
The Origins of the 750 Motor Club
Founded in 1939, the 750 Motor Club was created as a haven for cash-strapped Austin Seven enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and revel in their shared love of all things motoring. It wasn’t long before these passionate discussions led to the idea of competition—albeit on a budget. With little spare cash to splash on racing, early members embraced road rallies and trials as their motorsport of choice, though the seeds of full-fledged circuit racing were already being sown. Modified Austin Sevens, ranging from the subtly tweaked to the wildly transformed, soon began appearing at track events, setting the stage for what was to come.
Wartime Challenges and Post-War Growth
With the outbreak of World War II, motorsport ground to a halt. However, the 750 Motor Club refused to be sidelined, continuing to meet in London pubs, with members often arriving on bicycles rather than behind the wheel.
Following the war, the Club flourished under the leadership of chairman Holly Birkett, who, in 1949, introduced three pivotal ideas that would shape the future of affordable motorsport. One of these innovations propelled the Club onto the national stage, enabling it to organise its own race meetings. The other two ideas remain cornerstones of the 750 Motor Club’s racing calendar to this day.

The Early Race Days
Birkett’s first masterstroke was the creation of the ‘Eight Clubs Meeting’—a collaborative effort allowing smaller motoring clubs to join forces and hold a race meeting at Silverstone, a venue previously dominated by elite, long-established clubs.
His second stroke of genius was the introduction of the 750 Formula: a category for two-seater sports-racing cars powered by the 750cc Austin Seven engine and built around the Seven’s chassis. This formula provided an ideal platform for inventive home constructors, many of whom would later leave an indelible mark on motorsport. Among them was none other than Colin Chapman, whose pioneering approach to car design saw him dominate club competitions before going on to create Lotus. His first Lotus, the Mk1, was a trials car built for competition within the 750MC, and the legacy of Lotus in motorsport continues to be intertwined with the Club’s history.
The Iconic Relay Races
Birkett’s third and arguably most enduring contribution was the concept of a six-hour relay race. Launched in 1951, the ‘Birkett Six-Hour Relay Race’ remains a staple of British club motorsport, now in its 68th year. What made it unique was its ingenious handicap system, which gave every team a fair shot at victory. While an overall ‘scratch’ winner is still declared, the handicap format ensures an eclectic mix of entries, from nimble Minis to powerful Jaguars, Smart cars scrapping with Caterhams, and even an Austin A30 dicing with a modern TCR Touring Car. This unpredictable and thrilling spectacle continues to capture the essence of grassroots racing.

The Club’s Enduring Legacy
The 750 Formula, the Club’s original racing series, remains one of the longest-running championships in the world—predating even Formula 1! Now in its third engine evolution, it currently runs Fiat 1100cc FIRE powerplants, following the decline of Austin and Reliant engine supplies. Meanwhile, historic 750 Formula cars from previous generations still take to the track in dedicated historic races.
Over the decades, the Club has expanded to encompass more than 20 series and championships. From single-seater Formula Vee racing to the ever-popular Locost Racing, Hot Hatch Championships, and Club Enduro—now the UK’s largest endurance championship—the Club continues to provide thrilling yet affordable motorsport experiences.
Pioneering initiatives, such as the development of a mobile rolling road for power-to-weight-based regulations, have helped keep costs manageable while maintaining competition integrity. Launched in 2020, the Club’s Foundation Programme offers newcomers an all-inclusive package, covering a race-ready car, entry fees, and essential racing kit, making motorsport more accessible than ever.

Looking Ahead
Today, the 750 Motor Club remains at the forefront of affordable motorsport, staying true to its founding ethos while continually evolving. Whether through embracing new models, refining regulations to enhance accessibility, or fostering the next generation of racing talent, the Club continues to make motorsport dreams a reality for drivers from all walks of life.
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By Matt Hancock
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