Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

This could be one I'll try and get to next year.

(PR)

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THE DEFINITIVE FESTIVAL FOR ALL CAR ENTHUSIASTS

2013 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA dates announced
‘Early bird’ tickets for next summer’s event already on sale
Massive grids, live classic rock music, interactive entertainment
Special celebrations & parades for car clubs

Dates have been announced – and tickets are on sale – for the 2013 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA. Firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, next year’s Silverstone Classic will be staged at the world famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July.

Building on the record-breaking successes of recent events, next summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature unrivalled racing grids featuring the full spectrum of classic motor sport, an exceptional line-up of classic car displays and parades, an amazing array of interactive family entertainment plus outstanding live music from renowned classic rock bands in the evenings.

Sticking to the event’s hugely popular and widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, tickets will include free entrance to all racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and all live music concerts. Prices are similar to in 2012 when a record 83,500 reveled in the remarkable atmosphere. Adult tickets start from just £30 (plus fees) with considerable savings for festival-goers spending an action-packed weekend at Silverstone and special packages for car clubs. Full details are available on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website. For 2013, the event will be advance ticket only with no tickets available on the gate.

“With so much thrilling entertainment both on and off the track, the Silverstone Classic is much more than just the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – it’s the definitive festival for all car enthusiasts,” enthuses Nick Wigley, Event Director. “We will be announcing our full entertainment programme in the coming months, but we can confirm that all the fans’ favourite race grids will be back and we’ll be celebrating yet more significant milestones in motoring history with some mouth-watering car club displays and parades. We introduced lots of interactive driving experiences in 2012 and we will be expanding that area in 2013. We have some great bands in the pipeline, too.”

Although more details will be confirmed shortly, the comprehensive collection of races will include Group C prototypes, six decades of F1 cars plus a mouth-watering line-up of 50-plus car grids for GTs, sportscars, single-seater formulae and touring cars.

Following world record celebrations for the E-type Jaguar’s golden anniversary in 2011 and then 25 years of the Ferrari F40 in 2012, the 2013 Silverstone Classic is already gearing up to honour some equally evocative automotive landmarks. Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic 911 model with a planned parade of 911 cars on track. Aston Martin will be there in force to celebrate the centenary of its marque and Lamborghini celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The live music content in recent years has been equally memorable featuring acts such as Mike and the Mechanics, 10cc, Santana, Suzi Quattro and the Yardbirds – next year’s performers will further build on the event’s unique ‘Rocking and Racing’ reputation.

As Wigley concludes: “It all adds up to one vast ‘not to be missed’ festival and, with tickets now on sale, the perfect Christmas present for any car enthusiast.”
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

More news re Silverstone:

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SPECTACULAR PARADE FOR 50 YEARS OF PORSCHE 911

• 911 x 911s on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit
• Special salute to golden anniversary of iconic sportscar
• Road, race and rally versions on parade

It’s 50 years since the iconic Porsche 911 was first introduced to the public at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show and this year’s Silverstone Classic will pay homage to the evergreen sportscar’s golden anniversary with a very fitting on-track tribute.

On Sunday 28 July a magnificent parade of 911 Porsche 911s will take to the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit to mark this historic milestone in the life of what’s unquestionably one of the world’s most celebrated, revered and distinguished automotive creations of all times. Over the ages more than 820,000 have been built making the 911 the world’s most successful sportscar.

The event organisers are working closely with the Porsche Club GB to ensure this very special parade highlights five decades of glorious 911 heritage and evolution by including the most famous models from past and present generations including many legendary Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa and Turbo variants. To this day the idolised 911 is also one of the most popular and victorious competition cars ever created and the dazzling on-track pageant will also feature a plethora of winners from both racing and rallying.

Peter Bull, Vice Chairman of Porsche Club GB said: “Every member of the Club is so proud of the Porsche marque and the 911 is something that we all revere in all its forms and age. We are delighted to be able to showcase the 911 in this way and are especially grateful for the Silverstone Classic to allow this parade to go ahead. It’s a very special year indeed! ”

Nick Hine, Chairman of Porsche Club GB added: “Achieving 911, Porsche 911s on track at Silverstone all at the same time, initially seemed an ambitious target. However, there has been strong interest from 911 owners from all over the world and we already have nearly 400 confirmed participants. Fifty years of 911 evolution, combined with famous drivers from Porsche’s illustrious racing history taking part, mean that the fight for pole position at Silverstone, has never been quite so strong!”

This summer’s spectacular 911 x 911 parade – which will be raising much needed funds for the Hope for Tomorrow cancer charity – is the latest in a succession of glittering circuit processions staged alongside the huge, action-packed race programme at recent Silverstone Classics. In 2010 a similar 50th anniversary parade of 767 E-Type Jaguars established a new Guinness World Record. Last year in was the turn of Ferrari when an unprecedented gathering of 60 scarlet F40s took to the track in a memorable tribute marking 25 years of the world’s first 200mph supercar.

“Jaguar, Ferrari and now Porsche… it’s hard to think of three more illustrious or historic motoring marques all celebrating key milestones at the Silverstone Classic,” enthused Nick Wigley, Event Director. “Importantly these amazing parades allow owners and enthusiasts to join the party and play their very own part in such special festivities. It’s a fantastic opportunity that I’m sure no one lucky enough to have a 911 will want to miss.”

Those wanting to participate should contact the Porsche Club GB office either on 01608 652911 or via email: silverstone911@porscheclubgb.com.

Tickets for the Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance and ‘Early Bird’ discounts are available to those booking before the end of March. Continuing the event’s hugely popular and widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices for adults start from just £30 (plus fees) with considerable savings on offer for festival-goers spending the full action-packed weekend at Silverstone, as well as special packages for car clubs.
Full details are available on the official www.silverstoneclassic.comwebsite.
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Aston celebration news

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ASTON MARTIN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS AT 2013 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

• Iconic brand is ‘Featured Celebration Marque for 2013’
• 100-car Aston Martin parade to reflect 100 years

The 2013 Silverstone Classic (http://mpacreative.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f77c64c602ee311b5bf81f89&id=fa49a8c24f&e=e12b8dca12) will host an amazing line-up of unique car displays, parades and events to celebrate the centenary of great British sports car maker Aston Martin, one of the world’s most famous and revered motoring marques.

Aston Martin will be the event’s official ‘Featured Celebration Marque for 2013’, and highlights during the weekend will include a 100-car parade at lunchtime on Saturday 27 July – featuring a breathtaking collection of past and present Aston Martin models marking the British company’s historic 100th anniversary.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Aston Martin – ‘Best of British’ – is a sportscar company with a great racing history. For us, not only the cars are important but also the people who engineer, build, drive, race and own them, and to celebrate together at Silverstone is the best and most befitting way to do this.”

The Aston Martin story started close to Silverstone when, back in 1913, founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford entered their first car – a modified Singer – into a speed event at Aston Clinton… and won. A year later when Martin started to design and build his own cars he named them Aston Martin in celebration of that early victory in rural Buckinghamshire.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating such a momentous milestone in Aston Martin’s illustrious history at next summer’s Silverstone Classic,” said Nick Wigley, Event Director.

“Silverstone is the perfect setting for such a special occasion and we are working closely with Aston Martin, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners’ Club to ensure this magnificent centenary is marked in fine style.”

With such a rich racing pedigree, Aston Martin has also enjoyed many sporting victories at Silverstone from the 1950s right up to recent FIA GT wins in the prized RAC Tourist Trophy in both 2005 and 2008.

As the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Silverstone Classic always showcases much of Aston Martin’s rich sporting bloodline. Indeed one of the event’s most prestigious races – the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy for pre-1963 GT cars – has seen back-to-back victories for Aston Martin DB4 GTs. Racing legends Stuart Graham and Richard Attwood captured the coveted prize in 2011 followed by Nick Naismith and John Young in 2012.

Retaining the event’s hugely popular and widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, tickets include free entrance to all racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and all live music concerts – and this year must be purchased in advance. Prices for ‘Early Bird’ adult tickets (available until end of March) start from just £30 (plus fees) with considerable savings on offer for festival-goers spending an action-packed weekend at Silverstone, as well as special packages for car clubs.
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gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

We go every year....fantastic event.

We book in through the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.. 2 for the price of 1.
And take the car into the infield,view the action and picnic by the car.

Gresham Flyer

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

PR:

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FORMULA FORD JOINS BUMPER CLASSIC LINE-UP

• The historic breeding ground of future champions
• Packed grid, close racing – another real crowd-pleaser

The 2013 Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will pay special homage to Formula Ford, the world’s foremost entry level form of single-seater motor racing and the proving ground of so many future stars.

First introduced in 1967, Formula Ford quickly became the first stepping-stone in the early careers of many prospective Formula One drivers. Many would go on to be World Champions from modern day heroes such as Jenson Button, Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to legends from the past including Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell and, of course, the late great Ayrton Senna.

Over the past 46 years Silverstone has witnessed hundreds of spectacular Formula Ford showdowns – the circuit’s high-speed layout producing some epic slipstreaming duels between young protagonists. And this summer the Silverstone Classic will recreate some of those memorable battles when, for the very first time, two grids for historic Formula Fords will be among the many highlights at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

“Formula Ford has played such a major role in both global motor sport history and the careers of just about every young racing driver that it’s an obvious addition to what’s already an amazing line-up of races at the Silverstone Classic spanning the full motor sport spectrum,” said Nick Wigley, Event Director. “What’s more it’s going to be another real crowd-pleaser with lots of incredible wheel-to-wheel action – something for which Formula Ford racing has always been renowned.”

The news is not only another major boost both for the Classic but also for the Historic Sports Car Club’s category for pre ’72 FF1600s, which is already riding a wave of popularity with bumper grids of immaculate cars and fierce competition from a tremendous diversity of drivers. Typically, more than a dozen marques are represented and a grid of more than 40 cars is expected for what should be a pair of unmissable races on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

“This is excellent news for Historic Formula Ford, which consistently delivers close and exciting racing,” said Grahame White, CEO of the HSCC. “We are very grateful to Nick Wigley and his team at Goose Communications, Promoters of the Classic, for making this possible.”

For those wanting to watch the Formula Ford revival, tickets to the 2013 Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and, following the event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and all live music concerts. Considerable savings are on offer for festival-goers spending the full action-packed weekend at Silverstone and there are also special packages for car clubs.
_________________
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

The touring cars sound like fun..

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THE BIGGEST TOURING CAR REVIVAL YET

• Three different historic saloon car grids for the first time
• 50th anniversaries of Lotus Cortina and US muscle machines
• Return of super touring cars and stars

The 2013 Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will celebrate Britain’s evergreen passion for bumper-to-bumper touring car racing with a record number of saloon cars grids from the sport’s golden eras. For the first time in the evocative event’s history, this summer’s staging of the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival will include three packed touring car grids alongside as part of an amazing line-up of 24 races for unrivalled numbers of historic F1, GT and sportscars.

With a capacity 58 car field, the Under 2-Litre Touring Car (U2TC) showdown for saloons from the early Sixties is an established crowd-pleaser at the Classic, and the Super Touring Trophy introduced in 2012 proved to be an instant success for fans of more modern tin-top racing in Eighties and Nineties. Both return in 2013 but now are joined by a new Trans-Atlantic Touring Car Trophy grid featuring many of the mighty V8 muscle cars that dominated saloon car racing in the second half of the Sixties.

Indeed it’s almost exactly 50 years ago that Silverstone witnessed the arrival of the first ‘Yank Tank’. It was on 11 May 1963 that saloon car legend Jack Sears debuted the 6.9-litre NASCAR sourced Ford Galaxie at Silverstone, promptly trounced the reigning Jaguars and totally transformed the sport for the following epoch.

It was unquestionably a defining moment and two Trans-Atlantic Touring Car Trophy races staged over the action-packed weekend will mark the golden anniversary of Sears’ first win. Harking back to that halcyon era both will witness large numbers of the crowd-pleasing American machines taking on their more nimble European rivals from the same unforgettable period.

The two-driver U2TC race also honours another important milestone in saloon car racing history – 50 years of the esteemed Lotus Cortina. Last year’s capacity 58-car grid included more than 25 of these racing deities and another huge turn out is guaranteed in July in a packed field that will also flaunt packs of battling Alfa Romeos, BMWs and Minis.

Turning the clocks forward, the Super Touring Trophy puts the spotlight on two equally memorable eras. The Group A era is well represented by flame-spitting Cosworth Sierras and their long-standing BMW M3 adversaries, while a growing number of super tourers epitomise what’s widely hailed as the zenith of the MSA British Touring Car Championship during the Nineties. Adding to the history, several of the famous drivers from that period are rolling back the years, too. Two-time BTCC champion John Cleland and ebullient Patrick Watts have both found one of their old racers are planning to rejoin the fray.

“It’s going to be the greatest saloon car racing revival ever seen,” enthused Nick Wigley, Event Director. “With three different grids, this year’s remarkable Silverstone Classic tin-top line-up will be the biggest and best yet. It stars just about every great touring car racer from those mighty US muscle cars and three-wheeling Lotus Cortinas right up to the turbocharged Sierra Cosworths and high-tech super tourers. What’s more they are all still serving up the same close racing thrills and spills that made them so popular in the first place.”

For those wanting to catch what’s going to be the greatest saloon car revival yet staged, tickets to the 2013 Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and, following the event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and all live music concerts. Considerable savings are on offer for festival-goers spending the full action-packed weekend at Silverstone and there are also special packages for car clubs.
_________________
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Yesterday we went down to Silverstone for a preview of this year's Classic. The idea was to give a flavour of the types of cars that'll be attending, either competing or on display in the sizeable club areas.

After a presentation describing each of the races that'll be taking place (interest in touring cars appears to be on the increase), there followed opportunities to photograph a variety of cars, many of which were also there to undergo testing. A number of former drivers were to be found, some re-acquainting themselves with cars they'd driven in the past. The BBC were also busy with their own filming.

Best noise of the day for me was the howl of the 6-series BMW at full chat, although the Benetton and the Olds-powered Rover P6 were also hugely impressive. My favourite car of those parked behind the new "Wing" paddock building was the 3.0CSL BMW, with the XK120 running it close. Highlight was a ride in the 8.2 litre 1907 Berliet.

RJ
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Today's post-preview PR....

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RECORD TURNOUT FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC MEDIA DAY

• David Coulthard enjoys run in Jim Clark's iconic Lotus 25
• Touring car stars drive the machines that made them famous

The wraps came off of the biggest ever Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) as the world’s media turned out for the pre-event Media Day at the home of British motor sport yesterday (8 May).

Event Director Nick Wigley launched the event in the Silverstone Wing complex as part of a glitzy ceremony preceded by a wonderful video of Classic action from the past. He then outlined the huge programme of on- and off-track entertainment line-up for this summer’s mouth-watering extravaganza, saying that July’s event – already with many over-subscribed grids – is all set to break its own record as the World’s biggest classic racing festival. Wigley also reported that advanced ticket sales are up on last year, a further increase on the number of car clubs attending and the shopping village has had to be extended to meet demand.

With a record number of media in attendance, a wide selection of the historic racing cars that will be competing in the Classic plus famous faces from motor sport past and present, the day included many highlights.

Arguably the most sensational sight belonged to David Coulthard, who piloted the very Lotus 25 as raced by his ‘hero’ Jim Clark to victory in the 1963 British Grand Prix. Coulthard’s nostalgic run, filmed by the BBC to be screened as part of a pre-Grand Prix programme later in the year, also kicked off the Classic’s celebrations to honour the remarkable achievements of double world champion Clark – who claimed his first Formula One title exactly 50 years ago in 1963.

Announcements at the Media Day included confirmation of Triple FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx’s participation at the Silverstone Classic in July, who will be racing a BMW 1800 from the Sixties. Continuing the touring car theme, stars from the new Super Touring Trophy series were also out in force and were joined by some of the cars that made them famous. John Cleland, Tim Harvey and Patrick Watts took to the circuit in some of their machines from the 1990s – widely regarded as the heyday of the BTCC.

Tiff Needell – TV personality and former F1 driver – was also in attendance and announced that he will be competing in the event’s first-ever Historic Formula Ford race in his original Lotus 69F.

A number of Porsche 911s were also on show ahead of a massive parade of the iconic high performer, which is celebrating its 50^th anniversary at this summer’s Silverstone Classic when – appropriately – 911 examples of the evergreen sportscar take to the Grand Prix circuit.

Nick Wigley said: “I am absolutely delighted with the amazing turnout – both in terms of media and our competitors who have brought along so many of the fabulous cars that’ll be competing here in July. Even the weather held off, which was great! To see David Coulthard running in Jim Clark’s Lotus was fantastic and knowing that car will be back here at the Classic is great news. It’s always hard to beat the previous year but the event is just so welcoming for families and people of all ages, and judging by the success of today the Classic just seems to be growing and growing.”

David Coulthard said: “The Silverstone Classic is a great event. This is the biggest participation motor sport event in the world and that tells you all you need to know. People are here because they’re passionate about motor sport and its history. To drive the ’63 championship winning Lotus was a real honour – Jim Clark is a true racing legend and a hero of mine. I have driven many cars but I feel even more nostalgic driving this one, which was the car that he won the first of his two World Championships. The car is immaculately prepared and even some of the original mechanics were here – it’s a great story, but also a real shame that Jimmy can’t be here to see it.”

Andy Priaulx said: “I am really excited about the event. I don’t get many days off to enjoy but this is certainly one I’m looking forward to. I’ve always followed the Silverstone Classic and obviously spent many years racing here – I’m also a very proud BRDC member, so I can’t wait to compete in this event. British motor sport has just a great history and we’re all extremely proud of that – I think the fans are too, which is why so many of them turn out for this wonderful festival. I’m running in a great little BMW 1800 that has been beautifully prepared – I wouldn’t say I’m particularly experienced in racing this type of car but it’s going to be really refreshing for me to be out there.”

Tim Harvey said: “It’s a ‘must do’ event! If you like getting up close to some of the world’s greatest cars from the history of the sport then you’ll love the Classic. You can get right up close to the cars and drivers over the weekend and the racing is first class. Mix that all in with a bit of rock music and some sunshine and it’s just a fantastic event. I’ve been lucky enough to drive two of my all-time favourite BTCC race cars on Media Day – the Ford RS500 from 1989 and the BMW M3 from 1990. The RS500 was an iconic car, 560bhp and 180mph beasts, while the BMW started the modern 2-litre era that still exists today. They’re both just brilliant cars and I’m looking forward to the Classic itself.”

Tiff Needell said: “The Silverstone Classic is the perfect event for me – I can race and ogle at stunning cars all day and then listen to rock music all night! To race will be fantastic but then to become a spectator and see my old F1 car racing and also my Group C car from Le Mans, plus I get to listen to the music of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd in the evening – it’ll be like reliving my youth! I’ve brought back the Lotus 69F Formula Ford. It’s the first car I ever raced, so I’ve put it back in its original colours and am delighted to be competing in it once again. It’ll be an epic slip-streaming battle going down the straights at Silverstone.”
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Looks like one-time touring car regular Steve Soper, is making a come-back to racing.

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STEVE SOPER MAKES CLASSIC COMEBACK

• Touring car legend to race GT40 at Silverstone
• First race for more than a decade

Touring car hero Steve Soper is ready to make for a very welcome competitive comeback at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

The 61-year-old was forced out of the sport on medical advice following a heavy crash in the final round of the 2001 MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch. However, following a recent operation on his damaged neck, he has now been given the all clear and is ready join the growing number of racing legends competing in what’s firmly established as the world’s biggest motor racing festival.

Soper will make his eagerly-anticipated return sharing a Ford GT40 with close friend David Cuff in the two-driver World Sportscar Masters which features a full 58-car grid of glorious Le Mans-style sportscars from 1962-1974 era.

“It’s going to be great to make my comeback with David racing a GT40 at the Silverstone Classic,” said Soper. “It’s such a mega event. I went last year and the racing was just fantastic; now I’m looking forward to be taking part in it.”

Voted ‘the greatest saloon car driver of all times’ by an panel of experts in a poll conducted by Motor Sport magazine, Soper attributes his imminent return to a combination of worsening health and medical advances.

“After the accident I was told to totally change my lifestyle, so that’s what I did. I totally stopped racing and concentrated on my BMW dealership in Lincoln,” he explained. “But last year I started getting pins and needles in my fingers, so I went back to see the specialist. To cut a long story short, he insisted I had an operation on my damaged neck which, thanks to today’s technology, has replaced three of my discs and two vertebrae with carbon cages. The surgeon tells me that, after the three and half hour operation in January, my neck is now as strong as it was when I was 21 and therefore has cleared me to start competing again.”

The news came as huge relief to Soper who admitted to being an increasingly frustrated spectator. “I’m still a petrol head and I find it difficult to be at a race meeting and not to be involved. More so recently as I’ve seen so many of my old friends having such fun in these fabulous historic events like the Silverstone Classic and Goodwood Revival. Now I’m back and really looking forward to doing a few selected meetings such as those, when lucky enough to be invited.”

The GT40 in which Soper will be making his comeback in July is currently nearing completion at renowned GT40 experts Gelscoe Motorsport in Derbyshire.

Those wanting to witness Soper’s racing return and to see a host of other past and present motor sport legends in action must buy tickets in advance. In keeping with the event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to both racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival-goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone and special packages for car clubs and their members are also available.
_________________
Rick - Admin
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gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

That has got me all fired up about this years event. As long as the weather hold up this should be a fantastic event.

We have tickets for all three day`s £40.00 each through the JEC club.
And you can take your car into the circuit infield and park in the club display.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

It's certainly shaping up to be a good event, today's latest news:

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TOURING CAR STAR TO SHINE AGAIN AT CLASSIC

• BTCC winner Frank Wrathall relishes chance to race his heroes
• Fujifilm renews support for Super Touring Trophy races

One of the country’s top young touring car racers, Frank Wrathall, is the latest star driver to join the growing list of past and present motor sport legends competing at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

The highly rated 26-year-old from Lancashire scored his first Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship win at the end of last season and is already back among this year’s front-runners. Wrathall was also one of the top performers at last year’s Silverstone Classic when producing two stunning drives to finish second in both Fujifilm Touring Car Trophy races in the Vauxhall Cavalier originally raced by Richard Kaye in the 1996 BTCC.

Underlining his prodigious talent, Wrathall took full advantage of tricky damp conditions during qualifying to grab pole position ahead of rivals armed with considerably more modern machinery; then drove like a hero in the two dry races to finish runner-up overall and claim top Class B honours. And now Wrathall clearly wants some more Classic action as he’s all revved up to race the beautifully restored Cavalier again in July.

“It was one of the best motor sport events I’ve ever been to,” enthused Frank. “For a modern day driver like me to be able to race a Super Touring car was just amazing. It was also very special for me to be able to race on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit rather than the shorter National track we use for the BTCC. It’s the best track in the country; so fast and flowing – it was mega fun in one of these cars.”

While admitting the comparatively venerable Cavalier isn’t quite as high-tech as the cars raced by some of his rivals, Wrathall is still out to enjoy the experience all over again this year – more so as several of the stars from the Super Touring epoch such as John Cleland and Patrick Watts are also planning comebacks.

“We really didn’t know what to expect last year as the car was only just finished in time and it hadn’t been run in years. So to put it on pole position by nearly two and a half seconds was a massive achievement!” he grinned. “That said being a 1995 car, it’s not quite as competitive as those that came a few years later as development went through the roof at the end of nineties. While winning is always the aim, it’s not really what this event is about. As a huge touring car fan, I’m relishing the chance to race against all these past heroes – it’s what dreams are made of.”

Further good news is that the two Super Touring Trophy races at next month’s Silverstone Classic will again receive enthusiastic support from Fujifilm. Though only entering their second year on the packed 24-race schedule at the world’s biggest classic featuring a fantastic array of evocative touring cars from the seventies, eighties and nineties including BMW M3s, Cosworth Sierras, Jaguar XJSs and BTCC winning Nissan Primeras, the pair of Fujifilm Touring Car Trophy races are already firmly established as massive crowd-pleasers.

“The two colourful Fujifilm Touring Car Trophy showdowns really seem to have caught the public’s imagination,” confirmed Event Director, Nick Wigley. “Along with the Group C sportscar and DFV-powered F1 races from a similar era, they have strong appeal with those who remember these fabulous cars racing on television 20 or 30 years ago. Now they have the chance to see them actually racing at the Silverstone Classic. They bring back so many great memories.”

In keeping with the massive event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to both racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival-goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone and special packages for car clubs and their members are also available.
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

More news

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CLASSIC SHOWDOWN ON SUNSET BOULEVARD

• Spectacular dusk race for classic GT racing cars
• AC Cobras v E-types v Porsche 911s
• Glittering full 58-car grid selected from oversubscribed entry

The dazzling new Piper Heidsieck International Trophy for Classic GT Cars in association with Chopard race at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) has attracted an exceptional entry featuring many of the world’s finest pre-1966 GT cars.

More than 80 entries were received for the special one-hour, two-driver showdown that will be staged at dusk on Saturday evening with a selection committee inviting a capacity grid of 58 starters (plus six reserves) on grounds of authenticity, competitiveness and variety.

Two of the esteemed era’s most iconic creations – the AC Cobra and E-type Jaguar – are most prolific on the impressive entry list and both are expected to be right in the thick of the spectacular action.

Appropriately Aston Martin and Porsche are well represented, too, as both revered marques are celebrating major milestones in their respective histories at this year’s Silverstone Classic. Three different DB4 based competition models will be upholding Aston Martin honour in its centenary year: DB4 GT, DB4 Zagato and the DP214 ‘Project Car’.

The Porsche 911 is marking its golden anniversary with a massive parade on Sunday and no fewer than four 911s will be lining up on Saturday evening’s grid including the official ‘Project 50’ prepared by Porsche Cars GB for 1970 Le Mans winner Richard Attwood to race.

The outstanding grid also includes a host of famous Le Mans front-runners from the early sixties such as the Porsche 904, Ferrari 275LM and Cobra Daytona Coupe. Moreover, as it was at Le Mans in the period, many of the smaller British manufacturers are out in force with race-prepared Austin Healeys, Lotus Elans, MGBs, Morgans, Ginettas, TVRs, Triumph TRs and Sunbeam Tigers all adding to what’s going to be a sensationally atmospheric showdown as the sun sets on Saturday evening.

“We’re thrilled not only with the hugely oversubscribed entry, which once again underlines the terrific appeal of the Silverstone Classic, but also with the fantastic quality of these cars. We really were spoilt for choice when it came to making the final selection and it’s clear we’re in for a wonderfully fast and super-competitive race,” predicted event director Nick Wigley who himself will be joining the grid behind the wheel of a rare Milano GT in the event. “It’s going to be massive treat for the fans to savour so many glorious GTs in high-speed action on the full Silverstone GP track. What’s more they can expect some fierce battles up front, not least as the winners will go home with an impressive silver trophy, an elegant Chopard wristwatch plus a dozen bottles of Piper Heidsieck champagne.”

The prominent Piper Heidsieck International Trophy for Classic GT Cars is just one of the many highlights on a massive 24-race programme – starring more than 1000 entries – which showcases the full spectrum of motor sport history from F1 to Le Mans at what’s the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

In keeping with the popular event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) include free entrance to both National and Wing racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings plus a host of other entertainment for all ages and interests. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone.
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Latest car club news:

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From Russia with Love…

• Volga Car Club makes pilgrimage from Moscow to Silverstone
• Record number of 8,000+ classic cars on display
• The ‘must see’ event for all classic car enthusiasts

Such is the soaring appeal of the annual Silverstone Classic that this year’s huge three-day festival (26-28 July) has attracted an unprecedented number of car clubs displaying a record number of classic cars.

While the huge displays and parades being organised to celebrate special milestones in the histories of Aston Martin, Lamborghini and the Porsche 911 are likely to steal the headlines, perhaps the most interesting entry comes from rather further afield.

Four intrepid members of the GAZ-21 Car Club are travelling all the way from Moscow to attend the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival and provide show-goers with two of the most unusual exhibits.

The Volga GAZ-21 was originally developed with State approval in 1956 with a design heavily influenced by US vehicles of the same era. Over the next 14 years no fewer than 639,478 Volgas were produced including a special GAZ-23 Volga version for Soviet special services which was fitted with a V8 engine and capable of topping the 100mph mark.

Vladimir Smagin and Dmitry Kilpio are driving the two cars all the way to Silverstone from Russia. – the 6,000+ kilometre round trip to the UK will take the plucky pair through Minsk, Warsaw, Poznan, Hannover, Antwerp, Brugge and London en route to Silverstone.

As well as the GAZ-21 Car Club other new clubs attending this year’s Silverstone Classic include the Abarth Scorpion Club, Corvette Club de France, Karmann Ghia Owners Club and V6Clio.net club. In total an unprecedented total of 8,269 classic cars have been registered for display on more than 80-car club stands over the weekend. With so much motoring history on show, the Silverstone Classic isn’t just the ‘must see’ event for classic car enthusiasts but also the perfect venue for car loving families of all ages. While for some the sight of so much motoring nostalgia will bring back many magical motoring memories, for younger fans the sight and sound of more contemporary supercars will set the pulses racing.

Those wanting to witness these dazzling parades must buy tickets in advance. In keeping with the popular event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, tickets include free entrance to all the special classic car displays, both National and Wing racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings plus a host of other entertainment for all ages and interests. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone.
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Tiff in action:

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TV STAR IN BLAST FROM THE PAST

• Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell races down memory lane
• World record capacity grid for classic Formula Fords
• Stunning action on full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit

Former F1 driver and now renowned TV personality, Tiff Needell, is gearing up to make history later this month at the 2013 Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

The 61-year-old will be turning back the clock and joining a capacity 54-car grid in what’s a record breaking field of Formula Ford single-seaters. Never before in the junior formula’s illustrious 46-year history have more than 50 cars lined up on the same grid.

“It’s going to be crazy,” said the man who once co-presented BBC Top Gear and today fronts the Fifth Gear motoring programme. “Naturally I’m hoping to be out in front at the start and, more importantly, out in front at the finish but with so many cars it’s going to be busier than the M25 at rush hour. Whatever the result, though, it will be a fantastic experience for all involved whether they’re racing or spectating.”

The two record-breaking races will be all the more special for Needell as he will be back behind the wheel of the very Formula Ford car that launched his racing career. It’s a profession that took him all the way to the heights of F1 and the podium at Le Mans en route to becoming a familiar face on our TV screens as detailed in his excellent autobiography Tiff Gear.

“I’m racing the same Lotus 69F that I won in a competition in Autosport magazine in 1971 – without that I’d probably never even been a racing driver,” he admitted. “As a special Christmas present to myself, I bought the car back six months ago; I’m thrilled to be reunited with the car and racing it again at Silverstone. It’s been almost exactly 40 years since the two of us last raced together at Silverstone in 1973. So much has happened since then and not least to the circuit layout, which is almost unrecognisable now. That said it’s still going to be pretty flat-out with lots of great slipstreaming battles, just as it was back then. The big difference now, of course, is that there will be more than 50 cars out there and it’s going to be a major challenge just to find a clear lap in qualifying. It’s going to be incredible!”

The two races featuring Needell take place on Saturday and Sunday on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit as part of a packed 24-race programme featuring the world’s biggest gathering of historic racing machinery ranging from priceless Bugattis from the Thirties to 200mph Group C Le Mans prototypes from the Eighties.

Originally introduced in 1967 as an affordable entry-level route into single-seater racing, Formula Ford quickly established around the world as the launch pad for future champions.

Thousands of drivers cut their teeth in series’ staged right around the globe and the Formula Ford hall of fame includes the likes of James Hunt, Jody Scheckter, Nigel Mansell, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher. Now, as emphasised by the capacity grids at the Classic, the HSCC's Historic Formula Ford Championship maintains that popularity offering a very good value for money route into the wonderful world of historic motor racing.

Organised by the Historic Sports Car Club Grand Prix, the championship is for cars from the first five years of Formula Ford; those raced before 31 December 1971.

Among the 54-car entry is Silverstone Classic event director Nick Wigley who will be campaigning a Merlyn Mk20 for the weekend in a field spanning no less than 16 different marques. Former category champion Westie Mitchell will return in the Merlyn Mk20 normally raced this season by his teenage son Sam and, as well as Needell, he will take on drivers like Benn Simms, Callum MacLeod, Callum Grant and Michael Mallock in a field of outstanding quality.

"We have had a fantastic response from competitors," said Grahame White, CEO of the Historic Sports Car Club. "They will all be making a piece of history. I'd like to thank Nick Wigley and his team for the chance to bring Historic Formula Fords to the Silverstone Classic. I'm delighted that Nick couldn't resist joining the grid."

Those wanting to witness Tiff’s high-speed trip down memory lane at the Silverstone Classic must buy tickets in advance. In keeping with the popular event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, tickets include free entrance to all the special classic car displays, both National and Wing racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings plus a host of other entertainment for all ages and interests. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone.

Full details can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22778 Location: UK

Gonzales to be honoured

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HONOURING THE PAMPAS BULL

• Special to tribute to Ferrari’s first Grand Prix winner
• Dedicated F1 races for Jose Froilan Gonzáles as well as Jim Clark

Next month’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will pay special tribute to José Froilan Gonzáles, the legendary Argentine racing driver who passed away last weekend at the age of 90.

Nicknamed ‘the Pampas Bull’ thanks to his burly frame and swashbuckling style, Gonzáles will forever be linked to Silverstone. He not only scored both his two Grand Prix wins (from a total of 26 starts) at the famous Northamptonshire circuit but the first of these in 1951 was also of huge historical significance being Ferrari’s first-ever victory in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

"Everyone was shouting and I was carried to the winner's podium," recalled Gonzáles in his book My Greatest Race. “After a few minutes they led me forward to the Queen of England who congratulated me. I had never experienced anything like this before. When I saw my country’s flag being hoisted, it was just too much for me and I cried. That moment will live with me for ever.”

Honouring that milestone achievement the two races organised by the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association specifically for F1 cars from that era will be named the Froilan Gonzáles Trophy for HGPCA Pre ’61 Grand Prix Cars.

“Gonzáles will always be a giant figure in motor sport history and it’s a huge privilege for us to be honouring him at this year’s Silverstone Classic,” said event director Nick Wigley. “His two Grand Prix victories came at Silverstone and his 1951 win for Ferrari is a watershed moment in the annals of Formula One racing. What’s more he was also a regular visitor to the Silverstone Classic back in the Nineties always happy to be back at the scene of his greatest victory.”

Notably Gonzáles returned in 1997 to take part in a dramatic Ferrari demonstration. Aged 74 he drove a 1952 Ferrari 375 Indianapolis alongside Phil Hill, John Surtees and Jody Scheckter in three of the Scuderia’s more modern F1 machines. Two year’s later he also took part in BRM’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Silverstone.

Like so many of the drivers in his era, Gonzáles also competed in sportscars winning the Le Mans 24 Hours for Ferrari in 1954. Several of the magical machines he raced in the Fifties, and that raced against him, will be among more than 1000 of the finest and most authentic competition cars all recreating history at what’s now firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

As well as honouring the Argentine hero, this summer’s Silverstone Classic is celebrating the achievements of another racing legend, Jim Clark. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Scot’s first World Championship as well as his victory in the 1963 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the two HGPCA races for Pre ’66 Grand Prix cars are dedicated to the Scot. A special BRDC Silverstone Classic dinner is also being staged in the Silverstone Wing with many of those who knew Clark from the Sixties sharing their memories.
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