THE STRANGLERS TOP SATURDAY NIGHT AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

THE STRANGLERS TOP SATURDAY NIGHT AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC  • Famous punk rock graduates headline at the summer’s premier classic motor racing festival    • Festival favourites Reef fuel ‘Rocking and Racing’ atmosphere  • Live music shows are included free in all entrance tickets  • Early Bird offer available until the end of March Legendary performers The Stranglers and West Country rockers Reef will top the live music line-up on Saturday at this summer’s ‘Rocking and Racing’ Silverstone Classic (29-31 July).   As tradition now dictates, the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival always offers turbocharged live performances from classic rock artists, complementing the high octane track action on both Friday and Saturday evenings.   Concerts are staged within the famous grand prix venue and, along with paddock and grandstand access, admittance is included free to all ticket holders.   The Stranglers (above) are certain to prove a hit with festival goers, with very special guests Reef (below top left) and renowned AC/DC tribute band Livewire (below bottom left) also set to take to the stage for Saturday’s programme of live music, while Friday’s live acts will be confirmed very soon.   Born in the seventies’ punk rock era, The Stranglers have had no fewer than 23 UK Top 40 hits and 17 UK Top 40 albums in a career spanning five decades, with major hits including: ‘Golden Brown’; ‘Peaches’; ‘No More Heroes’; ‘Always the Sun’ and ‘Skin Deep’.   Reef have also enjoyed considerable chart fame. Their most successful hit ‘Place Your Hands’ reached number six in the UK singles charts while the album ‘Glow’ went straight to number one when released in 1997. Reef are regular favourites at major festivals and, since being joined by guitarist Jesse Wood (son of Ronnie Wood and husband to TV presenter Fearne Cotton) on guitar in April 2014, are back stronger and better than ever before.   “Status Quo were always going to be a really tough act to follow so we are delighted to have attracted another fantastic line-up,” enthused Nick Wigley, CEO of event organiser Goose Live Events. “The Stranglers are one of the punk bands to have stood the test of time and remain great live performers today. Reef also put on a brilliant show and with Livewire pumping out some stirring AC/DC hits to get everyone in the right party mood, it’s going to be another rousing night to remember at the Classic.”   Whether fans of historic racing or lovers of classic rock music – or both – festival goers are invited to be part of this world class event for three days of fabulous family fun and have until the end of March to take advantage of Early Bird tickets which offer significant savings of up to 17 per cent.   There is even all-new Family ticket this year, encouraging more parents to experience the non-stop ‘Rocking and Racing’ weekend with their children. The Family ticket includes camping for two adults and two children across the whole weekend and gives a discount of more than 20 per cent on advance tickets bought individually.   Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com

HRS FOILS ‘CHAIN GANG’ CHARGE at the POMEROY TROPHY

HRS FOILS ‘CHAIN GANG’ CHARGE at the POMEROY TROPHY

It was a hat-trick of Pomeroy Trophy wins for Dudley Sterry’s 1937/39 HRS as he fought off an inevitably strong challenge from a contingent of Pre- and Post-war Frazer Nash machinery to claim overall victory at the Vintage Sports-Car Club’s famous competition at Silverstone on Saturday 20 February.

Following success in 2010 and 2013, the Hampshire-based racer affirmed his status as one of the strongest performers at the celebrated annual event over the past decade as he demonstrated supreme command over the Riley-engined Pre-war Special; he finished amongst the frontrunners throughout the morning tests and then successfully completed his lap requirement during the afternoon’s Regularity sessions.

David Wylie could well have taken his crown had his 1928 AC-engined Frazer Nash been fitted with a proper hood – a mandatory requirement to prove ‘Grand Tourer’ status. As it was, a 20 point penalty was enough to see him drop to the runner-up spot, claiming the Densham Trophy as next best Pre-war performer, a title won by Sterry on no fewer than six occasions since 2006.

A further four ‘Nashes followed, including the Pre-war TT Reps of Steve Stanton and Geraint Lewis and the Frazer Nash/BMW 328 of octogenarian, Alistair Pugh and last year’s victorious 1952 Targa Florio of Martin Hunt, all collecting 1^st Class awards alongside Kenneth Prichard Jones’s dependable 1966 Turner Mk 3.

The day lived up to its traditionally unique billing with an ever-eclectic line-up spanning over 100 years of motoring on display. Alisdaire Lockhart’s 1911/12 Vauxhall Prince Henry Replica proved the top performer amongst the quartet of Pre-1918 Edwardian cars, as David Biggins took the Pomeroy Edwardian Trophy as ‘works driver’, following Bob Towell’s similar success last year, ahead of a commendable showing from Luke Roberts in his 1906 Bianchi.

At the other end of the scale, young George Diffey continued his fine start to the Club’s season, claiming an award in his 2013 Renault Clio Renaultsport to go with his New Year Driving Test victory last month. Perhaps more importantly for him was that he outscored his father Simon, who drew attention all day in the 1964 Crossle 5S, complete with bespoke ‘Perspex’ canopy and luggage rack.

Another of the Club’s top young racers was 18-year old Tom Waterfield, who enjoyed an award-winning debut in the 1922/29 GN Special, just trailing Club President, Tim Kneller, another Pre-war success in his Riley TT Sprite.

The damp conditions around the National Circuit certainly tested Competitors throughout the day, particularly during the afternoon’s Regularity sessions, with the second of which ultimately curtailed by two red flags, caused by spins into the gravel traps.

Nevertheless it proved as always an enjoyable start to the Race/Speed season, which will see the Vintage Sports-Car Club return to Silverstone on Saturday 23 April for the celebrated ‘Spring Start’ Meeting.

  

Dudley Sterry gets the rear wheels of the HRS spinning as he launches into one of the morning speed Tests

Photo: Peter Collins

For further information please contact James Taylor at The Vintage Sports-Car Club on 01608 644777 ext 3 or james.taylor@vscc.co.uk

GREAT BRITAIN BEATS ITALY TO WIN THE  CLASSIC SIX NATIONS CUP • More than 33,000 visitors enjoy London’s greatest Classic Car Show • Celebrity guests include Jenson Button and Sir Stirling Moss • Millions of pounds worth of blue-chip classic cars sold • Diary date: 2017 London Classic Car Show: 23-26 February   The people have spoken! Great Britain has produced more of the world’s greatest cars than any other nation.   The verdict was delivered on Sunday night as the London Classic Car Show closed its doors after a record-breaking stay at ExCeL, London.   One of the show’s main events was the Classic Six Nations Cup in which teams of ten iconic classic cars from the six leading car-producing nations vied for votes from visitors.   And when all the votes had been counted, the UK team – which included such varied machines at the original Mini, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Le Mans Bentley, McLaren F1 supercar, Aston Martin DB5, Land Rover and Graham Hill’s 1988 title winning Lotus 49 Grand Prix car – narrowly beat an Italian team full of Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis.   American muscle cars helped the USA in to third place ahead of Germany, France and Japan. Prizes to the top three nations were presented by Jodie Kidd on Sunday afternoon.   “The Classic Six Nations Cup really caught the imagination of visitors. The sight and sound of woderful classic cars – which included supercars, racing cars, rally stars and genuine motoring icons – being driven indoors along the show’s Grand Avenue was unforgettable. And hopefully the result will settle a few arguments… when it comes to the best cars in the world, no-one can touch Great Britain,” said event director Bas Bungish.   The second London Classic Car Show was twice as large as the inaugural show and welcomed a record 33,000 visitors over its four days (18-21 February). Such was its popularity that the event was trending on Twitter for hours on both Friday and Saturday.   Officially opened by F1 World Champion Jenson Button, among the other highlights were visits from motoring royalty including former World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen, Sir Stirling Moss, TV pundit Suzi Perry and McLaren designer Gordon Murray.   Special displays included an in depth exhibition devoted to the McLaren F1 with no fewer than seven examples on show, together worth more than £50 million. The display was curated by the car’s creator Gordon Murray.   Some of the world’s fastest cars were gathered together in a display which traced the evolution of the supercar, while another focused on the fearsome Group B rally cars, the so-called F1 cars of the forests.   Classic car dealers crammed the halls with impressive displays of rare and valuable classic cars, many with six figure price tags. By the end of the show they delightedly reported sales of many millions of pounds.   But there were also more affordable classics on display and for sale. An entirely new hall, effectively doubling the size of the show, was crammed with displays from one-make car clubs while dealers offered everyday classics for sale.   The new hall also incorporated ‘Speakers’ Corner’, a stage where experts were on hand to talk about all aspects of the classic car movement. Topics covered included how to choose the ideal classic, buying at auction and classic car values.   “If we were delighted by how the first London Classic Car Show was received in 2015, we were blown away by the response to the 2016 edition. From the moment the show opened right until the final curtain each day, the halls were buzzing with visitors. They loved the special displays and really got involved with the show: more than 9,000 for example, voted in the Classic Six Nations Cup.   “And the really good news is that we are already starting work to make the 2017 London Classic Car Show even better. Make a note in your diaries now: 23-26 February 2017,” said Bungish.   Full details and pictures from the event can be found via the show’s official website –www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk – or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelondonclassicc

Top: Jodie Kidd salutes Britain as the world’s greatest car building nation. Above (clockwise from top left): Ari Vatanen and the Group B rally cars; the special McLaren F1 supercar homage; the 1931 Le Mans 24 Hours winning Alfa Romeo 8C on The Grand Avenue; iconic Chevrolet Corvette helped US into third place; the Evolution of the Supercar was another of the show's highly popular attractions; the Aston Martin Owners Club displayed the DBS from The Persuaders TV show; Jenson Button and the McLaren F1; cars worth millions of pounds changed hands at the show; rare Probe 16 featured on the Marcos Owners Club stand; Sir Stirling Moss signing books at the London Classic Car Show.

WORLD CHAMPIONS OPEN LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW • Jenson Button makes impressive arrival in McLaren F1 supercar • Pinnacle of Rallying feature launched by rally legend Ari Vatanen  • Suzi Perry hosts Classic Six Nations Cup debate • Show open at ExCel until Sunday – tickets available on the door   The eagerly-awaited second London Classic Car Show opened its doors yesterday (Thursday) with a host of famous motor sport world champions to the fore. Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion, made an impressive entrance driving a McLaren F1 – the supercar is being celebrated at the show is a special display curated by its designer Gordon Murray. Earlier in the day, Murray was joined by Ari Vatanen, the 1981 World Rally Champion, to officially open the four-day event at the capital’s ExCeL. Vatanen himself later teamed up with David Richards, his victorious co-driver from 1981, to launch an impressive ‘Pinnacle of Rallying’ display featuring all six of the fearsome, flame-spitting, four-wheel-drive machines from the iconic Group B era in the eighties. Another of the day’s many highlights was the official Opening Ceremony for the Classic Six Nations Cup which sees 10 standout classic cars representing each of the American, French, Italian, Japanese, German and British motor industries parading on The Grand Avenue. A public vote throughout the show will decide which of these nations really has produced the world’s finest cars. To open this debate, Suzi Perry hosted a panel of experts including former F1 driver Bruno Senna and renowned petrolhead – model Jodi Kidd. Bought in advance online ticket prices start at £23, including a booking fee, for single adult entry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Single entry price on the door is £25, with special late entry tickets available on Saturday and Sunday for £18. Premium tickets also are available and include fast track entry, the best views of The Grand Avenue at the Turning Circle Viewing Platform, access to the exclusive Premium Lounge, a Show Handbook and even a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne. Full details can be found via the show’s official website – www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.

CLASSIC CAR CLUBS TOP THE MAGICAL TON! • More than 100 car clubs already confirmed for Silverstone Classic • Century up in record time!  • Early Bird ticket offer available until the end of March Already, more than 100 car clubs have registered – in record time – to be part of spectacular infield displays at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (29-31 July), ensuring the massive three-day festival is once again the UK’s biggest celebration of motoring history.     Underlining the event’s ever-spiralling popularity, last year’s Silver Jubilee meeting attracted in excess of 100 clubs for the first time – a figure that is set to be topped again in 2016 with increasing interest from across the UK and Europe.    In 2015, a total of 120 clubs displayed an unprecedented array of 10,000 privately owned classic cars, providing 100,000 visitors with an unrivalled showcase of glittering automotive history. However, it was not until mid-March that the number of clubs registered topped the ton suggesting this year’s motoring multitude could raise the bar to even loftier heights.   Whatever their marque or model, all car – and bike – clubs are invited to be part of this incredible showcase. Registration is absolutely free and gives members of registered access to fantastic deals that include two adult admission tickets plus a privileged infield vehicle display pass allowing attendees to park their pride and joy on the club’s designated stand right at the heart of the event.   This year’s impressive line-up of clubs already includes a diverse mix of clubs from the Mini Cooper Register, Midget & Sprite Club and Bristol Owners Club through to regular glitterati who attend from across clubs such as Porsche, Maserati, Aston Martin and Ferrari.   “It’s no surprise that more and more car clubs are now making the Classic their main national event as the sheer scale of their wonderful displays is itself one of the festival’s major attractions,” said Nick Wigley, CEO of organiser Goose Live Events. “That more than 100 have signed up so early is great news for all those coming to Silverstone in July. With so much to see, the Silverstone Classic is the ultimate annual celebration of classic cars for enthusiasts and their families to enjoy.”   As tradition dictates, many of these car clubs will also be paying homage to their own landmarks with eye-catching track parades on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Among the many motoring milestones being honoured on the full Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit this year are 100 years of manufacturing at Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), 50 years of the Lamborghini Miura, 40 years of the Lotus Esprit and 20 years of the Jaguar XK8. A number of 80th anniversaries will also be celebrated this year including the launch of the first Allard Special, the introduction of the Morgan 4/4 – the longest period of production of one single car model in the world – and the formation of the Bentley Drivers Club.   Those wanting to experience a real celebration of motoring through the ages can take advantage of Early Bird tickets. These are on sale until the end of March and offer significant savings of up to 17 per cent.   There is also an all-new Family ticket available for 2016, encouraging more children to experience the thousands and thousands of wonderful racing and road cars up close while their parents relive their own childhoods. The Family ticket includes camping for two adults and two children across the whole weekend and gives a discount of more than 20 per cent on advance tickets than if bought individually.   Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com.

SPECTACULAR AIR DISPLAYS TAKE TO THE SKIES AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC   • Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix to be hosted at world famous circuit • Twister, Blades and Wildcats add to the aerial entertainment • Early Bird ticket offer available until the end of March  Silverstone already hosts two Grands Prix with the British rounds of the Formula One and MotoGP World Championships – now, for the first time in its history, the skies above the famous circuit will host a third Grand Prix.   As an exciting new addition to the expanded aerial entertainment at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (29-31 July), the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) will be hosting one of its Grand Prix events at the famous Northamptonshire venue. The BBAC Competitions Club will be organising no fewer than three competitions over the Silverstone Classic weekend for around 15 of the UK’s best hot air balloon pilots – including the World Junior Champion. This Grand Prix event will form part of the selection process for the British Team, which will then represent the country in international competitions around the globe including at this year’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship taking place in Japan during early November.   The Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix will be in addition to the hot air balloons that return to the Classic each year, some of which add to the party atmosphere by forming the traditional night glow during the live music each evening.   Air displays, of course, are now an integral part of the non-stop family-entertainment at the annual Classic. Last year’s festival for the first time featured a dazzling twilight display by the Twister Aerobatics Team – their spectacular high-flying pyrotechnic action lighting up the sky just as Status Quo took to the stage.   By popular demand the formation team will be back this summer – now with sparkling pyro displays on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Added to this, the whole aerial programme is stepping up this year with the addition of awe-inspiring demonstrations from The Blades and Wildcats, too.   The Blades operate a low-wing, high performance aircraft designed for the most adventurous aerobatic manoeuvres and were created with extreme flying in mind. Wildcat Aerobatics are also a crowd-thrilling formation display running two Pitts Special biplanes.   The addition of the BBAC Grand Prix plus these extra air shows will introduce yet another dramatic dimension to what is already the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. Last summer’s extravaganza attracted more than 100,000 visitors and those planning to attend in July can take advantage of Early Bird tickets until the end of March, offering significant savings of up to 17 per cent.   There is also an all-new Family ticket available for 2016. This includes camping for two adults and two children across the whole weekend and gives a discount of more than 20 per cent compared to advance tickets bought individually.   Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com.

Tom Hardman Limited Announced as Official Sponsors of the Vintage Sports-Car Club

                    

Tom Hardman Limited Announced as Official Sponsors of the Vintage Sports-Car Club

                                                                                                                                                                           17 February 2016

The Vintage Sports-Car Club is delighted to welcome the support of Tom Hardman Limited, as sponsors of the live timing services at the Club’s Race Meetings throughout the 2016 season, in association with the Club’s nominated timekeepers, HS Sports Ltd.

The online service will provide ‘live’ to the second coverage from each of the five VSCC Race Meetings in 2016, including Silverstone (23 April), Oulton Park (21 May), Cadwell Park (24 July), Pembrey (20/21 August) and Mallory Park (24 September). Whether at the circuit watching from the grandstands or following the action from home, fans of the Club’s racing will be able to see real-time, lap-by-lap updates from each and every event of the day’s programme. 

Led by long-time Club Member, Tom Hardman, Tom Hardman Limited (THL) have been selling Vintage and Pre-war Road and Racing cars, from their office in Skipton, Yorkshire and showroom, at Foxfields Country Estate near Clitheroe since 2010.

In addition to his sponsorship, Tom is also a regular Competitor across the Club’s Race and Speed calendar of events in the 1935 MG Bellevue Special.

Club Secretary of the Vintage Sports-Car Club, Dave Salmon says: ‘Tom is keen supporter of the Club and so I am very happy to welcome Tom Hardman Limited as one of our main Race sponsors for 2016 and I hope that the live timing services which they are supporting will become an integral part of our future Race Meetings’.

Tom Hardman says, ‘As a keen Race Competitor myself I really can see the additional benefit that live timing will add to our activities, for both fellow Competitors and Spectators alike. Since starting Tom Hardman Limited it has always been an ambition to find a suitable sponsorship opportunity with the VSCC, and one where it there would be a direct benefit to fellow Club Members. As such I am delighted to begin this association and become the official sponsor of the live timing provided by HS Sports Ltd

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK WITH CLASSIC CARS AND CLASSIC CLOTHES   • Period ‘Sunday Best’ costume encouraged for Show’s final day • Top prizes for the best dressed visitor • More than 600 desirable classic cars on show   Mini skirts and Mini Coopers were made for each other… so the organisers of the London Classic Car Show (18-21 February) are asking people to really get in the spirit of the event by wearing vintage clothing when they visit. The final day of the Show (Sunday, 21 February) has been declared ‘Sunday Best’ and everyone attending on that day – exhibitors and visitors alike – are being encouraged to dress in period costume. No matter which decade they choose – the Swinging Sixties, the Fabulous Fifties or Roaring Forties – they can be inspired by vintage clothing specialist Vivien of Holloway (www.vivienofholloway.com) which will be dressing the show staff in period fashion. There will be prizes for the best-dressed visitor, who will win a pair of premium tickets for the 2017 Show, a bottle of Joseph Perrier champagne and a gift voucher for Vivien of Holloway. Vivien herself will be looking out for the best vintage dressed visitor, so make the most of your chance to impress her. Vintage dressers will certainly feel right at home at Show: one of the key new displays is Car Club Square which will be staged to resemble a 1960s British Motor Show. Although only in its second year, the London Classic Car Show has already established itself as the capital’s classic car event of the year. Such was the success of the inaugural show that the 2016 edition, to be held at ExCeL, London, has doubled in size and promises more of everything… in particular more cars. There will be more than 600 mouth-watering classic road, race and rally cars on display. And many of those will be seen, heard and smelt in action as they are fired up and driven along The Grand Avenue, the unique roadway that runs through the centre of the show. Organised by Brand Events, the company behind CarFest and Top Gear Live, show tickets start at £23 (including booking fee) for single adult entry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and rise to £65 for entry to Thursday’s Premium Preview Evening. Sought-after Premium tickets are available for all four days and include fast track entry, the best views of The Grand Avenue at the Turning Circle Viewing Platform, access to the exclusive Premium Lounge, a Show Handbook and even a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne. Full details of these as well as even more affordable Family and Late Entry tickets can be found via the show’s official website – www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk