This year’s Silverstone Classic (22-24 July) will make history as the event will be the first to take full advantage of both the national and international pit complexes at Silverstone.
Some grids will be housed in the spectacular ‘Wing’, the brand new Formula 1 pit complex built between Club and Abbey Corners, while others will be in the traditional national pit complex at Woodcote Corner. A fleet of Route Master buses will be on hand to ferry visitors between the two sites.
Both buildings are required as the move to racing on the exciting new Grand Prix circuit means that the event will feature even bigger grids than ever before. The headline numbers are sensational; over 800 racing cars, more than 1000 drivers and grids of up to 58 cars on the new Silverstone Grand Prix circuit make the Silverstone Classic the world’s biggest and arguably best celebration of classic racing.
The weekend is a remarkable journey through the development of the racing car; from the bold and brave machines of the 1930s to the DFV-engined Formula 1 cars of the 1970s and early 1980s and the stunning Group C sports cars of the 1980s and early 1990s. Further massive diversity is provided by races for period touring cars, classic sports and GT racers of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
While many of the cars in action are incredibly rare and valuable, this is proper racing and the sight and sound of these cars being raced with commitment and skill by hard-charging racers will make it a truly memorable weekend of racing.
“The race line-up for the 2011 Silverstone Classic is nothing short of sensational," said Event Director Nick Wigley. “We have gathered together the finest categories from across Europe and with the move to the new Grand Prix circuit we can run bigger grids than ever before. Even so, some grids have still been over-subscribed!
“The Silverstone Classic also will give the public its first chance to experience the circuit’s amazing new ‘Wing’ building following the British Grand Prix. Moreover, our ‘access all areas’ policy will give everyone the chance not only to admire the new structure from afar but also to see it close up as they are free to walk around the paddock and watch these wonderful cars being prepared in the pits.”
The full race line up is:
Group C sports-prototypes from 1983 to 1991.
The magnificent Le Mans prototype cars of the 1980s, including cars from Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Nissan, Mercedes, Lancia and Spice.
Grand Prix Masters for Grand Prix cars from 1968 to 1982.
The DFV-engined generation of Formula 1 cars from manufacturers like Lotus, Tyrrell, McLaren, Brabham and March.
Historic Grand Prix Car Association pre '61 Grand Prix cars.
Cars ranging from Pre-War monsters through to Cooper, Lotus and Maserati representing a golden era of Formula 1.
Historic Grand Prix Car Association pre '66 Grand Prix cars.
The cars of the era when F1 engines went to the rear of the car; Cooper, Lotus and Brabham are among the key manufacturers.
World Sportscar Masters for sport-prototypes and GT cars up to 1974.
The mighty V8-powered Lolas and Ford GT40s ranged against nimble 2-litre cars from Chevron and Lola.
Gentleman Drivers Series for pre '66 GT and pre '63 sports cars.
A magnificent line-up of classic GT cars from Aston Martin, Jaguar, AC, TVR and many more.
Italian Historic Car Cup for pre '74 Italian sports, sports-prototype and GT cars.
An over dose of glorious machinery from Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.
Jaguar E-type Challenge.
Brand new for 2011 to celebrate 50 years of the E-type; a one-make race series for the classic British sports cars of the early 1960s.
Formula Junior for single-seaters from 1959 to 1963.
For six years, Formula Junior was the proving ground for aspiring Grand Prix drivers, competing in both front and rear-engined racing cars.
U2TC up to 2-litre pre '66 touring cars.
The U2TC series for up to 2-litre touring cars is packed with Lotus Cortinas, Alfa Romeos, BMWs and Mini Coopers.
Big–engined Touring Cars for over 2-litre pre '66 touring cars.
A record grid of American V8 racers, with the Ford Mustang and Falcon to the fore, along with a smattering of Jaguars and a Mercedes or two.
Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars.
This race, for pre '63 GT cars, celebrates Britain's oldest motor race, and includes priceless classics from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar and many others.
Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for pre '56 sports cars.
The evocative sports cars of the early 1950s will include early Aston Martins, Maseratis and Jaguars along with a host of smaller-engined cars.
Sir Stirling Moss Trophy for pre '61 sports and sports-racing cars.
The sports-racing cars of the 1950s were some of the most beautiful cars ever built for racing; Lotus, Lister, Maserati and Cooper are all represented.
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. The schedule also features a high profile Celebrity Challenge race with an all-star line-up including Charley Boorman, Heston Blumenthal, Brendan Cole, Comedy Dave, Neil Fox, Jonny Saunders and Jo Wood. Adding to the rich on-track entertainment, the Silverstone Classic also features a vast array of off-track attractions with 7000+ classic cars and bikes on display, traction engines, a period fun fair, air displays, parades, festival catering by Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feast 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. Adult entrance ticket prices if purchased in advance: £35 Friday; £45 Saturday; £45 Sunday, two-day weekend ticket £80 or three-day ticket £95. 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.
