classic car forum header
Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 
Register     Posting Photographs     Privacy     F/book OCC Facebook     OCC on Patreon

Silverstone Classic 2019 PR
Goto page Previous  1, 2
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Show News, Reports, Press Releases & Photographs
Author Message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Thu May 30, 2019 1:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SIR JACKIE STEWART RECREATES GOLDEN AGE AT THE CLASSIC.

• Celebrating 50 years since the Flying Scot’s first World Championship crown
• Triple champion reunited with his 1969 British Grand Prix winning Matra-Ford
• Commemorative laps on both Saturday and Sunday
• Raising funds for Stewart’s own Race Against Dementia Fellowship Programme with Alzheimer’s Research UK

Fifty years ago in July 1969 the legendary Jackie Stewart celebrated his maiden British Grand Prix win at superfast Silverstone. Roared home by his home fans, the victory was not only a career milestone but one which powered the Flying Scot on towards the first of his three world championship titles.

This summer, Stewart will be back at the Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) to mark the golden anniversary of that very special win. He will also be raising awareness and funds for dementia research, a charity cause that is very close to his own heart.

Almost exactly 50 years on from that first British Grand Prix triumph, Stewart returns behind the wheel of his victorious Matra-Ford to mark the occasion with some high speed demonstration laps on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the 2019 Classic.

“I am looking forward very much to getting back to Silverstone in the Matra, even if not at quite the same speeds as 50 years ago!” enthused the triple champion.

Emphasising the tartan helmeted hero’s dominance at the time, the Silverstone success was his fifth in six races but, although he had lapped the entire field by the finish, this victory was memorably hard-earned.

All those lucky enough to have witnessed the 1969 British Grand Prix will recall the incredible duel between Stewart and the hard-charging Jochen Rindt. The Austrian had qualified his Lotus 49 on pole position and was embroiled in a thrilling dice. The lead changed many times until, on one such occasion, Stewart spotted that a part of the Lotus’ rear wing was coming loose and, dangerously, starting to rub against a rear tyre.

Renowned as a campaigner for safety, Stewart warned his rival and Rindt was forced to pit for swift repairs, returning to the track to finish in a thoroughly undeserved fourth position.

“The 1969 British Grand Prix was one of the most exciting and enjoyable Formula One races that I ever had,” recalled Stewart. “Jochen was one of my best friends. The cooperation we had in not trying to block each other allowed us to definitively run away from the rest of the field. We knew, because in those days there was no aerodynamic sophistication, that we could draft each other and pass if we were not blocked. Almost every lap, we exchanged the lead on the Hanger Straight and going into the 155mph Woodcote corner, which in those days had no chicane. We pointed to each other which side to be passed on, to avoid reducing our lead from the rest of the pack. We exchanged the lead more than 30 times and it was a fantastic race for both of us.

“The Matra MS80 was a wonderful car to drive and the Lotus 49 was also exceptional, in addition to which we were such good friends that there were no nasty circumstances during the entire race, until the unfortunate point at which Jochen’s rear wing came loose. My father and my brother were there to see me win. It was a big day in my life as we had lapped the entire field.”

Today the tireless Stewart is crusading for a different cause. After his wife, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, he founded Race Against Dementia believing the application of Formula 1 technology and philosophies could produce earlier solutions to the condition. Almost one million people in the UK alone are living with dementia.

“I am extremely grateful to the organisers for supporting Race Against Dementia,” said Stewart. “Helen will be truly proud of what we’re doing to challenge her illness and the challenge dementia poses to us all.”

At this summer’s Silverstone Classic all funds raised by the festival’s Official Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, will go directly to Race Against Dementia Fellowships. The Fellowships, which are administered by Alzheimer’s Research UK, will support early career scientists in their pursuit of innovative solutions to the big questions in dementia research.

“We are proud to be supporting such a worthwhile cause at the Classic this year and are very honoured to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Jackie’s landmark 1969 season in the best possible manner,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “It will be very special to see Sir Jackieback behind the wheel of the iconic light-blue Matra and together once again roaring around Silverstone. It’s going to be a fantastically evocative sight, and one which we hope will provide some impetus to further fuel awareness of, and fundraising for, the pioneering Race Against Dementia Fellowships.”

Ian Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re so excited that Sir Jackie Stewart will be returning to Silverstone this year to honour this iconic anniversary, while also raising much-needed funding and awareness for dementia research. Like so many people today, Sir Jackie knows only too well the heartbreak dementia causes and the desperate need there is to find a cure. Thanks to the incredible support of the Silverstone Classic, we will be able to fund research that will make breakthroughs possible.”

Adding to the Classic’s golden anniversary celebrations, the event’s pair of blue-riband retro races featuring glorious DFV-powered F1 cars dating back to the sport’s golden age between 1966 and 1985 are being renamed in the Scot’s honour as the Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One. The Scot will be back on the Silverstone podium, too, this time presenting the trophies.

Visitors wishing to witness Stewart’s evocative return to the scene of so many of his major successes and, indeed, to experience all the amazing attractions on offer at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival have until midnight on Thursday 25 July to buy their tickets.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Fri Jun 28, 2019 2:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SPORTING BEARS MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

• Unforgettable passenger rides in Ferraris, Jaguars and Porsches
• Show-goers offered road trips in supercars and classics
• An exciting new dimension to the visitor experience
• All tickets for the Classic must be purchased in advance

The tens of thousands of visitors attending next month’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will not only be treated to the sights and sounds of the world’s finest ever cars but will also be offered a wonderful opportunity to take a memorable passenger ride in some of the most exciting machines on show.

The Sporting Bears Motor Club will be offering ‘Dream Rides’ to all those attending the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. A ‘Dream Ride’ is an unforgettable ten-mile trip around the country roads surrounding the famous Grand Prix circuit seated in either one of thelatest supercars or a stunning automotive tour de force from yesteryear.

Everyday visitors will be offered a choice between 30 eye-catching icons, ranging from classics such as Jaguar E-types, AC Cobras, a Metro 6R4 and an exquisite 1965 Ferrari 330 GT once owned by John Surtees right up to more modern exotica including an Ariel Atom, Caterham Supersport, Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, McLaren 650 Spyder and Porsche 911 GT3.

As ever, the ‘Bears’ will be raising funds for children’s charities, with the level of donation determined by the ‘coolness’ of the motoring masterpiece. With generous club members providing their cars, time and fuel at no cost, every penny raised will go directly to charity. The club has raised more than £2,250,000 since it was formed in 1989.

“The Silverstone Classic is all about revving up old memoriesand creating new ones – these Dream Rides will do just that,” said Nick Wigley, event CEO. “In the past, the Bears have been regulars among the huge numbers of car clubs attending the Classic but this is the first time they have offered passenger rides. For many, an unforgettable journey through the lanes in a Ferrari or an Aston Martin will add yet another dynamic dimension to an already memorable experience.”

Dream Rides will be available on all three days of the Classic between 11am and 6pm. Bookings can be made on the day and passengers must be aged six and over. Further restrictions may apply to certain cars.

Along with the Bears, a record number of car clubs are attending this year’s massive retro racing festival and will be displaying more than 10,000 much-cherished classic cars on the Silverstone infield. The 2019 racecard is also a record-breaker, topped by special celebration contests to mark Bentley’s centenary, 60 years of the Mini and 50 years of the Ford Capri.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 5:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

RAC PROVIDES BREAKDOWN SUPPORT FOR VISITORS TO THE CLASSIC

• On-site support for those attending the Classic
• ‘Complete peace of mind’ breakdown assistance for 10,000+ car club classics on display at the event
• RAC patrol vans ready and able to assist all visitors
• All tickets for the Classic must be purchased in advance

All those travelling by car to next month’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will enjoy complimentary breakdown assistance from the RAC while on site at the home of British motorsport.

As the official breakdown rescue provider at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the RAC will have three dedicated, fully-equipped patrol vehicles in place throughout the three-day event – from 30 minutes before the gates open at 7:30am on Friday morning until everyone has safely departed the venue on Sunday evening.

Each orange patrol van is equipped with more than 500 parts and tools which enable RAC technicians to fix four out of five of the 2m-plus vehicles they attend every year.

Despite this impressive fix-rate there are some issues that simply cannot be resolved in situ. For them, the breakthrough All-Wheels-Up recovery system allows RAC patrols to recover stricken vehicles – including those that normally need to be recovered separately – such as 4x4s, automatics and hybrids and even classics – using their roadside rescue vans without the need to summon further help from a flat-bed lorry.

This ‘complete peace of mind’ assistance will be offered to all Silverstone Classic ticket holders whether parking in the circuit’s public car parks or among the 10,000+ car club members adding to the infield show in the dedicated display areas.

As the UK’s most experienced breakdown assistance company with a rich heritage stretching right back to 1897, the RAC has a long history of making drivers’ lives better, whatever the vintage of their car.

“Whether it’s a fifties classic or a state-of-the-art electric vehicle, our RAC patrols have unrivalled expertise of finding solutions to problems – that’s why we are perfectly placed to provide this support to the Silverstone Classic,” enthused James Knight, RAC Chief Operations Director.

He continued: “We have been tending the needs of motorists right from the very early days and still proudly support the pre-1905 cars taking part in the annual Bonhams Veteran Car Run from London to Brighton. Automotive technology, of course, has changed enormously since the dawn of motoring, but the RAC’s legendary roadside assistance has been a constant factor throughout the years and continues to be so today.”

There will also be an opportunity for those at the Classic requiring 24/7 roadside support beyond Silverstone’s gates, to sign up for RAC membership at the RAC sales trailer which will be located in the event’s busy Shopping Village.

“We have a record number of car clubs attending the Classic this year with Saturday’s infield parking displays now completely sold-out. Hopefully, none of them – nor those in the public car parks – will need outside assistance from the RAC but they will certainly get some comfort knowing expert help is at hand should the need arise,” added Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ABARTH AND ALFA ROMEO JOIN THE CLASSIC PARTY!

• Celebrating 70 years since Carlo Abarth founded his company
• Legendary Italian brands to offer visitors Drive Live test drives
• Special club house for Abarth and Alfa Romeo owners at the Classic
• All tickets for the event must be purchased in advance

Few car companies can boast such rich sporting heritages as either Abarth or Alfa Romeo – so it is no surprise that both legendary Italian marques will have a major presence at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July), the planet’s biggest retro racing festival where the cars are the stars.

Abarth’s presence is particularly pertinent as the illustrious manufacturer was founded in 1949 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Abarth’s early creations were raced and hillclimbed by such gifted drivers as Tazio Nuvolari and Piero Taruffi and the new enterprise quickly earned itself an enviable sporty reputation – a repute that it maximised commercially by selling high-performance accessories to motor manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and BMW.

In the late 1970’s Abarth became Fiat’s racing department which led to such rally classics as the 124 and 131. The iconic Fiat Abarth 124 rally won the 1972 and 1975 (Group 4) World Rally Championship. The 124 rally was successful over a number of years until it was replaced by the 131. The Fiat 131 Abarth was a successful Group 4 rally car which won the manufacturers World Championship three times in 1977, ‘78 and ‘80.

Honouring its esteemed 70-year history, Abarth has chosen the Silverstone Classic to celebrate its platinum birthday with all those at this summer’s event. As well as offering test drives, Abarth will be holding an Autotest Challenge giving showgoers a wonderful chance to pit themselves against the clock when racing one of its latest models around a figure-of-eight course - it will be sporty, competitive and fun.

As partners in the massive event’s interactive Drive Live, both Abarth and Alfa Romeo will be offering visitors the chance to take latest models for a 30-minute test drive on the country roads surrounding the famous Northamptonshire circuit.

Additionally, those already lucky enough to own an Abarth or Alfa Romeo will also be treated to their own exclusive club house at Silverstone. Not only that, but there’s a special 70thanniversary track parade for the Abarth Owners Club on late Saturday afternoon.

“We are delighted that two great companies with such wonderful sporting pedigrees will be out in force at this year’s Classic,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “This is clearly a very special year for Abarth and I’m sure some of its unique Italian magic will rub off on all those coming to the Silverstone Classic at the end of July.”

“Silverstone Classic is the perfect event for us to celebrate our 70th anniversary with dynamic activities and a track parade of classic and current models.” said Andrea Lo Presti, Abarth UK Marketing Director. “We are really looking forward to hearing that distinctive Abarth sound echo around Silverstone once again.”

Drive Live test drives are included in the ticket price and admission also provides access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts, the Shift & Drift Zone, funfair rides and the vast majority of the great family entertainment on offer.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 8:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

CROWD-PLEASING SUPERCAR SHOWCASE RETURNS BY POPULAR DEMAND

• Spotlight on past legends and the latest sensations
• Past and present speedsters on display and on track
• Paganis, Porsches, Jaguars, Lamborghinis and McLarens all confirmed
• All tickets for the event must be purchased in advance

The cars are always the stars at the annual Silverstone Classic (26-28 July). The pair of race paddocks are jam packed with hundreds and hundreds of the finest competition cars from the sport’s golden eras, the infield is chock-a-block with thousands and thousands of dazzling classics spanning generations of motoring history plus there is the awe-inspiring Supercar Legends presented by Yokohama display.

First introduced in 2018, the stunning Supercar Showcase was an instant success with visitors and, as last year, it will be based in the International Paddock where the Formula 1 teams contesting the British Grand Prix were located just yesterday.

Adding to its allure, the standout display will not only put the spotlight on the latest generation of exotic speedsters from leading supercar manufacturers but, in keeping with the event’s overall theme, will also co-star paragons from previous generations.

Among the past champions will be seminal icons such as the Lamborghini Countach, Porsche Carrera GT, De Tomaso Pantera and Jaguar XJR-15 – the sensational V12 powered mid-engined marvel produced by Tom Walkinshaw Racing as an alternative to Jaguar’s own XJ220 (photo top right below).

Bringing the supercar story more up-to-date, the showcase will also put a Classic spotlight on more recent speed machines – a mouth-watering array including a pair of astounding Aston Martins (One/77 and DBS On Her Majesty’s Secret Service), Ford GT in evocative Gulf racing livery, Lamborghini Aventador S, a trio of mind-boggling McLarens (720 Spyder, SLR and P1) plus a pair of impressive Pagani roadsters (Huayra and Zonda S).

Another head-turner will be the new Brabham BT62 – a £1.2m track day stunner that can trace its lineage back to triple F1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham (photo top left below).

Further fuelling the adrenalin rush, visitors to the Classic over the weekend will be treated to an unmissable 3D supercar experience with the eye-catching collection being fired-up for memorable parade laps of the full Silverstone Grand Prix track.

“There are so many great cars already on show at the Classic but the Supercar Legends presented by Yokohama was a real crowd-pleaser when introduced 12 months ago – it has already evolved into yet another of the many, many highlights at the Classic,” extolled Event Director, Nick Wigley.

Whether lured by the incredible supercars, the unrivalled retro race-card, the 10,000+ classic cars on show, or the amazing array of fun-fuelled family entertainment, all Silverstone Classic tickets must be purchased in advance.

This summer’s unrivalled race roster includes special anniversary celebrations for Abarths, Bentleys, Capris and Minis plus evocative showdowns for classic era Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters all together on the same race-card for the very first time. There’s also a sparkling Twilight Tribute to Le Mans as the sun goes down on Saturday evening.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 8:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

STIG: DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

• Turning a teenage fantasy into a 21st century reality
• World Rally Champion to fulfil a childhood ambition at the Classic
• Could Silverstone provide a fairy tale finish for the dream team?
• All tickets for the event must be purchased in advance
Back in 1964, a young Swede jumped on his moped and headed off to watch the sixth round of the European Touring Car Championship at his local Karlskoga racing circuit. Little did the impressionable teenager know it at the time but it would be a life-changing day and a moment that he would now be honouring 45 years later at this month’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July). Here’s why…

At Karlskoga on 9 August in 1964, the boy became fascinated with a huge 7-litre Ford Galaxie being raced by Alan Mann. By all accounts Mann had only entered the massive American monster as a makeweight to ensure there were enough cars on the grid for his team’s two main entries – factory-supported Ford Cortinas being raced by John Whitmore and Henry Taylor – to score maximum points.

Whatever the reason, the youthful Swede had never seen a car quite like the Galaxie – it was so big yet still wieldy enough to finish on the podium on such a small twisty circuit behind the pair of title-chasing Alan Mann Racing run Lotus Cortinas. The sight of the mighty American beast hustling around the track really caught his youthful imagination and fuelled his motor sport ambitions (photos above and top below).

This eye-opening experience also sparked a lifelong love for Fords, which culminated in rally legend Stig Blomqvist – for he was that young boy – signing as a factory driver for the Blue Oval back in 1986, just two years after winning the World Rally Championship title with Audi.

Today, that ex-Alan Mann white Galaxie (photos middle below) is owned by gentleman racer and Ford V8 specialist businessman Bill Shepherd. And, thanks to a chance conversation on a frozen lake earlier this year, he’s invited Stig to race the very same car that had mesmerised the young Swede all those years ago in Saturday afternoon’s spectacular Transatlantic Trophy for Pre ’66 Touring Cars at the Classic.

Like his famous Top Gear TV star namesake, Stig is not usually a man of many words, preferring to let his driving do the talking. He does, though, get animated and his eyes light up when talking about the approaching reality of racing this very special Galaxie.

“It’s a very good story isn’t it, eh?” he grins. “Seeing that big car all those years ago really made a huge impression on me when I was young – it looked four times bigger than all the other Cortinas and two-stroke Saabs on the grid back then!

“I could never have dreamt that one day I’d be actually racing the very same car that first excited me at Karlskoga. It’s going to be an incredible personal moment for me and a lot of fun at Silverstone – I can’t wait.”

Shepherd, too, is excited about sharing his Galaxie with such a motor sport legend in the two-driver showdown at the Classic. He says: “I’ve bumped into Stig several times in the past at places like Goodwood but, until earlier this year, had absolutely no idea about the impact that my Galaxie had made on him as young man.

“Back in the Spring he invited me to go ice driving up in Sweden: one night we got talking and he came out with this amazing tale of how he’d fallen in love with a particular Galaxie as a teenager and how the sight of this car had not only inspired him to pursue a career in motor sport but also fired his lifelong love for Ford.

“Almost unbelievably I’ve actually owned that very same Galaxie for more than 20 years, so it only seemed right and proper to invite him to the Classic to race it with me. Teaming up with him will be very special. I’m sure he’ll be quick in the car… unless, of course, he reverts to character and goes rallycrossing off track!”

As had been the scene at Karlskoga back in 1964, the Transatlantic Trophy race at Silverstone will feature a David v Goliath grid with agile Lotus Cortinas, Minis and Alfas taking on American V8 muscle… though this time the Galaxie will not be alone. It will be joined by large numbers of Mustangs and Falcons on what is a sensational full-capacity 58-car grid.

Despite the quantity and quality of the competition, Shepherd believes the ‘dream team’ (photo bottom below) could just come up trumps. “If we do stick to the black stuff, we should be pretty competitive,” he predicts. “The Silverstone Grand Prix circuit is pretty fast which always suits the Galaxie with its big 7-litre V8 engine. Wouldn’t it be great if we could crown off what will already be an historic moment with a fantastic win. We’ll certainly be aiming for the fairy tale finish!”

It could, too, be a double celebration as Blomqvist will be popping the corks for his 73rd birthday on the Monday (29 July) immediately after the Classic.

The Transatlantic Trophy for Pre ’66 Touring Cars is just one of more than 20 remarkable retro races on the bill at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Show News, Reports, Press Releases & Photographs All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page Previous  1, 2
Page 2 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
OCC Merch link
Forum T&C


php BB powered © php BB Grp.