An overwhelming proportion of the 150 racing machines that will contest the first AMOC Racing event of the new season are from the 1950s and 60s era which created a new breed of competitor, the ‘Gentleman Driver’. A leading figure of this generation, Innes Ireland, will be honored in a new event, a highlight of the six race programme on Silverstone National Circuit this Saturday, 5 April.
Aston Club Racing have created, the ‘Innes Ireland Trophy’ for Pre ’66 GT and Touring Cars. The entry for this, the first of five races planned for this season, includes a mouthwatering line-up of machinery of a type that Innes would have raced in, or against during this influential time including Aston Martin DB4, Jaguar Lightweight E-type, Ford Mustang, Austin-Healey 3000. Ireland was elevated to the early 1960s Formula One arena having proven his talents in sports car racing. A larger-than-life character, he was a feisty and tough racer, qualities that influence the underlying ethos of Historic Racing – close and competitive driving with an over-riding respect for the valuable and historic machinery.
This spirit will be evident in the supporting races including the unique AMOC Intermarque® Championship which reaffirms its popularity with six decades of racers represented in the 45 minute event where ‘marque teams’ compete against each other for overall season honors.
Capacity grids have been confirmed for two races from the Historic Racing Drivers Club – their ‘Touring Greats’ and ‘Allstars’ grids feature Sports, GT and Touring Cars of the late 1950s and 60s. Triumph TR4s are set to dominate the first “Equipe”GTS race of the year. Last but by no means least, 1950s Sports Cars close the programme with one of the largest grids of the day featuring stunning Aston Martin DB3S, DB2 and 4, Austin-Healey 100/4, Cooper Bobtail and ten historic Jaguars for the first Vredestein Jaguar Owners Club Jaguar XK Challenge.
The action gets underway at 9am for morning qualifying and the ‘Innes Ireland Trophy’ is the first race of the day at 12.15pm. HRDC ‘Touring Greats’ follow on after the lunch break Aston Martin Owners Club Track Parade which is expected to attract approximately 50 of the finest Aston Martin vehicles including Pre and Post-war sports-cars alongside modern super cars. Racing will be completed by 6.00pm, please be aware that the schedule is subject to change.
The AMOC Racing programme presents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy top-flight historic racing at close quarters at fraction of the price of the summer Historic Festivals. For a mere £10 per person, spectators can enjoy free access to the paddock, in-field parking and grandstands. What’s more, children aged 15 and under go free.
