Sunday 29 April 2018

MG LIVE TO HOST MGF CUP 20th ANNIVERSARY


MG LIVE TO HOST
MGF CUP 20th ANNIVERSARY


A special one-off race to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of the MGF Cup will take place on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit as part of the MG Car Club’s premier MGLive! event on June 2-3.
The race, which will take place on Sunday, is being masterminded by established MGCC Cockshoot Cup competitor David Coulthard, with support from the Club’s thriving MGF Register. David is one of the lucky few to own a remaining Cup car and is appealing for suitable cars to join him on the grid.
Open to all competition MGF and later TF models, it’s hoped that around 30 of these mid-engined sportscars will take part. A period history in either the MGF Cup or Abingdon Trophy is not required to enter.
The race will serve a dual function in marking the anniversary of both the BRDC MGF Cup and the MGCC Abingdon Trophy, which ran in parallel and both had their first races on the same day in April 1998 – the former at Silverstone, the latter at Brands Hatch.
The MGF Cup was a high-profile, big-budget affair, supporting British Formula 3 and British GT race meetings, together with the British Grand Prix in 1998 and 1999. One of most famous graduates is 1999 Cup winner Warren Hughes, who went on to race for MG in the British Touring Car Championship and at Le Mans in the MG-Lola EX257.
The MG Car Club’s Abingdon Trophy, meanwhile, focused on the Club competitor, allowing them to convert their road car into a competition vehicle. Drivers competed in a combination of races, sprints and hillclimbs. In 2001, the two championships merged under the MGCC’s umbrella to form the MGF Challenge, eventually becoming the MG Trophy and now catering for a bustling grid of front-wheel-drive MG ZRs.
To reflect the historic distinction between the Cup and Trophy, the revival race will be split into two classes. Slick-shod cars will evoke memories of the Cup racers, while cars on treaded tyres will be run in the spirit of the Trophy.
Organiser David Coulthard said: “As the owner of probably the only regularly-raced MGF Cup car in the UK, the 20th anniversary of the MGF Cup and Abingdon Trophy was too good an opportunity to miss. I would estimate the last race purely for the MGF would have been in 2001. I’m grateful to the MG Car Club, and especially the club’s MGF Register, for giving owners the chance to race again with similar cars. I wouldn’t mind being in the grandstand watching, but being behind the wheel will be better!”
For more information and to register for the race, please contact David via coulthardd@aol.com

RY

400+ HISTORIC RACING CARS REV UP FOR DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL

April 20th 2018 - 

400+ HISTORIC RACING CARS REV UP
FOR DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL

In just a weeks’ time, the air round Donington Park will reverberate to the glorious sound of historic race car engines as more than 400 world-class competition cars dating from the 1920s to the early 2000s battle it out at the Donington Historic Festival.

The all-access paddock will be scented with the unmistakable fragrance of Castrol R and other evocative odours that instantly transport enthusiasts back to the golden era of motorsport. It’s a classic motor racing fan’s dream come true, as Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lister, Lotus, Porsche - to name but a few of the legendary marques represented in the entry list -  take to the track in a living motorsport museum.

Touring Car buffs have not one, not two, but five different grids of ‘tin tops’ spanning six decades with seven races between them. There’s glamour galore in the 1950s and 60s GTs and sports cars, and single-seater action from historic Formula Juniors, Formula 5000 and Formula 2 cars, while proving that age is no barrier to agility on the track, a fine selection of pre-War sports cars will show what motor racing looked like in the 1920s and 30s.

Spectators can also enjoy a celebration of Donington Park’s famous 1993 European Grand Prix with F1 car track demonstrations on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, plus static displays on all three days. In addition, there are pitlane walks, Group B rally car and historic kart demonstrations, thousands of classic cars gathering in the infield, lunchtime classic car club parades and DHF’s family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Advance discounted tickets
Online tickets offer great discounts over buying on the gate, starting at £10 for the Friday qualifying day (£15 on the gate). Children aged under 13 are admitted for free and there are discounted tickets for teenagers aged 13-15.  Car parking is free, and owners of pre-1990 classics who are not attending with one of the registered clubs can request a free infield display parking pass when they book their tickets.

For more information on the Donington Historic Festival and to book your tickets, please visit www.doningtonhistoric.com.

Friday 27 April 2018

BRIDGE of WEIR ‘BRITISH LEGENDS’ at CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2018

BRIDGE of WEIR ‘BRITISH LEGENDS’ 

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CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2018

Bridge of Weir ‘British Legends’ at Concours 2018 Concours of Elegance and Bridge of Weir Leather Company have partnered up once again to launch a brand new ‘British Legends’ feature at the 2018 running of the event, held between 31 August and 2 September
Notable friends of the Concours and Bridge of Weir, including Aston Martin President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President of Geely Design, Peter Horbury, Jaguar Land Rover’s Design Studio Director, Wayne Burgess and Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Giles Taylor, will each pick the British car that’s had the greatest impact on their lives.
Each week the ‘British Legends’ campaign will hear from a different automotive expert, and their story will be told on the Concours of Elegance website (www.concoursofelegance.co.uk) and social media channels.
A selection of the cars will be displayed at Hampton Court Palace for the Concours of Elegance 2018, and the panel of famous industry faces will be appearing on the new live stage over the course of the weekend telling their stories.
Bridge of Weir has been in the business of manufacturing leather for the automotive industry since 1905, supplying to many of the most iconic manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren, Volvo and many others.

Thursday 26 April 2018

SAVE THE DATE: Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester 3-5 August 2018

SAVE THE DATE
Over 700 Classic cars to take part in the South West’s largest festival of transport
South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester 3-5 August 2018
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A show within a show with over 700 vehicles represented, including 30 visiting car clubs representing the dawn of the motoring era, to pre-war, post-war, Pre-72 American to modern classics and hot rods. The oldest vehicles entered are 1904 CGV Talbot (only 50 were ever built, with only 2 left in existence) and a 1904 Talbot that has been lovingly restored by a family in Cheltenham, and often competes in the world famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. To the opposite end of the spectrum, there are supercars such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti to mass-produced runabouts such as Morris, Austin, and Ford marques – we often hear people saying ‘my Dad had one of those’.
The American section alone has 70 x Pre-72 American cars booked in. These include two 1929 Cadillac's, both in Concours condition, a rare 1957 Galaxie Skyliner with a retractable hardtop,  plus 1939 Plymouth P7 Roadking Sedan, a stunning 1957 and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air to a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. This Camero is a beast with a 455 ci big block engine fitted with a supercharger, twin 750cmf carburettors and nitrous oxide and 1100 BHP. All owners are knowledgeable and proud to show off their splendid vehicles.

Wanted! The show hopes to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Land Rover. If you own a classic Land Rover and would like to take part, please contact the show organisers via the website.

Alongside regular exhibits are remarkable stories of barn finds restoration projects and histories to be told, such as the gentleman in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, who had a great deal back in the 1960s when he swapped his camera for a 1935 Austin 10. He has since purchased a similar camera back in a charity shop for £2! The Austin 10 came complete with original letters from its previous owner, along with its history. The vehicle was borrowed in the Second World War as a private defence vehicle for the army and at the time had its headlights covered so it could not be seen by enemy aircraft.

  • Vintage displays of nearly 700 classic cars from pre and post-war, including over 70 Classic American, 30 visiting car clubs plus 300 Motorbikes, scooters, 70 bicycles from 1903 - 1980, 30 miniature steam engines, 90 stationary engines, 70 full size steam engines, model engineering, 200 Tractors, over 80 Buses and Coaches, 120 Military Vehicles, 300 Emergency and Commercial Vehicles, 60 Industrial Trucks, 50 vintage Caravans, and over 50 model Aircraft taking to the sky above.
  • Live Arena with non-stop demonstrations from spectacular Showman’s Engines to dancing tractors plus the opportunity to drive a steam engine and NEW – a motorcycle display team show
·         Vintage Funfair with fairground organs, 'electric yachts', waltzers, big wheel, steam-driven 'gallopers' and traditional penny arcade games, plus ‘Chuffy the train’ passenger rides
·         The Dog Show runs over the weekend and is organised by Cotswold Dog and Cat Home. Categories include Scruffiest Mutt, Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog Quickest Sit, Best Child Handler, Best Rescue to Waggiest Tail. Come and enter your four-legged furry friend on the day for just £2 per entry per class (in addition to show event entry fee) all money goes to help the marvellous local animal shelter.
·         The Countryside Arena actively promotes animal conservation and features both fun and education displays from ferret racing, rare breeds, alpaca’s, shire horses, horse logging, reptiles to beehive making. NEW for 2018 – vulture flying display. Back by popular demand is the hilarious ‘Sheep Show’ - an entertaining demonstration of shearing and sheep dancing - get into the groove with the Sheep Show Shuffle!  Plus, the children’s area has traditional vintage funfair games, face painting and Professor Colliwobble with his free regular Punch and Judy Shows.
·         Massive Trade stand village featuring over 100 trade stalls, models tents, 2 large craft marques, specialist displays of memorabilia from bygone days.
·         The showground site is sprawling, but there’s plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’, a firm favourite is the vintage tea room with regular music and Lindy Hop dancing performances (both days). Live music with vintage songstress Betsy Harmony, performing a delightful selection of 1940s songs plus regular sets by the ‘Steamed Up Brass’.
·         Jump4Heroes parachute display team will descend into the arena on all three days of the event. Jump4Heroes is The Royal British Legion Extreme Human Flight Team, made up of serving and former members of the Army, to support and raise awareness of the Armed Forces charities.
·         FREE vintage bus rides around the showground on all three days. What more the Bedford OB hope to set a world record for the biggest gathering of vintage buses on site.

Chairman of the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (S.V.T.E.C) Martyn Slater, said: ‘Our goal is to give the best value for money family day out in Gloucestershire’.

The Extravaganza is organised by the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club. This non-profit making organisation raises money for national and local charities and up to 30 will be represented on site raising money and awareness of their respective causes. The rally is one of the largest events of its kind run entirely by volunteers from all the corners of Gloucestershire.

For further information or to purchase advance tickets please visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk
Notes to editors:
·         Deadline for those wishing to enter a vintage vehicle must do so by 1 June. All contact details are available for the relevant section leader online.
·         The show opens daily at 10.00am and finishes at 5.00pm
·         A free vintage bus service will be operating around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Kemble railway station throughout the show to connect with selected First Great Western Trains.
·         The event is a disabled friendly site, with disabled parking, toilet facilities and mobility scooters on site to hire. To pre-book, please visit: https://www.eventmobility.org.uk/

Ticket Prices:
Ticket prices remain frozen for the 9th consecutive year:
Fri: Adult £7, junior £4. Sat or Sun: Adult: £10, junior £5
Weekender (Fri- Sun) Adult: £15, junior: £8
Family Weekender ticket (2 x adults, 2 x junior) for all three days: £35
Children under 5 years old go free

You can Follow us on Facebook: GloucestershireVintageandCountryExtravaganza and Twitter: @GlosExtrav


Traffic message from the Chairman:
In 2017 we experienced terrible traffic problems exiting the site. It is hoped that it will not deter visitors from returning. To ensure it is not repeated, the following measures have been put in place:
·         Entertainment and catering will be laid on to encourage exhibitors to stay an extra night or depart later in the evening. With discounted drink on Sunday evening on the production of their entry pass.
·         A NEW motorcycle display team show will take place in the main arena on Sunday at 5.00pm to encourage visitors to stay a little longer and further reduce numbers leaving at this pinch point time.

New traffic management plans have been approved by authorities to include:
·         Vehicles departing the site can exit both left or right, however, right turning will be temporarily suspended if there are large vehicles coming up Northmoor lane entering the site.
·         Those turning left will be filtered into two lanes to the main junction where manually operated traffic lights will be in place. Local traffic turning left and Gloucester/Swindon traffic turning right.
·         Some exhibitors will exit from the top corner of the peri track on to the main road near the base entrance. This will not commence until 5.00pm and will be controlled by manually operated traffic light system. It will be temporarily suspended if traffic backs up to the roundabout. All traffic will turn left towards Cirencester.
·         Improved stewarding in place as vehicles leave the car park so that they are filtered in an orderly manner. Trying to alleviate those vehicles crossing lanes or being obstructive.

Sunday 22 April 2018

12th-Annual Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance.

12th Annual Hemmings Concours d'Elegance
 
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FROM HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS
Available for a limited time: Special-price presale tickets for the
12th-Annual Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance.
 
 
Order Tickets Now
 
 
Offer expires July 31st. 
**All events held rain or shine. All sales are final, no refunds will be issued.** 
September 14 -16 at The Festival Commons, 
Charles R. Wood Park. Lake George, N.Y. See Details 
Featuring guest speaker, Wayne Carini, star of Chasing Classic Cars.

New this Year 
Free trailer parking, additional spectator parking and transportation to and from the show field, cool-down tents, larger venue for Saturday dinner, silent auction, marching band, vintage fashion show, and two awards for Best in Show: Prewar and Postwar.

Annual Classes 
Full Classics (as listed by the Classic Car Club of America), Pre- and Postwar American, European, American Muscle Cars, Preservation, Vintage Trucks.

2018 Hemmings Concours Featured Marques 
Lotus Road Cars, Cars of Pininfarina, Chrysler Letter Cars, Prewar Cadillacs, 1957 Ford E- & F-Code Cars, Prewar Motorcycles.
 
 
 
 
A portion of the proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Autism Families CONNECTicut.
**All events held rain or shine. All sales are final, no refunds will be issued.**

Friday 20 April 2018

Donington Park latest: Off-track thrills set to spice up Donington

Donington Park
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The Donington Historic Festival returns to Donington Park on 4-6 May for a three-day nostalgia-fest, with hundreds of classic cars on the track and much more around the venue! Advance tickets are still on sale and remember, children aged under 13 go free all weekend!
A busy 19 race schedule will provide epic action all weekend, but off track, there will also be plenty to keep all visitors entertained. Group B rally demonstrations on the Melbourne Loop will see these iconic machines fire into life once more, while in the air, flypasts will feature a legendary Spitfire and Hurricane on Saturday and a Dakota on Sunday.
F1 demonstrations and static displays will celebrate 25 years since the famous 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park, while fans will also be able to take part in lunchtime pit walks. With thousands of cars on display on the infield, including a mammoth gathering of over 200 Ford Mustangs, classic car passenger rides from the Sporting Bears Motor Club and even historic kart demos, Donington will be literally transformed into a living motor museum throughout the festival!
Online tickets offer great discounts over buying on the gate, starting at £10 for the Friday qualifying day (£15 on the gate). Children aged under 13 are admitted for free and there are discounted tickets for teenagers aged 13-15. Call 0843 453 9000 or click the button below to book now!
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Coming Soon
2018DONINGTON PARK SEASON PASSBook Now
2018FOUR WHEEL SEASON PASSBook Now
2018TWO WHEEL SEASON PASSBook Now
SAT 21 - SUN 22 APRMSVR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPSBook Now
SAT 8 - SUN 29 APRBRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIPBook Now
FRI 4 - SUN 6 MAYDONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVALBook Now
SAT 12 - SUN 13 MAYENDURANCE LEGENDSBook Now
SAT 19 - SUN 20 MAYNO LIMITS CLUB BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPBook Now
FRI 25 - SUN 27 MAYFIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPBook Now
SAT 2- SUN 3 JUNBRITISH SUPERKART GP (BARC)Book Now
SUN 24 JUNVINTAGE MOTORSPORT FESTIVALBook Now
SAT 21 - SUN 22 JULCONVOY IN THE PARK FEATURING TRUCK RACINGBook Now
FRI 3 - SUN 5 AUGCLASSIC MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL (CRMC)Book Now
SAT 22 - SUN 23 SEPTBRITISH GT AND BRDC BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIPSBook Now
www.donington-park.co.uk     -     0843 453 9000