Chevrolet World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) drivers Alain Menu and Rob Huff are the latest stars confirmed as appearing at Autosport International, on 8-11 January, at the NEC, Birmingham.
In the space of only four seasons of WTCC competition, Chevrolet has rapidly developed to become one of the most successful teams on the grid. Five wins in 2008 with the Lacetti meant Chevrolet came third in the manufacturer’s title, as did Chevrolet driver Huff. 2009 will usher in a new era for the squad, replacing the Lacetti with the new Cruze, already setting impressive times in testing.
Huff and Swiss Menu represent the ‘new’ and ’old guard’ of touring car racing, both making the step up to the WTCC stage via the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Menu won the title in the Super Touring era with Renault in 1997 and Ford in 2000, whilst Huff took two wins in 2004 driving a SEAT Toledo Super 2000, receiving the factory drive for winning the SEAT Cupra Championship the previous year.
“Autosport International is a fantastic event that really draws in all aspects of motorsport across whole world,” said Huff. “If you’re into motorsport, you can’t really miss it. Everyone attends from fans, drivers, teams, manufacturers, suppliers… And there’s loads of elements to the show that are great fun such as the Live Action Arena and the Autosport Stage.”
Other past and present touring car drivers attending the show include reigning BTCC champion Fabrizio Giovanardi and double BTCC champion Matt Neal. All will be appearing on the Autosport Stage, Huff and Menu attending the show on Saturday and Sunday.
“Autosport International isn’t just about single-seater racing and Formula One, we’re proud to support all avenues of motorsport, including the hugely popular WTCC, and Menu and Huff are two incredibly likeable characters,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “The list of top-line drivers appearing at the show is growing by the day, so if you’re looking to meet your driving heroes, Autosport International is the place to be in January.”
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 31880044 (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.
