1899 - 1909

In March 1899, Charles 'Cheers' Wakefield founded CC Wakefield & Co. Ltd., later to become Castrol. The Wakefield Lubricator, patented in the 1890's for lubricating the axlebox of steam locomotives, was invented. It is still in use today. The Wakefield Motor Oil 'Castrol brand' was registered in 1909.

The 1920's

Castrol 'R' helps flight pioneers Alcock and Brown for their first non-stop flight across the Atlantic. In 1925, M. Campbell sets a new World Land Speed record. W. Handley becomes the first rider to win two Isle of Man TT races in one week. Bentley wins Le Mans in 1928 at an average speed of 69 m.p.h.

Early 1930's

The Wakefield Trophy award for World Land Speed Record holders, is commissioned by Charles Wakefield. Amy Johnson is the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930. "Castrol Andy" and his mobile unit support teams. Detergent based 'Patent Castrol' for cleaner engines appears in 1935.

1951 - 1960

Geoff Duke pictured at the Belgium GP wins the 500cc World Championship for Norton in 1951. 2 years later, the first semi-synthetic racing motor oil, Castrol R20, is developed in partnership with Mercedes Benz.

The Sixties

The world watches as the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth II is launched in 1967. In 1968 Castrol GTX , the first multigrade oil with a 20W/50 viscosity rating hits the market. It later becomes the most famous motor oil of all times. Sixteen of the 23 finishing vehicles of the 1970 London to Mexico rally are lubricated by Castrol.

1978 - 1983

Bjorn Waldegard wins the Swedish Rally and the World Rally Drivers Championship the following year. 1983 sees Nelson Piquet (Brabham BMW) winning the F1 Drivers Championship, Freddie Spencer (Honda) the 500cc World Title and Richard Noble setting a new World Land Speed Record (633 m.p.h.) in Thrust II.

The Early Nineties

Like 5 years before, Jaguar completes the double by winning Le Mans and Daytona 24 Hour races in 1993. Wayne Rainey wins his third World title on a Yamaha YZR500. The Toyota Castrol Team with Juha Kankkunen win both the Drivers' and the Manufacturers' titles in 1994. Castrol launches SYNTEC in 1992.

1996 & 1997

G. Capellini is Formula One Powerboat World Champion for the fourth time in a row in 1996. In 1997, Andy Green in the Thrust SSC sets a new World Land Speed Record with 763 m.p.h. (1227 kph), faster than sound. In 1997, Castrol launches SYNTEC Blend.

1999 & Into the 21st Century

Castrol celebrates 100 years. The new century sees C. Edwards winning the World Superbike Championship on a Honda VTR1000 SP-1. In 2001, G. Capellini becomes a speedboating legend winning his sixth title. Teams using Castrol win 5 World Championships, including a tenth title for drag racer J. Force. In 2002, Castrol launches GTX High Mileage, and in 2004, GTX Start Up.