Track additions to deflate any shortcutting prankstersAir cushion action makes its festival debut ‘Park and Glide’ hovercraft service to ferry visitors into event
The annual Silverstone Classic (29-31 July) is world famous for celebrating key automotive milestones with special commemorative races and record-breaking on-track parades.Notable anniversaries this summers include 50th birthdays for both the Lamborghini Miura, the world’s first supercar, and the mighty CanAm series which featured some of the most explosive and extreme competition cars ever created. And another amazing golden anniversary race is confirmed today (1st April), too.Honouring the introduction of the first cross channel passenger services by hovercrafts back in 1966, for the first time in its 26-year history the Classic’s action-packed, three-day schedule will include a special showdown reserved exclusively for souped up versions of Sir Christopher Cockerel’s pioneering air-cushioned vehicles.Although the one-off race will be staged on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, a series of seaside style groynes will be introduced to prevent any over ambitious corner cutting. Moreover, adding to the entertainment – as well as emphasising the hovercraft’s go-anywhere flexibility – a short diversion will be introduced, taking competitors over the trackside lake situated in the infield between Stowe and Vale corners.The contest will run to a two class format: the first for the Saunders-Roe designed SR.N6 which made the first crossings in 1966 (below); the second for Mark III SR.N4s (above) which performed the last commercial flights across the English Channel in October 2000. To highlight the Classic’s huge popularity – more than 100,000 visitors attended in 2015 – both classes must compete in a fully laden specification; in the SR.N6’s case this equates to 38 passengers, while the capacity of the later SR.N4 is 254 passengers plus 30 cars. Complementing the race, the festival will be making a further splash via the launch of a novel ‘Park and Glide’ hovercraft service ferrying visitors into the venue. A selection of hyoscine pills and patches will be provided free for those prone to seasickness.“We were looking for something a bit different to celebrate in July following the paint-drying success of last year’s Sinclair C5 celebration race,” explained Nick Wigley, CEO of event organiser Goose Live Events. “The idea of a friction-free hovercraft race really appealed as it will save massively on track wear. Gentlemen – and ladies – lower your skirts!” In addition to this make-believe hovercraft hoedown, visitors to this year’s Silverstone Classic can expect a magical weekend of ‘Rocking and Racing’ with unrivalled grids featuring the world’s finest race cars from previous generations plus live music shows from chart toppers The Boomtown Rats, The Stranglers, and Reef.Tickets to the action-packed weekend also include full paddock access, impressive track parades and displays from more than 100 car clubs displaying in excess of 10,000 privately owned classic cars over the weekend. Interactive activities, dynamic demonstrations, aerial displays, a vintage funfair and shopping village provide a festival experience for the whole family.Families can enjoy discounts through the newly introduced Family Ticket which includes tickets and camping for a family of four. Full information on all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com.
