The Historic Motorsport International show, which was held at London’s ExCel Arena opened its doors on Thursday to a highly anticipated crowd. TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk made it down, where the organisers showcased the best of Historic racing and forgotten race cars.
Starting the day off was arguably motorsports greatest all-round driver; Jacky Ickx. The five-time Le Mans and eight time Grand Prix winner arrived in a flurry of excitement, cutting the ribbon on the shows first year, three hours before the London Classic Car Show, which ran alongside, opened its gates.
The two shows run until 5pm Sunday 26th February, with the events open to car enthusiasts, dealers and racing professionals.
While opening the event, Ickx said; “It is a genuine thrill to be here and to open this wonderful show. It is especially good to be among like-minded people with a passion for historic motorsport and classic cars. We all come from different backgrounds, different countries, different jobs, but we all have a love for the sport in common.”
As the show fired up, attention turned to the Crossle Car Company stand, where the Historic team unveiled their new Crossle 90F car with help from Martin Donnelly.
Ickx, along with fellow Le Mans winners Derek Bell and Emanuele Pirro would take to the stage, taking part in interviews and debates throughout the day, discussing the current state of Historic racing on the grounds of Scrutineering, Driving Standards and Opportunities for Organisers.
Quinntech Racing display their machines after a successful few years racing with their historic cars (Credit: Connor Jackson)
Elsewhere, the Silverstone Classic set up the ‘Scarf and Gloves’ Pub for visitors to savour the cars and the drinks on sale, while a number of simulators were also set up for the visitors to enjoy tradtionally-styled circuits in the pioneering cars of the 1950’s and 60’s.
“It’s been a hugely exciting day. Historic Motorsport International has certainly made its mark on the sport, attracting a knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience and I am delighted to confirm that we are already making plans for the 2018 show,” said Show Director Ian France.
“The second Historic Motorsport International is set for 15-18 February and we have already managed to secure more space. It promises to be even bigger and better than the inaugural show.”
Further stands from Dunlop, engine suppliers Cosworth and of course the Historic Sports Car Club displayed the machines of yesteryear as well as restored models that were to be used in racing series throughout 2017. On display were cars from Formula 1, RallyCross, Sportscars and GT racing, as well as a range of further single-seaters.
The London Classic Car Show would open three hours later with the Grand Avenue providing a showcase of all types of road and race cars of various era’s during a spectacular at the end of the day.
It wasn’t plain sailing for everyone at LCCS, as the Toleman TG183B hit the barrier at the end of the Grand Avenue, forcing marshals to push it back. (Credit: Connor Jackson)
