What is the BRDC?
The Silverstone circuit has some peculiarities, not least the fact that it is owned by a very exclusive club with only 850 members worldwide, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC). Not a federation or Automobile Club, but a very select club, established in 1928.
The club was founded by one of the famous 'Bentley Boys', Dudley Benjafield, an was open only to drivers and attracted 25 members. Gradually, he included the important figures in motor sports who may become Associate Members, if they don't fulfill the requirements to become full members. For this, one must be British or a citizen of the Commonwealth, take the start of 8 races per season for three seasons (not necessarily consecutive), and on the podium regularly (full conditions here).
If you want to become a member but don't meet the criteria, there is Honorary Membership, but it is by invitation only. Young British drivers in the SuperStar (international) or Rising Stars (national), programmes, can be granted the status of Junior Member.
BRDC is currently presided over by Derek Warwick, the former F1 driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1992 and the World Endurance Championship that year. The club presents annual awards: the Gold Stars and Silver Stars, the latter being reserved for national championship protagonists, be it GT, rally or NASCAR. Each active member scores, and the winners of the two rankings are rewarded at the end of the season. Over time, other trophies have been added (see complete list here), commending, among others, the highest ranked British driver in the 24 Hours of Le Mans or an engineer or even a deserving individual who has demonstrated outstanding team spirit.
Far from just being a group of ladies and gentlemen, the BRDC has owned the Silverstone circuit since 1971, bought from the Ministry of Defence, through the company Silverstone Circuits Limited. In this capacity, it has organized the F1 Grand Prix each year, and MotoGP since 2010. To retain the Formula 1 event, renovations have been made in recent years, with new stands and a redesigned layout, but that's another story ...
Dave Davies