at Autosport International
The Autosport International Show, which traditionally kicks off the motorsport season and takes place at the Birmingham NEC, will be celebrating 50 years since the first British Formula 1 Champion Mike Hawthorn won the title in 1958 on 8-11 January 2009.
To mark the historic anniversary of Hawthorn’s championship, Autosport International will be combining its traditional F1 Racing grid display with a look back on 50 years of British Formula 1 Champions, spanning from Hawthorn’s 1958 victory to Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title.
With illustrious names such as Hill, father Graham and son Damon, Mansell, Surtees, Clark and Stewart, now joined by Hamilton, the British Formula 1 hall of fame is a prestigious club to belong to.
The Champions’ cars are equally impressive with the Autosport International exhibit set to also feature Graham Hill’s 1962 BRM Stackpipe and his 1968 Gold Leaf Lotus 49, as well as son Damon’s Williams FW18, which carried him to victory in 1996. Jackie Stewart’s championship-winning efforts will also be well represented with all three title cars present, as well as Jim Clark’s 1963 Lotus 25 and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 Williams FW14B.
In addition to looking back at a momentous half-century between Britain’s first and most recent Formula 1 World Champion, the Autosport International Show is equally focused on the future, with up-and-coming stars such as Paul di Resta also making an appearance.
“This year we celebrate 50 years since Mike Hawthorn’s historic world title, and so we felt that it was important to honour the occasion,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France.
“Formula 1 has always been a key part of the Autosport International Show and Britain’s championship success was one of the key factors that fanned the flames of this country’s love of Grand Prix racing. In the past we have been privileged to pay tribute to several Formula 1 heroes at the show and this year we really look forward to celebrating a half-century of British World Champions.”
Notes to editorsThe 2008 Autosport International Show attracted over 84,000 visitors, including 28,000 trade buyers. Over 1,000 media representatives were present throughout the event, covering the show’s numerous live displays and 850 exhibitors.
Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 January 2009. Adult tickets start at £29 per day, with children’s tickets costing £19, and include a 34-page souvenir brochure. To book, visit autosport-international.com or call 0044 (0) 844 579 3188.
Paddock passes are available for £35 per adult and £25 for children. In addition to standard admission, visitors will have access to the Driver Signing Area as well as fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and a great viewing position at the centre of the grandstands.
A Platinum Club pass, at £100, includes all the benefits of the Paddock Pass plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with champagne and canapés. You will also receive complimentary parking, cloakroom at the NEC plus a goodie bag.
