Frank Wrathall is the latest in the long list of past and present high-profile motorsport names to compete at the 2013 Silverstone Classic on 26-28 July, competing in the popular Super Touring Trophy races.
Wrathall took his first British Touring Car Championship win at the end of 2012 and has begun his 2013 campaign right in the mix with the front runners. The 26-year-old also ran at the front at the 2012 Silverstone Classic Super Touring Trophy races, taking Richard Kaye‘s 1996 Vauxhall Cavalier to second place in both.
The Dynojet driver managed to get the best of his Cavalier during a damp qualifying session, securing pole position ahead of his opponents in more modern machinery, before battling in two dry races, taking victory in Class B or both races.
“It was one of the best motor sport events I’ve ever been to,” said Wrathall. “For a modern day driver like me to be able to race a Super Touring car was just amazing. It was also very special for me to be able to race on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit rather than the shorter National track we use for the BTCC. It’s the best track in the country; so fast and flowing – it was mega fun in one of these cars.”
“We really didn’t know what to expect last year as the car was only just finished in time and it hadn’t been run in years. So to put it on pole position by nearly two and a half seconds was a massive achievement!” continued Wrathall. “That said being a 1995 car, it’s not quite as competitive as those that came a few years later as development went through the roof at the end of nineties. While winning is always the aim, it’s not really what this event is about. As a huge touring car fan, I’m relishing the chance to race against all these past heroes – it’s what dreams are made of.”
In addition to Wrathall’s entry to the Touring Car Trophy, Fujifilm will once again sponsor the two races. Although only in its second year, the Touring Car Trophy has firmly established itself as a crowd-pleaser at the 24-race classic racing festival.
“The two colourful Fujifilm Touring Car Trophy showdowns really seem to have caught the public’s imagination,” said Event Director, Nick Wigley. “Along with the Group C sportscar and DFV-powered F1 races from a similar era, they have strong appeal with those who remember these fabulous cars racing on television 20 or 30 years ago. Now they have the chance to see them actually racing at the Silverstone Classic. They bring back so many great memories.”
