Norwich Union MSA classic revived
Original team revive the ‘Classic’ glory
International Motor Sports Ltd. (IMS) – the commercial arm of the Motor Sports Association (MSA) - has today announced that it is to reinstate its iconic classic car event, in partnership with Norwich Union, after a ten-year gap. The Norwich Union MSA Classic 2007 will take place on Sunday 14th October from start locations across the country, with cars finishing at Silverstone, after driving parade laps of the legendary Grand Prix circuit.
In its heyday, the event – then called the Norwich Union RAC Classic – welcomed over a thousand participating cars every year. The event reached a peak in 1996 with entries of over 1,600, including a host of unusual models, which included anything from Morris Minors to a Ferrari 365 or a 1904 Benz and even a three-wheeler Morgan built in 1932.
The 2007 Norwich Union MSA Classic sees the original organising team and the historic sponsor unite once more to revive the original and highly successful event format to re-live the glory of past events, for both participants and spectators alike.
With the cost of entry set at just £100, which includes the opportunity for drivers to parade their automotive pride and joy on Silverstone’s full Grand Prix race circuit, organisers hope to encourage a wide variety of classics - and classic car lovers - from across the country to take part. The only criteria being that all cars entered are at least 20 years old.
“Our ‘mission’ is to create the most complete motoring experience possible within one day, for the classic car owner,” explained Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS). “Utilising simple roadbook-style navigation, the routes will incorporate some of the best driving roads in Britain, set amidst beautiful countryside.”
“We have strived to keep the cost of entry low in order to attract an unrivalled line-up of Britain’s best-loved cars, making it the most unique event in the classic car calendar,” Coe continued.
As in the past, there will be checkpoints specifically of interest to the dedicated motoring and motorsport enthusiast, in addition to venues of more general interest, creating even more opportunities for spectators to come along to see the cars – and their drivers!
Commenting on the decision to re-launch the event, Tanya Veingard, Head of Sponsorship, Norwich Union, enthused: “Since the last event in 1997, IMS have been inundated with requests asking them to reinstate the event and we are delighted to be able to support them in doing so for 2007. We are particularly excited to be able to offer Silverstone as the finish point, making it easier for participants to realise their dream and drive their car on one of the world’s best-loved race circuits.”
Entries for each start location will be limited, a full list of which will be announced by organisers in the coming weeks.
