Image courtesy of Classic Racer Ken chasing down Agostini during the 1969 Mallory Park 'Race of the Year' meeting
This petition was set up to persuade the owners of Croft Autodrome to name a corner at the circuit in the memory of the late Ken Redfern. There is also a Facebook Group under 'Remembering Ken Redfern' where fans can reminisce about the great days we had watching him race. The memory of the late Ken Redfern is synonymous with Croft Motorracing Circuit; however there has never been any formal recognition of his racing achievements at the circuit. When the circuit reopened in its present configuration the Esses were renamed The Jim Clark Esses. Jim Clark never raced at the circuit so why a section of the track is named in his honour is not logical. Numerous individuals have written to the circuit requesting that consideration is taken to rename a section of the track in Ken's honour, all to no avail. It is now felt that a stronger more forceful representation is forwarded to the circuit owners asking them to recognise his endeavours by formally naming part of the circuit in his name. During many of The Ken Redfern Memorial meetings held at the circuit, comments have been made by spectators and riders that it is a shame Ken's memory is not permanently recognised. Ken started his racing career at the circuit in 1965, breaking the outright lap record for the original layout on numerous occasions. and in 1970 he took 3 seconds off the lap record in one race alone, a time that stood for many years. Many of the spectators attending these meetings were there specifically to see Ken race and win. Ken's rise to International prominence was during the 1969 season riding aconverted NortonAtlas 750 road bike when on two memorable weekends he finished second to the legendary 15 times world champion Giacomo Agostini on his MV Agusta at Mallory and Cadwell Park beating possibly the greatest ever Mike Hailwood in the process, much to the delight of the 60,000 spectators. Ken went on to achieve further International acclaim riding for London sponsors Paul Dunstall and Gus Kuhn. Ken was tragically killed in 1973 when he was just making his name on the Grand Prix circuits.
Updates
November 6, 2011
The momentum behind this effort proves that Ken Redfern remains a respected figure within the racing community. I am encouraged by the growing consensus that his contributions to the circuit deserve lasting recognition through a formal naming tribute.
Reached 100 supporters
November 6, 2011
78 Comments
Ken was friend at Stockton Tech, when we were doing HNC. He was building his first longstroke Manx, from bits. Ken was a real Gentleman, fantastic rider, pianist & shooter
The naming of a corner at Croft Circuit after the late Ken Redfern is long overdue. He attracted fans from all over the country to Croft and regularly elevated the lap records. It is time Ken’s many achievements were recognised permanently at His local circuit. Please make this so.
We watched him regularly at Croft we live 10 miles away, and also Cadwell and were at Mallory Park in 1969. All around us people were wondering why we were so excited when he came second to AGO. Lets hope he gets recognition at last.
As a friend of the late Ken Redfern I attended races from Croft to Thruxton. Ken is still much remembered at Croft by everyone who competed against and watched him to competitors of today who never knew him. If Croft Circuit can name parts of the circuit after competitors who never raced at the circuit, namely Jim Clark and Mike Hawthorn, then they can surely commemorate a much missed local hero.
I remember seeing Ken Redfern for the 1st time at a Mallory park meeting riding a Norton Dommie overtaking Mike Hailwood riding a works Seeley & Percy Tait on the works Triumph through the Gerrards bend. Also at Scarborough on John Coopers Triumph Trident, Cadwell park riding the works Dunstal Norton in his own unique riding style.
Went to see him race many times at Croft
I hope that this succeeds in achieving its attention. Ken was a tremendous racer.
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Image courtesy of Classic Racer Ken chasing down Agostini during the 1969 Mallory Park 'Race of the Year' meeting
This petition was set up to persuade the owners of Croft Autodrome to name a corner at the circuit in the memory of the late Ken Redfern. There is also a Facebook Group under 'Remembering Ken Redfern' where fans can reminisce about the great days we had watching him race. The memory of the late Ken Redfern is synonymous with Croft Motorracing Circuit; however there has never been any formal recognition of his racing achievements at the circuit. When the circuit reopened in its present configuration the Esses were renamed The Jim Clark Esses. Jim Clark never raced at the circuit so why a section of the track is named in his honour is not logical. Numerous individuals have written to the circuit requesting that consideration is taken to rename a section of the track in Ken's honour, all to no avail. It is now felt that a stronger more forceful representation is forwarded to the circuit owners asking them to recognise his endeavours by formally naming part of the circuit in his name. During many of The Ken Redfern Memorial meetings held at the circuit, comments have been made by spectators and riders that it is a shame Ken's memory is not permanently recognised. Ken started his racing career at the circuit in 1965, breaking the outright lap record for the original layout on numerous occasions. and in 1970 he took 3 seconds off the lap record in one race alone, a time that stood for many years. Many of the spectators attending these meetings were there specifically to see Ken race and win. Ken's rise to International prominence was during the 1969 season riding aconverted NortonAtlas 750 road bike when on two memorable weekends he finished second to the legendary 15 times world champion Giacomo Agostini on his MV Agusta at Mallory and Cadwell Park beating possibly the greatest ever Mike Hailwood in the process, much to the delight of the 60,000 spectators. Ken went on to achieve further International acclaim riding for London sponsors Paul Dunstall and Gus Kuhn. Ken was tragically killed in 1973 when he was just making his name on the Grand Prix circuits.
Updates
November 6, 2011
The momentum behind this effort proves that Ken Redfern remains a respected figure within the racing community. I am encouraged by the growing consensus that his contributions to the circuit deserve lasting recognition through a formal naming tribute.
Reached 100 supporters
November 6, 2011
78 Comments
Surely a corner named after Ken would be very fitting in memory of a guy who could push the then top WC riders to the limit on a self built machinery to there limits. Top Man, Gentleman Ken, smooth and fast.
Ken was friend at Stockton Tech, when we were doing HNC. He was building his first longstroke Manx, from bits. Ken was a real Gentleman, fantastic rider, pianist & shooter
The naming of a corner at Croft Circuit after the late Ken Redfern is long overdue. He attracted fans from all over the country to Croft and regularly elevated the lap records. It is time Ken’s many achievements were recognised permanently at His local circuit. Please make this so.
We watched him regularly at Croft we live 10 miles away, and also Cadwell and were at Mallory Park in 1969. All around us people were wondering why we were so excited when he came second to AGO. Lets hope he gets recognition at last.
As a friend of the late Ken Redfern I attended races from Croft to Thruxton. Ken is still much remembered at Croft by everyone who competed against and watched him to competitors of today who never knew him. If Croft Circuit can name parts of the circuit after competitors who never raced at the circuit, namely Jim Clark and Mike Hawthorn, then they can surely commemorate a much missed local hero.
I remember seeing Ken Redfern for the 1st time at a Mallory park meeting riding a Norton Dommie overtaking Mike Hailwood riding a works Seeley & Percy Tait on the works Triumph through the Gerrards bend. Also at Scarborough on John Coopers Triumph Trident, Cadwell park riding the works Dunstal Norton in his own unique riding style.
Went to see him race many times at Croft
I hope that this succeeds in achieving its attention. Ken was a tremendous racer.
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Surely a corner named after Ken would be very fitting in memory of a guy who could push the then top WC riders to the limit on a self built machinery to there limits. Top Man, Gentleman Ken, smooth and fast.