FORD SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST MUSTANG PARADE

FORD SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST MUSTANG PARADE

 Examples from every generation of Mustang since the iconic sports car’s launch in 1964 converged on Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground on September 7, to help set a new world record for the largest number of Mustangs in a parade.

Ford smashed its own record of 960 vehicles, set in Toluca, Mexico on December 3, 2017, with 1,326 Mustangs from all over Europe making the pilgrimage to the Ford testing facility in Belgium. To set the new record, the Mustangs were driven in an uninterrupted convoy with no more than 20 metres between each car. Vehicles and drivers also participated in a special choreography to celebrate Mustang’s 55th anniversary this year.

Watch a video of the day – which included a fly-over by a P51 Mustang, the fighter plane that gave its name to Ford’s iconic sports car CLICK HERE

More Mustangs are sold in Belgium per head than any other country in Europe, making Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground the ideal location for the world record attempt. Mustang was the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth year in a row in 2018. Sales continued to rise in the first half of 2019, which saw 5,500 sales in Europe, a 3.7 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.*

Lommel Proving Ground

Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground is where the company refines the sustainability, technology and driving dynamics of its vehicles in Europe. The facility covers an area of 3.22 km² and features 80 kilometres (50 miles) of track, some of which is designed to simulate public roads, while other tracks feature differing road surfaces enabling engineers to evaluate handling, braking, ride and comfort.

More than 100 staff from the facility volunteered as marshals and support to help Ford’s world record-breaking attempt run smoothly.

TITANS OF TECHNOLOGY JOIN RECORD-BREAKING BEAULIEU SUPERCAR WEEKEND

TITANS OF TECHNOLOGY JOIN RECORD-BREAKING BEAULIEU SUPERCAR WEEKEND

Bugatti Chiron in Prestige and Hypercar display

Performance cars from the cutting-edge of motoring technology made a record-breaking Beaulieu Supercar Weekend which attracted an intoxicating mix of nearly 1,000 plug-in, hybrid and petrol supercars.

An all-time high of 963 supercars and 16,800 show-goers – 1,900 more than last year – enjoyed the A-Plan Insurance-sponsored event in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Brand new feature EV Evolution brought together lightning-fast electric cars, from the BMW i8 and latest Tesla models to the Audi e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and hybrid Lexus UX 250h. The special feature marked the start of the modern electric car movement with the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf, while diminutive Sinclair C5 three-wheelers were the veterans of the line-up and also firm favourites.

Demonstration runs on both days of the event kept the action moving, as incredible machines were put through their paces. Scores of supercar fans lined the demonstration straight and watched the giant screen as the raw power of the Koenigsegg Agera R hypercar was unleashed. Also, put to the test were more nimble, lightweight cars such as the Caterham Seven and Lotus Exige S, powerful stallions such as the Maserati MC Stradale and latest Aston Martin DBS, as well as a classic Ferrari Dino GT and range of Ferraris.

Show-goers were able to win a seat in the runs, with the Sporting Bears Motor Club raising nearly £3,000 for Hampshire child bereavement charity Simon Says by raffling rides in its members’ supercars.

Some of the greatest highlights of supercar history joined the Prestige and Hypercardisplay on the lawns of Palace House. Examples of the landmark Jaguar XJ220 and iconic Ferrari F40s were parked alongside a Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Miura S, Toyota 2000GT, Noble M600, McLaren Senna, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, McLaren P1 and more dream machines.

A big hit with Beaulieu visitors were the Supercar sound-offs, as cars with awesome engines, including a Shelby Daytona Cobra replica, Ultima GTR, Audi R8, Ford Mustang and Nissan GT-R, competed for the loudest cheer from the crowd for the best-sounding exhaust note.

The SUV Secret Garden was filled with high-performance luxury off-roaders. Stylish Lamborghini Urus, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Range Rover SVR took their places alongside the rugged Toyota Hilux Invincible 50, BMW X7, Lexus RXL, Toyota C-HR Hybrid, Volvo XC90 D5 and Mercedes GLC 250.

Other show highlights included a live demonstration by PopBangColour artist Ian Cook, who used remote control cars to drive paint across his canvas for a supercar portrait.

In the events fields, McLaren Owners UK turned heads with an impressive display of over 60 cars, while other club displays celebrated the Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Marcos, TVR, Morgan, Maserati and Ferrari. Retro Rallycross showcased historic rallycross racers, while the lightweight but powerful Ariel Atom 4 and Ariel Ace contrasted with Jaguar’s extreme new XE SV Project 8.

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend is part of a calendar of Beaulieu motoring events which continues with VW T Chill on August 9th - 11th, Simply Mercedes on August 18th and International Autojumble on September 7th - 8th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Beaulieu Supercar sponsors A-Plan Insurance is one of the UK’s largest independent high-street insurance brokers and was established in 1963. The company provides a complete range of competitive insurance products to consumers and small businesses through its network of 90+ branches across the UK. A-Plan prides itself on the highly personal and tailored service it offers to its clients and on its expertise across a wide range of specialist vehicles from hot rods and American imports to the most prestigious supercars. Not only are they experts in this type of specialist insurance but also huge enthusiasts. For more details see www.aplan.co.uk.

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC WOWS HUGE CROWDS

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC WOWS HUGE CROWDS

50th anniversary of Woodstock at the 2019 Silverstone Classic

The curtain has come down on another record-breaking Silverstone Classic that wowed the crowds from Friday morning through to Sunday evening.

This 2019 edition of the hugely popular blockbuster event attracted record grids, record car club attendees, record spectator numbers giving a total attendance of 109,000 over the weekend – a significant increase on previous years.

A total of 21 spine-tingling retro races, countless off-track entertainment, packed car club displays and iconic anniversary parades elevated the world’s biggest classic car motor racing event to even greater heights.

Following the opening 12 races on Super Saturday – as well as a second night of ‘rocking’ at the Classic’s renowned live music festival, which this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of Woodstock – there was yet another packed day of entertainment waiting on Sunday.

The final day’s on-track headlines arguably belonged to Steve Hartley in the ex-John Watson McLaren MP4/1 – the car in which ‘Wattie’ famously raced from 17th on the grid to the top step of the podium in the inaugural Detroit Grand Prix back in 1982.

It was a beautiful scene of yesteryear as Hartley’s red and white McLaren went toe-to-toe with the Williams FW07C of Mike Cantillon, the former eventually won the closely fought Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One contest by just 0.382s.

Another famous Formula 1 rivalry was renewed in the Gallet Trophy for Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars as old adversaries Lotus and Brabham turned back the clock. Sam Wilson in the Lotus 18 beat Jon Fairley’s Brabham BT11/19 to take overall honours.

Further exciting duels followed in the International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre ’66) as a couple of Cobras eventually got the better of two Jaguar E-types. It was Julian Thomas and Calum Lockie who won the showdown in their Shelby Daytona Cobra from the AC Cobra Daytona Coupe of David and Oliver Hart.

Tin top cars and stars were also out in force during the Historic Touring Car Challenge, which Ford machinery – the most successful marque in BTCC history – fittingly dominated.

Michael Lyons cruised to victory in his Spa 24-Hours winning Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, whilst Craig Davies stole second on the final corner in an identical machine. That meant Steve Dance had to settle for the final step on the rostrum overall, but he was further rewarded with the Gordon Spice Trophy as the highest placed Ford Capri finisher. The Capri celebrations continued with a special 50th-anniversary parade during the lunch break.

Current BTCC stars Colin Turkington and Adam Morgan also contested the race, but both faced heartache as mechanical woes forced their retirement.

The jam-packed HSCC Historic Formula 2 field again produced a hugely exciting race as Martin O’Connell bounced back from a last-lap spin in yesterday’s lead tussle to win the morning’s wet/dry challenge in style. 

Jonathan Kennard proved to be one of the drivers of the weekend as he took his and Mike Cantillon’s Pescarolo LMP1 to two victories in the Yokohama Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Sports Cars. Kennard and Cantillon went wheel-to-wheel with Le Mans podium finisher Emmanuel Collard to win Saturday evening’s race, but the duo completely dominated Sunday’s affair.

22-year-old Dane Christian Olsen made it a double in the HSCC Classic Formula 3, whilst Georg Hallau won today’s HSCC Thundersports Endurance encounter.

The Mini Celebration Trophy Presented by Adrian Flux provided a fitting end to a weekend which had begun with Paddy Hopkirk leading the 60thanniversary parade of Minis, driving his 1964 Monte Carlo Rally winning Cooper S.

It was current BTCC star Adam Morgan who had the final say by claiming victory in his Morris Mini Cooper S.

While the amazing variety of racing remains the heartbeat of the event, as ever a host of on- and off-track entertainment further fuelled the massive three-day festival…

As on Saturday, three-time World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart demonstrated his incredible title-winning Matra MS80-02, 50 years after winning his first British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1969 en route to the first of his three world championship titles.

Fronted by two-wheeled champions Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer, the World GP Bike Legends also rolled back the years with high-speed track demonstrations.

Record numbers of car clubs also attended this year’s event, providing visitors with more than 10,000 privately-owned classic cars to admire. 

The two-day Silverstone Auctions sale saw huge numbers of competition and classic road cars coming under the hammer, while Car Clinics – hosted by TV’s Mike Brewer – supplied a unique insight into classic car ownership.

There was further family entertainment from the tyre-burning Streetcar Shootout, which shared the Shift & Drift Zone with Slowly Sideways Rally Demonstrations and Terry Grant Stunt Shows.

Younger visitors were also able to enjoy all the fun of the fair with a host of rides and activities, which populated the festival’s popular Village Green.

“The Classic lived up to it's Rocking and Racing’ billing – the cars were the stars and all the families had brilliant fun,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

“The race programme was the most varied yet and the Mini races, in particular, will live long in the memory. In truth, the entire race programme has been extraordinary both in terms of great cars and exceptional driving skills. 

“As ever, the racing is just part of the huge extravaganza that is today’s Silverstone Classic. This year’s event attracted an unprecedented crowd and we would like to thank everybody for coming, as well as all of the drivers, marshals, exhibitors, entertainers, performers and everyone else who made the event such a huge success.”

For those that were unable to attend – or for those in attendance who would like to relive the whole experience – you can catch all the action on ITV4 and YouTube. 

ITV4 will broadcast highlights immediately after live coverage of the BTCC from Thruxton on 18 August, and will be presented by Louise Goodman and Tiff Needell, whilst all 21-races will be available on YouTube during the coming days.

The date of the 2020 Silverstone Classic will be announced shortly.

CURTAIN RAISES ON ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

CURTAIN RAISES ON ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

The curtain has raised on the 2019 edition of the Silverstone Classic as large numbers of the 1000+ entries took to the iconic ‘Home of British Motor Racing’ for a unique dress rehearsal ahead of this weekend’s big show-stopping spectacular.

With an incredible ten decades of retro machinery on show, both on- and off-track, the Silverstone Classic is regarded as the zenith of historic motor racing meetings in the world, regardless of genre. 

From FIA Masters Historic Formula One machinery and Masters Endurance Legends from recent decades right back to the early pioneers from the dawn of Le Mans back in the 1920s, the Silverstone Classic features oversubscribed grids harking back to yesteryear across three days of thrilling track action.

Qualifying gets underway for all classes tomorrow [Friday] ahead of a packed programme of 21 races to be run across Saturday and Sunday. 

In preparation of the weekend’s racing action, many of this year’s competitors had the final chance to put finishing touches to their machines today [Thursday] during final test sessions around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. 

With special anniversary celebrations ahead, huge numbers of Minis and Bentleys were already out in force. To mark the pint-sized icon’s 60th birthday, no fewer than 60 sporty Cooper S models from pre-’66 will contest a pair of incredible races for the Mini Celebration Trophy presented by Adrian Flux over the weekend. 

Founded in 1919, Bentley has just reached three figures – a remarkable milestone that will be honoured by Saturday evening’s Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sportscars. Recreating the famous marque’s formative early years, more than 20 Bentleys from the 1920s and 1930s will be racing against an evocative field jam-packed with Aston Martins, Fraser Nashes, Invictas, Lagondas, and Talbots from the first half of the last century. 

Another head-turner proudly sporting the Flying B badge is the Bentley Speed 8. The dark green prototype gave the company its first Le Mans victory for 73 years when winning in 2003. Incredibly the Speed 8 never before raced on home soil – an omission that will be corrected at this weekend’s Classic. 

While the cars are always the stars, a number of top drivers were also revving up for the weekend in the summer sunshine at Silverstone. 

Three-time British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington is racing a BMW M3 as campaigned by tin-top legend Steve Soper back in 1991 and is a huge fan of the Classic.

“The Classic is one of my favourite weekends of the year – it’s such a super festival to enjoy as a spectator. As a driver, it delivers on all fronts with the massive crowds,” said the reigning BTCC champ. “Having just driven the M3, it’s mint! You are driving around feeling like a hero; it’s so nicely balanced and flies out of the corners – I can’t stop grinning!”

While most eyes were focused on the track, final preparations have also been completed on the huge in-field areas in readiness for the arrival of more than 10,000 stunning classic cars and 100,000 visitors over the three-day festival. 

Display areas have been assigned for the record number of car clubs attending, the huge assortment of family entertainment attractions and entertainment primed for action, large numbers of significant lots and the central music stage set-up for live performances on both Friday and Saturday evenings. This year top tribute bands will pay homage to the legendary Woodstock Festival which took place almost exactly 50 years ago in the summer of 1969. 

“We are all ready for what promises to be the biggest and best Silverstone Classic to date,” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “The racing is the heartbeat of such an incredible family festival jam-packed with entertainment for all ages so it’s no surprise that we have sold a record number of full weekend tickets – one day really is never enough!”

All tickets include admission to the concerts as well as both racing paddocks, open trackside grandstands and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer for all ages. Tickets, though, must be purchased in advance and only remain on sale until midnight tonight. Gates open on Friday at 7.30am

Full details – plus all the latest event news, and results information – can be found on the official silverstoneclassic.com website and via the event’s social media platforms.

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

An all-time record of 474 Jaguars made Beaulieu’s Simply Jaguar the biggest and best yet, with luxury and sports cars from the British motoring legend roaring into the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

With an extra 59 cars to last year’s event, the fourth Simply Jaguar on Sunday (July 14th) was packed with a variety of eye-catching cars. The number of event-goers was also up from 860 last year to 940 this year.

The iconic Jaguar MkII, which was made famous by ITV’s popular Inspector Morsedetective series, was well-represented for its 60th anniversary year. It was joined by examples of its MkI predecessor and the class-leading XJ6 that replaced it.

Two pristine Jaguar SS saloons, dating from 1936 and 1937, were the oldest cars on show, while an equally impressive sight were examples of Jaguar’s stunning XK120, XK140 and XK150 post-war sports cars and impressive D-type replicas. Other crowd favourites included the much-loved E-type and XJ-S, plus the modern-day XK and F-type, while the Jaguar Driver’s Club and Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club were both well-represented by members.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Jaguar of the show in the People’s Choice Award with Paul Baker, from Oxford, winning with his 1966 E-type roadster. An eye-catching machine in gunmetal with a blue hood, the E-type has received plenty of attention during Paul’s two years of ownership. He said: “I’ve done loads to it, including a full respray, new roof and an engine rebuild. It’s a style icon and I always aspired to have one.” Paul was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Financial Director Phil Johnson.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Paul Whitfield, from Hook in Hampshire, and Alastair McIntyre, from Pinner in London. Paul’s 1956 Jaguar XK140 gave an impressive shine on the hot summer day. Paul said: “I just keep polishing it. I’m captivated by the colour combination of red with a beige interior and I love the 1950s style.”

Alastair has owned his 2016 Jaguar F-Type SVR, in Corris Grey paintwork, for two years. He said: “I’ve fitted new wheels and suspension to the car. I love it simply because it’s a Jaguar!” Both Paul and Alastair were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Jaguar was Beaulieu’s seventh Simply rally this year. It will be followed by Simply Japanese on July 28th, the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

PAGANI TO CELEBRATE ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN RECORD STYLE AT THE 2019 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

PAGANI TO CELEBRATE ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN RECORD STYLE AT THE 2019 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Pagani Zonda at FoS - Harry Elliott Photography

Later this week Pagani UK will celebrate the 20th anniversary since Horacio Pagani founded Pagani Automobili S.p.A. in grand style at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed (4-7 July).

Pagani’s exclusive official British agent, Pagani UK Ltd, will be gathering a record number of Pagani Zonda and Huayra models together at Goodwood – the largest collection ever seen in Great Britain, with cars and owners coming from as far afield as New Zealand, the USA and Hong Kong specifically for the occasion  – with Company founder Horacio Pagani also on hand, plus almost 30 examples of his exceptional hypercars, with a combined value of around £100million+.

An attention-grabbing convoy of Paganis will head down to Goodwood from London on the morning of Thursday 4 July, with a record 20 Zonda hypercars then heading up the Festival of Speed Hillclimb around 3pm that day; one car to mark each year since the first Pagani Zonda was introduced to huge acclaim in 1999.

Five of the most significant Zonda models will then be on static display for all to admire, located outside of the Goodwood Club’s exclusive GRRC Kinrara enclosure. These five Zondas will include the very first Zonda built, the famous Chassis #1 C25 of 1999, plus a 2005 Zonda F, 2009 Zonda Cinque, 2010 Zonda Tricolore and 2018 Zonda Roadster, one of just three sell-out models made, and the world’s most expensive new car at launch at £15million, and now appreciating! 

In addition, a Zonda R that has recently been subject to the extensive 'Pagani Rinascimento' programme to restore and upgrade older Pagani models, will be in action twice a day, tackling the Goodwood Hillclimb as part of the Supercar Run, with the car usually to be seen in the re-located Supercar Paddock. A sell-out Pagani Huayra Roadster will also be on display at the Kinrara enclosure. Pagani will also have a retail facility (Stand No. 127) with special 20th-anniversary merchandise as part of the Festival’s extensive exhibition zone, located near the Goodwood Cricket Pitch area.

On Friday evening, Pagani UK will be staging a very exclusive 20th-anniversary‘ birthday party’ not far away from Goodwood on the West Sussex coast, with fireworks and few surprises in store for the lucky guests as a fitting celebration of the Modena marque’s first 20 years.

Commenting on its notable 20th anniversary presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Christine Clarkin, Pagani UK’s Dealer Principal said, “We were really delighted to be so involved with the Goodwood Festival of Speed once again in such a high-profile way, and I can’t wait to see 20 Paganis parading up the Goodwood Hill on Thursday afternoon as one of the many amazing attractions at this world-leading, must-attend event. She added “I also can’t wait for what promises to be a very special and memorable 20th-anniversary birthday party for our clients and friends on Friday evening. It will be great, and the icing on the cake of the truly excellent weekend at Goodwood”

BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE CARS INCLUDE 2013 LEWIS HAMILTON’S MERCEDES F1 CAR AND ENDURANCE RECORD NAPIER RAILTON

BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE CARS INCLUDE 2013 LEWIS HAMILTON’S MERCEDES F1 CAR AND ENDURANCE RECORD NAPIER RAILTON

Sunday 23rd June: Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 F1 car and the endurance record 1933, 24 litre Napier Railton are set to be stars of the show at the inaugural Bicester Heritage Super Scramble on Sunday 23rd June.

The event, which will be held at the Oxfordshire-based automotive hub, is expected to attract around 6,000 visitors, with the first run of tickets already sold out.

It promises to be a must-attend for enthusiasts with more than 80 truly special motor cars making demonstration runs on the Bicester Heritage Test Track throughout the day. A further selection of around 40 historic cars will be on display including Hamilton’s 2013 Mercedes-AMG F1 V8 from the Mercedes-AMG F1 Collection and the Brooklands Napier Railton. An eclectic mix of rare cars from private collections will be shown, from famous hill-climb and rally cars to hot-rod sand racers, European coach-built classics and manufacturer prototypes. Visitors can also expect to see and hear some dramatic fire-ups throughout the event.

The entire Technical Site will form the paddock area for the demonstration track and guests can wander freely through the display vehicles to get a close-up experience of the preparation and warm-up of vehicles before they take to the circuit.

Set within the grounds of the UK’s best-preserved WW2 bomber station and attached to an active airfield, the Super Scramble will combine live action displays of historic machinery with the relaxed, access-all-areas ethos of the campus.

The first Bicester Autojumble will be held inside the Exhibition Hangar 113, alongside the inaugural Art of Transport exhibition. This live and interactive installation of automotive artists’ studios inside the hangar will allow attendees to explore the rich and varied artistic endeavours that surround transport in the UK, with workshops and seminars taking place throughout the day.

Daniel Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented: “The Super Scramble will celebrate the heritage of our rich automotive culture, offering sights and sounds to enthusiasts young and old. Bicester Heritage’s philosophy of inclusivity and family appeal has shaped this Super Scramble and we look forward to what promises to be a memorable feast for the eyes and ears alike.”

To buy tickets online, follow this link HERE

Tickets are available to purchase in advance only and will not be available on the gates on the day. They are strictly limited to 6,000 and expected to sell out before the event.

 Photo credit: Tom Horna - AutoHouse London

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. 

SPEED FREAK ZEF EISENBERG RETURNS TO PENDINE TO BREAK IDRIS ELBA'S RECORD IN A CRAZY 1200HP PORSCHE 911 TURBO

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SPEED FREAK ZEF EISENBERG RETURNS TO PENDINE TO BREAK IDRIS ELBA'S RECORD IN A CRAZY 1200HP PORSCHE 911 TURBO

Speed Freak Zef Eisenberg returns to Pendine to break Idris Elba's record. Credit - MADMAX® Race Team

Record-breaking racer Zef Eisenberg and the MADMAX Race Team returns to Pendine Sands, South Wales this weekend (18-19 May 2019) with hopes pinned on smashing the highest speed ever achieved by a wheel-powered vehicle.

Eisenberg, better known for racing motorbikes, makes a switch to four wheels in hope of hitting the 200mph barrier and beyond in a crazy 1200hp specially built road-legal Porsche 911 Turbo Sand Racer!

The record will not only supersede the Wire' star Idris Elba's 'flying mile' speed record (180.361mph) set at Pendine in 2015 but also emulates his hero – Sir Malcolm Campbell, who first set the record at Pendine Sands in 1927 (174.8mph) in the iconic Blue Bird - a record that stood for nearly 90 years.

Just last month Eisenberg established a Flying Mile record racing a 400bhp supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle that was built and prepared by his MADMAX Racing Team. His record comes less than 2 years since surviving Britain’s fastest-ever (230mph) motorcycle crash. Since then, Zef has set numerous records including an ACU sanctioned flying quarter-mile, flying kilometre and flying mile. 

Over the past 12 months, the MADMAX Racing Team acquired a 2015 550hp Porsche 911 Turbo and has been carrying out extensive research and development in preparation for the record attempt.

Eisenberg said, “sand creates a lot of resistance and tyre slip, so we had to work out that we’d need at least 1000hp at the rear wheels, which equates to a crazy 1200hp at the engine, compared to just 550hp from a factory car.”

The team has built a bespoke 4.1-litre engine with new internals, plus a new E85 fuel system and cooling set-up. A lot of work was done to ensure that the monstrous power would come in as progressively as possible in order to limit wheelspin on the loose surface. To cope with such an extreme output, the transmission had to be upgraded, and the suspension modified to allow for different wheels and tyres. Apart from a full FIA roll cage, competition seats and safety harness, the Porsche’s interior is completely standard.

“Weight is actually your friend on the sand,” said Eisenberg. “It’s about stability – putting enough weight on the tyres to increase traction. The car is also road legal, so I can drive it from the hotel on to the beach and hopefully to the pub after to hopefully celebrate.” 

The team have worked tirelessly on the engine to ensure that it can withstand 3 miles of full power with 1000hp at the wheel – it's no mean feat! Plus, many safety aspects have also been addressed. The recent testing at Elvington proved a great success - with just half the power the car was achieving 220mph in the mile on tarmac.

Here’s hoping Zef and MADMAX Race Team will once again race into the history books!

RECORD PARTICIPANTS FOR BEAULIEU’S SECOND SIMPLY AUDI

RECORD PARTICIPANTS FOR BEAULIEU’S SECOND SIMPLY AUDI

People's Choice Award-winning Audi TT RS of Kerrin Martinez

A record 982 rally participants made Beaulieu’s second Simply Audi the busiest yet – with a 25% increase over last year’s total of 784 – for the vibrant Easter Sunday rally.

A highlight of the bank holiday weekend for motoring fans, as many as 472 Audis parked up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum with cars ranging from the latest showroom models back to 1980s classics. Impressive R8 supercars and sporty TTs were joined by examples of the performance-tuned S2, S3, RS3 and RS4, with something to please every fan of the ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy.

Past glories of the Audi marque were also on show with several examples of the 1980s Audi Coupes, while club displays included the Audi ‘80’ Cab/Coupe enthusiasts with a line-up of the much-loved modern classics from the 1980s and ’90s.

Taking the coveted event’s People’s Choice Award was Kerrin Martinez, from Taunton, with his Audi TT RS. Kerrin said: “I’ve owned it for 13 months and have done almost everything on it, except the tuning remap, while my brother did the vinyl wrap. I love it because it’s so fast and really enjoyable to drive.” Kerrin was presented with a commemorative Beaulieu trophy, Autoglym car care pack and Easter egg by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.

Also presented with Autoglym prizes and Easter treats were runners-up Chris Smith, from Ringwood, with his Audi RS6, and Darren O’Neil, from Portsmouth, with his Audi Quattro rally car. Chris has owned his sleek Audi RS6 for just three weeks but has already modified it with different wheels, tinted glass, air suspension, exhaust and intake manifolds. He said: “I love its presence and the fact that it’s a family car with 650bhp.” By contrast, Darren has owned his 1982 Audi Quattro rally car for 17 years and during that time has transformed it from a road car to a stunning works replica.

Simply Audi was the second of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply Ford on May 5th, followed by Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese July 28th, with the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

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