The team at MotorSport Vision (MSV) is saddened to learn that John Webb, who oversaw Brands Hatch’s era as the home of British and European Grands Prix throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, has died in Spain at the age of 92.
Webb initially joined the team at Brands Hatch in 1954 to assist with PR, with his first assignment being to publicise the circuit’s extension up the hill to Druids, as the basic shape of what we now know as the Indy circuit took shape. Prior to that, Brands Hatch was a much shorter, more basic venue with little permanent infrastructure.
Webb’s association with the venue as a part-time PR consultant continued throughout the 1950s, during which time he became noted for his innovative approach to promoting motorsport. This included the addition of Boxing Day club meetings, which attracted thousands of spectators to the venue during the festive period.
As the ‘60s dawned, Webb’s new priority was the promotion of Brands Hatch’s first ever Formula 1 race, the non-championship Silver City Trophy, which took place on the newly opened Grand Prix layout. Grovewood Securities took over the running of the venue early in the decade and it was under that organisation’s management that Webb was appointed Chief Executive in 1962.
With the Brands Hatch business flourishing under Webb’s watch, he set about expanding its interests beyond just the famous Kent venue. Other tracks across the country soon joined the fold, including Oulton Park and Snetterton, which remain part of the family to this day under the MSV banner. Webb came close to adding then-unused Donington Park to the portfolio too, but the amount of development work required prevented a deal. Cadwell Park joined the group in the 1980s though, also under Webb’s leadership, becoming the last circuit acquired during his time at the helm.
Never one to miss an opportunity, Webb was instrumental in ensuring that the Formula 1 World Championship came to Brands Hatch, picking up Aintree’s share of the British Grand Prix from 1964. The venue went on to hold 14 World Championship events, culminating in a run of five Grands Prix in five years from 1982 until 1986. It was twice awarded the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) Award for the best promoted Grand Prix, in 1978 and 1982.
Brands Hatch frequently held the non-championship Race of Champions F1 events under Webb too, in addition to the 1000km World Sportscar Championship, often with Webb’s long-time ally, the late Brian Jones, behind the microphone. Other innovations from Webb’s era included radio days, with club meetings heavily promoted by Radio One DJs, and the introduction of Formula Ford and Formula 5000 to UK circuits.
After 35 years at the heart of Brands Hatch, and later the wider group, Webb left in 1989 during the Foulston era. Whilst that marked the end of his day-to-day involvement with Brands Hatch, it wasn’t to be his final contact. Indeed, current Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer sought Webb out as a consultant during the early days of the MSV era, as he sought to restore the circuit’s reputation after two decades of deterioration.
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: "John Webb was one of the greatest promoters of motorsport this country has ever seen, and an extraordinary pioneer. He thrived in an exciting era of growth and opportunity and never missed a chance to innovate and put his circuits and products on the map. In short, he made things happen.
“When MSV took over the Brands Hatch group of circuits I really wanted to understand the views of John and his wife Angela, who were living in Spain. I was delighted that they were pleased to be of help and have some involvement in their old circuits again. During that critical transition phase, we also had some lovely entertaining evenings in Spain with John and Angela, and my thoughts and sympathies are with Angela and all of John’s friends at this sad time.”
John is pictured here alongside his long-time ally and friend, the voice of Brands Hatch, Brian Jones.
Photo: Chas Parker