TV Boost for historic package

Four of the Premier historic championships will boost their presence in 2001 by promoting themselves as a unique circus touring Europe under the flag of Renaissance Racing, with wide television coverage.

The European Sports Prototypes, Grand Prix Cars of the 1950s and ’60s, Group C Sportscars and the FIA Lurani Trophy Formula Junior series are the pioneers of this innovative scheme, set to run at top historic meetings at Spa-Francorchamps, Brands Hatch, the AvD’s Nurburgring Oldtimer Festival and the growing GP de Bourgogne at DijonPrenois. New Iberian classics are planned, at Estoril and Jerez. Speedvision in the USA and UK’s Sky Sports have already agreedcoverage.

Viewers will delight in the ESP Trophy’s Alfa Romeo T33s, Ford GT40s, Lola T70s, and other Le Mans-type sportscars of the 1960s and early ’70s, contrasting with later Group C machines.

Single-seater aficionados can enjoy frontand rear-engined competition at both Grand Prix and Junior levels, both of which promise fierce action.

Sarah Hutchison, a director of Motor Race Management, promises car andcircuit histories and driver interviews will add spice to the growing coverage worldwide.

Hutchison has stressed, however, that the package is not a closed-shop. “We are interested in one-offs by complementary classes. Historic Formula Ford’s close racing and full grids would be welcome, for instance.

‘The TV viewing figures will draw investors, and superb hospitality deals at events will ensure that drivers and spectators enjoy a memorable season. That’s very important”. MP