Sunday, 27 May 2018

CAR CULTURE AT THE HEART OF SILVERSTONE’S BUZZING CLUB SCENE

25/5/18

CAR CULTURE AT THE HEART OF SILVERSTONE’S BUZZING
CLUB SCENE

• More than 120 car clubs signed up for Silverstone Classic

• Weekend and Saturday packages close to selling out

• New clubs join the summer party showcase

• Major celebrations for Ferrari, Jaguar and Aston Martin icons

• All festival tickets must be purchased in advance

Near record numbers of car clubs have already registered to be an integral part of this summer’s eagerly-anticipated Silverstone Classic (20-22 July).

Fast approaching last year’s unprecedented turn-out, to date more than 125 clubs have taken advantage of the special display packages on offer. Members of these registered clubs – a simple online process – are offered a fantastic advance ticket package which not only includes two adult general admission event tickets but also an infield vehicle display pass. The latter allows classic car owners to park on their club’s allocated stand and thus be an integral part of the spectacular show.

In recent years, more than 10,000 privately-owned classics have been on display right at the heart of the three-day extravaganza, providing visitors with a huge showcase of much-loved motoring history… and that number could be topped in 2018.

Weekend and Saturday car club packages are close to selling out in advance of the 31 May deadline (due to the logistics of accommodating over 120 car clubs over the weekend of the event and to enable organisers to plan the infield). Friday and Sunday packages will remain on sale until the end of June, subject to availability.

All the crowd-pleasing clubs representing iconic marques such as Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Morgan, Porsche and Triumph are returning, and this year they will be joined by a number of newcomers including the Audi R8 Drivers’ Club, Fiat Coupe Club UK, GT-R Drivers’ Club, Norfolk Retros and the Welsh Ford Owners’ Club.

Many of those attending not only take advantage of the special display packages on offer but also choose the high-profile Silverstone Classic to pay passionate homage to key marque and model milestones with dedicated displays and track parades.

In recent years, the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit has staged record processions featuring evocative E-type Jaguars, fabulous Ferrari F40s, evergreen Porsche 911s and, last summer, stunning Jaguar XJ220s plus cutting-edge McLarens amongst a whole host of other glittering cavalcades.

Ferrari is back in the spotlight in 2018, with the legendary 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ celebrating its 50th birthday, while it’s 70 years since Porsche became a reality with the birth of its pioneering 356 model. 1948 must have been a notably fertile year as it is also 70 years since the introduction of the Jaguar XK120 and Aston Martin DB1 – two further motoring milestones that will be celebrated in style come July along with the Golden Jubilee of the BMW 2002 sports saloon which was launched in 1968.

Whether attending as a member of a registered motor club or just as a keen visitor wishing to experience all the amazing attractions on offer at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, tickets for all three days must be purchased in advance.

Providing great value, all types of tickets give free access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings (topped by Soul II Soul and UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey, respectively), air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the epic family entertainment on offer. Options for camping and hospitality are also available.

Full details of all 2018 ticket prices – as well as car club packages – are detailed on thesilverstoneclassic.com website.

Modena Cento Ore - Tuesday, June 5th to Saturday June 9th

Modena Cento ore:

After winning the prestigious title of “Rally of the Year 2017” at the Octane Awards, the Modena Cento Ore is ready to fire its engines again.

the Canossa Events team has prepared a special edition for 2018, setting off from the legendary race track at Monza.

Boom in registrations, closed months ahead of time.

When the Modena Cento Ore won the prestigious title of “Rally of the Year” at the 2017 Octane Awards, the "Oscars of Motoring" reserved for the best classic motoring events around the world, it was an important acknowledgement for everyone involved in Italian motoring, for ACI that represents it admirably and for the Motor Valley that it represents in the world of classic car rallies. The award confirms the quality and exceptional nature of the event, the only one of its kind in Italy, as well as the excellence of the country’s motoring heritage.

The Modena Cento Ore has been organised as usual by Scuderia Tricolore and Canossa Events. It is the only rally in Italy, and one of just a handful around the world, where the drivers challenge one another on both the racetrack and special road stages: a captivating mix of a rally and speed trials on the track made even more exhilarating thanks to the starting grid at the departure.

An international race for classic cars; a winning combination of marvellous cars and gentlemen drivers from all around the world who come here to enjoy a uniquely Italian experience, combining the adrenalin rush of racing on track and on roads closed to normal traffic with the delights of Italian food and wine, and the chance to explore the country en route.

This year, the Modena Cento Ore will be held from Tuesday, June 5^th to Saturday, June 9^th with a brand new itinerary. Once again, the team at Canossa Events has prepared a unique programme for the crews taking on the four-day challenge on a most beautiful route passing through Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, from Monza to Salsomaggiore Terme, Forte dei Marmi, and Florence, with the last leg arriving in Piazza Grande in Modena, as usual, where the awards ceremony and closing event will be held. There will be three track races on the legendary Monza, Varano and Mugello circuits, an entertaining trial at the Modena race track and 12 hill climbs on roads closed to normal traffic.

There is also a ‘regularity’ stage held after the speed trials, following the same programme but with a more relaxed approach, with timed track races and average speed trials on roads closed to normal traffic: ideal for crews who would rather relax and enjoy the drive.

The boom in registrations shows the event has been met with great enthusiasm, as it sold out months ahead of time with applications pouring in from all around the world.

The organisers have confirmed 110 successful applications; 79 of these will take part in the speed trials and 31 will follow in the regularity section.

The 2018 Route

The route will cross Italy from Monza to Salsomaggiore, Forte dei Marmi, Florence and Modena with a chain of spectacular legs, that the public is invited to come and watch.

These marvellous cars will set off from Monza on June 6^th and compete against one another on the track at the famous Monza circuit, the third oldest permanent racetrack in the world after Brooklands (no longer in use) and Indianapolis. It is also the venue where the Italian Grand Prix has always been held, with 80 races taking place here out of a total of 88. They will then arrive in Salsomaggiore Terme.

The second leg will set off on June 7^th from Varano Racetrack, before crossing Emilia and Tuscany on the way to Forte dei Marmi, one of the most famous resorts in Versilia.

On June 8^th, the third leg will start at Mugello International Racetrack for an adrenalin rush on the track, and speed trials on roads closed to normal traffic, before driving down into Florence at the end of the day.

On June 9^th, the crews will leave Tuscany and drive back into Emilia where the rally will come to a close at Modena, the heart of the ‘Motor Valley’. At Modena, the cars face a special stage at the race track before reaching Piazza Grande, where the public will be able to watch these splendid cars arrive and line up below the Ghirlandina bell tower. They are expected to start arriving at 16.30 and the podium will be announced soon afterwards.

Details of the 2018 edition

Once again, 19 motor vehicle manufacturers will be represented at the 2018 edition of the Modena Cento Ore. As usual, the highest numbers are Ferraris and Porsches: this year, there are a few more cars by the German manufacturer. There again, there are some particularly interesting and valuable vehicles sporting the Prancing Horse, and some of them are quite rare. There are also two Maserati 250S barchette, both in ultra original condition and ranking among the finest examples of manufacturing in Modena.

More vehicles have registered for the speed section, reserved for cars built before 1965.

We are particularly pleased about the 10 cars that will compete in the special “50s sports cars” category, reserved for 1950s racing cars with drum brakes.

There has been no change in the number of women competing, who represent around 20% of the total; there are two entirely female crews of courageous and determined women who we are sure will not spare themselves to get ahead in the tough Competition section.

18 countries are represented: British crews prevail, but we have noted growing interest from overseas with twice the number of American competitors compared to last year, pointing to the global bearing of the Modena Cento Ore, which is also felt in countries even further afield, like Brazil, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Why the Modena Cento Ore is one-of-a-kind

“The Modena Cento Ore is acknowledged as one of the most important rallies in the world and a meeting point for the top names in the industry,” says Luigi Orlandini, CEO of Scuderia Tricolore and the visionary founder of Canossa Events. “Winning the prestigious “Rally of the Year 2017” award at the International Octane Awards, the world’s ‘Oscars’ of classic car motoring is proof of that. Its success is mainly due to the heartfelt enthusiasm of all those taking part and the passion of the close-knit team of people who work for a full 12 months so that the next year’s event will be even better.

The event is made even more unique thanks to the support of high-calibre partners like RM-Sotheby’s, the world-leading auction house; Tenuta Setteponti, which will supply the wine for the evening events; Blackfin, which has created exclusive eyewear for the crews, and Cuervo y Sobrinos, which was commissioned by the Organisers to design a special automatic watch.

The Panathlon Club of Modena has once again confirmed its support, somewhat of a tradition by now, with an important donation in favour of sports projects for disabled children.

The organisers have also confirmed their eco-friendly outlook by deciding to implement a CarbonZero protocol this year and so completely offset the residual emissions of CO₂ by planting new trees in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: the Modena Cento Ore is the only ‘zero emissions’ event of its kind.

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

SIR CHRIS HOY TARGETS FURTHER GOLD AT SILVERSTONE

• Olympic legend to race at the 2018 Silverstone Classic

• Scottish speedster rekindles his Le Mans dreams

• Cycling icon joins exciting new Masters Endurance Legends grid

• All tickets must be purchased in advance

Olympic track cycling superstar Sir Chris Hoy, MBE will be looking to add to his record list of achievements when slipping behind the wheel of a 200mph sports racer at this summer’s spectacular Silverstone Classic (20-22 July).

Hoy – who has no fewer than 11 world championship plus six Olympic gold medals to his name – has been fuelling his competitive spirit by competing in a number of different motor racing categories since stepping off the saddle in 2013.

He describes himself as a ‘keen amateur with a massive passion for motor sport’ and, most significantly, fulfilled a childhood dream when not just entering, but also finishing, the famous Le Mans 24 Hours in 2016.

Next up he will be making his Silverstone Classic debut when contesting a round of the exciting new Masters Endurance Legends series – the latest addition to the remarkable roster of crowd-pleasing retro races staged at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

“I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never been to the Classic until now but, I’m very excited as everyone keeps telling me I’ll love every minute of it,” enthused a delighted Hoy when joining a long list of famous faces attending the pace-setting event’s recent Preview Day at Silverstone. “The accessibility of the pits, the cars and the drivers seems to be on a different level to most forms of racing, so fans can really get up close and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Further increasing Hoy’s eagerness, the calibre of the sportscar he will be piloting is well above his wildest fantasy. “I was genuinely expecting to find myself in something like a Mini, which would have been fun, but this is a serious bit of kit – a proper race car with a bit of downforce. It’s just going to be fantastic,” grinned the 42-year-old from Edinburgh.

The powerful machine he will be driving is a LMP2 category Courage LC75 which, like Hoy, has genuine Le Mans pedigree. It contested the French endurance classic back in 2007 with Russian F1 ace Vitaly Petrov among those in the driver line-up… and, adding to the sense of occasion, it still remains in its evocative red Le Mans livery today.

“Being such a modern classic, the Courage is right at the top of the tree in terms of a car to experience at an historic event like this,” he admitted. “It just looks amazing and, to be part of this new race series, as well as racing on the full Grand Prix circuit in front of the big crowds at the Silverstone Classic, will be incredible.”

Featuring an amazing array of epic sports-racers and GTs from the recent era between 1995-2012, Masters Endurance Legends is an awesome new addition to the extensive race card at the annual Silverstone Classic.

Fans will get their first chance to see these incredible machines in action during a fast moving qualifying session on Friday. And then there a two thrilling showdowns on the weekend schedule: the first as part of the special Daytona at Dusk tribute on Saturday evening; the second on Sunday afternoon.

Tickets for all three days must be purchased in advance and provide free access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings (topped by Soul II Soul and UB40 respectively), air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the epic family entertainment on offer. Options for camping and hospitality are also available.

Full details of all 2018 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

Sunday, 20 May 2018

Bumper Historic Grids at Oulton Park for AMOC Racing Season Opener.

AMOC Racing opened their 2018 season in style at Oulton Park on Saturday with a variety of exciting grids supplying a great day of motorsport.

The Jack Fairman Cup for 50s Sports Cars, including the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club XK Challenge and Mike Hawthorn Challenge field started the day’s action, where pole-sitter Declan Jones picked up the honours in his Turner Climax. Swamped by the surrounding Jaguars off the start, Jones was only fifth as they exited Old Hall, with Rob Newell heading the field in his XK120.

“I had clutch slip at the start,” explained Jones, “which made it exciting. The Jaguars are a lot heavier than me so I was trying to give the plenty of room but that was a fun race.”

Jones was back in the lead before the end of lap 2, then pulled clear of the field. Newell held on to second with the Austin-Healey 3000 of Martyn Corfield finishing less than a second behind in third, a great drive from starting 13th on the grid.

James Dorlin was first of the Mike Hawthorn Challenge cars home in fourth, and Paul Kennelly was the first of the XK Challenge cars home in his XK150S.

Robert Hollyman bagged the first win of the season in the 45-minute AMOC Intermarque Championship. Poleman Ed Leigh led the field away solo in his BMW M3, after the Cooke/ Dowd BMW failed to make the start due to clutch issues.

Despite the diminished grid, the opening laps saw a high-speed train of four cars in battle, with Hollyman leading in his Porsche 964 ahead of Leigh, with Tim Bates right there in his Porsche 911 and the BMW of Gavin Dunn in fourth.

After the pit stop reshuffle, it was Dunn who held the lead from Hollyman, with Steve Wood, taking the 911 over from Bates, in third. It was a fierce battle to the end, with Hollyman getting alongside on several occasions. He finally found a way past to take the win with two laps to go.

Dunn claimed second with Woods in third, while the Aston Martin DB4 of Nicholas King was fifth and won his class.

The longest race of the day was the GT Challenge where Tony Jones took a confident win in his Ferrari 430 Challenge after emerging from the pit-stops ahead of pole-sitter and early race leader Wayne Marrs in a similar car.

Mike Newbould did well to pick up second place in his Ginetta G55 despite receiving and taking a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pits. Marrs wasn’t in luck as gearbox issues put his Ferrari out just five laps from the flag leaving Mark Smith and son Aaron to claim third in their BMW E36.

Fourth was the leading Aston Martin, James Hill bringing home the Team BRIT GT4 started by Warren McKinley, with Tom Black in fifth place - which he pinched on the last lap after a race long battle with the SEATs of Jamie Sturges and Guy Colclough.

Saturday’s guest races saw Martyn Corfield win the Equipe Pre ’63 race after poleman Tom Andrew pulled off in his Elva with a puncture. An early challenge for the lead came from fellow Austin-Healey runner Mike Thorne. Thorne briefly led but was repassed, and Corfield started to open a gap. Once the pit stops had cycled through, Corfield had a handy lead and took the win despite slowing in the latter laps with a mis-fire, Brian Arculus came through to take second in his Lotus Elite, with Nick Matthews finishing in third place in his Austin-Healey 100/4.

Later in the afternoon the Equipe GTS field had a 40-minute race and Tom Smith took the lead on lap two and then eased away from the chasing pack, staying clear even after making his compulsory pitstop. With Smith’s MGB clear at the front, it was all change behind in the final laps with Mark Ashworth getting past the similar TVR Grantura MkIII of Rob Cull on the last lap to take second. Finally, in the Welsh and Sports Cars Saloon Championship races Patrick Smyth topped race 1 in his Lotus Elan S3, after securing pole position and it was a pair of Seats first across the line in race 2, a photo style finish with Jones/ Cunniffe winning by a second.

Next time out for AMOC Racing is June 23^rd at Brands Hatch, for information and entry details please click here.

Images by: Nick Edwards :https://www.amocracing.com/gallery

ENTHUSIASTS SET FOR MOTORS, MUSIC AND MORE AT RAGLEY HALL BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA

ENTHUSIASTS SET FOR MOTORS, MUSIC AND MORE AT
RAGLEY HALL BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA

This year’s Ragley Hall Motor Show, held on Sunday 27^thand Monday 28^thMay is shaping up to be a Bank Holiday bonanza with more motors, more music and more family entertainment.

Sponsored by ClassicLine Insurance, up to 1,200 cars expected to be on display including around 40 motoring clubs that will showcase fabulous marques owned by their members.

Clubs on show include the Metropolitan Owners Club, regular attendees to the show with these great little motors that were produced at the Longbridge factory, not that far away from Ragley Hall.

The Rolls Royce Club will be out in force in front of Ragley Hall with the Lotus Drivers Club, Beach Buggy Club and another group with a local link – the Austin Ten Drivers Club – also joining the two-day event.

Amongst the private entries, hoping to win the hearts and minds of the Pride of Ownership judges, is Davis McConnell with his rare Piper P2, one of around 90 built between 1968 and 1974. Davis has owned his example since 1978 and used the car as a daily driver for three years before parking it up in his garden. The car was given a total rebuild in 2001 and has been ‘out and about’ ever since.

Debbie and Martin Carvill have entered their 1.6 Panther Kallista into the concours competition, one of the first production Panther Kallistas and the oldest known 1.6L Kallista in existence. It is of great historical value to The Panther Car Club and has had a full nut and bolt restoration to bring it back to Concours standard.

As well as the cars on display, the Live Action Arena will see parades throughout the day as well as the now famous 'Decibel Duel' where visitors decide which is the loudest motor on display each day!

There will also be live music over the Bank Holiday as Sunday sees The Blueprint Blues Brothers get the party started along with classic rock covers band Reson8, with the local dance group from SJP Theatre Arts getting everyone on their feet.

On Monday, it’s the ‘Mods v Rockers’ as The Quik Beats take on the Delray Rockets, with each band battling it out, trading tunes on stage together, to see which musical style will be crowned as the best of the 50s and 60s.

Ragley Hall Motor Show, organised by Gemini Events, is set in the 400 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens of Ragley Hall, the family home of the Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford for nine generations. Designed in 1680 by Robert Hooke, Ragley is one of the earliest of England's great Palladian Houses.

With vintage rides for the children and plenty of family fun, Ragley Hall Motor Show is a great day out for all the family so why not bring your classic? Make sure you ask for show parking at no extra charge which gets owners closer to the action.

Gates open at 10am until 5pm. Admission starts from £10 for adults, £5 for children (4-16 years), with a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £25, all giving access to the show, Ragley Park and gardens. Tickets available on the gate. Free parking for all visitors. For more information, visit www.classicmotorshows.co.uk.

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

James Randle Fundraising lecture for the Bugatti Trust on May 24th 2018

THE BUGATTI TRUST
MUSEUM & STUDY CENTRE

Preserving and making available for study the life works of Ettore Bugatti

James Randle Fundraising lecture for the Bugatti Trust on May 24^th 2018

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW – OPEN TO ALL

James Randle will be presenting a fascinating lecture looking at his life in the motor industry and his relationship with Sir William Lyons. His lecture: “From Side-cars to Silicon” is open to all and takes place in the Prescott Club House at 6.00pm on Thursday 24^th May. It will be followed by dinner in the Club House. Profits from the sale of tickets for the lecture and dinner, which cost £25, will go to the Bugatti Trust to further its charitable objectives. To book tickets please contact Sue on Tel.: 01242 677 201 or email info@bugatti-trust.co.uk
James Randle has had a long and distinguished career in the motor industry. He worked 11 years for Rover and 27 years for Jaguar Cars, 14 of which were spent as the Director of Product Engineering. He is the last surviving director of Jaguar Cars Limited to have worked for and with, Sir William Lyons. XJ40 was a technical tour de force in which the company staked its survival on a single product. With the passage of time one can look at areas where they got it right and areas where they could have done better. To this end Mr. Randle acknowledges support and guidance received from David Marks and exclusively Jaguar. He was closely involved with the development of the Series 1 XJ6 and 12, the Series III E-type, the XJS Jaguar, Series III XJ6 and 12, the XJS Cabriolet and Convertible XJ40 and XJ220.

James Randle was also involved in the European Touring car racing and Group C racing. One of his most famous projects was the Jaguar XJ220, a limited production super sports-car which was designed to feel at home both on the road and the racetrack.
After his time with Jaguar he became an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham and went on to design the understructure for the Morgan Aero Eight, which eventually became common to all Morgans, developed a gas turbine Hybrid with Volvo Aero Turbines, and had an ill-fated joint venture with MG Rover to produce a new Austin Healey and Lea Francis

The Bugatti Trust is a UK Registered Charity, dedicated to the preservation and study of the works of Ettore Bugatti. A key aim is to promote knowledge of his works and raise awareness of the importance of aesthetics and integrated design in engineering. Funds received over the past 25 years have permitted the Bugatti Trust to support a variety of educational science, engineering and design outreach programmes for schools and universities.