• Part of the celebrations marking 75 years of Formula 1
• Former F1 driver to present newly named trophy to overall Formula Junior winner
• Full-capacity grids to launch each day’s retro racing schedule
• Wide range of tickets on sale, with best prices available in advance
This summer’s Silverstone Festival (22–24 August) celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship, which began at Silverstone in 1950. As part of the festivities, Formula Junior will dedicate its ever-popular races to its own F1 hero: Howden Ganley
The highly respected New Zealander was among the many young talents who cut their teeth in Formula Junior before climbing the motorsport ladder to Formula 1. Legends like Jim Clark, John Surtees, and Jochen Rindt – future World Champions – also launched their careers in these nimble single-seaters.
Ganley competed in 35 Grands Prix for BRM, Williams, and March between 1971 and 1974, securing five top-six finishes. He also stood on the podium at Le Mans and even designed his own F1 car, though it never raced competitively.
Staying true to his roots, Ganley has in more recent times served as an enthusiastic Patron of the Formula Junior Historic Racing Association (FJHRA). This summer, both his F1 accomplishments and his enduring connection to Formula Junior will be honoured at Silverstone Festival.
To commemorate the occasion, a new Howden Ganley Trophy will be presented to the aggregate winner of the two oversubscribed Formula Junior races – and Howden himself will be on hand to present the award.
“We are delighted to be introducing this new award paying special tribute to our long-standing Patron,” said Duncan Rabagliati, Chairman of the FJHRA. “With the Festival celebrating 75 years of Formula 1, nothing could be more appropriate than us paying tribute to Howden’s own progress from Formula Junior to Formula 1.”
With both Formula Junior races boasting full 60-car entries and one of the strongest line-ups in recent memory, the competition for the Howden Ganley Trophy promises to be intense. Recent winners Michael O’Brien and Sam Wilson will be among the frontrunners, challenged by seasoned contenders like Alex Ames and Horatio Fitz-Simon.
As tradition dictates, these crowd-favourite races will open the track action on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, setting the stage for a packed weekend. On Sunday, the line-up will also include a special 500cc Formula 3 race for the first time.
These pint-sized racers – powered by motorbike engines – were the forerunners of Formula Junior in the 1940s and 1950s. Notably, they were the only support race at the landmark 1950 British Grand Prix, making their return to Silverstone in a fitting tribute 75 years later.
“Formula Junior is just the best possible way to kick-off more than nine hours of fabulous racing on both Saturday and Sunday at the Festival,” confirmed Nick Wigley, Event Organiser. “Now, with the Howden Ganley Trophy up for grabs, there will be all the more for those at the front to battle over. It’s going to add even more excitement to races which are always wheel-to-wheel thrillers.”
Silverstone Festival will also pay homage to its role in F1’s history with a remarkable World Champions Collection – a must-see display featuring F1 cars raced by all 34 World Champions, from Giuseppe Farina to Max Verstappen.
Fans looking to enjoy this one-of-a-kind celebration and a thrilling programme of 20 historic races, covering nearly every era of motorsport, can choose from a wide range of ticket options, including camping and hospitality packages. Best prices are available for those booking before the end of May.
Held over the end-of-summer Bank Holiday weekend, the Festival offers fun for all ages. Children aged 15 and under go free, and all tickets include access to a spectacular line-up of family-friendly entertainment. Highlights this year include live music from Natasha Bedingfield, Craig David presents TS5, and Ministry of Sound Classical- plus classic funfair rides, stunt shows, and much more.
