Silverstone Classic Car Media Day

Friday, 20 May 2011 09:20

Upon early arrival to the much respected Silverstone Race Circuit we were greeted with coffee and smiling faces.

The day was designed to promote the Silverstone Classic “Rocking and Racing” weekend on the 22nd to 24th July this year.

We learned in the welcome chat that this event is “the world’s biggest classic racing festival”. It seems that Silverstone have thought about everyone when planning this event. There will be a vanity van for massages and manicures, 58 E Types lined up on the grid for a glorious classic race celebrating the 50th Anniversary of this beautiful beast. Jaguar has even chosen this as their official birthday party location. There will be festival food from Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, live music including rock music from Suzi Quatro, tunes of Bob Marley and Queen as well as classical sounds from the 40-piece Amadeus Orchestra. You will also be impressed with the 1200 drivers and 800 cars in 22 races showing off wonderful Grand Prix cars, Le Mans, sports, GT, saloon and single seater racing cars. I thought going to the Media Day would satisfy my needs but hearing about all the attractions and car line ups has made me think about packing my tent, grabbing some friends and heading up there for the entire weekend. It’s such an eclectic festival despite its solo “classic car” theme. Where else could you find a fun fair, hot air balloon rides, air displays and an assault course to name just a few of the attractions alongside 7000 classic cars on display for all to walk around and admire? Porsche GB club alone are set to bring 1000 cars!

Yes this combined with live track action makes for a weekend not to be missed!

On the media day we were lucky enough to be taken round the Grand Prix track in a classic car. We all waited at the edge of the pit lane admiring the 1969 Ford Mustang, the traditional pre war car and there was a Mini original. Nobody ran to this one as they were hoping for a ride in a Mustang or an E Type. Me however being more of an “adrenaline seeking” petrol head over a “polish and shine” type jumped at the chance to be thrown around Silverstone in a car like this. My theory was the car that did not win with outright power would probably be driven by someone who understands it’s all about momentum and keeping that speed up through the corners. So, I got in the car, introduced myself to the driver Martin Hunt and said “I race a Porsche 924 and I did my ARDS test here so you won’t scare me”. What I wanted him to be aware of was that I was more than happy when a car was on its limits and that I was encouraging him - without actually telling him specifically - to throw his passenger round this track!

We were on a mutual level and with that we were off! I can honestly say that out of all the cars out there, I believe he was the fastest. We four wheel drifted round most of the bends, we overtook slower (but with several more horse power no doubt) cars whilst I giggled and smiled the entire way round. I don’t think everyone would have appreciated being in the car with this level of skill being demonstrated, but when you race yourself you are far more comfortable with these sorts of speeds. Drivers of the other cars probably thought he was being silly and showing off but not once did I feel he was out of control of the car. I would be very keen to see how he gets on at the Silverstone Classic Weekend when he will be at full racing pace.

If you prefer something a little more sedate then there is the lawn mower racing. This should be something different to watch! It’s also a place where there will be several anniversaries to celebrate, not just the E Type, but also the 70th anniversary of the Spitfire and the 21st birthday of the event itself.

There are several new features for 2011, one of which is the Village Green where you will find traditional British activities and entertainment such as art and photo galleries to Punch and Judy shows. You can also go shopping in and near here where purchases can range from clothing and memorabilia to actual cars. On the Saturday, Silverstone Auctions presents fine “classic cars, modern super cars, all types of competition cars, motorcycles and automobilia” (Silverstone Auctions).

Whether you are in to classic cars from the 1930’s or the 1990’s you could pick any decade between these two and find an array of cars to please your senses. If you are particularly keen then there is the Silverstone Classic Racing Club. Members will benefit from 25% off the ticket prices, forward parking at the event, dedicated parking area inside the event for pre registered road tax exempt vehicles built before 1973, a members only area in the SC Racing Club Pavilion at the Classic weekend located in the new Silverstone wing as well as a dedicated Club Grandstand”. With the legendary Stirling Moss OBE, Britain’s best loved racing driver, as the President it is the club to part of.

So where can I get tickets?! I was thinking the same thing! You can purchase them in advance from 0871 231 0849 or from the official website at www.SilverstoneClassic.com. A 3 day ticket is only £95 which includes car parking, grandstand seating, paddock access and live music. Children under 5 are free and those are 16 are just £5 per day. See you there... By Rebecca Jackson - Photos by Marc Waller

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