for many years. Thurgood aptly remarked, “There’s strength in numbers,” and with Lynn’s business acumen, the HRDC is likely poised for a bright future.
The HRDC has seen impressive participation in its events recently, with the Jack Sears Trophy’s early entries already at capacity for the upcoming Donington Historic Festival. However, managing the club independently posed significant financial challenges for Thurgood. His partnership with Lynn alleviates some of that burden, enabling a more sustainable operation.
The response from drivers regarding this acquisition has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the notable impact Lynn has had on MRL in recent months. His introduction of the new GT3 Legends series at the end of 2022 stands as evidence of his innovative approach, aiming to modernize the historic racing framework. Further dynamic developments are on the horizon as well.
Moreover, the HRDC’s commitment to creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere within the paddock—avoiding overly competitive championships that could lead to conflict—has significantly contributed to its popularity in the national motorsport community. It is reassuring to know that this ethos is set to endure under the new management structure.
Source
www.autosport.com