27/28/29 July 2007 - Same time… Same place… Next year -
Porsche unveiled as the celebrated marque for the 2007 Silverstone Classic
Another hugely successful Silverstone Classic came to a close on Sunday evening (30 July) with event organisers confirming a 38,000 strong crowd over all three days of the prestigious event. Featuring 22 races, more than 800 competitors, and approximately 600 of the most valuable race cars and motorcycles in the world, this year’s Silverstone Classic was bigger and better than ever, transporting race goers back to a bygone era as Silverstone’s Historic Grand Prix circuit echoed to the sound of international classic racing at its very best.
Before the last chequered flag of the day had even been waved, circuit bosses were already announcing plans for the 2007 Silverstone Classic, in association with Bonhams.
As in previous years, the three day event will take place over the last weekend in July (27-29 July) – the Classic’s traditional slot in the motorsport calendar – and, following the success of establishing Aston Martin as a central theme for this year’s event, an official photocall launched Porsche as the featured marque for 2007.
Derek Bell unveiled Porsche as the celebrated marque for the 2007 Silverstone Classic Five-time Le Mans and triple Daytona 24 hours winner, Derek Bell, unveiled the Porsche 956, which was first launched and raced at the Silverstone six hour race of 1982. Next year’s Silverstone Classic will celebrate 25 years of the 956, one of the most famous Porsche Group C race cars. Bonhams will also be in attendance with a new-look auction of cars and automobilia totally themed around the Porsche marque.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said, “We have had a great crowd over all three days of this year’s Silverstone Classic and we’re delighted to see so many families and young fans coming to the event. “They’ve enjoyed some fantastic action on track, while the open paddock, display areas and Scarf and Goggles entertainment zone have created a real festival-like atmosphere. It’s been an absolute treat watching some of the finest racing machinery in the world being raced in anger – just as they would have been in their glorious past. The various car clubs involved have put on a fantastic display of classic racing and we have a lot to thank them for.”
Speaking about how the Classic is being developed, Phillips continued, “The Silverstone Classic is one of the few race weekends that we, as a circuit, organise, manage and promote ourselves, and we are delighted that the event has become so established in only the second year of its current form.
“We have effectively taken what worked well in 2005 and enhanced that in order to deliver an outstanding celebration of both four and two-wheel motor racing. Bonhams Auctioneers, Classic & Sports Car and MotorSport have continued their support, while we’ve also been able to welcome Hagerty Insurance on board as an associate sponsor and the Daily Express as a National Media Partner for the event.
“Our aim is to get back to the 100,000 plus crowds when it was the Historic Festival of the nineties. It may take a few years, but the Silverstone Classic is heading in the right direction.”
