James’ crime thrillers, centring on Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, have sold more than 18 million copies around the globe giving him 11 consecutive number ones in the Sunday Times charts and winning numerous awards.
However, when not busy penning a new chart-topper, James loves nothing more than pursuing his self-confessed, petrol-head passion for owning – and racing – historic cars.
The latest fast-moving chapter in the novelist’s high-octane hobby will come at next month’s Silverstone Classic where he will be plotting some more great on-track storylines, this time roaring around the famous Grand Prix circuit.
James will be racing his 1965 BMW 1800Ti/SA (below bottom) in Saturday morning’s nostalgic Under 2-Litre Touring Car (U2TC) showdown for evocative saloon car racers from the sixties. Then, later in the afternoon, he will be on the Celebrity Challenge Trophy grid lining up alongside a host of other famous faces all armed with equally-matched, race-tuned Austin A30s and A35s from the Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) Academy.
As a regular competitor in these Academy races (below top), James is a couple of pages ahead of most of his celebrity rivals, many of whom are racing rookies with little, if any, previous experience behind the wheel of a racy Austin.
“There’s going to be a brilliant mix of talents on the grid creating a unique spectacle,” enthused the man who knows what makes a great action thriller and is already a big fan of the Silverstone Classic.
“It’s one of my absolute favourite dates on the racing calendar,” he continued. “There’s always the most glorious turn-out of cars and drivers from almost every era, all competing on what’s a fantastic circuit. I’m particularly looking forward to this year as I’ll be racing both the BMW and the A35, which will be a huge highlight.”
Those lining-up alongside James on the Celebrity grid include five Olympic gold medal winners – cyclist Jason Kenny CBE, skeleton racer Amy Williams MBE plus rowers Mark Hunter MBE, Greg Searle MBE and Jonny Searle MBE – bike racing world champions Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer, Dragon’s Den TV star Theo Paphitis, Vassos Alexander from the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, former Top Gear presenter Tiff Needell, Wheeler Dealer’s Ant Anstead and adventurer Charley Boorman. All will be helping to raise funds and awareness for the Classic’s official charity partner Prostate Cancer UK.
Fans wishing to see all these heroes in track action must purchase tickets in advance. Adult admission starts at £43 and weekend camping and hospitality upgrades are available. All tickets provide access to racing paddocks, trackside grandstand seating, live music concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings featuring the Bootleg Beatles and Tony Hadley formerly of Spandau Ballet, vintage funfair rides, air shows and car club displays as well as a host of other family-friendly demonstrations, activities and entertainment.
Full ticket details and all the latest news is available on the official website:
silverstoneclassic.comand via the event’s social media platforms.
No comments:
Post a Comment