REVIEW: Shuttleworth Race Day 2024
The Shuttleworth Collection, nestled in the picturesque Bedfordshire countryside at Old Warden airfield, is a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. A man of remarkable talents and passions, Shuttleworth was not only an accomplished aviator but also a celebrated racing driver, whose love for speed and competition was matched only by his dedication to preserving the marvels of early aviation and motoring. Born into wealth and privilege, he began amassing his collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles in the 1920s and 1930s, driven by a fascination with the engineering and history of these machines. His life was tragically cut short in 1940 when he was killed in a flying accident while serving with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, but his mother ensured his vision endured by establishing the Shuttleworth Trust. Today, the collection is one of the world’s most cherished repositories of airworthy vintage aircraft, alongside a remarkable array of historic vehicles, all maintained with meticulous care and regularly showcased in dynamic displays.
Old Warden airfield itself is integral to the Shuttleworth experience. A simple grass strip surrounded by rolling fields, it stands in stark contrast to the sprawling concrete runways of modern airfields, offering a nostalgic glimpse into aviation’s formative years. This intimate setting enhances the airshows, allowing spectators to stand close to the action as the aircraft roar into life, their engines filling the air with the distinctive aroma of castor oil and the thunder of pistons. The Shuttleworth Collection hosts a series of airshows throughout the year, each with a distinct theme that celebrates different facets of aviation history—military tributes, displays of British engineering, and more. Among these, Race Day stands out as a unique event, reflecting Richard Shuttleworth’s dual passions for flight and motorsport by combining breathtaking aerial performances with the spectacle of vintage racing cars and motorbikes tearing down the runway.
The 2024 Race Day, held on Sunday, October 6th, marked the grand finale of the Shuttleworth Collection’s airshow season, delivering a day that was as distinctive as it was memorable. Unlike traditional airshows that focus solely on aviation, Race Day weaves together the worlds of flight and motorsport, paying homage to Shuttleworth’s legacy as both an aviator and a racing driver who competed internationally in the 1930s, including a victory at the 1935 Donington Park Grand Prix. On the ground, the event featured the ‘Shuttleworth Sprint,’ a non-competitive demonstration that saw an eclectic mix of vintage racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s and 1930s stretch their legs along Old Warden’s grass runway. While not a race in the traditional sense due to the surface, the sprint showcased the remarkable speed and engineering of these historic machines, many of which are rarely seen outside specialist motorsport gatherings. Highlights included the Napier-Railton from Brooklands Museum, a towering icon of pre-war racing with a 24-litre aero-engine, and a 1913 Romano Demon, a marvel of early automotive design. The lineup was rounded out by Ford Model T racers, nimble Morgan three-wheelers, and a 1930 Raleigh MH30 racing bike, each adding to the nostalgic charm. A modern twist came in the form of Rally Raid cars from UK military teams, bridging the gap between past and present in motorsport innovation.
Weather, as is often the case with outdoor events in the UK, played a significant role in shaping the day. While the previous day’s Flying Finale at Duxford had enjoyed crisp autumnal sunshine, Race Day was less fortunate. The morning dawned bright and promising, with clear skies and a gentle breeze, but as the hours passed, the weather took a turn for the worse. By mid-afternoon, the sky had darkened to a gloomy grey, and light rain began to fall, accompanied by poor visibility that ultimately forced the flying programme to end earlier than planned. This was a disappointment, as several displays were cancelled or curtailed, but the majority of the day’s schedule proceeded as intended, ensuring that spectators still enjoyed a rich and varied experience.
The flying programme was the heart of Race Day 2024, a meticulously crafted celebration of air racing that spanned a century of aviation history. It opened with a poignant tribute to Richard Shuttleworth himself, featuring two of his earliest acquisitions: the de Havilland DH60X Moth and the Sopwith Pup. These aircraft, both dating back to the interwar years, took to the skies together in a graceful pairing that highlighted Shuttleworth’s personal contribution to the collection. The Sopwith Pup is particularly noteworthy; originally constructed as a two-seat Sopwith Dove, it was converted into a single-seat Pup by Shuttleworth in the 1930s and has remained a beloved fixture ever since. Their flight was a fitting start, evoking the spirit of the man whose vision continues to inspire the event.
Next came a series of solo displays by First World War aircraft, each a testament to the dawn of military aviation. The RAF SE5a, Sopwith Triplane, Bristol M1c, and Avro 504K took turns soaring above Old Warden, their rotary engines producing a distinctive drone that transported spectators back to the battlefields of 1914-1918. The SE5a, a formidable fighter of its day, demonstrated its agility, while the Sopwith Triplane, with its three-winged configuration, showcased the experimental designs of the era. The Bristol M1c, a rare monoplane from a time dominated by biplanes, offered a glimpse of innovation that was underappreciated in its day, and the Avro 504K, a versatile trainer and reconnaissance aircraft, rounded out the sequence with its steady, reliable presence. These displays underscored the Shuttleworth Collection’s commitment to preserving aviation’s earliest chapters.
The theme of air racing came into sharp focus with the mock handicap air race, a Race Day tradition that never fails to captivate. In this event, aircraft take off at staggered intervals based on their performance capabilities, with the goal of all crossing the finish line simultaneously if flown to their full potential. The 2024 lineup was a diverse and visually striking mix: the Miles Magister, de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, Comper Swift, Avro C19 Anson, and Westland Lysander. The sight of these aircraft—ranging from nimble trainers to larger reconnaissance planes—racing around the circuit was both unusual and exhilarating. The Anson and Lysander, with their greater power, thundered through the skies in pursuit of the lighter, slower machines like the Comper Swift, creating a dynamic spectacle that kept the crowd enthralled.
A tribute to the King’s Cup Air Race, one of Britain’s most prestigious aviation competitions, followed, featuring three aircraft with storied histories in the event: the Miles Hawk Speed Six, Miles Messenger, and Percival Mew Gull. These sleek machines flew in formation, their elegant designs gleaming despite the overcast skies, recalling the golden age of air racing in the 1930s. The Percival Mew Gull, in particular, is an icon of the era, known for its record-breaking flights and competitive successes.
American air racing was celebrated with a trio of aircraft that embodied the spirit of speed and innovation from across the Atlantic. The Travel Air D4000, Spartan 7W Executive, and Travel Air Type R ‘Mystery Ship’ each performed solo displays, their distinctive silhouettes and powerful engines highlighting the diversity of early American aviation. The ‘Mystery Ship,’ with its streamlined fuselage and art deco styling, was a standout, a rare survivor of the pre-war racing scene. Later, the Reno Air Races—America’s premier air racing event—were honoured with a high-speed tail chase between Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd’s Hawker Fury ISS and the Fighter Collection’s Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat. Pilots Steve Jones and Pete Kynsey adapted to the overcast conditions, keeping their potent fighters low and close to the crowd line as they weaved and banked in a thrilling pursuit, their engines roaring in unison.
Modern air racing brought the theme into the 21st century, beginning with the Cassutt IIIM ‘Kermit,’ flown by Trevor Jarvis. This diminutive racer, designed for Formula 1 and Air Race 1 competitions, has competed globally, including events in Tunisia, Spain, and China. Its small size belied its blistering speed, making it a fascinating addition to the day. Chris Burkett then took to the skies in a Zivko Edge 540, an aircraft synonymous with the Red Bull Air Race series. Despite the low cloud base, Burkett delivered a jaw-dropping display of gyroscopic aerobatics, twisting and tumbling through the grey skies with precision and flair that left the audience in awe.
One of the most unexpected displays came from Tony de Bruyn in his North American OV-10B Bronco. Though not a racing aircraft, its inclusion paid tribute to Bob Hoover, the legendary American pilot who demonstrated the OV-10 and later flew as a pace plane at the Reno Air Races. De Bruyn showcased the Bronco’s agility and short take-off and landing capabilities, performing tight turns and steep climbs that highlighted its versatility. Old Warden’s grass strip proved an ideal stage, allowing the aircraft to shine in a way that larger airfields might not.
The pinnacle of the flying programme was the British Second World War fighters sequence, a breathtaking showcase of RAF legends. The collection’s Gloster Gladiator I and Supermarine Spitfire Vc were joined by the Aircraft Restoration Company’s Supermarine Spitfire PRXI, flown by John Romain, for a series of formation flypasts that evoked the Battle of Britain. The PRXI, a photo-reconnaissance variant, has its own racing pedigree, having been flown in post-war events by the renowned Lettice Curtis; Romain’s solo display was a masterclass, with elegant loops and rolls that showcased its power and grace. However, the true highlight was the duo—or perhaps mock duel—between Frank Chapman in the Gladiator and Stu Goldspink in the Spitfire Vc. For several minutes, these two icons chased each other around Old Warden’s dog-legged crowdline, the Gladiator gamely attempting to outmanoeuvre the faster Spitfire. The sight and sound of their engines in harmony was a visceral, unforgettable experience, widely regarded as the finest display of the day.
Adding a lighter touch, a duo of the de Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth and Stampe SV4A, flown by Andrew Monk and Stu Goldspink, performed a graceful ballet in the sky, their bright liveries a welcome splash of colour against the gloom. Vintage gliders also featured, with the Piper PA18 Super Cub towing the Slingsby Kirby Kite and Slingsby Petrel in a dual display. These elegant, unpowered aircraft soared silently above the airfield, offering a serene contrast to the high-energy racing sequences.
Sadly, the weather’s final intervention came in the late afternoon, as worsening rain and visibility forced the cancellation of a planned sequence marking the 90th anniversary of the 1934 MacRobertson Trophy Air Race at—a gruelling 11,300-mile journey from RAF Mildenhall to Melbourne. The collection’s de Havilland DH88 Comet, built specifically for that race and one of the most iconic aircraft in the Shuttleworth stable, managed only a single lap before the drizzle and low cloud forced it back to the ground, a frustrating moment for enthusiasts eager to see it in action. It was a subdued end to an otherwise spectacular day, but the Shuttleworth team’s professionalism ensured that safety remained the priority. Despite this, Race Day 2024 was a triumph, blending aviation and motorsport in a way that few events can replicate.
In the end, Race Day 2024 was a fitting tribute to Richard Shuttleworth’s legacy, a celebration of speed, skill, and heritage that overcame the challenges of the weather to deliver a day of unforgettable moments. From the roar of vintage engines on the ground to the elegance of historic aircraft in the sky, it reaffirmed the Shuttleworth Collection’s status as a treasure of British aviation history.
