Stars and cars celebrated at the Silverstone Classic
Aston Martin centenary parade watched by royalty and Sir Jackie Stewart
The 2013 Silverstone Classic is in full swing with the opening races of a packed 24-race timetable now completed. Furthermore the Aston Martin centenary parade dazzled a huge crowd, with both Sir Jackie Stewart, Murray Walker and the Duke of Kent among the notable attendees.Pulsating Formula Junior and Formula Ford races with capacity grids got the racing action underway followed by a feast of sports car and touring car action.Then the lunchtime celebration of Aston Martins created a magnificent sight around the Grand Prix circuit. As the events official Featured Celebration Marque for 2013, a parade of 361 of the iconic British cars toured the track in date order.Further to the Aston Martin cavalcade, famed Italian marque Lamborghini is celebrating its own half-century with a huge parade of machines later this eveningthought to be the largest of its kind in the UK.As well as the thousands of enthused fans at Silverstone, Saturdays on-going entertainment extravaganza is being enjoyed by both royalty and racing royalty alike.The Duke of Kent, is in attendance at the home of British motor sport. With his passions for the sport there for all to see, the Prince spent time with competitors and guests during his time at the worlds biggest classic motor racing festival, and presented the prize ceremony for the FIA Masters Historic Formula One race.Three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart was also in joyous mood as he purred over nine decades of motor sport machinery and history. He looked on as the FIA Masters Historic Formula One got underway, a race that includes a class named after the great Scotsman. With F1 cars ranging from 1970-1984 in the sensational field, several of the machines entered were those that Sir Jackie raced against during his career.Jackie Stewart said: "Its wonderfulSilverstone has done a great job. I dont think Ive ever seen so many beautiful cars all in one place. Im here purely to enjoy myselfits a great collection of people and a great collection of carsa real bonanza weekend."You had to win the British Grand Prix if you were a British driver, and I won a couple here at Silverstone so I feel very much at home. Its a global event, theres drivers from all over the world that come hereits a classic weekend and thats what its called: the Classic!"Legendary TV commentator Murray Walker made his first trips to a motor sport event since recently being diagnosed with cancer. "I have a love for Silverstone - it has been a huge part of my life since 1948," he said. "It's moving and heart warming to have had such an incredible reaction given my recent diagnosis. I am doing well and it's great to be here."
The racing action continues into dusk this evening, which will be concluded with a sensational Group C race held in twilight conditionsmirroring some of the iconic scenes of the famous Le Mans cars racing into the night during their heyday.In keeping with the Silverstone Classics Rocking and Racing motto, the days entertainment closes with a wonderful concert headlined by The Hollies, with support shows provided by tribute bands Ultimate Eagles and the Guns N Roses Experience. Tonights concert is far from bringing the curtain down on another Silverstone Classic, however, as well be back to do it all again tomorrow with another 11 races and a host of off-track entertainment at the home of British motor sport.
