Raymond Mays Racing an Aircraft at Skegness Sands, Lincolnshire, UK, 1923

Captured on 1 June 1923 at Skegness Sands, this dramatic photograph shows Raymond Mays piloting his Bugatti racing car at full speed across the hard-packed sands while a biplane flies low overhead in a spectacular speed duel.

Mays, one of Britain’s most celebrated racing drivers of the 1920s and 1930s and later co-founder of British Racing Motors (BRM), was renowned for using public demonstrations like this to showcase both mechanical performance and driver skill. Events staged on beaches such as Skegness drew large crowds and symbolised the era’s obsession with speed, aviation, and technological daring.

The image perfectly captures the experimental spirit of early motorsport and aviation, where land and air competed side by side in public displays that blurred the line between sport, science, and showmanship.

Digital download: Suitable for up to A2/A3 X/Large printing 

Image reflects real-life scenes from the period.

Digital PDF download - The image is offered as a historical digital reproduction.

About this image

- Image quality reflects the original source material and restoration process, if any.
- This is an authentic photograph that has been digitised for preservation and enjoyment.
- Due to the age and original source material, image quality may vary between items.
- The preview image accurately represents the item you will receive. 
- Downloaded files are supplied without watermarks.

Suitable for

- Personal reference
- Research and study
- Historical interest
- Decorative printing for home or office use
- Not permitted for resale, redistribution, or commercial reuse

Printing

- Suitable for home printing, print shops, and digital use
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