The Birkett 2025 Silverstone

Imagine six hours of exhilarating racing on the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, all conducted in a relay format. David Harbey headed to the home of British motorsport to photograph and watch The Birkett Grand Prix 2025. Held annually it typically features a massive grid of 70 teams and nearly 300 cars and drivers. The Birkett stands as the pinnacle of British Car Club motorsport. It is a fitting finale for the 750 Motor Club racing season. David had previously been to the event in 2019 (wet) and 2023 (dry).

This unique event boasts its own distinct concept and tradition. For many, The Birkett is the ultimate end-of-season celebration. However, it also demands a driver’s unwavering competitive spirit and a team manager’s strategic prowess. Racing for Six hours around the Silverstone 5.891 km (3.66 miles) of the GP Circuit is not to be taken on lightly.

A Brief History of the Birkett

Founded in 1951 by one of the 750 Motor Club’s founding members, Holland ‘Holly’ Birkett. After his passing, the event was renamed in his honour. The 2025 meeting marks the 74th anniversary of the six-hour race. It also happens to be the 75th Birkett event! The 50th anniversary was commemorated with an extra one-off 12-Hour Birkett race, hence the discrepancy.

The Birkett stands out as an iconic motorsport event steeped in history, yet accessible to any non-novice club racer. Throughout its history, the Birkett has seen the participation of many renowned names. Including musicians and F1 drivers, some of whom have even secured overall honours. A list of drivers who have competed is a like a who’s who of motorsport racing. Racers like Graham Hill, the legendary Steve McQueen and Chris “Top Gear” Harris are just a few of the previous competitors.

The Birkett Winners

When it comes to top scorers, the RAF Motorsport leads the team table with six victories. Achieved across various lineups, including Handicap 2007, 2008, 2011, 2017, 2021, and 2023. Goldarts follows closely behind with five victories, including Scratch 1998, 2005, 2006, 2007, and Handicap 2004. Hart Attacks also has four victories, securing Scratch 1999, 2001, 2008, and Handicap 1996.

Doug Newman’s remarkable performance is evident as one of the most decorated Birkett driver. With five Birkett trophies, Newman’s tally is shared with Alan Eisner. Eisner achieved four Scratch and one Handicap wins across two different Chevron teams in the early 1980s.

The Birkett 2025 Results

The Silverstone Grand Prix circuit was the venue for the race. Silverstone can accommodate up to 70 teams of between three and six drivers and cars. This unique relay race format sees teams lap the circuit as many times as possible within six hours. Only one car is allowed to run at a time. As one car comes into the pit lane, the next can be dispatched onto the track.

Entry is restricted to closed-wheel cars (excluding historics) subject to usual Motorsport UK safety modifications. This eclectic mix of competition vehicles includes MG Midgets, BMW M3s, Smart cars, TCR cars, Austin A30s, various Caterham derivatives. There are modern sports racing cars like Radicals and Spires as well.

The event is essentially two events in one. While teams with faster machinery aim for the outright ‘Scratch Victory’ by recording the highest number of laps. The majority of entries are vying for the coveted ‘Handicap ‘Victory’, which could be won by any team.

Teams are credited with a certain number of credit laps. These are calculated from the car and driver details provided when entering. Those laps are presumed to have been completed before the race began. The results are then determined by the credit laps and the actual laps covered by each team. All calculated within the six-hour time limit. This determines the winner and the handicapper. 

Birkett Scratch 2025

Racing Radicals sports cars the aptly named 3Js team of John Macleod, James Pinkerton and Joe Stables won the Birkett Scratch. John MacLeod holds the distinction of claiming the most Scratch victories in Birkett history. MacLeod achieved an un-matched seventh Scratch Victory this year.

Previously he was in winning Radical teams in 2014, 2017, and 2020. Notably, they also secured four consecutive victories in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

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Photographic Post Script – David Harbey

As one of Silverstone’s quieter meetings, parking was inside the track. It was possible to drive to the various locations of shots shown above, much easier on the legs! There was plenty of time to photograph the cars. With 67 entries to shoot at varying shutter speeds, angles and locations I was spoilt for choice. 

It was disappointing to note higher fences at Copse and Luffield. This prevented me getting a clean shot even with my step and 2m monopod. In better news, the terrace above Vale was empty allowing me to shoot from there. However, it is assumed that there will be a grandstand there for the major events next year.

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