The Club was the brainchild of the wives of British Grand Prix drivers and was formed under the chairmanship of Sheila Van Damm. The founding committee comprised Mrs Colin Chapman, Mrs John Cooper, Mrs Gregor Grant, Mrs Graham Hill and Mrs John Webb. Brought together by a shared charitable purpose, these formidable women set out to support families within the motor racing community during times of hardship and grief. Their commitment to friendship, compassion, and practical support laid the foundations of the Club and continues to shape its values today.
The origins of the Doghouse Owners’ Club date back to the “swinging sixties”, a celebrated yet dangerous golden era of motor racing. At that time, safety standards were minimal and serious accidents — often involving fuel fires — were all too common. The risks of the sport became deeply personal for our current President, Shirley Procter, whose husband Peter was badly injured by fire while racing in 1966. During his recovery, Shirley found great comfort and strength in the support offered by fellow members of the Doghouse Owners’ Club — support that reflected the compassion and purpose on which the Club was built.
The Club also became renowned for the prestigious Doghouse Charity Balls, held at iconic London venues including The Savoy, The Dorchester, and the Hilton on Park Lane. These celebrated events raised significant funds for charitable causes while reinforcing the Club’s reputation for fundraising, friendship, and unwavering support within motorsport.
Caring for families in the racing community affected by accident, misfortune and loss
has been at the heart of the Doghouse Owners’ Club since its foundation in 1962.
Where does the name “Doghouse” come from?
Formally registered as the Women’s Motor Racing Associates Club, the organisation soon became widely known throughout motorsport by its more familiar and affectionate name — the Doghouse Owners’ Club — under which we continue to market our events and charity fundraising.
The name was coined during a conversation between Bette Hill and Betty Brabham, prompted by a moment that will have been familiar to many involved in the sport. Sir Jack Brabham was, quite literally, “in the doghouse” for once again leaving the dinner table to huddle in a corner talking motor racing with fellow competitors.
As Bette Hill later recalled in the Other Side of the Hill, Life with Graham Hill
“As Betty Brabham was sitting on her own, a couple of girls
walked over to join her. She said, ‘Jack was in the Doghouse’
— and that did it!”
The phrase was quickly adopted with affection, reflecting the humour, camaraderie, and shared experiences of the women who supported the sport behind the scenes. It is also thought that the Doghouse image — and our logo — bears a strong resemblance to the shelters used in the 1960s for timekeeping, a role regularly undertaken by the wives of Grand Prix drivers. This practical link further embeds the Club’s identity in the everyday life of motor racing during that era.
An Enduring Legacy
Over the decades, the Doghouse Owners’ Club has grown into a respected and historic institution within the motorsport community. The Club also became renowned for the prestigious Doghouse Charity Balls, held at iconic London venues including The Savoy, The Dorchester, and the Hilton on Park Lane. These celebrated events raised significant funds for charitable causes while reinforcing the Club’s reputation for fundraising, friendship, and unwavering support within motorsport.
Today, we continue to honour our origins while supporting the present and future of the sport. Guided by the principles established in 1962, the Doghouse Owners’ Club remains a place of connection, care, and community — built on the friendships that first brought it to life.