Lifetime Achievement Award presentation at Silverstone with [L-R] Nick Wigley, Murray Walker and Tiff Needell MURRAY WALKER HONOURED AT SILVERSTONE • Broadcasting legend receives Lifetime Achievement Award • Marking 70 years since Walker attended the first Silverstone Grand Prix    • Paying tribute to the much-loved ‘Voice of Motorsport’   • Tickets for Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance   The high octane, passion-fuelled career of Murray Walker OBE has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.   In a ceremony hosted by fellow broadcaster Tiff Needell – and staged fittingly in the hallowed pit-lane at Silverstone – the richly deserved accolade was presented by Nick Wigley, Event Director of the Silverstone Classic.   The award was made in recognition of the huge contribution Walker has made to motorsport and, in particular, to the country’s premier circuit which now not only hosts the annual British Grand Prix but also the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.   “When we heard that Murray was coming back to his beloved Silverstone to be with us on our Silverstone Classic Preview Day, we thought it would be a great chance to honour his remarkable career,” said Wigley. “His infectious enthusiasm for the sport has always been incredible and for millions of us he will forever be the ‘Voice of Motor Sport’ – this award is really a little ‘thank you’ from all of us for all the wonderful entertainment he’s provided over the past 70 years.”   Now at the age of 94, the evergreen Walker was back at the Home of British Motor Racing with a Channel 4 television crew filming a feature to mark the 70th anniversary of the Northamptonshire venue’s very first race – the RAC International Grand Prix of 1948. It was a historic race meeting that a youthful Walker actually attended. And, indeed, he returned the following year this time to commentate on Silverstone’s very first officially-sanctioned British Grand Prix.   “Silverstone has always meant a heck of a lot to me,” enthused Walker. “I was here in 1948 and have covered just about everything on wheels since then. I’ve seen the circuit grow from a World War 2 bomber base into the fantastic complex that it is today and it’s great to see quite literally hundreds of the amazing cars I’ve seen racing here still competing at the Silverstone Classic. It’s a unique event and there’s nothing else quite like it in the world.”   This summer’s Classic will not only commemorate the circuit’s very first Grand Prix with a special track parade of cars that raced in 1948 but will also feature many of the other glorious racing machines that Walker has witnessed in action over the past 70 years… and not just on four wheels.   He covered the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the BBC during the nineties and, as the son of a TT racer, has always had an equally keen interest in bike racing. Both categories will be out in force come July with this year’s Classic celebrating 60 years of the ever-popular BTCC and the promise of some bike action, too.   The former milestone will be acclaimed with no fewer than four different touring car grids competing on Tin Top Sunday along with a star-studded Diamond Jubilee track parade, while an equally impressive line-up of bike legends topped by at least three world champions will be announced in the coming weeks.   All tickets for this year’s Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance. As has proved so popular in the past, all admission provides 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. Murray Walker joins fellow Channel 4 presenters Mark Webber, Karun Chandhok and Susie Wolff while filming at the Silverstone Classic Preview Day    Nick Wigley, Murray Walker and Tiff Needell; Murray Walker in discussion with former F1 star Mark Webber

Shelsley Walsh Season Opener this Weekend Speed into Spring | 5th & 6th May

Shelsley Walsh Season Opener this Weekend Speed into Spring | 5th & 6th May The 2018 season kicks of this weekend at Shelsley Walsh with the Midland Hill Climb Championship drawing some fast cars, new faces and never been seen before cars to the 113 year old hill. The weather is looking fantastic so why not make a weekend of it. Discounted tickets availablehere or pay on the gate on the day. Entry is free to all MAC members. Gates open at 8am with track action starting at 9am. The single seater entry is nearly brim full as people test out their modifications from the winter months to see if they can advance, improve and lower their personal best times, while the production based cars will also be seeing if they can knock on the door of some quick times too. The Lotus classes are also busy with both historic and newer cars from the marque going head to head in the opening round of the Paul Matty Sports Car Championship. SPECIAL OFFER   MHD watches are the proud time keepers for this years’ Shelsley Walsh meetings, and to kick off the race season with Speed to Spring starting this weekend, MHD Watches are offering a 10% discount on the entire MHD Driver’s watch collection until 17th May.  Simply enter the code SHELSLEY18 at the checkout on www.mhdwatches.com to get your MHD Watch in time for this season’s start and don't forget to look out for the MHD timing clock at the start line, timing the action up the hill!   Buy your advance tickets here

Get on track from only £25 at Pure Ford!

FLASH SALE! *** SPECIAL RATE OF £25 FOR SESSIONS BETWEEN 9am & 10am!***   ***SPECIAL BUNDLE - 3 SESSIONS FOR £75 - WE WILL ALLOCATE YOUR TIMES!*** Sessions are £40 on the day - Save £15 by booking in advance Ends Tuesday 8th May at Midday BOOK TRACK TIME

REMARKABLE RACERS TO TAKE TO THE TRACK AT THE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH FLYWHEEL

REMARKABLE RACERS TO TAKE TO THE TRACK AT 

THE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FLYWHEEL

 

Dozens of historic competition cars and motorcycles - some over a century old - will head to Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire on 23-24 June to play a starring role in The Classic & Sports Car Show in association with Flywheel, a celebration of classic racing and road cars and bikes, vintage aircraft and military machines.

Amongst those taking to the demonstration course will be a 1926 Bentley 3 Litre Sports works car that competed in the 1926 Le Mans 24 Hours, driven by George Duller and Frank Clement who unfortunately were forced to retire with a ‘valve stretch’, according to Autocar reports. As well as Le Mans, it competed in six-hour races at Brooklands in 1926 and 1927 and the George Boillot Cup in France in 1927. Its first private owner was Lieutenant Commander Glen Kidston, one of the ‘Bentley Boys’. The car will appear at the show in totally original condition, including the running gear and body

.Alongside this historic Le Mans model there will be Grand Prix racers too, including a 1922 Sunbeam Grand Prix prepared for the French GP at Strasbourg and a 1936 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model. The latter was raced at Brooklands in the 1930s, then driven by Richard Stallebrass post-War, who was tragically killed competing in it at the 1948 Belgian GP when it overturned into a potato field. Since the car was briefly owned by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd fame in the 1990s.

MGB fans will be delighted to see one of the very earliest MGBs in action - one of the first 20 ever made, in fact. It was part of the first shipment of MGBs to the USA in 1962, and in 1964 was part of a team of three works-backed MGBs entered for the Sebring 12 Hour race. It finished 18th overall and was the first MG home, driven by Jack Dalton and Ed Leslie.

Intriguingly tying together the motorsport and wartime themes of the show, the Alvis/Marendaz Routledge Special was built in the early 1950s on an Alvis Firefly chassis that is believed to have been used to deliver secret documents during WW2. Norman Routledge was an aero engineer, who had the chassis shortened and lightened. Every solid bit of metal was drilled to lose weight, and the car is affectionately known as ‘Tea Bag’ because of all the holes. The body was made to Norman’s design from a derelict Marendaz Special 13/70. It was a highly appropriate combination - the Marendaz Special as a general model has an association with Alvis, as Captain Marendaz, a decorated WW1 Royal Flying Corps pilot used to work for Alvis before setting up to build his own

Fittingly in an event that also features spectacular vintage air displays, there will be two aero-engined ‘specials’ on the track. The Fafnir Hall-Scott Special is styled on the Fafnir team cars of the early 1920s but has a floor-shaking, 10,000cc WW1 aero engine in place of the 2-litre supercharged unit that featured in the original cars. The Menasco Pirate - the creation of Dr Robin Tuluie, a US motorcycle racing champion, Vehicle Technology Director at Bentley and formerly Chief Scientist and Head of R&D at Mercedes F1 Team - is powered by a 1929 Menasco Pirate aeroplane racing engine in a Riley 9 Monaco chassis with Rolls-Royce gearbox.

Simon Taylor’s 1950 HWM Stovebolt Special has a remarkable history. One of the three-car works team run in 1950 by Hersham & Walton Motors, it was raced that season by a 20-year-old Stirling Moss in his first-ever works drive. In 1954 the car went to Hollywood to appear in the movie The Racers, in which it was driven by Kirk Douglas. It was then bought by Tom Carstens who radically rebuilt it, fitting it with a Chevrolet V8 engine. Press reports at the time named the car the Stovebolt Special – and it’s still known as that today.

The stunning 1957 Lotus Eleven due to take to the Bicester Heritage demonstration track was raced in 1961 against Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart and was one of a small number of Lotus Elevens that were converted in the early sixties to GT specification as well as being fitted with a 1220cc engine. In 1964 it became Tony Dean's first racing car; Tony had been successful in karts and it had been suggested to him to try racing a car. He came second at his first-ever event – a Northern BRSCC meeting at Rufforth. The car additionally raced that year at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Mallory Park and Oulton Park.

In a treat for Invicta fans, there will be a 1931 Invicta S Type low chassis that used to belong to the late Rivers Fletcher; legendary racing driver, filmmaker, journalist and author. This motor car was driven by Rivers regularly at Brooklands and also featured in all of his books on motor racing.

Finally, there is a record-setter - the 1935 Eccles Rapier Special, a supercharged, Lagonda-based single-seater. Originally built for Roy Eccles specifically to race at Brooklands, this car can arguably lay claim to being the ultimate Rapier, being the only car to win on the Outer, Mountain and Campbell circuits at Brooklands. Roy Eccles and his wife Marjorie both raced the car, which was a regular entrant at BARC, BRDC and JCC Brooklands events between 1935-1938. The Eccles Rapier Special also tested its mettle at Shelsley Walsh and other hillclimbs and has been regularly run for the last forty or so years.

Yet more historic competition cars are still to be announced for The Classic & Sports Car Show in association with Flywheel.

Advance ticket prices start from £23 per adult, £10 per child (5-15) and £55 per family. Entry for children under the age of five years is free, as is parking. VIP package upgrades are also available, which include parking and hospitality. For further information and to purchase Show tickets, visit www.classicandsportscarshow.com.

FERRARI FEVER SET FOR LONDON CONCOURS

FERRARI FEVER SET FOR LONDON CONCOURS

No celebration of speed would be complete without the presence of Ferrari and as such the London Concours 2018, hosted at the Honourable Artillery Company from 7-8 June, will play host to a world-class selection of mighty machines from Maranello.

From the latest and greatest hybrid-hypercar, the LaFerrari, to a racing hero of yesteryear, the 250 GT SWB, the bloodline of Ferrari will be on full display at the stunning five-acre oasis of green in the City of London’s Honourable Artillery Company.

More than 10 superlative supercars from Ferrari will mingle among the 80-plus cars from countless marques united by a shared pursuit of speed. From this fine selection, here are some highlights:

Ferrari 250 GT SWB  

A true example of 1960s elegance, the 250 GT SWB is a stunning mix of gorgeous form and racing function. Powered by a thunderous Colombo V12 engine, the SWB is as captivating to drive as it is to look at, often captained by the likes of Stirling Moss at race events worldwide.

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

The archetypal grand tourer, the Daytona was a favourite of the jet set in the 1970s. With its luxuriously appointed cabin, handsome looks and 174mph top speed, the Daytona was the car that defined touring in style.

Ferrari F40

An era-defining supercar, the F40 was a bi-turbo behemoth which demanded respect. Heralded in automotive folklore for its aggressive looks, carbon fibre-kevlar-aluminium body construction and astonishing engine note, the F40 is for many the ultimate iteration of the Ferrari F-car.

Ferrari F50

With a 4.7-litre Formula One-derived V12 engine, 202mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of fewer than four seconds, the F50 burst onto the scene in 1995 and instantly became a poster car for a generation of car enthusiasts. One of the last analogue supercars, the F50 remains a collector favourite.

Ferrari LaFerrari

With a limited production of just 499 cars, Ferrari’s technological tour de force was first introduced in 2013. Powered by a 950bhp hybrid V12, the LaFerrari has a top speed of over 217mph and can travel from 0-62mph in less than three seconds.

Away from the main car displays, the London Concours is focused around the worlds of entertainment and luxury products, with pop-up boutiques from top-end watchmakers and arthouses, including Collier Dobson.

There are a number of hospitality options also available, with preview breakfasts, three-course lunches and evening cocktails hosted across the duration of the event. For hospitality enquiries please contact Caroline Monks (caroline@thoroughevents.co.uk)

Tickets to the London Concours are available from londonconcours.co.uk, with a full day adult admission ticket costing £35, and concessions from £18.

SUPERCAR LEGENDS AT LONDON CONCOURS

SUPERCAR LEGENDS AT LONDON CONCOURS

The London Concours 2018, hosted at the Honourable Artillery Company from 7-8 June, will be bringing together a world-class selection of supercar legends, all in celebration of the event’s central theme: speed.

Names like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin will all feature on the lawn, but with the London Concours’ focus on rarity as well as performance, only the most exceptional models make it into the Honourable Artillery Company grounds.

More than 70 unique or exceptional icons of speed will feature at the event, but here are just four of the highlights:

1969 Lamborghini Miura S

Described by some as the world’s first supercar, the Lamborghini Miura debuted in 1966 with the aim of relegating Ferrari to the sidelines. With a 4.0-litre V12 mounted just behind the driver, the Miura easily bested the competition and became the fastest car in the world at the time, with a top speed of 170mph.

1995 McLaren F1

The F1 was the fastest car in the world for 13 years, from 1992 to 2005, setting a record of 240.1mph. It implemented a number of firsts for a road car, including a chassis made completely of strong, lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer. The F1 seats three people, with the driver sitting centrally, and also features an engine bay lined with gold leaf for heat management.

1996 Ferrari F50

The F50 is part of an illustrious list of Ferrari’s flagship cars, including the F40, the Enzo and – most recently – the LaFerrari. The 4.7-litre V12 engine was developed from Ferrari’s Formula One powertrain of the time, helping the F50 to a top speed of 202mph, with 0-60mph taking less than four seconds.

2011 Aston Martin One-77 

The One-77 is one of the rarest Aston Martins ever produced, with just 77 built. Priced when new from just over £1m, the One-77 features an extensive use of carbon fibre, and is powered by a 7.3-litre V12 engine. The combination of a lightweight chassis and 750bhp engine allows for 0-62mph in less than 3.7 seconds and a top speed of over 220mph.

Away from the main car displays, the London Concours is focused around the worlds of entertainment and luxury products, with pop-up boutiques from top-end watchmakers and arthouses, including Collier Dobson.

There are a number of hospitality options also available, with preview breakfasts, three-course lunches and evening cocktails hosted across the duration of the event. For hospitality enquiries please contact Caroline Monks (caroline@thoroughevents.co.uk)

Tickets to the London Concours are available from londonconcours.co.uk, with a full day adult admission ticket costing £35, and concessions from £18.

MAY THE (HISTORIC) FORCE BE WITH YOU - DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL OPENS THIS FRIDAY, MAY 4TH

MAY THE (HISTORIC) FORCE BE WITH YOU - DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL OPENS THIS FRIDAY, MAY 4TH

May 4^th may be ‘Star Wars Day’ to film fans worldwide, but it has a less futuristic association for motorsport fans travelling to Donington Park this bank holiday weekend, when the track comes alive as hundreds of race cars spanning nine decades line up on the grid for the Donington Historic Festival (May 4, 5 and 6).

Ford Falcons replace the Millennium Falcon, and chrome headlights replace lightsabres, and there will be plenty of high-octane action and hard-fought battles to enjoy. Happily, there are no Stormtroopers, but the orange-clad army of marshals will do a splendid job keeping everything in order. And, with flypasts from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane on Saturday and the BBMF Dakota on Sunday, there’s even action in the sky!

Festival visitors get free access to the race paddock, for those essential photos, and can walk the pitlane at lunchtime. F1 car track demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday commemorate the famous 1993 European Grand Prix which took place at Donington Park, Group B rally cars will burn rubber, nimble historic karts demonstrate their agility, and vast numbers of classic cars gather in the infield. Saturday sees a highlight for fans of the Ford Mustang - the members of Simply Mustangs UK are bringing more than 250 of them to Donington Park in a fabulous celebration of this iconic model, and 40 of them will lead the lunchtime parade.

Visitors can experience the automotive action first-hand, as the Sporting Bears Motor Club members will be offering passenger Dream Rides in a range of classic and supercars, including a supercharged, 740+bhp Ford Mustang and a McLaren 620S, in exchange for donations to Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research. 

Finally, the Festival allows visitors the chance to discover the new elements that MSV has introduced to the track over the winter, including the superb new café, bar and restaurant, Garage 39, located right in the heart of the race paddock. 

Tickets on the gate start at £15 for Friday (qualifying day) - for full information please visit www.doningtonhistoric.com.