Thousands expected as the Home of British Motor Racing goes classic
One of the world's largest classic motorsport events, the Silverstone Classic takes place on 25/26/27 July, bringing together a unique gathering of road and racing cars to the Home of British Motor Racing. Thousands of spectators are expected over the three days as some of the biggest names in motorsport will be either present or remembered in more than 21 races on the Grand Prix circuit.
This year’s event celebrates the 60th aniversary of the first Grand Prix ever held at the Northamptonshire track in 1948. Then, a young farmer by the name of Jimmy Brown was given the ardous task of turning the former WWII airfield into a Grand Prix track in just nine weeks.
Now, the Silverstone Classic looks to showcase some of the highlights of that 60-year period with a fabulous collection of classic cars from Formula 1 and Sportscars to Group B rally cars and saloon cars and in keeping with the 60th anniversary celebrations the voice of Formula One, Murray Walker will be guest of honour at the event. Visitors will also have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the UK’s best known racing drivers as the British Racing Drivers’ Club also celebrates its 80th Anniversary at the event.
The Silvertsone Classic will feature eight decades of motor racing entertainment including 700 cars previously driven by some of the worlds greatest drivers. But there will be something for everyone at this year’s Silverstone Classic. It’s not just track activity on offer, making the event a truly family affair.
As well as the open paddock offering the chance to see race cars up close and talk to some of the hundreds of drivers present, there is also the chance to watch some superb on-track and air displays. These include a flypast by a Spitfire and Mustang as well as the Red Devils Freefall Parachute Team, Hunter Jet Fighter and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
There will be live music in the form of Britain’s Got Talent finalists eScala, Imagine the Beatles, Soul Convention and the Peter O’Donnell Quartet.
For the younger visitors there’s a period funfair, crèche and childrens entertainment area. Plus for the classic enthusasist there’s the Bonhams Auction with a mouth-watering collection of Porsche and Lotus race and road cars and memorabilia, plus an exhibition area including autojumble, trade displays and accessories.
Tickets are available online at www.silverstoneclassic.com or by phoning 08717 03 38 48. Adult prices start at £30 and accompanied children under 16 are free. All tickets include free car parking, paddock entry and a grandstand seat making the Silverstone a great value for money family day out.
Event Background
The annual Silverstone Classic festival will be organised and promoted by Motion Works UK Limited (MWUK), the company recently licensed by Silverstone to stage the event for the next five years.
The Silverstone Classic is a celebration of motor racing across all decades from the 1920s to the 1990s on a current FIA approved circuit and is not totally historic as it also invites more contemporary races such as Group C, Saloons and late Formula One cars to be raced and seen in their appropriate surroundings. Classic Car Owner Clubs from across the UK and overseas play an important supporting role in recent years with 4,000 cars expected this year.
The event Auction remains an important landmark and features such as the Scarf & Goggles meeting area, art & photo galleries, period air displays, funfairs, themed catering, will be retained and enhanced, with new attractions being added over the next few years.
For more information, ticket prices and the latest news on the 2008 Silverstone Classic visit www.silverstoneclassic.com
- Cathy Metcalfe -
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