Already firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Silverstone Classic (22-24 July) will be even bigger in 2011 with more on-track racing action than ever before.
For the first time this year’s Silverstone Classic will take maximum advantage of Silverstone’s latest Grand Prix circuit configuration – a move that will allow the event organiser to field even bigger grids in 2011.
The track licence for the new 3.666-mile layout permits 50-car grids for larger engined purpose-built single-seaters and sports racers such as Grand Prix Masters and Group C prototypes – that’s up from the 42-car limit imposed on the circuit plan used in previous years. Likewise potential grids for smaller engined (under 2000cc) pure-bred competition cars are increased from 44 to 54 starters.
Even more significantly, though, grids for the many other categories featured on the far-reaching Silverstone Classic bill have now been enlarged from 48 to a record 58 cars. Races obviously benefiting from this increase include the popular HSCC Big-Engined Touring Cars which stars dozens of V8 powered American muscle cars from the Sixties as well as the two special Jaguar E-Type Celebration races being organised specifically to mark the iconic model’s 50th birthday in 2011.
“The biggest classic motor racing festival is just getting bigger and bigger,” said a delighted Event Director Nick Wigley. “The decision to switch the on-track action to the new Silverstone Grand Prix circuit has a huge number of benefits. Bigger grids, of course, will provide even more entertainment for both festival-goers and competitors. In the past we’ve had to turn down entries as certain grids have been vastly oversubscribed. Beyond that the new layout will provide drivers with a new challenge. Moreover the event provides fans with a great chance to experience the dramatic new Silverstone Wing pit complex.
“Our hugely successful ‘access all areas’ policy gives the public the perfect opportunity not only to see all these fabulous and priceless racing cars from bygone eras but also a great chance to get a close look at the spectacular redevelopment currently nearing completion at Silverstone. It’s the perfect cocktail: motor sport’s fabulous pedigree in the paddock overlooked by the glittering edifice which symbolises the sport’s future in this country.”
“It’s a mouth-watering prospect,” agreed Grahame White, Chief Executive of the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC) race control organisers for the event. “The Big Engined Touring Cars was one of the undoubted highlights of last year’s Silverstone Classic and we’ve received huge interest from E-Type owners all wanting to be part of what’s a very special anniversary celebration. Now, with a potential of massive 58 car grids, the sight and sound of these racing machines is something not to be missed.”
With so much entertainment already confirmed, ticket sales are already nearly 100 per cent up on this time 12 months ago with those booking before the end of March taking advantage of significant ‘Early Bird’ discounts. For more information log onto SilverstoneClassic.com.
Editor’s notes: The Silverstone Classic (22-24 July, 2011) is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival and is celebrating its 21st anniversary this summer. The spectacular three-day event is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit, birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home of the 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix. The Silverstone Classic features in excess of 1000 drivers racing more than 800 of the world’s finest competition cars spanning the full spectrum of motor sport history. Adding to the rich on-track entertainment, the Silverstone Classic also features a vast array of off-track attractions with 6000+ classic cars and bikes on display, steam engines, a period fun fair, parades and live music concerts featuring classic rock bands guaranteeing a memorable day – or weekend – out for all the family.
Tickets: Available in advance via the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0849 or from the official event website SilverstoneClassic.com. ‘Early Bird’ adult entrance ticket prices available until 31 March 2011: £30 Friday; £40 Saturday; £40 Sunday, two-day weekend ticket £70 or three-day ticket £80. Children aged between 6 and 16: £5 per day. 5 and under: FREE. Ticket price includes car parking, grandstand seating, paddock access and live music.
