Monday 31 July 2017

FERRARI'S 70th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS COMES TO LEEDS A SPECTACLE FOR ALL


FERRARI'S 70th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS COMES TO LEEDS
A SPECTACLE FOR ALL

The following news story by Kind Permission
of: Andy Harris, Motoring and Property Editor: @



JCT600 Brooklands, the official Ferrari dealership for Leeds, will be celebrating the 70th birthday of the coveted Prancing Horse in style on Friday 4th August 2017 when more than 70 Ferrari cars will be on display in Roundhay Park for the public to enjoy, in what will certainly be the largest display of Ferrari vehicles ever to take place in the city.

In March 1947, the first car to bear the name of company founder Enzo Ferrari came out of the Maranello factory, and JCT600 Brooklands is marking the 70th anniversary by inviting proud owners from all over Yorkshire to gather in the Lakeside car park at Roundhay Park where the cars will be on display to the public from 4.00-6.00pm. 
The Italian sports cars spectacle will include Ferrari's anniversary model, La Ferrari Aperta, which is a limited-edition with only 200 to be made plus an additional nine specially made for the 70th-anniversary celebrations.

At six o'clock, La Ferrari Aperta and the 70 Ferrari cars will make their way through Leeds to Elland Road Football Ground where they will form a parade led by La Ferrari Aperta and drive to the JCT600 Brooklands showroom in Lower Wortley. 

The parade will be followed by the unveiling of the prestigious car marque's latest model, the 812 Superfast at the JCT600 Brooklands showroom, at a private client event for invited guests only, presented by Tom Clarkson F1 presenter.

The new Ferrari 812 Superfast to be unveiled

John Tordoff, chief executive of JCT600, said: 

"Having celebrated our own 70th-anniversary last year, we appreciate what an amazing milestone this is and send our warm congratulations to Ferrari. We've enjoyed a great partnership with the prestigious mark for the last 35 years and it remains one of our flagship brands, enduringly popular with our customers in the region and beyond."

David Clapham, JCT600 Brooklands brand director for Ferrari, adds: 

"Seeing more than 70 of the world's most sought-after and beautiful Italian sports cars parade through Leeds is going to be an incredible sight and a really memorable tribute to 70 years of the Prancing Horse. We're hoping that hundreds of people enjoy the spectacle as they're unlikely to ever again have the opportunity to see so many Ferrari supercars together in one place!"

I will be in attendance hoping to capture images of this automotive spectacle and would encourage all car enthusiasts to head to Roundhay Park or to line the route to the JCT600 Brooklands showroom.


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STARS OF THE SCREEN STEAL THE SHOW IN CLASSIC CELEBRITY CHALLENGE

Silverstone Classic
30/07/17
 
 
STARS OF THE SCREEN STEAL

THE SHOW IN CLASSIC

CELEBRITY CHALLENGE 

 
  • Ex-F1 racer Mark Blundell captains winning celebrity team
  • Screen Stars help to raise £10,000 for Prostate Cancer UK
  • Take That chart-topper Howard Donald is best rookie
  • Famous faces grin from ear-to-ear after Austin odyssey
  
The Screen Stars team won the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race – a new addition to the action-packed programme at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival yesterday evening (29 July).
 
Led by former Formula 1 ace and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell, the winning team included Dragon’s Den host Theo Paphitis, Wheeler Dealers presenter Ant Anstead, BBC Radio 2 sports presenter Vassos Alexander, Sky Sports F1 pundit Tony Jardine and former Top Gear anchor Tiff Needell. Between them, the speedy sextet helped towards raising £10,000 for the event’s official charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK.
 
Their victory did not come easy, however, with the race staged in increasingly difficult conditions as early evening drizzle turned into rain to leave grip at a premium on the famous 3.6-mile Silverstone Grand Prix circuit – a particular challenge for many of the celebrity rookies making their track racing debut in the star-studded encounter.
 
To add to the spectacle, all 26 entrants were behind the wheel of equally-matched Austin A30s and A35s kindly provided by members of the HRDC (Historic Racing Drivers’ Club) Academy, who have their own race today (Sunday).
 
Following a short familiarisation and afternoon qualifying session held under sunny skies, the rain began to fall as the cars took to the track for the early evening race, with a brief red flag intermission and safety car re-start adding to the drama.
 
In such tricky conditions, it was no surprise that the experienced team captains came to the fore, as Blundell, fellow ex-grand prix driver Martin Donnelly and touring car legends Steve Soper and Anthony Reid diced furiously at the front, exchanging positions with brio.
 
In a four-car slipstreaming thriller, it was Soper that prevailed, with a last lap spin for Reid elevating Donnelly to second and Blundell to third. Former Motorcycling 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner came home ‘best-of-the-rest’ in fourth, with Jason Kenny CBE – Britain’s equal-most successful Olympic athlete and a man with a modicum of prior motor racing experience – finishing a commendable ninth.
 
Take That’s Howard Donald claimed rookie bragging rights, ahead of multiple super-middleweight boxing world champion Carl Froch MBE and gold medal-winning Olympian Amy Williams MBE.
 
Amongst those with hard luck stories to tell were former AC/DC front man Brian Johnson – who was unable to start the race after taking a tumble his car in qualifying – and all three Olympic gold medal rowers, with Jonny Searle MBE, Greg Searle MBE and Mark Hunter MBE all struggling to conquer the treacherous conditions. Thankfully, everybody emerged unscathed.
 
“Our first Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race proved to be a superb addition to the bill this year,” enthused Event Director Nick Wigley, who participated in the race himself as a team captain, taking the chequered flag tenth. “Considering the distinctly inclement weather, I think everybody did really well – most notably the complete rookies in the field who had never done anything like this before.
 
“It was anything but a straightforward baptism for them, and I must congratulate Mark and the Screen Stars team on winning and helping to raise so much money for such a worthy cause. I also need to thank all the owners of the cars, who kindly entrusted us their pride and joy yesterday. We look forward to seeing them take to the track themselves today.”
 
Quote, Unquote
 
Steve Soper (1st)
“That was very, very tricky. It was all about trying to find the grip, with different drivers finding it in different corners. It was huge fun – my heart was really pumping and the adrenaline was flowing. Everybody who finished did a fantastic job, so all credit to them. I know he was in my team, but for Wayne Gardner to finish fourth was incredible.”
 
Mark Blundell (3rd)
“That was great fun, but they were extremely difficult conditions. Out of all the races I’ve done, it was probably one of the most difficult because of the cars’ limited grip and the conditions. That made it impossible to predict. Just about everybody was sideways and for the rookies, I think, it was particularly hard work. Hats off to those that finished – they’re in good company!”
 
Wayne Gardner (4th)
“That was a challenge! They’re very difficult cars to drive – especially to drive fast – and to add to the difficulty, it rained. It took me a little while to understand where the grip was, and I really only got that on the last lap by studying the drivers ahead. I was getting faster and actually catching the leading group and then the chequered flag came out! Overall, I’m pretty happy. I didn’t spin, I made it home and I think if it had been dry, I could have been on the podium. It was great fun – I really enjoyed it.”
 
Jason Kenny (9th)
“That was brilliant! I got really nervous when it started raining, but that only made me enjoy it more. I just tried to keep all four wheels pointing in roughly the same direction. It was a great experience, especially given my position on the track just behind all the pros. I was trying to hang onto their coat-tails, which was really good fun.”
 
Howard Donald (12th)
“Once the weather changed, everything changed – it became very slippery! When I saw cars spinning in front of me, it made me happy as it wasn’t me! I would do it again. It was great to learn in one of these cars as, if you can race one of these, you can probably race anything – that’s my theory!”
 
Theo Paphitis (15th)
“Those were the worst conditions I have ever driven in. I made the mistake of wearing white pants; now they’re going to call me ‘Skiddy’ as there were a lot of skids going on in more ways than one! If someone asked me to do it again, I’d tell them to ‘get lost’ – but, as it happens, I’m doing it again on Sunday in the owners’ race.”
 
Carl Froch MBE (16th)
“To be honest, it was petrifying, but I’m really happy to have finished in 14th and moved up two places. After I saw the car in front of me go off, I decided to play it safe as these cars are not exactly forgiving, especially in these conditions.”
 
Amy Williams MBE (17th)
“I loved it! That was the most amazing experience and I’ve really enjoyed learning a whole new skill. As far as the race was concerned, I think I was the Sunday driver at the back! I saw too many others spin in front of me to push too hard, particularly as I’d spun myself in qualifying. I really wanted to bring my car – who I’ve named Humphrey – home in one piece, so I was thrilled to finish with both of us intact. I would really love to do it again; I want to get better, faster and just be a mega racing driver.”
 
Vassos Alexander (18th)
“That was the most fun you could probably have, certainly in the rain – just great from start-to-finish. Those are sweet little cars. They’re ridiculously difficult to drive – way outside my talent level, but I kind of enjoyed it for that. I must have spun a dozen times, but every time I had a big grin on my face. I loved every second, and we made a load of dough for charity, which is the main thing. People had a great time – fantastic. All-told, 360 degrees of win!”
 
Mike Wedderburn (19th)
“Yep, that was scary and then some, as I thought it would be. The conditions suddenly changing like that was terrifying and drivers were spinning everywhere around me, but overall, I was just relieved, proud – and a bit embarrassed – as I got lost in the pits. Absolutely delighted to finish the race with me and my car intact.”
 
Mark Hunter MBE (20th)
“It was epic, awesome – I loved it! Some rain in qualifying would have been useful. My accident in the race has not deterred me and I’d do this whole experience again – absolutely!”
 
Ant Anstead (DNF)
“I’m in the winning team – it’s just a shame I couldn’t have contributed to the points total. In fact, I probably hindered us by damaging the car! The accident was really strange. I’d overtaken three people and was feeling good. I was really ‘in the zone’, but the conditions suddenly went from grippy to ice-rink when the rain started. I had a few little wobbles but I corrected them, then I came into Copse with no-one near me and in the middle of the track. I started to go, tried to correct it and it just bit me. I cut my finger and I’ve got a bit of a bruise, but the worst injury is my pride. I’ll be sore tomorrow but what the hell, our team won! Would I do it again? 100 per cent.”
 
Orla Chennaoui (DNF)
“Wow! What a day… The whole experience has been amazing. I loved it so much, but it was so frustrating not to have completed the race. I really found my inner racer, and the thrill of overtaking was just incredible. I just got a bit too confident, but I would 100 per cent do it again in a heartbeat!”
 
Jonny Searle MBE (DNF)
“Well, everything we got taught sort of went out of the window – literally – once the rain came down. Prior to that, I was really getting into the racing spirit and with it came a healthy dose of competitive red mist! Maria [Costello] was in front of me and I went to overtake her, got excited and started to spin. I tried to correct and overdid it – and the next thing I knew I was rolling. The windscreen came out, which was fortunate as I couldn’t get out of my door! I feel bad that I broke the car but delighted to have taken part and, yes, I’d do it again. The whole experience makes you just want to get better at this whole thing!”

 
Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy – Race Result
  1. Steve Soper (Austin A35 Academy) Bike Legends 11m 21.946s
  2. Martin Donnelly (Austin A35 Academy) Rocking & Racing +1.568s
  3. Mark Blundell (Austin A35 Academy) Screen Stars +2.003s
  4. Wayne Gardner (Austin A35 Academy) Bike Legends +6.618s
  5. Tiff Needell (Austin A35 Academy) Screen Stars +10.989s
  6. Neil Primrose (Austin A35 Academy) Rocking & Racing +11.449s
  7. Tony Jardine (Austin A30 Academy) Screen Stars +14.497s
  8. Anthony Reid (Austin A35 Academy) Going for Gold +17.765s
  9. Jason Kenny (Austin A35 Academy) Going for Gold +22.480s
  10. Nick Wigley (Austin A35 Academy) SKY Sports Stars +24.685s
  11. Steve Parrish (Austin A30 Academy) Bike Legends +27.397s
  12. Howard Donald (Austin A35 Academy) Rocking & Racing +28.822s
  13. Peter James (Austin A35 Academy) Rocking & Racing +33.202s
  14. Freddie Spencer (Austin A35 Academy) Bike Legends +59.350s
  15. Theo Paphitis (Austin A35 Academy) Screen Stars +1m12.743s
  16. Carl Froch (Austin A35 Academy) SKY Sports Stars +1m13.505s
  17. Amy Williams (Austin A35 Academy) Going for Gold +1m26.986s
  18. Vassos Alexander (Austin A35 Academy) Screen Stars +1m33.032s
  19. Mike Wedderburn (Austin A30 Academy) SKY Sports Stars +3m11.720s
  20. Mark Hunter (Austin A30 Academy) Going for Gold +1 lap
 
Ant Anstead (Screen Stars), Maria Costello (Bike Legends), Orla Chennaoui (SKY Sports Stars), Greg Searle (Going for Gold) and Jonny Searle (Going for Gold) did not take the re-start after the red flag in the race. Brian Johnson (Rocking & Racing) did not take part in the race following the qualifying session.

All the latest news is available on the official website silverstoneclassic.com and via the event’s social media platforms.


Alpine to Showcase New A110 Première Edition at Salon Privé Alongside Heritage A110 SX Berlinette



Thursday 31st August - Saturday 2nd September | Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Alpine to Showcase New A110 Première Edition at Salon Privé Alongside Heritage A110 SX Berlinette

  • Alpine A110 Première Edition will be shown at this year’s Salon Privé
  • Visitors will be among the first to see the car before going on sale in 2018
  • Alpine will showcase its motorsport DNA and heritage by displaying one of the last A110s – a 1977 Alpine A110 SX Berlinette
The all-new Alpine A110 Première Edition will be shown at this year’s eagerly anticipated luxury automotive event, Salon Privé, from 31st August to 2nd September.
Visitors to Salon Privé will be among the very first in the UK to get an exclusive glimpse of the new Alpine A110 in Première Edition specification before going on sale in the UK next year.

Alpine to showcase new A110 Première Edition at Salon Privé alongside heritage A110 SX Berlinette

Combining the timeless Alpine principles of compact size, light weight and agility, this mid-engined two-seater sports coupe is true to the spirit of its predecessors, and in particular an A110 ‘Berlinette’, one of the last to leave the Dieppe factory, which will be on display alongside.
“This is our Salon Privé debut – and what better way to make it than with our brand-new A110,” said Regis Fricotté, Alpine Director Europe and International. “The original Berlinetta handled winding roads with aplomb. It had it all; agility, lightness, the ability to become one with the driver, and with elegance to boot. We decided to bring back Alpine to give fans of performance driving the chance to experience this lost pleasure. It’s been years in the making and I can’t wait to share the car with the guests at this year’s event before official UK deliveries early next year.”
Officially launched earlier in 2017 and promising driving pleasure, the aluminium-bodied, ultra-lightweight 1080kg (excluding options) A110 benefits from optimal weight distribution (44% front/ 56% rear) and, due to its compact size and low centre of gravity, makes it very agile.
The Alpine’s mass is also concentrated around the centre of the car, with the fuel tank behind the front axle and the engine in front of the rear axle, enabling the driver to feel at one with the car. Powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which boasts 252bhp, the A110’s enviable power-to-weight ratio is an impressive 233bhp: tonne. Accelerating from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds is aided in part by the seven-speed wet-clutch DCT gearbox which also helps the car to reach a limited 155mph top speed.
“The A110 is one of the most important sports cars this year and it’s really exciting to have it at Salon Privé before official deliveries,” said Salon Privé co-founder David Bagley. “This car builds on Alpine's rich heritage, which I’m also pleased to announce will be showcased at this year’s event with the original A110, and I’m sure will be a game-changer in its class when it’s officially released next year.”
Press passes are limited and media are urged to apply for accreditation at their earliest convenience here.
Further information on the Concours Masters and Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance can be found here.
Tickets for Salon Privé 2017 are on sale now

Sunday 30 July 2017

RACING, ROCKING AND CHARITABLE CELEBRITIES STAR ON DAY TWO AT THE CLASSIC

Silverstone Classic
29/07/17
 
 
RACING, ROCKING AND

CHARITABLE CELEBRITIES STAR

ON DAY TWO AT THE CLASSIC
 

 
  • Riveting retro racing captivates Silverstone Classic crowd
  • Fun for all the family at world’s biggest classic motor racing festival
  • Eventful Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race raises £10,000 for Prostate Cancer UK
  • Eighties music legends keep the crowd rocking well into the night
 
The racing action got underway at the 2017 Silverstone Classic today (29 July), with some breathtaking battles and wonderful wheel-to-wheel wizardry reminiscent of yesteryear complemented by a star-studded Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race that not only had spectators on the edge of their seats but also raised vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
 
The day kicked off with Formula Ford, and in fitting fashion, the world’s pre-eminent junior single-seater series celebrated its 50th anniversary with a traditional Silverstone slipstreaming spectacle, as five drivers energetically disputed the Formula Ford 50 presented by Historic Motorsport International spoils. Seasoned competitor Michael O’Brien fought back from an early error to triumph at the end of a terrific tussle, with the similarly delayed Ed Thurston carving through to second. Callum Grant produced a heroic recovery from a costly spin to finish sixth.
 
Renowned Formula Junior exponent Sam Wilson doubled up in the Commander Yorke Trophy for Historic Formula Junior in what was another capacity, 50 car-plus contest. Wilson replicated his results from last year’s event, although he was made to work hard by the ever-present Andrew Hibberd as the pair sped clear in a class of their own. The single-seater star later completed a hat-trick of triumphs in the Maserati Trophy for HGPCA Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars.
 
Tin-top legend Steve Soper looked set to add another success to his impressive career CV in the John Fitzpatrick Trophy for Under 2 Litre Touring Cars (U2TC), only for late misfortune to hand victory to Mark Sumpter in a similar Ford Lotus Cortina.
 
Former Silverstone chief instructor Chris Ward demonstrated the benefits of track knowledge to dominate the Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ’61 Sports Cars behind the wheel of his Lister Costin, with Oliver Bryant threatening to challenge before being forced into retirement, promoting Rob Barff to the runner-up spot.
 
The Kidston Trophy for Pre War Sports Cars, meanwhile, served up a superb David vs. Goliath duel between the ‘GO 52’ Talbot 105 behemoth of Gareth Burnett and Frederic Wakeman / Pat Blakeney-Edwards in the nifty and nimble Frazer Nash Super Sports. A shortened race it might have been following an early safety car intervention, but it was an epic encounter as the Talbot ultimately got the verdict by a scant 0.162s.
 
High-speed lunchtime demos from both World GP Bike Legends and the Williams FW14B – marking the 40th anniversary of Williams and the 25th anniversary of Nigel Mansell’s memorable British Grand Prix triumph at Silverstone – added to the on-track entertainment, with more than 40 remarkable Jaguar XJ220s subsequently taking to the circuit for an evocative parade. Away from the high-octane thrills, Fergus Walkinshaw’s eBay Restoration LIVE continued while Mike Brewer’s Car Clinics presented by eBay drew huge crowds all day.
 
In the afternoon, Saturday star Jonathan Kennard in the pole-sitting, Warsteiner-liveried Arrows A3 was unable to hold off the charging Williams FW07C of Nick Padmore as the FIA Masters Historic Formula One race progressed, finding himself forced to settle for a close second place. Young gun Michael Lyons completed the top three in a similar Williams.
 
The JET Super Touring Car Trophy featured a split grid for Super Tourers and older Group A machinery. Following a typically hectic tin-top start that saw cars scattering in all directions, Jason Minshaw dominated the Super Tourer element behind the wheel of his ex-Rickard Rydell title-winning Volvo S40.
 
Behind, a fantastic scrap saw Mark Wright narrowly defeat former European Touring Car Champion Gianfranco Brancatelli in a battle of the flame-spitting Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworths, with Soper and ‘Gentleman Jim’ Richards engaging in a similarly entertaining duel further back.
 
The Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race was red-flagged after a number of early incidents, and when the action re-started, a four-way fight ensued between Soper, fellow former touring car ace Anthony Reid and ex-Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and Martin Donnelly, with intensifying rain adding to the drama.
 
Soper ultimately held off his pursuers for victory, with a late spin for Reid promoting Donnelly to second and Blundell to third. Take That’s Howard Donald was the top rookie racer in 12th.  The Blundell-led Screen Stars squad – additionally comprising Dragon’s Den host Theo Paphitis,Wheeler Dealers presenter Ant Anstead, BBC Radio 2 sports presenter Vassos Alexander, Sky Sports F1 pundit Tony Jardine and former Top Gear anchor Tiff Needell – took the celebrity teams’ prize, and with it helped to raise £10,000 for the event’s official charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK. The owners will race tomorrow to conclude the Challenge.
 
The heavens opened properly for the Gallet International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre ’66), giving David Pittard the opportunity to truly take the fight to bigger-engined rivals in his little Lotus Elan 26R. The British GT race-winner scythed through the spray to snatch the lead from eighth on the grid before the pit-stop driver change, but ultimately, it was Oliver Bryant in the 1964 AC Cobra that held off Roger Wills, Andrew Haddon and Jason Minshaw in a thrilling finish that saw the top four blanketed by less than two seconds.
 
The day’s action concluded with the Group C twilight race, although twilight descended rather quickly into darkness in the prevailing conditions. Steve Tandy and Mike Wrigley indulged in an old Spice battle at the front of the field, before a brace of spins for the latter settled the result.
 
Once the final chequered flag had fallen, the Dire Straits Experience and former Spandau Ballet front man Tony Hadley took to the stage to reward hardy fans who braved the elements with a medley of classic hits between them, belting out everything from Sultans of Swing to the New Romantics anthem True.
 
The on-track entertainment will resume tomorrow (Sunday), with ten more races, another Williams FW14B Anniversary parade and a world record parade of McLaren road cars.
 
Race Results:
 
Commander Yorke Trophy for Historic Formula Junior
  1. Sam Wilson (Lotus20/22) 8 laps (87.09mph)
  2. Andrew Hibberd (Lotus 22) +28.499s
  3. Westie Mitchell (De Tomaso 63) +33.841s
     
Formula Ford 50 presented by Historic Motorsport International
  1. Michael O’Brien (Merlyn Mk20A) 9 laps (92.21mph)
  2. Ed Thurston (Elden Mk8) +1.813s
  3. Max Bartell (Merlyn Mk20A) +2.003s
 
Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ’61 Sports Cars
  1. Chris Ward (Lister Costin) 20 laps (86.74mph)
  2. Rob Barff (Lotus 15) +14.251s
  3. Richard Kent (Lister Costin Jaguar) +24.043s
 
John Fitzpatrick Trophy for Under 2 Litre Touring Cars
  1. Mark Sumpter (Ford Lotus Cortina) 19 laps (82.16mph)
  2. Ambrogio Perfetti/Augusto Perfetti (Ford Lotus Cortina) +38.596s
  3. Karl Jones/Chris Ward (Ford Lotus Cortina) +39.183s
 
Kidston Trophy for Pre War Sports Cars
  1. Gareth Burnett (Talbot 105) 12 laps (62.94mph)
  2. Frederic Wakeman/Patrick Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash Super Sports) +0.162s
  3. Charles Gillett/Eddie Williams (Frazer Nash TT Rep) +6.211s
 
Commander Yorke Trophy for Historic Formula Junior (Race 2)
  1. Sam Wilson (Lotus20/22) 9 laps (92.74mph)
  2. Andrew Hibberd (Lotus 22) +4.428s
  3. Timothy De Silva (Brabham BT2) +23.629s
 
FIA Masters Historic Formula One
  1. Nick Padmore (Williams FW07C) 11 laps (116.10mph)
  2. Jonathan Kennard (Arrows A3) +2.502s
  3. Michael Lyons (Williams FW07B) +3.193s
 
Maserati Trophy for HGPCA Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars
  1. Sam Wilson (Lotus 18 372) 9 laps (93.37mph)
  2. Jon Fairley (Brabham BT11/19) +3.966s
  3. William Nuthall (Cooper T53) +7.575s
 
JET Super Touring Car Trophy
  1. Jason Minshaw (Volvo S40) 8 laps (95.32mph)
  2. Jon Minshaw (Audi A4) +31.540s
  3. Dave Jarman (Nissan Primera) +36.210s
 
Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy (Pro Class)
  1. Steve Soper (Austin A35) 3 laps (57.63mph)
  2. Martin Donnelly (Austin A35) +1.568s
  3. Mark Blundell (Austin A35) +2.003s
 
Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy (Amateur Class)
  1. Neil Primrose (Austin A35) 3 laps (56.68mph)
  2. Tony Jardine (Austin A30) +3.048s
  3. Jason Kenny (Austin A35) +7.983s
 
Gallet International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre ’66)
  1. Oliver Bryant (AC Cobra) 16 laps (67.92mph)
  2. Roger Wills (Bizzarrini 5300 GT) +1.032s
  3. Andrew Haddon (AC Cobra) +1.658s
     
Group C
  1. Steve Tandy (Spice SE90 GTP) 10 laps (88.40mph)
  2. Mike Wrigley (Spice SE89C) +11.487s
  3. Tony Sinclair (Spice SE90C) +44.542s

All the latest news is available on the official website silverstoneclassic.com and via the event’s social media platforms.

PRIDE OF BIG CATS GOES ON THE PROWL AT 'EMOTIONAL' SILVERSTONE REUNION


Silverstone Classic

 
PRIDE OF BIG CATS GOES ON

THE PROWL AT 'EMOTIONAL'

SILVERSTONE REUNION

  • Record-breaking collection of Jaguar XJ220s congregate at Silverstone Classic
  • David Brabham reunited with class-winning Le Mans car
  • Evocative track parade including cars from as far afield as Japan
  • ‘Fitting tribute’ to what was once the world’s fastest production car
 
More than 40 Jaguar XJ220s came together at the Silverstone Classic today (29 July), in a record-breaking reunion to mark the 25th birthday of what was once the fastest production car in the world.
 
The dramatically-styled, mid-engined, two-seater supercar was introduced in 1992, with its top speed of 212.3mph making it Jaguar’s quickest road-going car – an accolade it still holds to this day.
 
Just 271 XJ220s were manufactured in tandem with Jaguar’ competition partner Tom Walkinshaw Racing between 1992 and 1994 – each priced at an eye-watering £470,000 – and such is their rarity that no more than a handful have ever been seen together. Until today.
 
Curated by renowned XJ220 specialist Don Law Racing, the unprecedented display of 42 XJ220s from all around the globe helped to create a spectacular on-track parade led by David Brabham (below middle top left) – driving the very #50 car (kindly loaned by JD Classics) in which he claimed GT class victory at Le Mans in 1993 before being controversially disqualified – with Walkinshaw’s widow Elizabeth alongside (below middle top right).
 
Indeed, all four competition specification XJ220Cs in existence were on show at Silverstone, including the #52 team car which had come all the way from Japan just to be part of the anniversary celebrations.
 
“I’ve never seen so many 220s in one place,” Brabham remarked. “I remember when the race programme all came about and Tom asked me to be part of it. It was such an epic feat to even get to the first race and to go to Le Mans in reasonable shape, and of course, at the end of the day we finished first on-track.
 
“To be involved as one of the lead drivers was very cool. It was a brilliant time, and seeing this car again always brings back memories. It’s a special day to see so many 220s turn up.”
 
Others to participate in the evocative showcase included Tiff Needell – who similarly raced an XJ220 at Le Mans, in 1995 – and Don Law (below middle bottom left), the undisputed doyen of the marque’s most famous supercar and the mastermind behind today’s extraordinary gathering.
 
“What a spectacle, with the three Le Mans cars at the front in an arrow formation and all the other cars behind – absolutely incredible,” enthused Law, who drove the XJ220-powered van – originally used as a test mule – at the rear of the parade.
 
“We could never have dreamt that Mr Fukuda would bring his Le Mans car all the way from Japan in an aeroplane, but such is the passion for these cars that people have travelled from all over. I think Liz Walkinshaw was very emotional today. The XJ220 has been a big part of a lot of people’s lives.”
 
Although originally conceived to feature a V12 engine plus four-wheel-drive, to meet emissions legislation and performance targets, the showroom XJ220 model arrived with a 3.5-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 developing 542bhp, delivered to the rear transaxle via a five-speed manual gearbox.
 
Amongst the invited guests with close ties with the illustrious car’s design, development and on-track success were erstwhile Jaguar Engineering Director Jim Randle and senior sports car designer Keith Helfet, the brains behind the XJ220’s stunning and ageless styling. Both were leading lights in the famous ‘Saturday Club’, whose members secretly built the original concept car in their spare time.
 
“Today certainly brought back a few memories,” reflected Randle. “It’s a fitting tribute to the 12 of us who put together this extremely special car, and although sadly some of them are not around anymore, it’s great to see a few here today. It was a crazy programme, and if my bosses at Jaguar had known what we were doing, I’m sure we would have been fired!”
 
“I knew this would be a memorable day, but I couldn’t have imagined the scale and how emotional I would be, seeing all these cars and being part of the convoy around Silverstone,” added Helfet. “It really is one of the standout days of my life and career. The car’s power is something else. I hardly got the chance to try it today, but when you unleash it and the turbo kicks in, it’s really visceral – what a feeling!”

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