Tucktonia man bids to boost Silverstone

From the archive, first published Friday 14th Apr 2006.

THE man who created Christchurch's famous Tucktonia model world is behind a new scheme to revamp the Silverstone motor racing circuit and inject fresh cash into the British Grand Prix.

Former double British Formula 3 champion Harry Stiller, who was also responsible for promoting the career of Formula One champion Alan Jones, is behind a 12-point plan which will be put to members of the British Racing Driver Club (which owns Silverstone) at their Annual General Meeting on April 28.

Among the more controversial proposals is one to join forces with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to pump money into promoting the British Grand Prix (the largest single event at the Northamptonshire circuit) with the profits being divided between Ecclestone and the club.

Ecclestone, who holds the rights to Formula One racing, has been reluctant to confirm any deal in public although he has confirmed having had talks with Mr Stiller.

But Mr Stiller, who is a Life Member of the BRDC and lives in retirement in Hurn Court Lane, Christchurch says: "Just recently he and I have agreed in principle to an arrangement, whereby there is common ground for a fifty-fifty deal between his Formula One Management and Silverstone on a long-term on-going basis."

Other proposals, which Mr Stiller has drawn up in conjunction with fellow club member Tom Barnard who lives at Wareham, include a new half-mile oval circuit and building a six thousand seat grandstand with 25 new hospitality units, bars, cafes and a private club.

The scheme also calls for expanding the existing Technology Park, promoting more race meetings (especially historic racing), staging exhibitions and concerts, improving the racing school, and providing more accommodation.

The wide-ranging scheme is in response to a controversial £600 million redevelopment plan drawn-up by the existing BRDC Board which will lease the circuit and its surrounding land to property development company St Modwen for 150 years.

This is due to be the subject of a motion of no confidence prior to the AGM.

First published: April 14, 2006

Archive Home