Successful launch for Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge

The first 6 drivers of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge pose with an example of the car they will be competing in

The 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge enjoyed a very successful launch at Autosport International today (Thursday 12 January 2012) as prospective teams and drivers learned of the plans for the coming season.

Managed by Porsche Cars GB, the GT3 Cup Challenge will have a six-weekend, 12-race season starting at Snetterton over the Easter Weekend and culminating with a high-profile date alongside the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at the Silverstone BTCC meeting on 6/7 October.

Geoff Turral of Porsche Cars GB introduced the 2012 GT3 Cup Challenge: “This is a great opportunity to race a thoroughbred factory built race car,” he said. “The series has very broad appeal and it is a chance to move towards the Carrera Cup GB for ambitious drivers. Central to the development of the GT3 Cup Challenge is linkage with the Carrera Cup.”

Competitors will pay a highly competitive season registration fee of just £3000 for all 12 races, while those who cannot commit to a full season can also join the series for individual events for a relevant entry fee. The dates for the GT3 Cup Challenge, which is open to any 911 GT3 Cup car from the 2009 model year or earlier, are:

7/8 April; Snetterton
19/20 May; Rockingham
17 June; Thruxton
21/22 July; Croft
18/19 August; Donington Park
6/7 October; Silverstone

Amongst those on hand for the launch were the first six drivers to commit to the series:  Steven Liquorish, Gary Marsh, Joe Porter, David Porter, Peter Smallwood and David Willis-Hargreaves. Joe Porter is a promising young karter, while Willis-Hargreaves is making the step up from track days and will make his first ever race start at Snetterton in April. “I’ve done track days for three or four years in Porsches and decided it was time to try racing,” said Willis-Hargreaves. “I’ve got a car that was raced in the Porsche Supercup in 2005 and I’ve already done a few track days with it.”

In total, up to 2000 911 GT3 Cup race cars have been built by Porsche since the introduction of the 996-model car over a decade ago and the GT3 Cup Challenge will have classes to cater for both the 996-model cars and the later 997-model cars.

The GT3 Cup Challenge is now an established concept across the world, with successful race series in ten countries.
 

Autosport International open for business - a round up

Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International, opened on 12 January 2012 at the Birmingham NEC, UK, marking the start of the new motorsport season.
Companies from around the world are showcasing some of the latest technology from the motorsport sector at the show, which also provides networking opportunities with industry leaders.
High performance transmission expert Xtrac unveiled its new IndyCar gearbox, which will be fitted to all cars running in the series for the next five years. The type ‘1011’ transmission is a completely new gearbox for the Dallara DW12 chassis, with a lighter and more efficient design to boost performance. The new IndyCar transmission sits alongside a selection of Xtrac’s high precision gearboxes and innovative driveline components.
“We’ve done some good business today,” said Cliff Hawkins, Xtrac’s Development Director. “For us it’s important to expand into new territories and today we’ve met people from France and Italy. The good thing is that people just turn up at our stand wanting to talk to us; it’s great for business.”
Also exhibiting its new products is suspension manufacturer Eibach, which displayed its latest range of competition and racing springs. The finest grades of high-tensile steel have been used in the 2012 lines to achieve class-leading block resistance, while many new fitments have been added.
Present at today’s show was Wilfred Eibach, President of the Eibach Group, who said: “We’ve been coming to Autosport International for 23 years; in my opinion it’s the most important motorsport show in Europe. I’ve got a lot of respect for the organisers, who always provide us with a great show. The UK is very important to us and Autosport International is where we always start the year.”
As well as regular exhibitors, Autosport International also welcomed first-time attendee Bilstein, an expert in suspension design. “Autosport International has been part of our strategy in announcing Bilstein’s plans to the B2B audience and making them aware that they can now buy our products directly from a UK supplier,” said Anja Wallstein, Head of Marketing. “Our presence has been well received with many new enquiries. Following the success of 2012 we’re hoping to move from Autosport Engineering into the main show for 2013 to exhibit our products over four days and open up opportunities with the public.”
Autosport International resumes tomorrow for the final dedicated trade day before the show opens to the public on 14-15 January 2012. However, the Trade and Technical Area, which runs for the duration of the four-day event, provides further networking opportunities for those within and from complimentary sectors.
Individuals wishing to utilise the business opportunities at Autosport International can register for trade admission on arrival at the Birmingham NEC. For more information visitwww.autosportinternational.com.


Overdrive's video production team are travelling to Autosport International Tomorrow morning to bring back highlights and interviews from the show. Stay tuned!

Caterham's Grass Roots Motorsport Programme revealled.

Caterham are certainly becoming much more surprising lately. Last year they surprised everyone by bringing out a car that is a world apart from their famous seven, this year they tantalised visitors to the Autosport show with a new grassroots motorsport programme. I thought that this would involve the Seven again... but as it turns out, the famous car maker is turning it's attentions to Karts...

Caterham Cars today reveals plans to add to its well-established motorsport operation, with new ambitions in the karting category.

Thanks to the new Caterham F1 Team and Caterham Racing GP2 squad, the famous British sportscar maker has already made radical extensions to its successful Seven racing formulae.

Now, the introduction of a Caterham Motorsport-run karting championship in 2013, with Caterham’s own designed and developed kart, will provide young drivers with the opportunity to take their first steps in a career in which it will be possible to progress from grassroots racing to the pinnacle of global motorsport.

The organisation of Caterham karting will benefit from the firm’s 26 years of experience in running low-cost, high-value one-make race championships.

Caterham Motorsport Manager, Simon Lambert, said: “We’ve built a strong reputation for providing terrific value for money in motorsport through great cars and a playing field so even you could put a spirit level on it.

“Now we’d like to use this wealth of knowledge and expertise in karting by establishing a cost-effective series that will combine fun, technology and great competition elements that we think are beginning to be overlooked in kart racing.

“With progression possible through the Caterham ‘ladder’ right through to F1, Caterham karting will appeal to those looking to make a career in motorsport but, more importantly, our aim is to target the mass-market of parents and youngsters who would like to race in a competitive and yet affordable karting series which, until now, might have been an unachievable dream. Caterham is determined to make motorsport accessible to everyone.”

Caterham Motorsport established its first one-make championship for the legendary Seven in 1986 and now its UK operation alone features five fully-subscribed series, including the renowned Academy, which is unique in having created almost 1,000 brand new racing drivers since its inception in 1995.

Last year, the Company also unveiled its first sports prototype racer, the SP/300.R, designed to provide an extension for members of the Seven racing fraternity who wish to progress into higher-level sportscar competition. The SP/300.R will star in its own one-make championship starting next season.

More details about the kart series will be revealed in due course throughout 2012. 

Silverstone Classic supports Touring Cars

 The 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA will showcase an even greater spectrum of motor sport history following confirmation today (Thursday 12 January) that two exciting new races will be adding to this summer’s on-track action.

With more than 1100 of the world’s finest classic competition cars entering a remarkable mix of the superb races on Grand Prix circuit, last year’s Silverstone Classic was the biggest motor sport event ever staged on earth. Now the introduction of two new grids will broaden the festival’s appeal still further with special showdowns for super touring cars and evocative F5000 and F2 single-seaters lining up alongside established crowd favourites such Group C sports prototypes and DFV-powered F1 cars.

Touring cars are always popular

The popularity of touring car racing has spiralled in recent decades and this year’s Silverstone Classic will feature two unique races – one on Saturday and one on Sunday – starring many of the famous cars that have fuelled this escalating appeal. The line-up will include the cream of front-runners from European, British and German Touring Car Championships spanning the years from 1975 to 1999. The result will be a spectacular entry celebrating Group 2, Group A, Super Touring and DTM eras including Jaguar XJ-Cs, BMW CSLs, Ford Sierra Cosworths and Rover SD1s alongside a more modern generation of BTCC classics from the Nineties such as the Nissan Primera and Ford Mondeo. It will be the first time in history that such a comprehensive display of modern touring car classics has raced together and is certain to be an instant success with owners, enthusiasts and fans.

More than 30 cars have already entered this pace-setting double-header with a near capacity grid of more than 50 machines expected in total. As well as highlighting a golden generation in touring car history, the pioneering races will put a special spotlight on the evocative Sierra RS500 Cosworth, which turns 25 this year. When launched in August 1987, the iconic turbocharged winged Ford caused a sensation both on an off the track. The ground-breaking RS500 not only won countless national and international race and rally titles but also helped to rewrite the road car rulebook by offering supercar levels of performance for little more than the price of a standard Sierra model. Several RS500s are already on the provisional entry list and more are expected to join the milestone Silver Anniversary celebrations.

Thunderous F5000 cars set to entertain!

The second new race – announced today on the Silverstone Classic powered by the AA display stand at the Autosport International Show inside Birmingham’s NEC – is for Formula 5000 and Formula 2 single-seaters built and raced between 1967 and 1979. Both formulae were hugely popular in the Sixties and Seventies, enhanced by regular appearances from F1 stars. Back then F2 grids regularly fielded many of the top F1 drivers – Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Niki Lauda, Ronnie Peterson, James Hunt plus a host of others – when their Grand Prix commitments allowed. Once again a close to capacity grid is anticipated with plenty of entertainment guaranteed as the fastest of the nimble F2 cars battle with the thundering American V8-engined F5000s.

“Though firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival we are always looking to provide both racers and fans with innovations and evolutions,” explained Nick Wigley, Event Organiser. “The special touring car race will be the first of its kind, highlighting the huge success of tin-top competition in recent years. That 2012 marks the 25^th birthday of the amazing Sierra RS500 just adds to what’s clearly going to be a very special occasion. Similarly Formula 5000 was a huge draw back in the Seventies and Eighties with drivers such as Alan Jones, Jody Scheckter, Mario Andretti and, of course, the late Peter Gethin. It’s no surprise that the formula has enjoyed a global revival in historic racing circles during the past few years and we know the fabulous sight and sounds of these mighty V8 machines will provide another nostalgic crowd pleaser in July.”

On top of the record-breaking on-track action, the Silverstone Classic offers a wealth of other infield attractions. In excess of 7000 classic cars will be displayed by more than 120 car clubs, many marking significant anniversaries. This year’s standout tributes include 50^th birthday parties for a number famous British sportscars including the AC Cobra, Lotus Elan, MGB and Triumph Spitfire. Adding to the ‘Rocking and Racing’ festival atmosphere, live music shows on Friday and Saturday evenings will see classic pop and rock bands strutting their stuff with Adam Ant as well as Mike and the Mechanics topping the 2012 bill.

Full details of the 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA – including information on ‘Early Bird’ ticket offers and a comprehensive selection of on-site camping facilities – are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.   

Race Retro set to be historically good fun!

This year’s Race Retro is revving up to be the best ever as it brings together rare and stunning historic motorsport marques on two and four wheels when it returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February.

Porsche 956 at high speed (Although this one looks a little bit... Virtual?)

See rare and legendary racing cars such as the Group C Porsche 956, the 001 first prototype chassis that was raced in Rothmans livery by Jackie Ickx and Derek Bell and will be on static display. Or from rallying, the Group B Porsche 911 SCRS 1984 280bhp three litre flat six rally car that will be in action on Saturday and Sunday on the Live Rally Stage as part of the 30^th anniversary celebrations.

There is a tribute to 50 years of the MGB with a foyer display of two early ex works racecars. The hardtop roadster was driven in 1963 Sebring 12-hour endurance race by Christabel Carlisle, now Lady Watson, former Mini racer and the darling of British race fans in the early sixties, and Denise McCluggage, an American motoring journalist and lady racing driver. The roadster will be joined by the works MGB GT racer that was also driven at Sebring by Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges.

A stunning 30 years of Rallying will be marked with a static display as well as an unbelievable line up on the Live Rally Stage. Rallying with Group B will be out in force on Saturday and Sunday, putting on an amazing showcase for visitors on the purpose built course that features challenging twists and turns.

Hall & Hall will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Graham Hill winning the team’s first Formula 1 GP world Championship in 1962 by displaying the championship winning BRM P57 1.5 litre V8 GP car.

Yes, Porsche made rally cars - a Group B 911 takes on the Stoneleigh rally stage

For those preferring two-wheeled motorsport, the tribute to 30 years of the Honda Racing Corporation will be led with the only known remaining example of the Mike Hailwood RC 173 500/4 cylinder motorbike on which he won every GP he rode it in during the 65/66 seasons. There will be up to ten more Honda RC 163 250/4 cylinder replica GP bikes for static display and in the popular Fire-Up Paddock. Hosted by Road Racing Legends, a charity supporting former TT riders and their families, the Fire Up Paddock is where legendary motorcycles are brought back to life as they get started up so the crowds can hear the roar of the engines.

Visitors can not only see all the action but can also become part of it with the chance to drive a rally car, thanks to Hero, the Historic Endurance Rallying organisation. For just £20, visitors can ‘arrive and drive’ in one of Hero’s rally prepared classic cars, put it through its paces and get a feel for rally driving on a purpose built course adjacent to the Live Rally Stage.

For those looking to invest in a piece of motorsport history, visit the Silverstone Auction which specialises in the sale of the finest classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles and automobilia. The auction will be open for viewing all day on Friday and Saturday morning. The sale will then start on Saturday lunchtime with the automobilia before moving on to classic and historic motor racing and competition cars and motorcycles. Silverstone Auctions is happy to accept entries into the auction and those interested should contact the team by telephoning 01926 691 141 or emailing enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com. Auction catalogues will be available online at www.silverstoneauctions.com.

Enjoy the interview stage, hosted by Moto GP presenter Steve Parrish, which will feature special guests and motorsport quizzes or visit the hundreds of traders selling everything needed for the coming motorsport season. For those who like to get grease under their fingernails, explore the autojumble for that elusive part or spare.

Adult tickets for Race Retro, sponsored by Peter James Insurance, start at £20 in advance with children’s tickets at £5 for Friday and Saturday and free on Sunday. Car parking is free and has been moved to a hard surface area nearer to the halls. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com.

Go Motorsport says... Join your local motor club!

David Coulthard trying Autotesting in a Mini Special

Go Motorsport’s display stand at this week’s Autosport International Show (12-15 January) will be promoting all forms of grass roots motor sport as organised by hundreds of car clubs throughout the UK.

Proving that motor sport is both more affordable and more accessible than many believe, the ‘Join Your Local Motor Club’ showcase at the National Exhibition Centre will not only feature an array of inexpensive competition vehicles but also be manned by members of car clubs from the region around Birmingham’s NEC complex.

Cars on show will include those regularly used for a wide range of disciplines including asphalt rallying, sporting trials, autotests, sprints and road rallies. Indeed many are unmodified road cars providing potential participants with one of the most cost-effective ways of enjoying the thrills of competitive motor sport without the need to invest in specialist machinery. Several of the vehicles also feature special controls permitting those with disabilities to compete alongside their normally-abled opponents.

In recent months the huge amount of competitive fun offered by the thousands of events organised every year by Motor Sports Association registered local motor clubs has been highlighted on several major television programmes. Former F1 driver David Coulthard experienced the delights of autotests, hillclimbs and sporting trials [we did that too!] for a feature aired on the BBC’s award-winning Formula One programme. Then last month, Vicki Butler-Henderson teamed up with Skoda UK’s reigning Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion Andreas Mikkelsen to contest a 12-car navigational rally for Channel Five’s popular motoring show Fifth Gear.

Vikki Butler Henderson and Andreas Mikklesen

“It was all about showing just how easy it can be for all-comers to have some really great fun,” reported Coulthard. “As I found out, all these disciplines create very accessible and affordable opportunities for people to get into motor sport and, as there are classes for everyday road cars in hill climbs, autotests and trials, there really is something out there for everyone.”

“I had a real giggle,” agreed Butler-Henderson. “I’m passionate about grass roots motor sport and, in particular, things that are cheap to enter. Navigational rallies certainly tick that box as you don’t even need a special licence. You participate in a great sport with some healthy competition in your everyday road car for an entry fee of just £15. You can’t have more fun for your bucks than that.”

It is now hoped that many show goers at Autosport International will be inspired by those two high profile programmes and thus be encouraged to experience similar thrills by joining their local motor club at the NEC.

“The Go Motorsport initiative is all about dispelling many of the myths regarding the perceived costs of getting involved in motor sport,” confirmed Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA. “As both David and Vicki found out for themselves, you can have an enormous amount of enjoyment for very little financial outlay. This is an important message and one that is often overshadowed by the huge budgets found at the top level of our sport. Anyone wanting further proof of the fun to be had at grass roots level should visit the ‘Join Your Local Motor Club’ display at this week’s Autosport International.”

Those MSA registered car clubs participating on the Go Motorsport stand at Autosport International are: Herefordshire Motor Club; Loughborough Car Club; the Mercia Motor Sports group; North Humberside Motor Club; Owen Motoring Club; Oxford Motor Club; Peterborough Car Club; Quinton Motor Club; Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club and the British Motorsport Marshals Club.

Porsche unveils it's 2012 Motorsport plans and new cars at Autosport International.

Porsche will preview its British motorsport programme for 2012 at Autosport International at the Birmingham NEC (stand 2450, Hall 20, January 12 - 15), show the innovative 918 RSR ‘super sports’ coupe concept for the first time in the UK, and celebrate the launch of the all-new Porsche 911 Carrera.

Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship gears up for tenth sensational season

First run in 2003, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB is the fastest single marque racing Championship in Britain. With over 25 identical examples of the 450 hp 911 GT3 Cup race car battling for honours, it provides thrilling support to the British Touring Car Championship at circuits up and down the country.

To celebrate the tenth season of the Carrera Cup GB¹, a special reward will be presented to competitors who register for the Championship by February 10. Each driver confirmed by that date will be able to offer two of their sponsors a driving day at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. The driving experiences will be held on Tuesday March 13 to coincide with the pre-season Test and Media Day at Silverstone. The 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship kicks off at Brands Hatch on March 31/April 1.

The 911 GT3 Cup car displayed on the Porsche stand is the latest edition of the best-selling racing car of all time, having been built in a production series of more than 2,000 since 1998. The ‘Type 997’ 911 GT3 Cup racer is based on the 911 GT3 RS road car, and is powered by a rear-mounted, 3.8-litre flat-six engine.

Meet the winner of the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Scholarship 

Visitors to the Porsche stand at Autosport International will be able to meet Daniel Lloyd, who has been selected from four young racing driver finalists to receive the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Scholarship. (As seen here on Overdrive, November 4th 2011)

Nineteen year-old Daniel, from Huddersfield, was selected after two days’ intensive evaluation at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone. As the winner of the coveted prize, now in its fourth year, Daniel receives £80,000 from Porsche Cars GB to use as a significant element of his budget for the 2012 Carrera Cup GB season, together with a programme of driver training and personal mentoring.

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge

For 2012, the GT3 Cup Challenge has a new six weekend, 12 race calendar. The season will culminate in a finale alongside the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, in support of the British Touring Car Championship, at Silverstone on October 6/7.

Open to any 911 GT3 Cup race car from the 2009 model year or earlier, the GT3 Cup Challenge is designed to be a perfect stepping stone for drivers aiming to move up to the Carrera Cup GB in subsequent seasons. It is also ideally suited to younger racers with some sponsorship backing, as well as competitors graduating from track days. The series is open to drivers with a National B race licence.

To mark the start of the 2012 GT3 Cup Challenge, and in line with the Carrera Cup GB, competitors who register by February 10 will be able to invite two sponsors to an exclusive day at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone. The GT3 Cup Challenge contenders will share the pre-season Test and Media day at Silverstone with the Carrera Cup GB drivers on Tuesday March 13.

The 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will be launched on the Porsche stand at Autosport International at 09:30 on January 12.

Porsche 918 RSR makes UK debut

We want one!

Unveiled at the 2011 North American Auto Show in Detroit and on show in the UK for the first time at Autosport International, the 918 RSR is a two-seat, mid-engined test-bed that combines the innovative flywheel and electric motor technology of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car and the design of the 918 Spyder concept to create a futuristic ‘super sports’ car concept.

The 918 RSR is based on the Porsche 918 Spyder concept that was first seen at the Geneva Show in 2010, and which has subsequently been confirmed for production in 2013. The 918 RSR artfully blends styling cues from iconic Porsche racing cars from the 1960s and 1970s with cutting-edge technology. The elegant flow of the car’s styling is dominated by muscular wheel arches, dynamic air intakes and a distinctive cockpit. A visible fan wheel above the rear engine compartment imparts further styling cues reminiscent of classic Porsche sports racing cars.

Motor racing technology also dominates the specification of the RSR under the skin; an especially light, torsionally-stiff carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque. The V8 engine is a further development of the direct injection engine from the RS Spyder race car, tuned to deliver an output of 563 hp at 10,300 rpm. Two electric motors on the front wheels between them contribute 150 kW (204 hp) to the peak drive power of 767 hp. This additional power, which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimised flywheel accumulator, similar to that which has been successfully used in the Porsche Motorsport-developed 911 GT3 R Hybrid in 2010 and 2011.

New Porsche 911 Carrera makes Show debut

The new 911 arrived in UK Porsche Centres on December 17, and makes its public show debut at Autosport International on January 12.

The Porsche 911 has been continually evolving since its launch in 1963, and motorsport has played a key role in the development of the iconic sports coupe. True to the 911 tradition, the new model combines a powerful rear-mounted flat-six engine with the iconic 911 silhouette and adds more power and efficiency, less weight and a host of new technologies to further enhance the sports car driving experience.

Caterham all set for Autosport International 2012

Caterham will be in action, indoors, at Autosport International this year

Iconic British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, will assemble an impressive array of vehicles at ASI, including its legendary Seven, the SP/300.R sports prototype it launched at the show 12 months ago and a Caterham-branded F1 car.

As well as its static display, Caterham will once again demonstrate the dramatic abilities of its Seven on a custom-built indoor drift course, recreating all the noise and speed of its Caterham Drive Experience (CDX) days.

During the four-day show, several thousand show goers will sample a Seven at full-throttle beside one of Caterham’s professional drivers in Hall 4 of Birmingham’s NEC.  

James Drake, Caterham Cars' Marketing Manager, said: "Having nearly our full ‘family’ of race cars come together like this is very exciting for us. Only the GP2 car is missing but we’ve so much going on at the stand and at the live action arena that we just couldn’t pack it all in.

Hang the tail out to dry!

“I’m sure that any motorsport fan will be impressed by the growing line-up of Caterham vehicles but Caterham has always been about much more than ‘cars on carpet’ and our live action arena will bring all of that motorsport prowess to life for visitors.”

Caterham Cars will also be announcing a brand new grassroots motorsport project at the show.

Visit the Caterham stand in Hall 4, Stand 2641.

Meanwhile, for Caterham’s full range of drive experience events and vehicles, please visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700.

We'll be back at Autosport International this year - Here's what happened when we caught up with Caterham's Andy Noble last year.

JD Classics Challenge expands it's range

A Ford Escort attacking Graham Hill Bend at Brands Hatch
Photo courtesy of Ford

Following a successful inaugural year in 2011, the JD Classics Challenge – an all-new race series for historic Touring Cars organised by Motor Racing Legends – is set to expand to cover a broader era of history, with Touring Cars from as far back as 1966 invited to take part in the 2012 races.

The JD Classics Challenge will now welcome entries from owners of Touring Cars which ran between 1966 and 1985 inclusive, as long as they comply with the correct period regs for either the BTCC (or British Saloon Car Championship, as it used to be known) or ETCC (the European Touring Car Championship).

“We have pushed the eligibility start-date back from 1972 to 1966,” said Duncan Wiltshire of Motor Racing Legends, “to bring such iconic and much-loved models as Ford Anglias and the earlier Escorts out to play – and provide an even better spectacle for race-goers.

“When we launched the JD Classics Challenge in early 2011, owners of genuine Touring Cars showed great enthusiasm for digging their eligible race cars out of the garage, and restoring them to race-ready condition – and we’re aware of even more cars being prepared this winter. But we also heard from owners of cars from a slightly earlier era, bemoaning the lack of high-calibre racing

opportunities. So we studied the racing regulations from the time, and decided to extend the eligible years back to 1966.

A Ford Anglia in action - Photo courtesy of Ford

“We’ll also consider cars complying with other National regs, on a case-by-case basis. This will help even more Touring Cars to return to the track, and enjoy our excellent calendar of one European and three UK races next year. Not only are the races enjoyed enormously by the competitors themselves, this era of Touring Car racing is hugely popular with spectators, both for its wheel-to-wheel action and because many of us remember these actual cars from their glory days.”

As well as Motor Racing Legends’ plans to extend the eligible years, the historic race organisation is increasing the number of races from two to four, with a 2012 calendar for the JD Classics Challenge as follows:

May 5^th – 6^th Donington Historic Festival

May 26^th – 27^th Brands Hatch GP Circuit

August 25^th – 27^th Oulton Park Gold Cup

October 18^th – 21^st Algarve Historic Festival

For further information see www.motorracinglegends.com

Overdrive : Pickup Truck Racing

Finally, after much editing, recording, swearing at youtube, and throwing Darts at the Overdrive Dartboard of Doom (OdDoD) Here it is... Our insight into the world of pickup truck racing! Enjoy!

Have breakfast at Goodwood!

This press release arrived just as I was starting to think about Breakfast... Brilliant timing!

Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Audi, Lamborghini, and a few things we can't see clearly. What a line up!

 Now often copied, but rarely bettered, the ‘original’ admission-free Breakfast Club meeting at the Goodwood Motor Circuit enters its sixth season for 2012 with the tempting promise of an eclectic mix of vehicles and a tasty breakfast menu to whet the appetite of any motoring enthusiast.

The Goodwood Breakfast Club remains free to all visitors. It is now firmly established as a ‘must attend’ event for thousands of car and motorcycle connoisseurs who appreciate an enjoyable Sunday morning drive through the quiet West Sussex country roads down to Goodwood, where they are able to meet like-minded enthusiasts, admire some fabulous machinery and eat a tasty breakfast, before heading back home in time for the Sunday roast, to do a spot of gardening and DIY, or simply put their feet up and watch the Grand Prix!

For the 2012 season, Goodwood has devised a range of Breakfast Club themes to cater for all enthusiasts and vehicle types. As well as popular familiar themes, this year sees some new themes to reflect important celebrations and anniversaries taking place in 2012.

These include an-all British vehicle theme to celebrate HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, to be held on the Sunday of the long Bank Holiday weekend on early June. The 50^th anniversaries of many iconic cars - from the popular Triumph Spitfire and MGB, through to the authentic and desirable AC Cobra and Ferrari 250 GTO, will be marked with a pre-Revival Thoroughbred Sunday meeting on 5^th August.

It just gets better... Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Jaguar (a rare one too), Maserati, Mercedes, Ford GT... Why wouldn't you want to be there?

As in previous years, the Breakfast Club meetings will be held on the first Sunday of the month at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit, with the exception of July and September, when the popular Festival of Speed (28 June-1 July) and Goodwood Revival (14-16 September) motor sport events will be held. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register their vehicles by e-mailing the dedicated Breakfast Club team at cooked@goodwood.com.

The dedicated Goodwood Breakfast Club website has updates on each monthly theme, and enables visitors to pre-register online at (www.goodwood.com/breakfastclub). A full list of the 2012 Goodwood Breakfast Club dates and themes follows.

2012 CALENDAR AND THEMES

04 March: Tax-Free Sunday:

Pre-1973 tax-free classics, plus modern eco-friendly vehicles

01 April: Everything but the Car:

Bikes, trucks, tractors, vans, aircraft..., anything with an engine except a regular passenger car - nothing is too bizarre, and very apt for April Fool’s Day!

06 May: Super Car Sunday:

The ultimate high-performance machines – cars and bikes

03 June: Rule Britannia:

British vehicles of all ages, as we celebrate HRH The Queen’s ??Jubilee over the Bank Holiday weekend with a Pit Lane street party, and best dressed car and visitor prizes

01 July: Event not held due to the Festival of Speed

05 August: Thoroughbred Sunday:

Celebrating the golden era of Goodwood Motor Circuit with pre-1966 classics, with a special emphasis on cars that celebrate their 50^th anniversary in 2012, including the Ferrari 250 GTO, AC Cobra, Lotus Elan, MGB, Triumph Spitfire, Rover 2000, etc.

02 September: Event not held due to the Goodwood Revival build-up

07 October: Soft Top Sunday:

Open top cars of all shapes and sizes, to catch the last sunshine of the year!

04 November: Continental Classics:

All European classic cars and bikes (excluding British) from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Scandinavia

All 2012 Goodwood Breakfast Club events will be staged from 08.00 to 12.00 hours on the first Sunday of the month (except July and September, due to the proximity of major Goodwood motor sport events). 

So lets see, We'll be asking to borrow a
 Honda in March, an Aston Martin for May, a Jaguar for June, and a Caterham for October... Who likes this idea?

Try a historic rally car at Race Retro

Before we start... A happy new year to all our visitors!

Some of HERO's impressive fleet, from left to right, a Porsche 911, a Mini Cooper, a Triumph TR6, a MGB, and a... You know, I'm not really sure what that is... any ideas?

Visitors to Race Retro are to be given the chance to drive a rally car, thanks to HERO, The Historic Endurance Rallying organisation. For just £20, visitors to the event, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February, will be given the chance ‘arrive and drive’ one of HERO’s rally prepared cars, put it through its paces and get a feel for rally driving on a purpose built course adjacent to the Live Rally Stage.

Hero’s ‘arrive and drive’ fleet consists of classic vehicles that have undergone extensive restoration and are maintained daily by a team of in house mechanics. Each car is prepared to meet the requirements of endurance rallying as they can be hired for use at events all over the world. Visitors can either book on the day or contact enquiries@heroevents.eu to reserve a time slot that fits in with the rest of their time at the show.

In the halls, Hero will not only have the extremely rare low-drag lightweight 1964 Jaguar E-Type Lindner Nocker on display, but will also reveal the Hero Village featuring key partners such as CES and Autosessive, Classic Motor Cars Limited, Bob Watson Engineering, bodywork specialist C&N Customs and Puzzle Ltd. These companies will be offering exclusive show offers throughout the weekend.

There will be the usual selection of competition cars and clubs – the backbone of the sport – making Race Retro the place to be for anything to do with classic motor sport. Looking to invest in a piece of racing history? Visit Silverstone Auctions where you will find cars, bikes and memorabilia on offer.

As well as an array or cars and motorcycles, scour the autojumble for that elusive part or spare or visit the hundreds of traders offering everything from helmets and racewear to stunning artwork, rare books and signed motorsport memorabilia.

Adult ticket prices are £20 when booking in advance, £25 on the gate. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout and for 2012, the parking areas have been moved to hard surface areas within close proximity to the halls. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com.

Donington Historic Festival goes from strength to strength.

Group C Jaguars are always popular attractions.

To encourage whole families to turn up and enjoy the cream of world-class historic motorsport, advance tickets to the Donington Historic Festival, 5^th and 6^th May 2012, are being held at the same affordable prices as last year, while family members under 16 are admitted free. And to make it even easier for car club members to turn out in force – without breaking the bank – there’s a two-for-one advance ticket deal for registered clubs.

Over 20 car clubs have already signed up for this special offer, from the Bentley Drivers Club, Club Lotus, Ferrari Owners’ Club and Jaguar Drivers’ Club, to the Morgan Sports Car Club, Porsche Club GB, Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club and the TR Register. This gives their members the two-for-one ticket deal – plus a free car pass to Donington’s spectacular infield parking, where they’ll form a great display to be enjoyed by all spectators. The full list of registered clubs can be found at www.doningtonhistoric.com and, if yours isn’t among them, get in touch with your club officials!

“Our aim is two-fold,” said Duncan Wiltshire of Historic Promotions Ltd, organiser of the Donington Historic Festival. “First and foremost, we want to provide the very best racing, with truly thrilling on-track action featuring historic cars from the most evocative eras of the sport. Secondly, we want to do this at a price which club members and motorsport fans can readily afford – and all this at arguably the UK’s best spectator circuit.”

Judging by the inaugural Donington Historic Festival in 2011, which confirmed that one of Britain’s greatest racing circuits was back in business, the on-track action is sure to be fast, competitive and exciting – from the ‘Mad Jack’ for pre-War sportscars, through the glorious sportscars and sports-racers of the 1950s and 1960s, to the E-type Challenge, Historic F2, Touring Cars (both pre-66, and 1966-85), not to mention the always dramatic Group C sportscars. To whet your appetite for the 2012 Festival, take a peek at the 2011 video gallery at www.doningtonhistoric.com/2011-videos/ – where you’ll find a mix of racing action, plus club gatherings and on-track parades.

Add to this the special packages for car clubs, a superb location – and the fact that each entry ticket gives two-for-one entry to the stunning on-site Donington Grand Prix Collection during the Festival weekend and for the following two months – and the Donington Historic Festival promises to be a highlight of 2012. See www.doningtonhistoric.com for more details.

Spot the Odd One Out

2012 Advance Ticket Prices

Saturday 5^th May – £18 (£25 on the day)

Sunday 6^th May – £18 (£25 on the day)

Weekend ticket – £30 (£40 on the day)

Children under 16 – Free

Plus… two-for-one ticket deals for registered car club members

Tickets can be bought via www.doningtonhistoric.com and through the 24-hour ticket hotline 0844 873 7355.

Silverstone Classic gets some roadside assistance.

The Silverstone Classic is delighted to announce a new partnership with the AA (the Automobile Association). As from 2012 the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival will be known as the ‘Silverstone Classic powered by the AA’.

The multi-year partnership with the UK’s leading breakdown service has significant benefits and synergies and is a logical union between two brands that share a common interest in motoring past, present and future.

Staged at the home of the British Grand Prix, the annual Silverstone Classic is already established as one of the country’s premier automotive attractions. The event has wide family appeal and its central England location – together with Silverstone’s long sporting pedigree and state-of-the-art facilities – make it the ideal venue for show-goers of all generations. In 2011 more than 80,000 people attended the three-day summer festival savouring the very best of historic racing, huge displays of classic cars, a retail village, air displays, fun fair and live music from classic rock bands.

Now the partnership with the AA will not only open up the event to a huge new audience but also add a completely new dimension to what’s already a spectacular and action-packed festival. The 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) will feature a significant AA attraction centred around Silverstone’s in-field Stowe Circuit based close to the venue’s impressive new Wing pits and paddock complex.

The event will be promoted directly to the AA’s 15 million members and customers who will benefit from a 10 per cent discount on day and weekend entrance tickets.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with the AA in what’s a massively significant new partnership,” confirmed Nick Wigley, Event Director of the Silverstone Classic. “Together we are introducing many more new and interesting innovations right across the festival weekend – not least the chance for visitors to test drive many of the latest models right at the heart of the show. The millions of AA members will also enjoy a wide range of exclusive offers including ticket discounts. We aim to make the Silverstone Classic powered by the AA the biggest and most enjoyable event of any kind in the UK with the focus on classic motor sport, motoring and live music – a must-see event on every family’s summer calendar.”

Edmund King, President of the AA, is equally enthused by this inspiring new venture. He said: “This new partnership is a really exciting opportunity for the AA and our members. We are always looking at innovative ways to add value to AA membership and we believe this event offers a great value day out and the chance to experience a wonderful summer festival for all the family.”

The event organisers have confirmed many of next year’s major attractions. The on-track entertainment will showcase the full spectrum of historic motor sport with huge grids featuring an amazing array of Grand Prix, GT, Le Mans, single-seaters, sports and touring cars spanning more than seven decades of epic circuit racing history. Following the classic theme, the 2012 live music bill will be topped by Adam Ant and Mike and the Mechanics with other high-profile acts to be confirmed.

Full details of the 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA – including information on ‘Early Bird’ ticket offers and a comprehensive selection of on-site camping facilities – are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

Meet a up and coming star : Jake Cook

Our friends at The Racewire have sent us an interview with up and coming Formula Ford driver, Jake Cook. Here he is talking about his forthcoming season in FFord with the new EcoBoost car

BTCC 2012 Calendar now finalised

Chaos at Donington as the BTCC drivers discover that 20 cars entering Old Hairpin doesn't always work!

Donington Park’s date on the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship calendar has today been confirmed – meaning all ten BTCC fixtures for next year are now in place.

The historic Leicestershire [We always thought it was in Derbyshire?!] venue will host the second event of the season when the BTCC, the UK’s premier motor racing championship, tours the country – in total it will visit nine top-class race circuits in eight different counties.

The BTCC’s 2012 race dates are:

Date Circuit, Location

31 March-1 April Brands Hatch, Kent

14-15 April Donington Park, Leicestershire

28-29 April Thruxton, Hampshire

9-10 June Oulton Park, Cheshire

23-24 June Croft, North Yorkshire

11-12 August Snetterton (300), Norfolk

25-26 August Knockhill, Fife

22-23 September Rockingham, Northamptonshire

6-7 October Silverstone, Northamptonshire

20-21 October Brands Hatch, Kent