BICESTER HERITAGE HOSTS WINTER’S WOMEN IN MOTORING INITIATIVE

BICESTER HERITAGE HOSTS WINTER’S WOMEN IN MOTORING INITIATIVE

Closing the events season in fine fashion, Bicester Heritage hosted its final Women in Motoring initiative of 2018, this time in conjunction with the Vintage Sports Car Club, in which a number of female enthusiasts were given the chance to truly experience the joys of vintage motoring. The event capped off a great year of Women in Motoring initiatives aiming to increase female engagement within historic motoring.

Bicester Heritage continues to support and encourage more women into our sport – be it participating in rallies, driving tests, trials, attending shows or just getting under the bonnet of vehicles, and has taken great pleasure in hosting a number of ‘Women in Motoring’ events throughout 2018. As the year draws to a close, the Vintage Sports Car Club Winter Driving Tests provided the perfect opportunity for such an event. 

Ten women participated in an afternoon of vintage motoring, familiarising themselves with a selection of different vehicles, having the opportunity to drive and to navigate and finishing with timed tests. The participants had a range of experience behind the wheel but none had competed in driving tests in a vintage car prior to the event. Owners kindly loaned 5 vehicles ranging from a 1910 Overland to 1937 Riley 12/4 allowing participants to experience a range of vehicles and the idiosyncrasies of each one.

Offering an exceptional opportunity to learn, experience and enjoy such fine machines ensured a truly memorable day, with many new converts to the world of vintage motoring.

Georgia Peck, Director of Events, Vantage Media, said “The VSCC Winter Driving Tests – Women in Motoring event was by far one of the most enjoyable days of my year. I was warmly welcomed, as always, by the Bicester Heritage staff and made to feel completely at home from start to finish. The array of pre-war cars available to drive were equally as fantastic as their owners who had kindly let us use them for the day - it was an utter delight to be in their company and hear stories of the cars’ motoring history, dating back over 100 years in some cases! Thank you again to the Bicester Heritage team and VSCC car owners!”

Bicester Heritage wishes to thank the Vintage Sports Car Club and its members Mark Elder, Harry Fraser, Gilly Howard-Orchard, Guy Lachlan and Emily Fraser who kindly loaned cars and gave their full support to the event – bravely stepping into the back-seat of their own vehicles to help the drivers. Gilly Howard-Orchard, proud owner of the 1928 Austin Chummy used in the event, was full of praise for the initiative, saying “It was a huge pleasure to be part of the day and to see everyone being so hugely enthusiastic and loving being at the wheel of a vintage car for the first time. All grasped the idiosyncrasies of vintage driving in no time”.

Tiggy Atkinson, Bespoke Events Manager at Bicester Heritage, commented “It was a great pleasure to see our guests having so much fun and equally the owners enjoying sharing their passion with new recruits. The supportive yet competitive atmosphere was all that I had hoped it would be, with the women relishing the challenge. We are looking forward to having more fun in 2019.”

Bicester Heritage is already planning similar events to start in the Spring of 2019.

BTCC COMMENTATOR, ALAN HYDE, TO HOST AUTOSPORT STAGE

BTCC COMMENTATOR, ALAN HYDE, TO HOST AUTOSPORT STAGE

Broadcaster and presenter, Alan Hyde, will take to the Autosport Stage in January to host a plethora of motorsport stars and personalities.

Perhaps most known for his work with BTCC, spanning more than two decades, Alan is part of the team behind Radio Silverstone and also hosts the self-produced BTCC-themed radio show, ‘Tin Top Tuesday’. In addition, he produces and presents radio, television, podcasts and regularly contributes motorsport content to national radio stations.

His vast experience is sure to bring the stage to life, encouraging drivers, engineers and team principals alike to share their anecdotes, experiences and views of the motorsport industry.

The stage will also see the return of the glass-fronted ‘live newsroom’, where visitors to the show can gain insight into how the busy Autosport Magazine’s editorial teams work to pull their stories and content together, in a rare glimpse into this intrinsic part of the motorsport world.

Autosport International Events Director, Kate Woodley, said: “The Autosport Stage is always a focal point of the show, offering fans a first-hand take on the action on- and off-track. Alan’s experience and expertise, combined with the stars of the sport due to be announced over the coming weeks, are sure to result in a thoroughly entertaining programme.”

Alan, said: “What a gig to be offered! One of those offers that doesn’t come along too often in a career. I know the calibre of guests Autosport International attracts from around the world, so I know I’m in for an entertaining and star-studded ride. I also know I have big boots to fill - boots that belonged to a very good friend of mine - so I know the bar has already been set incredibly high, and it’s my job to maintain that standard. What a privilege!”

Autosport International, which is part of Motorsport Network’s flagship title, Autosport– one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.

Tickets are on sale now for the established motorsport season starter, which will pack in more exhibitors, stars and cars than ever before. Make sure you get yours today, head over to www.autosportinternational.com.

THE RACE IS ON...EARLYBIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2019 DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL

THE RACE IS ON...EARLYBIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2019 DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL

Earlybird tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Donington Historic Festival, offering extra savings over the already discounted advance ticket prices. Classic motorsport fans have until January 31 2019 to take advantage of the additional savings and secure their place at the world-class historic racing event taking place at Donington Park on May 3, 4 and 5 next year.

The Earlybird offer also comes in plenty of time for Christmas - neatly solving the annual problem of what to pop under the tree for a historic motorsport enthusiast!

Donington Historic Festival brings together a fabulous array of classic racing cars spanning nine decades in a three-day spectacle at a race circuit that’s superb for spectators and competitors alike. The action on the track is complemented by displays from dozens of classic car clubs plus parades and demonstrations and an all-access open paddock, in a family-friendly event that’s a ‘must-do’ part of the historic motorsport calendar.

Advance tickets offer significant discounts over buying on the gate, and Earlybird tickets bring the cost down even further, with an Earlybird three-day weekend ticket costing just £35 (£40 from Feb 1), while Earlybird raceday (Saturday or Sunday) tickets cost £21 (£25 from Feb 1).  Can’t make the whole weekend? You can still enjoy fantastic track action on the Friday qualifying day (May 3), with an advance ticket costing just £10.  Children aged under 13 are admitted for free and there are discounted tickets for teenagers aged 13-15.

Visit www.doningtonhistoric.com to secure your Earlybird tickets or to bag that festive bargain for a classic motorsport buff now.

RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT, CELEBRATES THE TURBOCHARGED ERA AND ITS FIRST VICTOR

RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT, CELEBRATES THE TURBOCHARGED ERA AND ITS FIRST VICTORY

Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, will pay tribute to the Turbocharged era of Formula 1 in the Motor Sports Hall of Fame Live at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from February 22-24, 2019.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the first victory by a turbocharged car, the 2019 display celebrates this thrilling era with an exciting display of racing machinery which includes the Williams FW11 actually driven by to championship victory by Nelson Piquet. Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine made by Honda, Nelson would score wins in the car’s debut season of 1986 and Williams would go on to clinch that season’s constructor’s title.

The first turbocharged car to enter Formula 1 was the Renault RS01 which made its debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix. Two years later its successor, the RS10, made it a first win for the turbo era when Jean-Pierre Jabouille took the chequered flag at the 1979 French Grand Prix. His teammate, Rene Arnoux, finished third.

Producing around 1400bhp in qualifying trim the RS10 was powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and featured a 6-speed manual gearbox and ground effect chassis. So successful was that car, it would claim pole position five times from nine races during that 1979 season.

Following Renault’s lead, Ferrari was the second team to enter a turbocharged car and was soon joined by all of the major teams including Brabham, Lotus, Honda, and BMW. The last Formula 1 world title for a turbocharged car was claimed by Ayrton Senna at the wheel of the McLaren MP4 before the technology was outlawed the following year. Turbocharging didn’t return to Formula 1 until 2014.

It wasn’t just in Formula 1 where turbocharged racers were proving to be at the cutting edge of motorsport. In the 1973 American Can-Am Championship South African driver and later Formula 1 World Champion, Jody Scheckter, raced the fearsome Vasek Polak Porsche 917/10 powered by a 5.0-litre flat-12 engine.

Visitors to Race Retro will have the opportunity to admire this fascinating slice of Porsche’s motorsport history as it is displayed within the Motor Sports Hall of Fame Live.

“The turbo era was an amazing time for race fans,” says Acting Show Director, Lee Masters. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate it at this year’s Race Retro 40 years on from that first win in Formula 1. We can promise visitors a very special display in celebration.” 

The Motor Sports Hall of FameLive will also include other racing and rally cars, with a number of key milestones celebrated and tributes paid to attendant special guests, many of whom will be interviewed on the Motor Sports LiveStage.

Race Retro will also welcome the motor sports industry race series, rally organisers, and specialist traders, along with living rally action over the weekend from Rallying with Group B.

Tickets are now on sale for Race Retro, held from February 22-24 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with free parking for all visitors. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.raceretro.com

FOOTMAN JAMES ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSIC VEHICLE MEET FOR 2019: COFFEE & CHROME

FOOTMAN JAMES ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSIC VEHICLE MEET FOR 2019: COFFEE & CHROME

Footman James’s Coffee & Chrome meets aim to bring together enthusiasts and their classic cars and bikes from all makes, marques and eras over a hot drink and a free bacon butty. There will also be a number of specialist classic traders in attendance for visitors to browse, when they can tear themselves away from admiring the classics on display!

Coffee & Chrome will be taking place throughout 2019 on selected Sunday mornings, with the first taking place at Chateau Impney in Droitwich – the home of Chateau Impney Hill Climb. Chateau Impney is steeped in motoring heritage with the first hill climb taking place over 50 years ago, making this the perfect backdrop for the meet.

This event builds upon the success of Footman James’s sold out Drive-It Day in April, hosted at the Chateau, which saw over 30 classic vehicles travel in convoy through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Participants came with their Jaguar E-types, Porsche Boxsters, Triumph Spitfires, MGAs, Cobras, Nortons and Harley Davidsons – so expect to see a similarly eclectic mix of vehicles at Coffee & Chrome!

The first Coffee & Chrome meet is taking place on Sunday 6th January 2019 between 10am and 1pm. The meet is free to attend; however, space is limited to 200 vehicles, so participants are asked to register online on the Footman James website (footmanjames.co.uk/classichub) to confirm their place.

Further dates for Coffee & Chrome will be announced in the new year. Follow Footman James on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated.

For further information about Footman James please contact 0333 207 6000 or visit www.footmanjames.co.uk.

EQUIPE PRE ‘63 CLASSIC RACE SERIES SET FOR BUMPER 2019

EQUIPE PRE ‘63 CLASSIC RACE SERIES SET FOR BUMPER 2019

With eight meetings comprising a mix of sprint and pit stop races – two on grand prix circuits – the Equipe Pre ‘63 series for Appendix K FIA sports cars is all set for a thrilling 2019 season.

Formulated to recreate the spirit of 1950s clubman motorsport, Equipe Pre ‘63 certainly captured the imagination of drivers and spectators alike this year – its inaugural season. It features a wide spread of marques including Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Lotus, MG and Morgan, and among the many immaculately-prepared cars already to contest a series are a number of genuine ex-works examples. In addition to the Silverstone and Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuits, 2019 competitors will do battle at the perennially popular UK club venues of Donington, Oulton Park and Snetterton.

Said John Pearson, partner of Equipe Classic Racing, organisers of Equipe Pre ‘63: “Its first season surpassed all our expectations, achieving an average of 27 cars per race – a fantastic result when you consider just how many options there are for these cars. Early indications point to bumper grids and closer-than-ever racing in 2019.”

The Pre ‘63 calendar for 2019 is as follows:

March 1 April 6 April 27/28 May 18 June 15/16 July 20/21 August 3/4 September 7 October 5	Brands Hatch Silverstone (Nat) Brands Hatch (Indy) Oulton Park (Nat) Silverstone (GP) Donington Brands Hatch (GP)  Snetterton (300) Silverstone (Nat)	Exclusive pre-season test day 1 x 40 min race 2 x 30 min races 1 x 40 min race 2 x 30 min races 3 Hour Relay + sprint race  2 x 30 min races 1 x 40 min race 1 x 40 min race

Equipe Classic Racing’s other offerings also shining brightly

1. Equipe GTS – capacity grids

The Equipe team’s long-established series for the smaller-engined classic sports cars running to FIA period E and F GT and GTS Appendix K regulations continues to go from strength to strength. The vast majority of 2018 races were over-subscribed, prompting extra grids to be created wherever possible. All of which augurs very well for the 2019 season

2. Equipe 3 Hour Classic Relay – a major change for 2019

Back by popular demand - the third running of this fun-packed event will take place at Donington on the weekend of July 20/21 and promises to be bigger again than the hugely enjoyable 100 car/150 driver one successfully held this year. The basic handicap format will be unchanged, but new for 2019 is the removal of the limit that excluded cars with engines over 3-litres in capacity, thereby opening up the grid to Cobras, E-Types, TVR Griffiths etc and encouraging even more exciting racing than seen so far

For further details on all Equipe Classic Racing activities see www.equipeclassicracing.com.

MG CAR CLUB ANNOUNCES MOTORSPORT CALENDAR FOR 2019 SEASON

MG CAR CLUB ANNOUNCES MOTORSPORT CALENDAR FOR 2019 SEASON

The MG Car Club’s Motorsport activities for the 2019 season have been confirmed with a six-race calendar for the Club’s six Championships.

Alongside the Club’s non-motorsport activities, the Club is the largest single marque club organising and managing all of the race meetings and championships.  Motorsport is synonymous with the MG brand, with numerous race and rally appearances and also land speed records littered throughout history.

Kicking off at the end of March; the calendar runs through to October;

Saturday 30th March	Silverstone National
Saturday 27th- Sunday 28th April	Brands Hatch Indy
Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June	MGLive! Silverstone Grand Prix
Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st July	Donington Park
Saturday 31st August	Oulton Park
Saturday 5th October	Snetterton 300

To encourage participation from young competitors, the MG Car Club will continue to offer half-price entries to any competitor 25 and under for the 2019 season, meaning entry fees for a weekend could be as little as £300. 

The six championships and two series ran by the Club cover every era of MG from the first up to the later models.

BCV8 Championship

BCV8 Championship is the premier series for MGB and MGC racing, offering classes for the fully modified V8s to a road going cars.

The BCV8 Championship has been one of the most successful Club based motor racing series and continues to thrive by providing close racing at a relatively low cost.

Cockshoot Cup

Cockshoot Cup Championship is a racing championship run by the North West Centre of the MG Car Club. It provides an opportunity for owners of MG sports and saloon cars to race their cars within easy travelling distance of the North West of England.

The Cockshoot Cup is a solid silver trophy donated to the MGCC in the nineteen thirties by the then MG Dealers in Manchester. Since 1984 the Trophy has been awarded to the winner of the race series run by the MG Car Club North West Centre Ltd.

MG Metro Cup

The Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup is the racing formula for all types of MG Metro and Rover 100 Metro. For 2019, the MG Metro Championship will allow five-door Metro variants to enter the championship.

Started in 1992, the Championship has been successful in maintaining its objective of providing an easy way into motor racing for drivers with a limited budget.

Midget & Sprite Challenge

The Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge is the only exclusively “Spridget” race series in the UK. The class structure reflects the different specifications that Spridgets have raced over the years, with all historic body styles catered for.

MG Trophy

MG Trophy caters for the front wheel drive MG ZR in 3 classes.

In recent years the MG Trophy has produced a number of drivers who have gone on to higher levels of motorsport with ex Trophy driver Jack Goff now competing in the BTCC having won the Clio Cup in 2012. 

MG Cup

For 2019, cars from the Austin Rover stable will be welcomed to the grid, with Rover Tomcat Turbos and Rover Metro GTis lining up against the usual array of MG machinery. 

The MG Cup has been running for over 30 years, with a simple structure and regulations designed to keep costs to a minimum and provide a challenge for new and experienced drivers alike.

Series & Guest Championships

The Iconic 50s series for 50s MG Sports cars and MG XPAG specials against other Marques including Austin Healey and Alfa Romeo and the Triple M Challenge for MG Midget, Magna, Magnette cars will also be back at selected events.

In addition to the six MG Car Club Championships, guest championships from Equipe GTS, Morgan Sports Car Club and Porsche Club GB will be welcomed back to ensure each meeting provides an excellent spread of racing for spectators.