Flywheel 2017

Photos by Dave Brassington (For hi resolution copies click here)  Words by Sarah Bennett-Baggs

Flywheel is the perfect blend of classic cars, bikes and planes being driven, ridden and flown in action at close quarters all with the nostalgic retro backdrop of an original WWII RAF bommer station that is Bicester Heritage.

If you haven’t already visited this fledgling annual event then I would highly recommend it before the rest of the world finds out.  This year sunny skies were served up adding a real summer garden party atmosphere to the event. With smiling, helpful organisers and staff – this is a user friendly event – with no VIP, hierarchy or grandstanding – everyone has front row seats to the air or track action. Open paddocks mean visitors can roam freely to inspect the planes, bikes and cars, talk to owners, racers and pilots. The classic car club line-up is also an integral part of the event forming row upon row of special and priceless classics rarely seen.

Highlights of the high speed action were the Spitfire and Buchon ‘Messerschmitt’ dog-fight but as someone who’s grandfather few in the Kings Cup air-race twice I feel a close affiliation to all classic aircraft. The tiger moths were also a delight to watch their formation flying in fairly strong winds was a joy to watch and they genuinely looked like they were having so much fun!

On the ground the Bentley T Type single seater one of just two sanctioned Bentley racing cars ever made was attracting much attention. The formidable machine was out on the demonstration course driven by Ben Eastwick who’s father commissioned the build in 1974. Ben has recently reacquired the car after 20 years in a US museum. Other highlights were Stephen Bond’s 1957 Maserati 250SI and Simon Taylor’s 1950 HWM Stovebolt Special. We took to the demonstration course in the family 1954 Austin A30 and it was a complete blast sliding around the right figure of eight circuit to the delight of crowds.

Bicester Heritage is the perfect backdrop as the UK’s best preserved WW2 RAF bomber station now a growing business hub for historic motoring with over 30 specialist classic car businesses. Flywheel offers lots to do and see for all the family including a retro funfair, vintage shopping, tank rides and demonstrations and a military vehicle display. If you are a classic petrol-head looking for a stress free fun event for all the family – be sure to put this one in your diary for 2018.