The story
Alt Name: Fenny Drayton. Opened: 1943. Status in 1944: RAF. 44 Grp. Transport OTU. Current use: Test Track. Remarks: In 1958 when motorways first opened many car engines blew up as motorists drove them at high speed for the first time. Most cars did not handle well at speed and the brakes were not much use either, fading rapidly when applied at 70 mph. The motor industry formed M.I.R.A. and constructed a proper track to test cars properly (at last). Fenny Drayton was selected because it was central and on the A5.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.