Silverstone Classic
With more than 1000 race entries, vast car club displays, music and more, its appeal endures…
The Silverstone Classic always attracts a sprawling collection of desirable racing machinery, with a packed timetable of action over the weekend of July 20-22. The annual festival, now in its 28th year, attracts about 100,000 spectators – and that’s no surprise, given the staggering amount of ground the Classic covers.
The FIA Masters Historic Racing series, which includes some of the more ‘modern’ historic racing classes, is well represented, with Formula 1, sports cars, the new Endurance Legends series, Pre-66 Touring Cars and the Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy.
In fact, touring cars comprise a significant part of the weekend, with the Super Touring Car Trophy expecting its biggest grids of the year here, while the Historic Touring Car Challenge takes care of those who want to see machines of the type that did battle from 1966-90.
Step back in time just a bit and you have the brilliant Stirling Moss Trophy, for pre-61 sports cars. Chevrolets, Coopers, Costins, Listers, Lotuses, Lolas and more do battle in the two-driver contest.
Pre-56 sports cars feature in the Woodcote Trophy, with the Jaguar XKs celebrating their 70th anniversary alongside stunning racers such as Jaguar D- and C-types, assorted Frazer Nashes and the Aston Martin DB5.
The 70th anniversary of the first British Grand Prix will be marked with a track parade on Saturday – including cars that competed back in 1948 – while the Ace Café’s 80th anniversary gets a nod as well with a classic motorcycle parade and display.
Live music complements the on-track action, with Soul II Soul and UB40 headlining along with tribute bands to well-known acts.
Auctions, air displays and car clubs complete the packed weekend.
Just be sure to bring your walking boots – the old airfield will keep your pedometer ticking over.
Adult tickets for the weekend cost £120, while single-day passes range from £45-68.