British Sprint Championship 1974

Johnty Williamson, John Ravenscroft and Bob Rose, the three drivers to win rounds in 1973, all returned for 1974. Rose had traded up to the ex-Roy Lane 5.7-litre McLaren M14D late the previous year and now had the car performing perfectly. Williamson had an equally large but newer ex-F5000 Surtees TS11, and Ravenscroft had acquired the ex-Rose McLaren M10B, but preferred to compete in club events at Curborough. Dave Harris also moved up to the larger class by acquiring the ex-Chris Oates McLaren M10B, updated with M14D suspension. The 1600cc class was led by David Render with his pair of smaller Brabhams and Rob Turnbull with his similar car.

Harris won three events but he only started seven so was pipped to the title by Rose, who had two wins, two seconds and two thirds. Render, with a win and two seconds, was in contention until the final round. Hillclimb regulars David Franklin won at Yeovilton in his 1600cc Ensign, and Tony Griffiths at Weston in his F1 Brabham BT33.

The races

31 Mar 1974 > Yeovilton

21 Apr 1974 > Curborough

28 Apr 1974 > South Cerney

27 May 1974 > Bassingbourne

09 Jun 1974 > Curborough

30 Jun 1974 > Duxford

24 Aug 1974 > Cadwell Park

24 Sep 1974 > Yeovilton

05 Oct 1974 > Weston-Super-Mare Speed Trials

1974 RAC British Sprint Championship table

The points system for the championship remained the same as that used for the Hill Climb championship, awarding 10 points for the fastest time in the runoff, then 9 for second and on down to one point for tenth place (R.A.C Motor Sport Year Book 1973 p114 and 1976 p102 had no change between them). There was no longer an extra point awarded for beating the course's previous record time. With ten rounds taking place, the best seven results would count (ibid. p102).