Now in its 26th year, the Silverstone Classic has established itself as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, with last year’s silver jubilee event attracting more than 100,000 visitors.
This Year’s Highlights
The iconic Lamborghini Miura celebrates its 50th anniversary, so expect to see a record breaking gathering of the car which many feel invented the term ‘ supercar ‘. At the other end of the price and performance scale, the Nissan Figaro celebrates 25 years.
It was 40 years ago that James Hunt won the Formula One World Championship, and a selection of the cars he drove during his career will be present along with his son Freddie Hunt.
For the first time at the Silverstone Classic, there will be four separate touring car grids. The JET Super Touring Car Trophy (1990- 2000), Historic Touring Car Challenge (1967-1989), Big- Engined Touring Cars (Pre ’66) and Under 2-litre Touring Cars (Pre ’66) bringing together more than 200 cars on what is being billed as ‘ Tin Top Sunday ‘. Also new for 2016 is the Can-Am 50 Interserie Challenge which will hold its season finale at the Classic. These high powered monsters will be celebrating their 50th anniversary and are sure to excite the crowd with their awesome soundtrack and close racing. Other regular favourites include the Group C twilight race on Saturday evening, the FIA Masters Historic Formula One, Legends of Modern Formula One and the Stirling Moss Trophy.
Two and Three Wheels
Silverstone has a rich history when it comes to motorcycle racing and this year the Classic will host World GP Bike Legends following its successful debut at Jerez in Spain last year, together with the Sidecar Salute. Expect to see some of the top riders such as 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner and FIM Sidecar World Champion Steve Webster.
Off Track Entertainment
The Silverstone Classic has become famous for its huge gathering of classic car clubs, and this year will be no exception with some 10,000 cars expected. There will also be the ever popular retail shopping village, interactive driving experiences and classic fun fair to name but a few. Live music will include chart topping The Boomtown Rats, Ultimate Elton and Lime House Lizzy on Friday evening, with The Stranglers, West Country Rockers Reef and ZZ Top tribute band Live Wire on Saturday evening.
Silverstone Auctions will be holding a Classic Race Car sale on Friday evening followed by Classic Road Car sales on both Saturday and Sunday around miday.
Please note that entry is by advance ticket only. Full details of all tickets as well as hospitality packages, special family offers and weekend camping can be found on www.silverstoneclassic.com
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