Tour Britannia, as of 14 August, has attracted a spectacular array of pre-1976 cars for its inaugural running and no fewer than 46 crews will take the start of this unique historic race tour which begins on Monday 5 September. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the four-day event takes in three races at Cadwell Park, Rockingham Motor Speedway and Silverstone as well as 16 competitive sections at famous British sprint, hill climb and stately home venues.
“We are delighted to have such a high-quality field, and particularly pleased to see a number of last-minute Touring-Regularity entries,” said Fred Gallagher, Tour Britannia Sporting Director. “I think we have a very strong base on which to build the event for the future, and the entire Tour Britannia team is working day and night to ensure we run the best event of its type.”
Latest entries…
In the Touring-Regularity category, the experienced Martin Emmison has entered with his son Edwin in a 1963 AC Cobra, while Frenchman Christian Chiaravita - who has contested more than 200 asphalt rallies and an amazing 14 Dakar events - will compete in his 1972 BMW 30 CSI with Paris-Dakar star co-driver Jean Marie Lurquin. From Ireland, Robin Rennicks is bringing his 1957 Porsche 356 Carrera, and John Ruston has entered an impressive trio of Talbot 105s, one of which he will be piloting himself. The sole Bentley, a magnificent 1936 Derby Special, will be driven by Michael Campbell, who will be navigated by motor racing star of the 60s Robin Widdows, an international F2 winner, occasional F1 and Le Mans driver.
In the Competition category, where two strong grids will run at each circuit, John Sheldon - winner of the 2005 Tour Auto and 2004 Tour España - will be challenging the thunderous V8s for outright glory in his highly-competitive 1965 Lotus Elan. And historic racing star, Gareth Burnett, will drive one of the Ruston-entered Talbot 105s.
Tour Britannia secures prestigious BRDC trophy
Tour Britannia is privileged to have been offered one of the most prestigious trophies in British motor sporting history. The Johnny Wakefield Trophy, which will be presented to Tour Britannia’s Overall Winner on Index, was first presented to Mike Hawthorn and Ken Wharton in 1953 for setting the fastest lap of the season at Silverstone. Since then, the list of winners to establish the same record includes some of the world’s finest drivers; Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Ronnie Peterson, James Hunt, John Watson, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen to name but a few.
Where to see the cars in action…
Tour Britannia will provide a stunning opportunity for spectators wanting to see these magnificent cars in action. With the exception of Belvoir Castle (Monday 5 September), where a normal admission fee to the castle and grounds will be levied by the venue, spectators can gain access to the following venues:
Monday 5 September Cadwell Park (crews arriving from 11:00 hrs)
Tuesday 6 September Rockingham Motor Speedway (crews arriving from 10:00 hrs)
Wednesday 7 September Shelsley Walsh (crews arriving from 08:20 hrs)
Loton Park (crews arriving from midday)
Thursday 8 September Silverstone (crews arriving from 09:15 hrs)
Tour Britannia, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, takes place between 5-8 September.
