(23/24 June),
with over 15,000 enthusiasts expected to descend on the MG Car Club's annual celebration
The 62nd successive staging of the MGCC's Silverstone meeting is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet with mouth-watering action both on and off track. Six hundred competitors will compete on Silverstone's full Grand Prix circuit throughout the MGLive! weekend whilst a plethora of in-field entertainment means there is something for all motoring enthusiasts to enjoy.
The hotly anticipated official MGB50 celebration race will assume centre stage on Saturday 23 June at 3.15pm. The 50-minute encounter, supported by British Motor Heritage, has attracted a full grid of 58 FIA MGBs which represents the largest ever on-track line-up of these iconic cars.
In another exciting development, former MG works driver Paddy Hopkirk will be on hand to present awards to the winners of the MGB50 celebration race. Later that evening, the popular Irishman will host the MG Car Club's annual Silverstone dinner in the Jimmy Brown Suite which will see a host of ex MG works drivers also in attendance.
Notable cars competing in the MGLive! MGB50 celebration race include ex-works cars 6DBL, BRX 854B, DRX256C, DRX255C, 2GLL and LBL591E, along with other, historic, period MGBs HGT576C, 665FXF, the WSM MGB and a Jacques Coune MGB Berlinette.
Aside from the MGB50 celebration race, the MGCC's usual comprehensive programme of track action will be taking place, with healthy grid numbers throughout.
Off track, enthusiasts can expect the usual array of MGLive! family fun, which in 2012 includes a live arena, kidzone area and fairground rides. MG Motor UK will have a prominent presence at the event, with visitors able to test drive an MG6 throughout the course of the weekend.
MGLive! trade city will offer the usual comprehensive range of exhibitors, while the popular autojumble makes a welcome return. Old Speckled Hen, which has such a deep connection with the MG brand, will be engaging with MG enthusiasts over the MGLive! weekend.
As ever, MGLive! 2012 will have a strong international flavour with enthusiasts from 20 different nations making the annual pilgrimage to Silverstone for the event.
MG Car Club General Manager Julian White said:"The MG Car Club is preparing for one of our largest Silverstone meetings for many years. Interest in the 2012 event has been strong and we're anticipating a large turnout of MGBs.
"MG is an incredible brand that continues to bind people together throughout the world. MGLive! will once again powerfully display and celebrate the magical spirit of the MG marque."
MG Car Club Motorsport Director Dave Saunders said:"MGLive! has attracted some excellent grids and the motorsport element of the weekend will provide visitors with first-rate entertainment.
"The official MGB50 celebration race has captured the imagination of enthusiasts throughout the world and - not surprisingly - anticipation levels are high. We have achieved a full grid of 58 FIA MGBs, a new record, and it's fitting that Paddy Hopkirk - who achieved great success driving an MGB - will be presenting the post-race awards.
"SAIC, the owners of the MG marque, have shown great interest in the official MGB50 race and a large delegation from Shanghai will be in attendance to savour the action.
"Watching a rolling start with 58 FIA MGBs roaring into Copse really will be spectacular and the whole race will act as a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest sportscars. The MG Car Club is proud to be staging the official MGB50 celebration race and our organisation continues to be at the forefront of the worldwide MG movement."
