Matters of moment, August 2001
Silverstone’s historic future is safe
The historic Grand prix circuit at Silverstone, home to the annual Historic Festival, is likely to be largely unaffected as Octagon Motorsports Ltd push ahead with extensive redevelopment plans for the venue.
In order to secure the long term future of the British GP, a spending programme of around £80 million is envisaged, focusing on a new pit complex between Club and Abbey corners, and major revisions to the track. The new layout turns right at Abbey and head towards Becketts, to rejoin the existing national circuit. However, Octagon has confirmed the current Historic GP circuit will remain in place, retaining the Bridge and Priory corners to more closely follow the long-standing circuit layout
“The Historic GP circuit will be largely unaffected,” says Denys Rohan of Octagon Motorsports Ltd, “although there will be some detail changes at Abbey in the medium term.”
Work will be concentrated outside the racing season to minimise disruption, and is scheduled to be fully complete by 2003. Plans include an interactive visitor centre, a drivers’ academy and new technical facilities.
Biggest ever F1 field at Silverstone?
What is though to be the biggest ever field of Formula One cars will contest the nonchampionship Thoroughbred GP Car race at Silverstone following the British Grand Prix on July 15. A maximum of 42 cars will be permitted to start the race for 3-litre F1 cars built and raced up to 1984, and the series organisers are confident of having a capacity grid for the biggest race in the history of the TGP movement. The next highest number of cars to start a Formula 1 race was the 34-strong field that contested the 1953 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, in which Giuseppe Farina’s
Ferrari 500 emerged victorious.
Heading the field at Silverstone will be Martin Stretton (Tyrrell P34), Bob Berridge (Arrows A4), Steve Hitchins (Lotus 88B) and Geoff Farmer (Tyrrell 012), while the Williams FWO7Ds of Americans Duncan Dayton and Roy Walzer add international flavour.
Mac Marks 100 years
The oldest Motor Club in the country will celebrate its 100th anniversary in August with a three-day event at the famous Shelsley Walsh hillclimb course near Worcester. The Midland Automobile Club, created in 1901, is the owner and operator of Shelsley Walsh, and over the weekend of August 1719 this year the MAC 100 will be a three-day celebration of the intertwined history of club and venue. Classes within the competition will cater for cars of all eras.
Other attractions throughout the three days will be demonstrations of rare cars, and cavalcades. Action will run from 10am each day at the venue, which is near Martley, approximately 10 miles west of Worcester.