In brief, September 2008

Lewis Hamilton will visit Brands Hatch on August 31 for round eight of the DTM series, where he will drive demo laps in his McLaren F1 car. The British GP winner will also take part in an autograph signing session in the paddock. “I’m really looking forward to visiting a DTM race again,” he said. “I have fond memories of racing in the F3 Euroseries at DTM events.”

The completion of the new pit building at 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore was marked with a small ceremony attended by Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry. The pit complex houses the race control facilities, media centre, winners’ podium, paddock club and the pit garages.

The inaugural Brooklands Motoring Festival: The Double Twelve attracted almost 15,000 visitors and was won by Jonathan Oppenheimer in his Lagonda V12 Prototype. The winner received his trophy from Heikki Kovalainen, who was in attendance alongside Lewis Hamilton and Sir Stirling Moss.

Legendary watchmaker TAG Heuer has joined forces with Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill and Sir Stirling Moss to host a photography exhibition celebrating British F1. The images will be unveiled at a private preview in London on September 15, followed by a public exhibition on September 16-20 at the Mall Galleries, SW1.

Key speakers for the 2008 Motor Sport Business Forum on December 10/11 will include Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO Tony George and IRL driver Danica Patrick. Familiar faces from the F1 paddock include Nick Fry, Vijay Mallya and Christian Horner. To register for the forum go to www.motorsportbusinessforum.com

This year’s Doghouse fundraising dinner, an informal association of racing drivers’ wives and girlfriends created in 1962 by Bette Hill (wife of Graham), will be held in the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone on September 13. Tickets cost £75. For details contact Leonora Hill on 01332 691558 or e-mail leohill@btinternet.com