Masters to celebrate James Hunt at Brands Hatch Festival

Masters to celebrate James Hunt at Brands Hatch Festival

Masters Historic Racing will celebrate the life of James Hunt at this year’s Masters Historic Festival on May 28-30 and especially the 40th anniversary of his Formula One World Championship success.On the 40th anniversary of James winning the Formula 1 World Championship, his achievements will be celebrated at the annual historic race weekend, headlined by the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship.Hunt’s first race at the Kent circuit was in a Mini in October 1967 as a burgeoning talent and he went on to win the Formula One Race of Champions in 1976 and 1978. Brands Hatch was the venue of his last ever race when, in 1984, he drove a Ford Escort XR3i to fifth place in the celebrity race at the British Grand Prix.It was the 1976 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, however, which will always resonate with fans, after James won the restarted race to a hero’s reception. Months later he was disqualified from the race on a technical infringement but still went on to win the World Championship in the rains of Mount Fuji at the end of an action-packed season.Masters is looking to provide a demonstration of the many cars that Hunt raced during his career, as well as having a display of Hunt’s original race kit and trophies. James’s son Freddie, a racer himself, will be on hand to present trophies during the weekend. In addition during a fun-filled weekend of historic racing, the winner of Sunday’s FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship race will receive The James Hunt Trophy. Freddie Hunt said: “I am really thrilled that Masters is remembering my father and his World Championship success 40 years ago. Brands Hatch was a special place to my father and he had many enjoyable races - and notable successes - there during his career. To have Formula 1 cars of the type that he raced, and commentated on, will be the perfect backdrop to a celebration of his life and I can’t wait to watch the action as it recreates my father’s era in Formula 1 and a very different period in the sport.” Masters Historic Racing Event Manager Rachel Bailey said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate a real-life British hero. James Hunt was everyone’s idea of a racing driver in the 1970s: fast, flamboyant, brave and a real character. We are thrilled to keep his memory alive at this event by celebrating his World Championship winning year.”The Masters Historic Festival, featuring the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship and FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship, will feature action from Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars, CanAm 50 Interserie Challenge, Masters Three Hour Series, Masters 70s Celebration as well as invitation grids from the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association and Historic Formula Ford. It will be a weekend full of nostalgia.

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