John Webb, the visionary who transformed Brands Hatch into a Formula 1 venue, has died aged 92. The man in charge of Brands during its golden grand prix era was a creative powerhouse, but a simple racing fan at heart, as he explained in today's Great Read
Having begun as a motorcycle grass track as far back as the 1920s, Brands Hatch has been a racing circuit for over 60 years. For more than half that time its fortunes were directed by the acumen, inventiveness and determination of John Webb. He began looking after its PR in 1954, and became its chief executive in '62. He continued to be its driving force, and that of the other circuits that joined his portfolio — Mallory Park, Snetterton, Oulton Park, later Cadwell Park and, for a period, Castle Combe and Mondello Park — until his 35-year role came to an abrupt end in November 1989.
Such was the professionalism with which Webb managed the business that he was often criticised for being involved in motor racing only for the money. He points out that this is very far from the truth. "My motivation was never to get rich. In fact, in my life I've often lost out by not putting money first. I was just a motor racing enthusiast who enjoyed making things happen..."
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