Silverstone To Stage First Ever 24 Hour Race With EERC & Britcar
Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix Circuit will host the first ever 24 hour race in the venue’s history on 9th/10th/11th September, when the EERC brings its hugely popular Britcar and Production S1 cars together for one truly spectacular event.Britcar, the brainchild of EERC’s James Tucker and John Veness, has become firmly established within UK motorsport over the last four years as the foremost endurance series and now features bigger grid numbers than the British GT Championship and British Touring Car Championship combined.A maximum of 84 cars are likely to be permitted to begin the inaugural Silverstone 24 Hour Race, and with over 130 interested entrants currently on EERC’s books the stage is set for a capacity grid of incredible GT, saloon and prototype racers.Not only that, some major names from the world of sportscar and endurance racing have announced their intent to compete in the race including the likes of DTM and Le Mans competitor Peter Dumbreck. The Scottish ace will team with Bill Cameron and Barry Horne in a Porsche GT3.In addition, rock star and car fanatic Chris Rea, famous for hits such as Road To Hell, will partner Paul Harvey in a BMW Mini, Martin Short has entered his Mosler GT3 - as raced in the British GT Championship - and Adam Sharpe, at the wheel of the ultra-competitive Ford Falcon V8, will also be challenging for honours.As was revealed last week, Keith Ahlers, Christian Bock, Peter Garland and Mathew Wurr have switched from the British GT Championship to Britcar and will also contest the 24 Hour Race in their stunning Morgan Aero 8 GT3 car.“We’ve been planning this event for some time and we’re absolutely delighted to officially confirm the Silverstone 24 Hour Race will take place at the home of the British Grand Prix in just over two months”, commented EERC boss Tucker.“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this far but we’re determined to make this an annual event and we’re confident it’ll stand out as one of the very best races of the year. The response we’ve had so far has been superb and at just £20 a ticket, this event will be tremendous value for money.“Spectators will not only be able to watch some wonderful racing with some of the fastest and most exotic racing machinery in the world, they’ll also receive unrestricted access to the paddock making it a truly memorable occasion and an event we hope to replicate year on year – effectively bringing the ambience of Le Mans to Britain.”Dutch Supercup visits UK for first timeIn order to accommodate the needs of the event and also taking into consideration circuit rules, to allow refuelling to take place competitors will use the old pit lane area which is situated in the ‘complex’ between Priory and Luffield. Driver changes, however, will take place in the usual pit lane adjacent to the start/finish straight.Support races over the course of the weekend will come courtesy of the Britsports and GoldArts cars, the Ferrari Maranello Challenge, the historic MotorRacing Legends and the Dutch Supercup – the latter making its first appearance on UK soil.Furthermore, a festival atmosphere is promised with live music, fairground rides, shops, stalls and refreshments available in the paddock area throughout the weekend, along with the opportunity to witness Hot Air Balloon races and also travel above the circuit in one of the balloons – a very rare vantage point!A specially organised Media Day ahead of the event will also be staged at the venue on 10th August, giving journalists and broadcasters the opportunity to meet with the organisers and drivers ahead of, what is set to be, one of the most memorable events of 2005.Tickets for the Silverstone 24 Hour Race, priced at £20, can be purchased by calling 0870 4588200 or via the Silverstone website silverstone-circuit.co.ukCamping facilities will be provided at the nearby Whittlebury Park Golf and Country Club, which backs on to the outside of Copse Corner. For further information regarding camping at the Silverstone 24 Hour Race, please call 01327 858092. While preparations for the incredible Silverstone 24 Hour Race are now progressing, the Britcar, Production S1, Britsports and GoldArts competitors will first be back in action on 16th July at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk for the fifth meeting of the season.
