The Oliver’s Mount motorcycle racing circuit came about because of the enthusiasm of the Scarborough and District Motor Club who, inspired by the classic road races taking place elsewhere, had been searching for a venue since the mid-1930s. After World War II they renewed their efforts and the Oliver’s Mount circuit was opened in September 1946, the first race meeting being watched by a crowd of over 12,000 spectators. It is defined as a Street Racing Circuit because it uses public roads and is the only such circuit in England.
The two and a half mile racecourse proved popular with both public and the racing riders of the time and the BBC’s decision to cover the race meetings increased its popularity. But the hilly nature of the course, together with the number of hairpin bends, were punishing on the bikes. At the riders’ request, significant improvements were made in the first few years and by 1951 the circuit was fully compliant with the new and more stringent safety rules.
The circuit was a favourite with Barry Sheene who won the Gold Cup four times amongst his 15 race wins. Racing history, including some tragic events, have led to the naming of some of the circuit’s features, including ‘Sheene’s Rise’ and ‘Jefferies’ Jump’, named after David Jefferies’ spectacular high speed wheelies. Jefferies was a five-times winner of the Gold Cup between 1992 and 2000.
Ever more strict safety rules and the persistence of accidents have from time to time caused the popular circuit to be closed in some years, resulting in the absence of the roar of the bikes, which has traditionally been heard across the town because of the elevated position of the circuit.
It seems likely that Oliver’s Mount was named after Oliver Cromwell in the mistaken belief that he erected a cannon battery there during the English Civil War, but it is also possible that it was named after a farmer who worked the land. The Mount is also home to Scarborough’s war memorial, erected in 1922-23, unveiled in 1923, a cenotaph with a splendid view over the town.
