EVENT PREVIEW // 2010 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

The Silverstone Classic media day offers journalists and photographers alike the chance to sample what’s in store for the 2010 Silverstone Classic. Last years event was a sensation. Close Racing and lots of variety and things to do on and off track, the event was superb last year and 2010 builds on the form of the 2009 event. So what do we have to look forward to when the 2010 Silverstone Classic starts on the 23rd of July? Lots actually. Various different races, ranging from pre-war cars of the 1930s to GT cars of the 1960s, Sports Prototypes and GT cars of the 1970s. Formula 1 cars from different eras will make an appearance as well and there is historic touring car racing with scores of Mini Coopers and Lotus Cortinas... [read more]

In total, there will be over 800 cars racing in all of the series over the weekend with 1000 competitors, guaranteeing lots of race action over the weekend. There is more as well though. A Fiat 500 Abarth race for various celebrities including BBC Radio 2 DJ’s Bob Harris, Johnnie Walker and Richard Allinson and world renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. The Celebrity race will help raise awareness for Bowel Cancer with fund-raising money going to the Bobby Moore Fund.

There will also be a celebration of Harley Davidson motorbikes over the weekend as well. The other big news is the celebration of the 60th year of the F1 World Championship with three historic F1 races over the weekend, it will surely be a paradise for any fan of historic single seater racing. There is plenty for Sports car fans as well. GT cars from the 1960s will descend upon Silverstone, AC Cobra’s with their bellowing V8's, Jaguar E-Type with their howling V12 engine’s. Ford Mustang’s and Bizzarini’s will make their appearance as well, all this will take place at high speeds, mostly sideways.

There will also be a race for the World Sports Car Masters. Prototypes and GT cars from the 1970s will take to Silverstone and are undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Ford GT40's, Chevron's, Porsche 911's and Lola T70's to name a few. There cars will assault you’re senses, Stunningly beautiful and quick and some of the loudest and most glorious sounding racing cars ever produced. Present at the Media Day were several Lola T70’s with thundering V8 engines. Screaming Chevron’s took to the track as well with their ear splitting scream, then the highlight of the media and almost certainly the Classic weekend. The beautiful Ferrari 312PB, the car was being driven very quickly during the media day and produced one of the most incredible V12 howls I have ever heard from a racing car.

There will also be evening entertainment in the form of music concert’s on both nights. Friday night will see The Yardbirds and Dr Feelgood take to the stage in the evening. Saturday will see X Factor finalists Jedward, Danyl Johnson and Ruth Lorenzo and the Rick Parfitt jnr Rock band.

It’s quite a contrast, the best classic racing in Europe with music from the likes of Jedward. It will certainly be a mixed crowd at the Silverstone Classic in 2010 just like it was in 2009. The racing will undoubtedly be close and entertaining, with a wide variety of car’s to cater to pretty much everyone’s taste it looks set to be a fantastic weekend of Motorsport.

So, all that is left to be said is this. Get yourself to the 2010 Silverstone Classic, it’s going to be a brilliant weekend of Motorsport.

Photo/Editorial: Stephen Hodges