RACE RETRO – 12/14 MARCH – STONELEIGH PARK, COVENTRY
Rally legends, past and current, will collide (not literally we hope) on our new Rally Stage as Stig Blomqvist and reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin will both be in action. Stig will be driving a selection of ex-works Audi quattros from the beginning of the Big Wing S1 evolution while Keith will be at the wheel of the Hardinge liveried Aston Martin V8 Rally GT.
Getting started in motorsport
Every motorsport enthusiast would love to be Jenson Button but it’s a pipedream for most and for younger people, getting into motor sport can seem a daunting prospect. One way to get a foot on the ladder is with the right qualifications, like those offered by the University of Derby, which will be exhibiting at Race Retro.
Plus overseeing all UK motor sport is the MSA, and representatives from the governing body will be answering questions covering licences, FIA Historic Technical passports, Historic Rally Vehicle Identity forms and general technical questions. There will also be presentations outlining the ‘Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence’ and ‘Go Motorsport’ projects.
Impressive Karting line-up
The British Historic Kart Club is back with an impressive line up of karts that have not been seen at the show before and the increasingly popular demonstration runs on the Live Rally Stage. The club’s display will include a 1959 Keele Mk1/Bultaco, similar to the one raced by Sir Stirling Moss, which was restored for Sir Stirling’s 80th birthday celebrations at Goodwood, and a 1959 Progress Kart similar to one raced by Graham Hill in the first official British kart race. Keeping the car racing connection, there will be a class one Brise from 1960 as well as a 1967 Cobra raced by Bobby Day and Mickey Allen, both former British Kart champions.
For the fast paced live action demonstration, around thirty karts from the humble 1960 Trokart to the 1970s Barlottis and the 140mph Yamaha 250cc twin powered Zips will be on the circuit, with one of Martin Hines’ Zip Hermites to be amongst the examples from that era. As for the drivers, there will be 1961 Class four world champion Peter Freeman, along with former British champions Reg Gange Jr, Bob Phair, and Bill Longdon to entertain the traditional crowds.