Dunlop Bridge

In this article we will explore the topic of Dunlop Bridge, which has generated great interest and controversy in recent times. From its origins to its relevance today, Dunlop Bridge has captured the attention of academics, professionals and the general public. Through a detailed analysis, we will examine the different perspectives and opinions that exist around Dunlop Bridge, as well as its impact on various areas of society. Additionally, we will delve into the history and evolution of Dunlop Bridge, highlighting its achievements and challenges over time. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive and objective view of Dunlop Bridge, contributing to the debate and understanding of its importance in today's world.

The Dunlop Bridge is a landmark advertising footbridge sponsored by Dunlop Tyres, located at several racing circuits around the world. The oldest surviving example of this bridge is at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The bridge is regarded as one of the most recognisable features at a motorsport venue, particularly the Circuit de la Sarthe[1] and Donington Park,[2] although the latter was removed during renovations for the failed attempt to stage the 2010 British F1 Grand Prix, and due to new racing safety regulations, cannot be restored.

Radio and television personality Chris Evans bought the Donington Park bridge while visiting a racing memorabilia auction in September 2012.[3]

List of race circuits featuring a Dunlop Bridge

Italics indicate that the bridge is no longer within the circuit.

Photo Venue Section Locale Installed Dismantled Source Notes
Circuit de la Sarthe Dunlop Curve Le Mans, Sarthe, France 1932 [nb 1][4]
Suzuka Circuit Turn 7 Suzuka, Mie, Japan 1960s 1987
Surfers Paradise Raceway Turn 1 Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia 1966 1987
Donington Park Starkey's Straight Leicestershire, United Kingdom 1977 2009 [nb 2][5]
Mount Panorama Circuit Exit of The Chase Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia 1982 [6][nb 3][7]
Sandown Raceway Turn 9 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1989 [nb 4]
Tsukuba Circuit Midfield Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Japan
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Turn 3 Monterey, California, United States [nb 5]
Mantorp Park Mantorp, Östergötland, Sweden
Circuit Paul Armagnac Turn 11 Nogaro, Midi-Pyrénées, France
Sportsland SUGO Home straight Murata, Miyagi, Japan
Circuit d'Albi Le Séquestre, Midi-Pyrénées, France
Circuit Carole Home straight Tremblay-en-France, Île-de-France, France
Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry Home straight Linas, Île-de-France, France

A Dunlop Bridge also exists in the Apricot Hill Raceway, a fictional racetrack in the Gran Turismo series, although the branding was removed in Gran Turismo 6.

See also

  • Red Bull, who also have a distinctive footbridge at race events.

Notes

  1. ^ Relocated to its present location at the between 1986 and 1987 to allow for the insertion of a chicane.
  2. ^ Originally dismantled to allow a proposed 200mph straight to be created, since work fell through due to financial reasons, the bridge is currently in a dismantled state after it was not restorable due to racing regulations.
  3. ^ Originally known as the JPS Bridge, then the Bridgestone Bridge and the GMAC Bridge, has since been renamed the Armor All Bridge.
  4. ^ Sandown Raceway originally had a Dunlop Bridge from 1964-1984 located at the Turn 9 causeway. The base of the old bridge was not protected by barriers and was the site of many high speed crashes and was removed on safety grounds during circuit re-configuration in mid-1984. Sandown's current bridge was originally the Dunlop Bridge which stood at the Surfers Paradise Raceway from 1966 until the circuit closed in 1987. This bridge has been since been modified and renamed the Jim Beam Bridge.
  5. ^ Various other tire brands also advertised on Laguna Seca's Dunlop Bridge.

References

  1. ^ Brian Laban (16 June 2007). "The greatest race". Telegraph. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Iconic Dunlop Bridge dismantled at Donington | Planet F1 | Formula One News". Planet F1. 13 February 2009. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  3. ^ "Chris Evans bought Donington Park's Dunlop bridge 'by accident'". BBC News. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Le Mans (not just) for Dummies - The Club Arnage Guide to the 24 hours of Le Mans 2009" (PDF). Club Arnage.
  5. ^ "Dunlop Bridge goes at Donington Park | This is Nottingham". Archived from the original on 12 September 2012.
  6. ^ "A close look at the Australian Bathurst racing circuit". Archived from the original on 8 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  7. ^ "Central West riding :: IMG_1926sm.jpg picture by yogi2795 - Photobucket". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011.
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