The Golden Era of Racing

Here are a few of my favourite period racing photos.

I love how the spectactors are part of the atmosphere. The pits and garages are downright rudimentary, and the courses were a real test for drivers to adapt to their conditions. The brilliant road races of the golden age made for some spectacular scenery ( Targa Florio was run on 93 miles (150 km) of Sicilian roads).

Many drivers would drive to the race, and then paint their number on the side with a big paint brush! Racing was about testing yourself and machine and of course bragging rights. Many would agree that the heart of racing has been removed in recent decades when it became about sponsorship, advertising and monetary gains. Safety rules may have also ironically killed off the colourfulness of racing….