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Old 27-02-2009, 09:16 AM
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Default Is THE PRISONER runway Santa Pod?
Many moons ago Prisoner fans such as Peter Dunn and Steve Dix suggested that THE PRISONER runway was Santa Pod (RAF Podington).

I think this may possibly not have been wrong!







Comments please.

Last edited by Anthony McKay; 27-02-2009 at 09:53 AM..
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Old 27-02-2009, 09:34 AM
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The various coppices do match up, don't they......
Bit of a Bay Window, what??
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Old 27-02-2009, 09:46 AM
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It will take a visit to the actual location to get proof positive - from the ground level photos of the drag track there could be an unacceptable dip in the runway.

Still, I can keep finding images that look quite good.



It also looks like the sun is in the right position for Santa Pod as well.
Last edited by Anthony McKay; 27-02-2009 at 10:18 AM..
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Old 27-02-2009, 04:51 PM
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As mentioned half way down page 2, I live a stones throw away from 'Santa Pod', don't know if I can be of any assistance, I've only been there once many years ago.
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Old 27-02-2009, 05:54 PM
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I'm unsure of this but it might be worth checking which year the 'Pod' became a drag strip?

I'm saying this because the old main runway is now used for the 1/4 mile

Meanwhile I'm going to e-mail a friend who still races there and knows the current management
"Don't interrupt Pike or you'll be sent home!"
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Old 27-02-2009, 05:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony McKay View Post
from the ground level photos of the drag track there could be an unacceptable dip in the runway.
A dip? Looks like a hump to me...
Pic of car at Santa Pod

But, the images you posted above are very promising - especially the presence of the building in the trees on the left of the runway.
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Last edited by PaulPlowman; 27-02-2009 at 05:57 PM.. Reason: Stupid Image Title
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Old 27-02-2009, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Chevyman View Post
I'm unsure of this but it might be worth checking which year the 'Pod' became a drag strip?
1966 according to Wikipedia - which would mean no planes. Handy for filming!
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Old 27-02-2009, 06:14 PM
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1966 it is. I'm just wondering how long after that before various buildings were erected there.......spectator stands, gantries etc.

IIRC there is a dip in the dragstrip just after the 1/4 mile finish line. I've found some footage which shows this:-

Santa Pod Raceway - Drag Racing - Two Seater Dragster

Go to the bottom of the page and click on "Watch 2 seater dragster video"
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Old 27-02-2009, 08:01 PM
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I've an old NME from 1967 somewhere upstairs which advertises the place so that would definately prove it was open then.
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Old 27-02-2009, 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chevyman View Post
I'm unsure of this but it might be worth checking which year the 'Pod' became a drag strip?

I'm saying this because the old main runway is now used for the 1/4 mile

Meanwhile I'm going to e-mail a friend who still races there and knows the current management
Thanks Chevyman.

The filming took place during the third week of August 1966.

It looks like the Lotus is driving towards the 1/4 mile drag strip down a far part of the deceleration area, so the stands would not feature in the sequence.

If we were in luck, records of an application to film might still exist in the Santa Pod files.
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Old 27-02-2009, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Anthony McKay View Post
If we were in luck, records of an application to film might still exist in the Santa Pod files.
Oh God, I hope so. I'd love to see this long-running discussion brought to a conclusion!
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Old 27-02-2009, 09:59 PM
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I am a mere seeker of truth, or the nearest non-union equivalent that makes me happy.
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Old 27-02-2009, 10:45 PM
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Tony...

Take a look at this. Drag racing from Santa Pod 1967/68...

You might be able to match up the landscape?

Last edited by Mikey; 27-02-2009 at 10:49 PM..
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Old 27-02-2009, 10:59 PM
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Thanks to Mike - Game, set and possitive match!

Look at the background at 0:58, 1:15, 1:24

This IS it!
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Old 27-02-2009, 11:00 PM
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Okay been surfing the net and found this, it seems that Santa Pod opened as a racing venue five months before the opening titles for The Prisoner was filmed.



April 11th 1966 - The U.K.s first permanent, purpose built dragstrip opened, Santa Pod Raceway near Wellingborough.
Last edited by Mikey; 27-02-2009 at 11:04 PM..
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