Under 2-litre Touring Cars at Silverstone Classic 2011 (Photo Credit: Silverstone Classic)
After attracting 80,000 visitors over three days in 2011 plans are already in place to make the 2012 Silverstone Classic another recording breaking year for the world's largest classic racing event.
Leading the records set by the 2011 event was the 767 Jaguar E-types that paraded around the track as part of the massive celebration of the iconic sportscar's 50th anniversary. 2012 contains some more milestones to honour.
The MGB, Triumph Spitfire, AC Cobra, Ford Cortina and TVR Car Club all turn 50, and the Ferrari F40 turns a quarter century. All will be found among 120 car clubs and 7,000 vehicles that will fill the infield of the Northamptonshire track.
On track spectators can expect the same mix of historic machinery representing several different disciplines of racing. The Historic Formula Juniors and Under 2-litre Touring Cars are already confirmed to return to the vent after proving highlights of 2011, the Formula Junior races in particular living long in the memory for the terrific duel for the lead throughout both of the races held over the weekend.
A full line of series set to share Silverstone – both the old and new 'Wing' paddock will be filled with more than 1000 racecars – is still to be confirmed but F1 cars from the dawn of the front-engined cars to the DFV Cosworth dominated 1980s are likely to join machines from the definitive eras of racing at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
The celebrity race continues to be a fixture, raising money for charity.
The event continues to trade on its Rocking and Racing reputation, with live music filling the air once the racing engines have fallen silent. Adam Ant and Mike and the Mechanics are signed to headline the off track entertainment with a full range of camping – and 'glamping' options available including the Snoozebox accommodation – offering a proper double bed, shower, free Wi-fi and flat screen TV all in air conditioned unit.
Early bird ticket prices for the entire three days are available at £80. Saturday and Sunday tickets are available at £40 for each day, or £70 combined. Children's tickets for the full three days are just £10.
“Our special multi-day tickets and hugely popular 'access all areas' policy offers exceptional value for money,” said event director Nick Wigley. “Tickets not only provide free access to car parking, grandstand seats, air displays, fun fair and both Silverstone paddocks allowing festival goers to rub shoulders with drivers and see the amazing collection of classic competition cars up close, but they also include admission to all the live music concerts in the evenings. Taking that into account it's no surprise that so many more of those coming to the Silverstone Classic are adopting a Glastonbury-style approach and staying for the full three-day rocking and racing experience.”
For more information on the event visit www.silverstoneclass.com.
