MX-5 AND GT-R BIRTHDAYS MARKED AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

MX-5 AND GT-R BIRTHDAYS MARKED AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

Two of Japan’s best-loved performance cars will be honoured as part of Beaulieu’ssuper-size Simply Japanese on Sunday, July 28th, as 30 years of the Mazda MX-5 and 50 years of the Nissan GT-R are marked with special display areas in the vibrant show.

Owners of these iconic motors are invited to park in the grounds of the National Motor Museum as highlights of the show, which is anticipated to attract as many as 900 Japanese cars of every age and variety.

The globally successful Mazda MX-5 has become the roadster of choice for millions since its 1989 launch. The iconic Nissan GT-R traces its history back even further to 1969 when it was unveiled as the ultimate performance version of the six-cylinder Nissan Skyline. Owners of both of these legendary models, from the earliest examples right up to the latest showroom versions, will be taking their places in the busy showground.

Club stands are always at the heart of the show, with 450 cars across 29 club stand already booked to attend the eighth Simply Japanese. Mighty 5s will be bringing along a selection of Mazda MX-5s, Del Sol UK will be showcasing the targa-top Honda CRX and Celica-Club will celebrate the many incarnations of Toyota’s sporty Celica, while Hampshire Honda Crew, the Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ Drivers Club plus the SouthCoastJap and Nihon Kuruma Alliance enthusiasts’ groups will be out in force, as members each park their pride and joy on the club stand.

Throughout the day, visitors and event-goers will be able to vote for their favourite Japanese car of the show in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

Event tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving Japanese cars and taking part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online before 5pm on July 25th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child on the day. All other visitors can buy general admission tickets to Beaulieu at the standard attraction price. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-japanese.

Entry is from 8.30am - 3pm for rally participants. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 9-11am. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.

Simply Japanese will be Beaulieu’s eighth Simply rally this year, followed by the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

SIR JACKIE STEWART RECREATES GOLDEN AGE AT THE CLASSIC

SIR JACKIE STEWART RECREATES GOLDEN AGE AT THE CLASSIC

Fifty years ago in July 1969, the legendary Jackie Stewart celebrated his maiden British Grand Prix win at superfast Silverstone. Roared home by his home fans, the victory was not only a career milestone but one which powered the Flying Scot on towards the first of his three world championship titles.

This summer, Stewart will be back at the Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) to mark the golden anniversary of that very special win. He will also be raising awareness and funds for dementia research, a charity cause that is very close to his own heart.

Almost exactly 50 years on from that first British Grand Prix triumph, Stewart returns behind the wheel of his victorious Matra-Ford to mark the occasion with some high-speed demonstration laps on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the 2019 Classic.

“I am looking forward very much to getting back to Silverstone in the Matra, even if not at quite the same speeds as 50 years ago!” enthused the triple champion.

Emphasising the tartan helmeted hero’s dominance at the time, the Silverstone success was his fifth in six races but, although he had lapped the entire field by the finish, this victory was memorably hard-earned.

All those lucky enough to have witnessed the 1969 British Grand Prix will recall the incredible duel between Stewart and the hard-charging Jochen Rindt. The Austrian had qualified his Lotus 49 on pole position and was embroiled in a thrilling dice. The lead changed many times until, on one such occasion, Stewart spotted that a part of the Lotus’ rear wing was coming loose and, dangerously, starting to rub against a rear tyre.

Renowned as a campaigner for safety, Stewart warned his rival and Rindt was forced to pit for swift repairs, returning to the track to finish in a thoroughly undeserved fourth position.

“The 1969 British Grand Prix was one of the most exciting and enjoyable Formula One races that I ever had,” recalled Stewart. “Jochen was one of my best friends. The cooperation we had in not trying to block each other allowed us to definitively run away from the rest of the field. We knew, because in those days there was no aerodynamic sophistication, that we could draft each other and pass if we were not blocked. Almost every lap, we exchanged the lead on the Hanger Straight and going into the 155mph Woodcote corner, which in those days had no chicane. We pointed to each other which side to be passed on, to avoid reducing our lead from the rest of the pack. We exchanged the lead more than 30 times and it was a fantastic race for both of us. 

“The Matra MS80 was a wonderful car to drive and the Lotus 49 was also exceptional, in addition to which we were such good friends that there were no nasty circumstances during the entire race, until the unfortunate point at which Jochen’s rear wing came loose. My father and my brother were there to see me win. It was a big day in my life as we had lapped the entire field.”

Today the tireless Stewart is crusading for a different cause. After his wife, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, he founded Race Against Dementia believing the application of Formula 1 technology and philosophies could produce earlier solutions to the condition. Almost one million people in the UK alone are living with dementia.

“I am extremely grateful to the organisers for supporting Race Against Dementia,” said Stewart. “Helen will be truly proud of what we’re doing to challenge her illness and the challenge dementia poses to us all.”

At this summer’s Silverstone Classic all funds raised by the festival’s Official Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, will go directly to Race Against Dementia Fellowships. The Fellowships, which are administered by Alzheimer’s Research UK, will support early career scientists in their pursuit of innovative solutions to the big questions in dementia research.

“We are proud to be supporting such a worthwhile cause at the Classic this year and are very honoured to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Jackie’s landmark 1969 season in the best possible manner,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “It will be very special to see Sir Jackie back behind the wheel of the iconic light-blue Matra and together once again roaring around Silverstone. It’s going to be a fantastically evocative sight, and one which we hope will provide some impetus to further fuel awareness of, and fundraising for, the pioneering Race Against Dementia Fellowships.” 

Ian Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re so excited that Sir Jackie Stewart will be returning to Silverstone this year to honour this iconic anniversary, while also raising much-needed funding and awareness for dementia research. Like so many people today, Sir Jackie knows only too well the heartbreak dementia causes and the desperate need there is to find a cure. Thanks to the incredible support of the Silverstone Classic, we will be able to fund research that will make breakthroughs possible.”

Adding to the Classic’s golden anniversary celebrations, the event’s pair of blue-riband retro races featuring glorious DFV-powered F1 cars dating back to the sport’s golden age between 1966 and 1985 are being renamed in the Scot’s honour as the Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One. The Scot will be back on the Silverstone podium, too, this time presenting the trophies.

Visitors wishing to witness Stewart’s evocative return to the scene of so many of his major successes and, indeed, to experience all the amazing attractions on offer at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival have until midnight on Thursday 25 July to buy their tickets.

Adult general admission starts at £45 and all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer mark the 50th anniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.

A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website. 

RECORD IN-FIELD DISPLAYS AT THE PACESETTING 2019 CLASSIC

RECORD IN-FIELD DISPLAYS AT THE PACESETTING 2019 CLASSIC

A new record number of hugely passionate car clubs have registered to join the massive crowd-pleasing showcase of timeless makes and models at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

Last year’s unprecedented turn-out of 128 clubs has already been blitzed with, to date, 136 clubs registered to display at the event, enabling members to take advantage of the special packages on offer and forming an integral part of the world’s biggest retro-racing festival.

Members of these registered clubs – a simple online process open until the end of this month (May) – are offered a fantastic advance ticket package which not only includes two adult general admission event tickets but also an infield vehicle display pass which allows those arriving in classic cars to park on their club’s allocated stand and feature in the spectacular infield show.

In recent summers, more than 10,000 privately-owned classics have been exhibited right at the heart of the three-day extravaganza, providing 100,000 visitors with an incredible showcase of much-loved motoring history… a number that is now likely to be topped in July.

Car club display packages for Saturday-only have already completely sold-out well in advance of the 31 May deadline – a limit on each ticket-type is required due to the complex logistics involved in accommodating so many car clubs in the available space over the full festival weekend – but a restricted number of Friday, Sunday and weekend (both two- and three-day) packages remain on sale, subject to availability, up until the 31 May deadline.

With such a huge turn-out, it is no surprise that the record total of registered clubs ensures all the hallowed marques are again well represented. Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lotus, Morgan, Porsche and Triumph are all well represented and this year they are joined by a number of new recruits. One of these significant newcomers is Vintage Racing Ouest Motorsport – its members are bringing a collection of around 20 eye-catching automobiles from France.

Capri and Mini clubs are also notable additions as they mark their respective model’s 50th and 60th anniversaries in impressive style at the Classic with special celebration packages also available only until the end of the month. Further underlining the festival’s international appeal, one Capri is being driven all the way from Warsaw.

As well as celebrating major Capri and Mini milestones, this year’s Classic will also celebrate the centenary of Bentley. Abarth, too, has big plans to honour its 70th in July.

Many of those clubs attending not only take advantage of the special display packages on offer but also may be invited to pay doting homage to key marque and model milestones with dedicated anniversary track parades. In recent years, over the weekend of the Classic, the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit has staged record processions featuring evocative E-type Jaguars, fabulous Ferrari F40s, pacey Porsche 911s, jaw-dropping Jaguar XJ220s, and magnificent McLaren supercars.

In total, more than 40 special track parades have been squeezed into breaks between the packed programme of retro races. The remarkable roster includes such stand-outs as the Austin Healey 3000, BMW Z1, De Tomaso, Fiat Coupe, Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5, Middlebridge Scimitar and Triumph TR6. The full list of this year’s anniversary track parades can be found on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

While car club packages are only available until the end of May, visitors wishing to experience all the amazing attractions on offer at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival have until midnight on Thursday 25 July to buy their tickets.

Adult general admission starts at £45 and all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer mark the 50th anniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.

A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website. 

MINI ANNIVERSARY GRID SMASHES ALL RECORDS

MINI ANNIVERSARY GRID SMASHES ALL RECORDS

Mini anniversary grid smashes all records

A world record grid of period Minis will celebrate the diminutive icon’s 60th birthday in staggering style at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July). Never before – and maybe never again – will so many Minis be seen racing all together on the track.

Fittingly 60 entries have already been received for what are going to be a pair of incredible races for the Mini Celebration Trophy Presented by Adrian Flux, marking the British legend’s sparkling Diamond Jubilee at the Classic. With a maximum of 58 starters permitted on Silverstone’s full Grand Prix circuit, latecomers are now being placed on a growing reserve list.

To ensure all festival-goers will be able to share in the Mini’s magical milestone, the action is spread across all three days with what is sure to be a frantic qualifying session on Friday ahead of two unmissable 20-minute showdowns on Saturday and Sunday.

As the entire multitude of original pre-1966 Minis are fitted with similar race-prepared 1275cc engines and built to identical technical regulations – the level of competition is going to be feisty throughout the tightly-packed record field. Even more vigorous as the unrivalled gathering also stars a number of top drivers.

Entries have come from throughout Europe – and as far afield as the US – and are headed by all the proven Mini top guns; aces such as Jonathan Lewis, Ian Curley, Bill Sollis, Lars Ekorness and Nick Swift.

These are joined by best-selling writer of crime-fiction Peter James and a number of well-known racers from the British Touring Car Championship rank: Jeff Smith, Michael Caine and Patrick Watts as well as 2013 BTCC Champion, Andrew Jordan.

“With 58 minis slipstreaming around Silverstone, these are going to be absolutely mad races!” predicts Jordan who recently gave BMW’s latest 330i M Sport its maiden win in the 2019 BTCC series opener at Brands Hatch. “I’m really looking forward to it – I utterly love historic racing and the Silverstone Classic which is now such a massive event. These Mini races will be one of my highlights of the year.

“We’ve bought a car which we’re rebuilding at the moment, which in itself is really enjoyable. We will have a few tests before the event and then see how we go. While I race historics for fun, of course, I’m going to try to win. Actually, I think we’ve got a very good chance of winning!”

While yet another world record grid is nothing out of the ordinary at the biggest retro racing festival on Earth, Silverstone Classic CEO, Nick Wigley, is understandably thrilled. “Last month we announced a record, full-capacity grid of historic F2 single-seaters and now we have the prospect of this equally incredible line-up of Minis,” he enthused. “Everyone loves the Mini and to see so many of them all racing together bumper-to-bumper on the country’s premier circuit is going to be a staggering sight that no one who’s lucky enough to witness it will ever, ever forget.”

Encouraging all Mini owners and enthusiasts of Sir Alec Issigonis’ game-changing gem to share in the spectacular Diamond Jubilee birthday party at the Classic, the event is offering a unique Mini Celebration Package, which includes an anniversary track parade at lunchtime on Friday. This cost-saving offer provides owners of original pre-2001 models with a pair of adult tickets (for Friday or the full three-day weekend), a vehicle pass giving access to the Mini Celebration display area, plus entry into the Mini Celebration track parade taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit which, over the ages, has hosted so many giant-killing Mini heroics.

Those wishing to join the party can select the Mini Celebration Package from the ticket options available on the official silverstoneclassic.com website but numbers are limited and package bookings are only possible until the end of May.

Whether or not taking advantage of the Celebration Package, all those wishing to attend this summer’s Silverstone Classic must purchase their tickets in advance.

Adult admission starts at £45 and all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.

A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

MORE RECORDS TUMBLE AS THE CLASSIC CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD

MORE RECORDS TUMBLE AS THE CLASSIC CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD

Record-breaking full-capacity F2 grid for the 2019 Silverstone Classic

Living up to its illustrious reputation as the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, this summer’s Silverstone Classic welcomes the greatest Formula 2 grid of all time. 

Added to this year’s packed-programme for the very first time as part of a never-seen-before retro Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seater showcase, no fewer than 55 entries have been received for what will be record-breaking, sold-out races on both Saturday and Sunday. 

With a maximum of 54 starters permitted on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, late entries are now being placed on a growing reserve list. 

Since being confirmed on the Silverstone Classic bill for 2019, support for the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC)-run championship has been running at unprecedented levels and the full capacity entry will far surpass any previous grid for a field of Formula 2 and Formula Atlantic single-seaters from the late 1960s and 1970s – even in period! 

“Even by our lofty standards this is an incredible turn-out and will be yet another of the spectacular highlights at this summer’s Classic,” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “Being fast, fun and comparatively inexpensive, F2 is proving to be a big hit with competitors while the scale of the entry and promise of some terrific racing is sure to win many new fans.” 

The entry includes drivers from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, US, The Netherlands and Australia. Many cars with significant histories will be in action, too, including the ex-Emerson Fittipaldi Lotus 69, ex-Eddie Cheever and Clay Regazzoni Ralt RT1s, the ex-Wheatcroft Racing Chevron B29, the ex-Derek Bell Brabham BT30 and the ex-Giacomo Agostini Chevron B42. 

“Historic Formula 2 is experiencing a massive boom and the grid for the Silverstone Classic is set to smash all records,” said a delighted Andy Dee-Crowne, CEO of the HSCC. “The cars look and sound fantastic and to see a full grid of these cars will be amazing.” 

The Classic is also expecting a record-breaking grid of Minis to mark the original pocket-rockets 60th birthday plus huge numbers of racing Bentleys and Capris to mark their respective centenary and golden anniversaries. A not-to-be-missed Twilight Tribute to Le Mans has also been announced with three packed sportscar grids racing into the sunset on Saturday evening. 

All those wishing to attend this summer’s Silverstone Classic must purchase their tickets in advance, with adult admission starting at £45.

Once again, all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer marks the 50thanniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.

A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR EARLY BIRD TICKET BUYERS

FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR EARLY BIRD TICKET BUYERS

Show-goers have just a few days remaining to take advantage of Early Bird tickets for this summer’s spectacular Silverstone Classic, a heady mix of no-holds-barred racing, dazzling nostalgia and fun-fuelled family entertainment.  

All tickets must be purchased in advance and the Early Bird offer – open to all those buying before the end of March – presents significant savings of up to 17 per cent on standard prices. A wide range of tickets is available including adult, young adult, child, family, day, and weekend, as well as car club display packages for club members and hospitality options.

Those snapping up their tickets now can look ahead to what already promises to be the biggest and best Classic yet with a packed programme of evocative races, record numbers of car club displays and more off-track activities, amusements and attractions than ever before.

With just 10 days to go, here are 10 great countdown reasons to book Early Bird tickets before the offer ends at midnight on Sunday 31 March:

1. The sublime three-day Silverstone Classic is the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival recreating all the halcyon eras of motorsport. This year’s epic 21-race programme features the full spectrum of motorsport history including for the very first time showdowns for Formula One, Formula Two and Formula Three.
2. The action-packed 2019 racecard features special anniversary races to celebrate Bentley’s centenary, 60 years of the iconic Mini and 50 years of the Ford Capri, ‘the car you always promised yourself’. Not only that but there is also a special celebration package available to all Mini and Capri owners wanting to join the festivities offering a pair of adult tickets, dedicated display parking plus a memorable track parade.
3. Legendary brand Aston Martin will be out in force at the Classic. An exciting new three-year partnership with the locally-based, world famous luxury automotive group embraces a raft of rousing on- and off-track activities including the very first round of Aston Martin’s newly announced Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series. The mouth-watering maiden grid is expected to be packed with stunning DB9s, Vantages and Vulcans.
4. Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart will be among the fast and famous at this summer’s Classic. The two-time World Champion will be celebrating the 50thanniversary of his first F1 title in 1969 and his two unforgettable British Grand Prix wins which came at Silverstone in 1969 and 1971. Sir Jackie will also be raising awareness and funds for the Race Against Dementia Fellowship scheme that he founded, in collaboration with the event’s Official Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
5. An unprecedented number of 130+ car clubs have already registered for glittering in-field parking displays making this year’s Classic another record-breaker four months before the gates have even opened! In total, more than 10,000 privately-owned and cherished classics will be on show over the three days.
6. Offering exceptional value for money, all tickets give access to both racing paddocks, open trackside grandstands, the majority of the funfair rides, a host of great entertainment for all ages on the festival’s very own Village Green plus a multitude of eye-catching displays, stunt shows and interactive activities providing visitors with lots of flat-out fun for all the family all for FREE.
7. What’s more, the upbeat live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings are also included in the ticket price. This summer there’s a special homage to the seminal Woodstock festival with the music of original performers Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Ten Years After and The Who.
8. While the cars are always the stars at the Classic, the bustling infield is packed with attractions to captivate and amuse all ages and tastes. As a taster, there are panoramic rides on a 40m big wheel, chuckles on a crazy golf course, dastardly dodgem dogfights, persuasive retail opportunities and even the chance for budding young footballers to perfect their soccer talents in the Yokohama Chelsea Skills Zone.
9. The much-loved TV personality and renowned motoring mastermind Mike Brewer returns with his hugely-popular Car Clinics. In the breaks between the racing, show-goers can join Mike as he casts his expert eye over a great line-up of stand-out classic cars.
10. Successfully introduced in 2018, Drive Live offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to take a test drive in some of the latest models from the showrooms of participating manufacturers including Aston Martin. For those with a preference for two-wheels, a similar Ride Live initiative will be launched in July. What’s more, with lots of great cars coming under the Silverstone Auction hammer over the weekend, there’s even the chance to drive home in your dream classic at the end of the show!

Best of all: Early Bird tickets booked now save £s and £s. Full details of all Early Bird tickets – as well as weekend festival camping and upgrade options including VIP hospitality and the RetroRun experience (which this year incorporates a tour of the newly opened Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works) – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

CAPRI’S GOLD STANDARD AT THIS SUMMER’S SPARKLING CLASSIC

CAPRI’S GOLD STANDARD AT THIS SUMMER’S SPARKLING CLASSIC

Final Capri will lead the 50th-anniversary parade

Ford Capri owners are being offered a fabulous opportunity to be part of the much-loved fastback’s 50th birthday party at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

Launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1969, and marketed by Ford as ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’, close to two million Capris were produced before the model’s demise at the end of 1986.

A dazzling classic touring car race has already been announced to salute the stylish coupé’s golden jubilee, together with a special trophy presented by Gordon Spice, the world’s most successful Capri racer in the period.

Now comes confirmation of an exclusive anniversary track parade and display – plus a special Capri Celebration Package – to encourage all owners to join in the festivities.

This attractively priced offer provides owners with a pair of adult tickets (for Sunday or the full three-day weekend) plus a special vehicle pass giving access to a dedicated Capri Celebration display area.

Also included is a place in the commemorative Capri Celebration track parade taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit at lunchtime on Sunday. This will be fronted by the final Capri to roll off the production line in Cologne – a limited edition 280 ‘Brooklands’ model owned by Ford’s heritage workshop.

This package has been introduced to enable owners who may not be members of those car clubs already attending the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, to share in the extensive 50th birthday revelries.

“Five years ago we paid tribute to the Ford Mustang when it turned 50, now we are honouring its equally-iconic European sibling, the Capri,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

“For many of us the Capri was always the affordable coupé, so it’s no surprise that they are becoming more and more treasured by classic car enthusiasts. We want to foster and fuel that passion by encouraging as many Capri fans as possible to share in the 50thbirthday celebrations at the Classic.”  

Owners not wanting to miss the party can select the Capri Celebration Package from the ticket options available on the official silverstoneclassic.com website.

As well as honouring the Capri in style, this year’s Silverstone Classic is also marking Bentley’s centenary and 60 years of the evergreen Mini among its many other celebrations.

Furthermore, the packed 21-race track programme features evocative retro showdowns for prized Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters for the very first time plus the inaugural round of the exciting new Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series.

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 official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.   

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC - SPECIAL RACES TO MARK MAGICAL MINI MILESTONE

SPECIAL RACES TO MARK MAGICAL MINI MILESTONE • British icon’s Diamond Jubilee celebrated in record style • The world’s biggest-ever grid of racing Minis at the 2019 Classic  • Spectacular 60thanniversary double-header added to Saturday and Sunday bill • Money saving Early Bird tickets on sale The 60thanniversary of the extraordinary Mini Minor will be celebrated with two record-breaking races at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).   To mark this magical milestone in true Classic style, the packed on-track programme will – for the first time ever – feature a pair of very special showdowns dedicated entirely to huge numbers of much-loved Mini racers competing for The Mini Celebration Trophy presented by Adrian Flux.    The automotive icon’s enduring popularity with historic motor sport competitors is certain to create the world’s biggest-ever grid of racing Minis and, fittingly, another major crowd-pleasing highlight at this year’s running of the biggest retro-racing festival on the planet.   Ensuring everyone shares in the celebrations, the unmissable Mini double-header action will star on all three days at the Classic with qualifying on Friday and spectacular 20-minute showdowns on both Saturday and Sunday.   First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever but also became a classless British style icon in the Swinging Sixties – an image that is still fostered today by BMW’s on-going homages to the innovative original which was designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by the ingenious Sir Alec Issigonis.    As well as becoming one of the most influential cars in automotive history, the trail-blazer also earned its spurs in competition. Maximising its nimble front-wheel-drive layout, higher performance versions quickly added to the Mini’s spiralling kudos.    Three famous Monte Carlo Rally wins plus numerous giant-killing successes on the race track – many at Silverstone – boosted the little car’s incredible credentials and further fuelled the perennial favourite’s legendary status.    “Absolutely everybody who loves cars loves the Mini, so we are really thrilled to be celebrating this major milestone in its illustrious history with two fabulous races at the Classic, where the stars are always the cars!” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO – a long-term fan of the charismatic BMC baby having learnt to drive and passed his driving test in a little red Mini.      “With so many evocative examples in existence, we are expecting to create what will be the world’s biggest-ever field of racing Minis… and, in doing so, make yet more history for both the magical Mini and the Classic.”   This summer’s duo of Diamond Jubilee duels are being organised by Masters Historic Racing and will feature competition cars dating back to the pioneering Mini’s original pre-1966 era.   “We are delighted that Masters has been asked to organise these Mini-only celebration races at the Silverstone Classic in July,” said Ron Maydon, Founder and President of Masters Historic Racing. “Minis are very close to my own heart and, in their 60th anniversary year, it only seems right that we should be showcasing a spectacular grid of infamous FIA-spec pre-66 Minis at such a great British historic racing festival.”   Furthering the festivities at the annual Classic, a raft of evergreen Minis will also feature in special track parades and in dedicated in-field displays organised by members of prominent motor clubs representing all generations of the revered marque through the ages.     Visitors keen to join in the festivities at the festival must buy their tickets in advance and can take advantage of the Early Bird offer on tickets when purchasing before the end of March.    As in previous years, all tickets grant access to trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, both racing paddocks, plus the vast majority of the fun-fuelled family entertainment on offer at the ‘rocking and racing’ Classic.    Full details on general admission tickets, car club display packages, hospitality experiences and camping options – as well as all the latest Classic news – can be found on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

FAST LONDON START TO 2019 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

FAST LONDON START TO 2019 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Next summer’s Silverstone Classic is already off to a superfast start nine months ahead of the fun-fuelled festival’s eagerly-anticipated return over the weekend of 26-28 July in 2019.

A full range of Super Early Bird tickets went on sale today (Thursday) supported by the launch of a refreshed, new-look silverstoneclassic.com website.

Keeping the pedal to the metal and further whetting appetites, a special Silverstone Classic display will be wowing upward of 500,000 visitors to next weekend’s Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday 3 November).

With London’s flagship shopping destination closed to through traffic all the way from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, the wide pedestrianised thoroughfare is reserved for a unique automotive showcase, making it the perfect free-to-view shop window to promote all the wonderful entertainment the annual Classic has to offer both on and off the famous Grand Prix circuit.

The on-track action in 2019 will again feature an unrivalled feast of retro races starring the full-spectrum of magical motor sport history and, as ever, the packed racing programme is just one of the major attractions at the three-day festival of Rocking and Racing that promises flat out fun for all the family.

Further fuelling petrol-head passions will be more than 10,000 privately owned classic cars, displayed on the infield by over 120 car clubs as well as a host of interactive driving experiences.

For those with less high-octane blood running through their veins, there are eye-catching air displays, fun-fair rides, stunt shows, an adrenaline zone, a shopping village, live music concerts plus a host of other family entertainment… most of which is included absolutely free in the ticket price.

As well as savouring a handful of the great cars that will be competing at the 2019 Classic, all those attending the Regent Street Motor Show will be able to find out more about what to expect from this year’s event. Icons on display in central London include an imposing Bentley Blower from the 1930s, a racy Mini Cooper S from the Swinging Sixties, a stunning Ligier-Ford JS11 from F1’s fabled DFV era, a mighty V8 propelled De Tomaso Pantera and a sensational Aston Martin DBR9 as raced at Le Mans in 2009.

All those inspired by what they see on Regent Street can take advantage of a full range of Super Early Bird tickets that are now available for those purchasing before the end of the year.

Offering savings of up to 22 per cent on Standard tickets, Super Early Bird adult admission starts at just £35 with the price of the three-day weekend ticket frozen at £99. Full details of all ticket prices – including Parc Fermé and Clubhouse hospitality packages, the RetroRun and camping – can be found on the recharged silverstoneclassic.com website.

STRIKE GOLD AS SILVERSTONE CLASSIC TICKETS GO ON SALE Super Early Bird tickets offer significant savings The perfect Christmas present for any car lover     Prize draw for all those purchasing on 25 October Full spectrum of crowd-pleasing retro races return  Tickets for the 2019 Silverstone Classic go on sale on Thursday 25 October with significant Super Early Bird savings for those booking in 2018… plus the not-to-be-missed opportunity for fast starters to win a very special ‘Golden Ticket’. The well-timed ticket launch comes exactly two months before Christmas – a bonus for seeking festival gift inspiration – and nine months ahead of next summer’s Classic, the dates for which are 26-28 July*. A wide range of Super Early Bird tickets is available for those purchasing before the end of the year. All tickets for the Classic must be bought in advance and the generous Super Early Bird offer represents savings of up to 22 per cent on Standard tickets. As last year, Super Early Bird adult admission starts at just £35 with the price of the three-day weekend ticket also frozen at £99. Full details of all ticket prices – including Parc Fermé and Clubhouse hospitality packages, the RetroRun and camping – will be available atsilverstoneclassic.com. Members of car clubs wishing to take advantage of the event’s exclusive Car Club Display packages are encouraged to contact their Car Club Co-ordinator for details. As a further incentive, all those booking on the ticket launch date for 2019 (Thursday 25 October) will be entered into a special draw with the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’ with benefits ranging from a hot lap around the full Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit on the Classic’s Preview Day to a ride in a course car during the event. Event partners will be getting involved with some giveaways, too. These include a £100 voucher towards an Adrian Flux Insurance policy and tickets and a catalogue to all of Silverstone Auctions’ 2019 sales for two people. Not only that, but in addition to the ‘Golden Tickets’ that will be up for grabs to ticket buyers next Thursday, Yokohama is also offering a ‘Blue Ticket’ and a ‘Black Ticket’, too! There are two Blue Tickets awarding a pair of Chelsea FC tickets together with CFC shirts and the Black Ticket is for one free set of four Yokohama tyres to fit the winner's own car. There’s never been a better time to buy event tickets. Full details of the on- and off-track family entertainment will be announced in the coming months but as tradition dictates the flat-out family fun at the Classic will include an unrivalled roster of retro races, record-breaking car club anniversaries plus special live music celebrations on both Friday and Saturday evenings for those rocking and racing at the Classic. While the high octane blockbuster is renowned for serving up an incredible array of fun-fuelled activities and amusements for those all ages, as ever the stellar line-up of cars will be the stars. As befits the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the event sets the gold standard when it comes to showcasing the cream of global historic action with around 1,000 race entries dating back to the glorious heydays of Formula One, GT, Touring and Sports cars. By popular demand many of the regular crowd-pleasers will return in 2019, together with some exciting new additions to further enhance the packed race-card. Well-loved grids already confirmed include the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Pre ’63 GT Cars, the Transatlantic Trophy for Pre '66 Touring Cars, FIA Masters Historic Sportscars, FIA Masters Historic Formula One and the new Masters Endurance Legends, which proved to be an instant success when introduced last summer. The Super Early Bird offer is open until 31 December – a boon for those seeking a special Christmas present. Thereafter, as in previous years, a range of Early Bird tickets will be available for those purchasing between 1 January and 31 March. From 1 April admission will be available in advance via Standard tickets. Once again all tickets – which must be purchased in advance – will give access to both Classic racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, the live music concerts, air shows, fun fair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.