Friday, 8 February 2013

VIDEO : Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff lead MG Charge in 2013 BTCC



Britain’s brightest young racing driver has joined the MG KX Momentum Racing team − and has already achieved one of his lifelong ambitions.

Sam Tordoff, aged 23 has been racing since he was 10 years old and is acclaimed as Britain’s brightest racing talent. Last year he was officially recognised as the British Racing Drivers’ Club ‘Rising Star.’

He joins Jason Plato, the most successful driver in BTCC history, to contest the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

They will both be driving racing versions of the award-winning MG6 GT prepared by Triple 888 Race Engineering, one of the most respected constructors in touring car racing.

Last year Plato was third in the championship in what was supposed to be the team’s ‘learning year’ as MG returned to the track.

Tordoff, who hails from Leeds, began racing karts as a boy and worked his way up the motorsport ladder via the Renault Clio Cup and the Porsche Carrera Cup with many wins and podiums under his belt. He also competed in one round of BTCC racing in 2010 on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

Last year Tordoff, who has a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and works as a trainee accountant with the JCT600 motor group, won a place at the KX Akademy for the 2013 season. The bursary programme was set up by KX Energy Drink where Jason Plato is the scheme’s mentor.

Newcomer Sam Tordoff (Top) is looking forward to racing with Jason Plato
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Jason, Ian and the rest of the team and I’m determined to do well – even if it means beating Jason!”

Jason said: “Sam’s a great young talent and brings a lot to our team. He’s a fast learner and it will be great to see him alongside me on the podium – but I’m planning to be on the top step.”

Ian Harrison has the task of managing the MG KX Momentum team. He added: “We’ve got a great team for the 2013 season in Jason and Sam.

“Jason’s obviously got the experience, including a fabulous year with the MG6 GT last year, and Sam’s out to prove himself now he’s won a seat in a top team. It’s going to be a great year of racing.”

MG’s Sales & marketing Director, Guy Jones, said: “It was brilliant for us to get MG back on the track last year and the cars were seen by millions of fans. Motor sport is in the DNA of the MG brand and we can’t wait for the 2013 BTCC to get under way.”

Twingo Trophy returns to British Rally Championship in 2013

Fast action from last year's Twingo Trophy - expect more of the same as part of the 2013 British Rally Championship

The Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK will follow all seven rounds of the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013, joining the UK’s premier rally series for the second year running.

The Twingo R1 Trophy provides the winner with a fantastic Renault Sport Technologies-funded prize drive in a Twingo R2 Evo on the final round of the French Rally Championship. The R1 crews also benefit from an on event prize fund with parts vouchers of £500, £300 & £200 going to 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively on each of the seven rounds.

There are some updates to the Twingo R1 for 2013 too, with the facelifted shape, new competition dampers and an ECU upgrade to increase torque being homologated for the start of the new season, it makes an ideal car in which to fight for the British Junior Rally Championship title. Also new for 2013, right hand drive versions will be permissible with donor cars being sourced in the UK, it should make it even cheaper to build a car with second hand low cost examples being readily available.

Competitors using the Twingo R2 will be recognised with their own Renaultsport awards relating to their overall position in the new RallyTwo Championship. Running alongside the R1 cars with parts and technical support on all BRC events, the eventual R2 winner will be presented with his or her trophy at the prestigious British Rally Championship Awards Ceremony.

In addition to being eligible for the new BRC RallyTwo Championship, both versions of the rapid little Twingo will be vying for a yellow jersey nomination and a place in the Pirelli Star Driver competition to win a prize drive in the 2014 BRC.

All users of Renault rally cars will benefit from the presence of Monster Sport Europe who will attend all of the rounds with a parts supply vehicle, hospitality area and support.

Competitors running Twingo and Clio should contact MSE direct to make them aware of any parts requirements they have ahead of the new season.
For more information visit www.renaultsport.co.uk or www.twingotrophy.co.uk

Scudereia Vittoria return with Wakefield and Modell

Scuderia Vittoria return to Clios in 2013 with a new line up of Josh Wakefield and Devon Modell

Former British GT Championship racer Josh Wakefield (Colchester) and motor racing returnee Devon Modell (London) will make their respective debuts in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year after finalising deals with front-running squad Scuderia Vittoria.

Wakefield, a multiple podium finisher in the GT4 Class of the 2011 British GT Championship, makes the move back to front-wheel drive racing having originally cut his teeth in the SaxMax series in 2009 where he was the Rookie Champion.

Switching to the Trofeo Abarth 500 category in 2010, ending the season fifth overall with several podiums to his credit, the Essex driver then embarked on a strong campaign in British GT where he was fourth overall in GT4, teaming with Jake Rattenbury, taking one win and four other podiums.

“Josh has had a couple of testing years in different formulas, but has been able to show that he possesses great pace”, said Scuderia Vittoria team principal Danny Buxton, the 2001 Renault UK Clio Cup Champion, “I’m really pleased to be able to bring him back to front-wheel drive cars and I’m confident that he will be able to perform extremely well in 2013.”

Modell, who is a former Stars of Tomorrow [now Formula Kart Stars] Mini Max Champion, makes a welcome return to active competition after several years away from motorsport. The new Renault UK Clio Cup season will be his first in cars, although he did previously test a Renault Clio in 2011 with Scuderia Vittoria.

Originally starting out in Super 1 National Cadet Championship karting in 2002, the Kent-born racer progressed into Mini Max where he enjoyed a superbly successful campaign in 2005 – winning the Stars of Tomorrow title, finishing third in the Kartmasters Grand Prix and runner-up in the Super 1 Mini Max category. Following graduation to Rotax Max, Modell’s last appearance was four years ago.

Speaking on the Londoner’s arrival into the all-action Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship feeder series, Scuderia Vittoria’s Buxton added: “Devon is a really exciting talent that held a huge reputation in karting by beating the likes of Max Chilton [2013 Marussia Formula 1 Team driver] and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs [2012 AUTO GP Champion] along the way.

“I have been chasing Devon for the last two years, as he tested with us at Snetterton previously and was immediately on the pace. He is a very intelligent, calm and confident driver who possesses great pace, and I am sure that he will surprise a lot of people in the TOCA paddock in 2013.”

Scuderia Vittoria, which fielded as many as five Renault Clios last season, is expected to run an even larger squad this year with additional driver announcements expected in due course. Following the official Media Day at Silverstone in Northamptonshire on Thursday, 21st March, the 16-round season will get underway on 30th/31st March at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent.

Fortec announces Driver line up for Protyre Formula Renault

Fortec are a front runner in Formula Renault and have great links to other series too.

Fortec Motorsports is the first of the leading teams from the Protyre Formula Renault Championship to reveal its full driver line-up for the 2013 campaign after confirming a capacity four-car entry.

The Daventry outfit, which steered Seb Morris to last November’s Winter Series title, will field a squad with a truly international flavour. Spearheaded by British karting graduate Sam MacLeod (Cambridge) and returning Chinese racer Hong Wei Cao (Stoke-on-Trent), the team will also feature Malaysian newcomer Weiron Tan (London) and Hong Kong-born racer Wei Fung Thong (Liverpool).

“We’re really pleased to have all four deals done so early, I think it’s going to be a very open season this year with so many of the experienced guys having moved on”, said Fortec team manager Steve Lynch, “It’ll be a learning year for Sam but he’s been very quick in testing and we’re confident he and Martin [Cao] will be fighting at the front for regular podiums.

“Sam’s already proving himself to be a very good driver and we’re looking for Martin to continue where he left off in the Winter Series, he’s committed to making a big push this year. We know it’ll be a whole new challenge for Tan and Thong but we’re sure they’ll both make strong progress, setting a strong base for next year and, hopefully, a future move up the ladder with Fortec.”

MacLeod competed in British and European KF2 Championship karting last year, having debuted in continental-level action in 2011 where he was fourth in the CIK-FIA European Championship. Prior to that, in 2010, MacLeod was fifth overall in the KF3 class of the UK-based Formula Kart Stars series.

Cao, also known as ‘Martin’, is the most experienced of Fortec’s quartet. After making his British racing debut in Protyre Formula Renault last year, the 19-year-old Keele University student went on to achieve his maiden podium in the 2012 Winter Series – concluding the four round championship fifth overall. He was also the 2008 Asian Formula Renault Champion.

Malaysian driver Tan, who is part of the AirAsia Caterham Driver Development Programme, moves into Protyre Formula Renault from the JK Racing Asia Series where he was seventh overall last year, taking two podiums along the way. The 18-year-old, from Kuala Lumpur, also contested selected JK Racing Asia Series rounds in 2011 alongside a campaign in the Malaysian Super Series.

Hong Kong youngster Thong, who is also referred to as ‘Shaun’, competed in Asian Formula Renault in 2012 where he was third overall and took one race victory. The 17-year-old, who currently studies at Liverpool University, also tried his hand at GT racing with outings in the Malaysian Super Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the Trofeo Maserati World Series.

Commenting on Fortec’s announcement, Protyre Formula Renault promoter Simon North said: “Having a team the stature of Fortec as an integral part of Protyre Formula Renault really is very important for the championship as a whole, we’re obviously delighted with the confirmation of four drivers and the international flavour underlines the increasing reach of Protyre Formula Renault.

“Fortec is one of the biggest and most successful teams, both nationally and internationally, and I’m sure everyone there will be determined to add the main Protyre Formula Renault title to the Winter Series crown won last year.”

Protyre Formula Renault features an expanded 16 race calendar for 2013, beginning with two races at Donington Park in the East Midlands on 13th/14th April before embarking on a run of four ‘triple headers’ at Snetterton in Norfolk, Thruxton in Hampshire, Croft in North Yorkshire and Rockingham in Northamptonshire.

The season finale, like the championship opener, will be a double-header and will take place at Silverstone National Circuit over the weekend 28th/29th September alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Rockingham lines up action packed Calendar for 2013

BTCC is sure to be a fan favourite at Rockingham in 2013

WITH the new motorsport season just around the corner Rockingham has announced its exciting racing line-up for 2013, which will again feature action on both two and four wheels at the Northamptonshire circuit.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship leads the action on four wheels and will again be the headline race meeting when it returns in the autumn. Rockingham hosts Round Eight of the UK’s premier tin-top series over the weekend of September 14/15.

Following a successful return last season, the UK’s largest bike racing series, Thundersport GB, is back over the weekend of July 27/28, to offer the chance to watch an awesome array of motorcycle racing on Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Motorcycle Circuit.

It’s also a summer date for 750 Motor Club, which is one of the UK’s leading motor racing organisers with championships to suit all tastes. The club will hold its maiden race meeting at Rockingham over the weekend of July 13/14.

The Avon Tyres British GT Championship will provide a touch of glamour over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 5/6, when some of the world’s most prestigious supercars will provide bumper-to-bumper racing at breathtaking speeds.

Rockingham Chief Executive Charlotte Orton said: “We are looking forward to a fantastic 2013 season at Rockingham. We have secured some great race meetings this year from grass roots motorsport through to the UK’s premier motor racing series.”

The British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) will raise the curtain on the new season over the weekend of April 6/7, while British Automobile Race Club (BARC) are pencilled in for two visits on May 10/11 and August 10/11.
.
Rockingham 2013 Race Calendar

April 6/7 BRSCC Race Weekend
May 5/6 Avon Tyres British GT Championship
May 10/11 BARC Race Meeting
June 1 Britcar
July 13/14 750 Motor Club
July 27/28 Thundersport GB
August 10/11 BARC Race Meeting
Sept 7 BRSCC Race Weekend
Sept 14/15 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship
Dec 7/8 Rockingham Stages Rally

To reinforce Rockingham’s commitment to making motor racing accessible and affordable to all fans, adult admission prices start from just £10 per day, while children aged 16 and under get in for free.

Don’t forget if you buy a BTCC Sunday race day ticket before March 1, you will receive free entry to Saturday’s qualifying day. Advance tickets can be purchased either online at www.rockingham.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.

All tickets include a grandstand seat with a unique panoramic view of the entire circuit and access to the race paddock, allowing an exclusive insight into the hard work which goes on behind the scenes to keep the drivers and cars on track.

For more information visit the race events page on the Rockingham website.

Aston Martin Centenary Celebrations planned for Brands Hatch

A huge array of Aston Martin Racing Cars will be in action at Brands Hatch
The largest collection of Aston Martin racing cars ever to gather on a single track will meet at Brands Hatch in July for a unique race series to continue the British brand’s centenary celebrations.

More than a hundred of the marque’s racing cars, dating from 1922 to the present day, will gather for the two-day race series in Kent on 6th and 7th July.

2013 is the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Aston Martin, and the event in July will recognise the company’s achievements in sports car racing during the last century.

Astons from the past...
Aston Martin has recorded multiple wins at Le Mans, including outright victory in 1959, as well as the World Sportscar Championship the same year and most recently the Le Mans Series title in 2009.

The two-day event will see Aston Martin racing cars from nearly every decade compete on the Brands Hatch Indy and Grand Prix circuits. Two special centenary races are also planned, the first covering the pre-war era to the mid 1960s, and the second open to all Astons from the mid-sixties, including the latest Aston Martin GT1, GTE, GT3 and GT4 cars in a single race on the Grand Prix circuit.

Additional races will include pre-war Aston Martins, with Lagondas and Bentleys also expected to take part. Meanwhile the AMOC Intermarque Championship, ‘50s Sports Cars, Equipe GTS and HRDC Touring Greats categories will also pit cars from throughout Aston Martin’s history against contemporary rivals. The weekend will also feature two rounds of the 2013 Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain.

Off the track there will be examples of nearly every Aston Martin racing car ever produced, plus some of its finest road machinery, while everything from pre-war Ulsters through to Nimrods and the Aston Martin AMR1 will take part in on-track demonstrations.

The marque’s connection with James Bond will also be showcased in a display to celebrate the history of 007’s Aston Martin cars from the DB5’s first appearance in Goldfinger in 1964 to its most recent appearance in Skyfall.

Meanwhile, owners of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars will be invited to take part in track parades and to display their cars around the historic venue. A concours area, dealer stands and live music will also entertain visitors, while a special celebration dinner will be held on the Saturday night in the MotorSport Vision (MSV) Centre at Brands Hatch.

David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Brands Hatch has played an important part in Aston Martin’s racing history so is a fitting venue for one of the key events in our year of centenary celebrations.
... and present will be in action

“Legendary drivers such as Graham Hill, Jack Sears and Innes Ireland all raced at Brands Hatch in Aston Martin cars and the atmospheric Kent circuit will provide a wonderful arena for our competition and road cars to participate in what I’m sure will be a superb weekend.”

Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MSV added: “Aston Martin is an incredible brand that is synonymous with quintessentially British sports cars, famous for an enviable pedigree from James Bond 007, royal patronage and Le Mans motor racing success.


“With a great range of ever-evolving road cars, Aston Martin makes products that are more desirable than ever and we believe a record number of its sports cars will be present at the Brands Hatch Centenary Meeting.”

Shelsley Walsh lines up 2013 Calendar


a British Hillclimb Championship competitor blasts up the 108 year old course
2013 at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb will feature six speed hill climb weekends, two of which are rounds of the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship held in June and August.

Throughout 2013 we are celebrating a number of notable anniversaries starting with 100 years of Morris at “Speed Into Spring” May 4/5th where the Morris Owners Club will be displaying a variety of cars in the public areas and up the famous 108 year old hill.

June 1st/2nd welcomes the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship for “Best of British” where fans can see some of the most powerful cars in British motor sport reach 0-60 in under 3 seconds before topping out at 140mph over the finish line. And all up a single track tarmac road in the beautiful Teme Valley where time really has stood still...

July has two meeting with the “Reg Phillips Trophy Meeting” on Saturday July 6th followed by the “Vintage and Post Vintage Thoroughbreds” on Sunday July 7th celebrating 100 years of the Vauxhall 30/98 with up to 100 cars arriving after a tour of the UK.

At the end of July over the weekend of 27/28th “Classic Nostalgia” will celebrate 50 years of the Mini Cooper S. There will be the very popular and often oversubscribed Concours d’elegance for the first 100 pre 1982 cars supported by Classic and Sports Car Magazine and judged by Simon Taylor. We will also be welcoming Sir Stirling Moss OBE, who in the very early days of his career drove at Shelsley. He will be here with Peter D James Insurance who is also supporting the event this year.

Our highlight meeting in August takes place on 17th/18th with “Championship Challenge” offering a second chance to see the high powered cars of the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship, as well as celebrating Aston Martin’s Centenary in association with the Aston Martin Owners Club and Aston Martin Heritage Trust. There will be parades, displays and a competition class. More news to follow.

The season will round off in September with the “Autumn Speed Finale” where records can still be broken and championships won or lost as the English summer comes to a close with evocative long shadows that are so in keeping with Shelsley Walsh over its 108 year history.

page2image2576 page2image3160
May 4th - 5th SPEED INTO SPRING
Midland Hill Climb, Paul Matty Lotus & SBD H.S.A. Speed Championships, Westfield Speed Series. Also celebrating the Centenary of Morris

June 1st - 2nd BEST OF BRITISH
Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship Midland Championships. Ferrari Owners Club Championship, Shelsley Specials and other feature classes
page2image10784 page2image11368
July 6th REG PHILLIPS TROPHY MEETING
Bert Hadley Memorial, Service Hydraulics Speed Championships, Westfield Speed Series and NHCA Motorcycles
page2image14376 page2image14960
July 7th VINTAGE & POST VINTAGE THOROUGHBRED MEETING
co-promoted with the Vintage Sports Car Club, Centenary celebrations of the Vauxhall 30/98

July 27th & 28th CLASSIC NOSTALGIA,
Luffield Cars MG, Paul Matty BOC Classic Championships, Pre & Post war racing & sports cars, 50th anniversary celebration of the Mini Cooper S, (Sunday)Concours D’Elegance supported by Classic and Sports Car Magazine (Sunday)
page2image22544 page2image23128
August 17th - 18th CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE
Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship, Midland Championships, Paul Matty Lotus Championship, Celebrating 100 years of Aston Martin, AMOC parade and competition class.

September 21st & 22nd AUTUMN SPEED FINALE
Porsche Club, TR Register, BARC SBD, Service Hydraulics Speed Championships, NHCA Motorcycles, TVR, Morgan, Austin Healey, Ferrari, SBD H.S.A Championships

MGR Returns to Protyre Formula Renault

MGR's team has steered many teams to success over the years, 2013 should be no exception

Protyre Formula Renault (Formerly Formula Renault BARC) Championship front-runner Chris Middlehurst (St. Helens), second year competitor Tom Oliphant (Tarporley, Cheshire) and series newcomer Matteo Ferrer (Ipswich) are the first three drivers confirmed for MGR Motorsport’s 2013 assault on the 16-round season.

With plans to field a four car squad currently in advanced stages, as the Bardon team continues discussions regarding its final vacant seat with a number of drivers, MGR is delighted to confirm its first three signings.

Middlehurst enjoyed a strong debut season in Protyre Formula Renault last year, ending the main campaign ninth overall with two podiums to his credit before going on to mount a strong challenge in the Winter Series where he took two further rostrums from the four races contested.

The 18-year-old, son of former racer Andy Middlehurst, will certainly be a championship challenger this season and will be aiming to secure his maiden race victory in the category. His best result so far of second place came during the opening weekend of the 2012 Winter Series.

Oliphant, like Middlehurst, will be embarking on his second season in Protyre Formula Renault this year and the 22-year-old will be hoping to continue where he left off with Leicestershire-based MGR during the final event of last November’s Winter Series.

After a difficult main championship campaign, Oliphant moved to the Mark Godwin-led team for the Rockingham rounds of the Winter Series and showed a marked improvement by achieving a career best finish of seventh place.

Protyre Formula Renault newcomer Ferrer, who is of Venezuelan, German and Italian heritage, had no previous karting experience prior to his motorsport debut last year in the now defunct InterSteps Championship but developed significantly as the season wore on.

Ending the year eighth overall in the driver standings, Ferrer is now preparing for a major step-up in competitiveness  and has already made a strong impression on MGR team principal Godwin during initial winter test outings.

"I watched Matteo develop during the 2012 Intersteps Championship, and was really quite impressed considering his complete lack of experience”, said Godwin, “From what I saw during our winter testing in Valencia, I believe we can look forward to a very competitive year. Tom has looked strong in winter testing and we’re confident he’s going to have a good season, he did a great job with us in the Winter Series considering how much he had to adapt to the new car and team.

“We’re very confident Chris will be challenging up at the front from the off, what he achieved last year was very impressive – especially towards the end of the main season and in the Winter Series. We’re sure, with our determined and structured approach, that Chris will be a strong contender.”

Rounds one and two of the 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship will take place on 13th/14th April at Donington Park National Circuit in Leicestershire – MGR’s home track. Before then, teams and drivers will take part in the official ‘Media Day’ at Silverstone on Thursday, 21st March.

Commenting on MGR’s signings, championship promoter Simon North said: “MGR is obviously one of the most competitive and well run teams in Protyre Formula Renault and we’re delighted Mark [Godwin] has confirmed three drivers already for the new season. Knowing a fourth car is also highly likely with the team is fantastic news for the championship.”

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Toyota enters British GT with new GT86 GT4

The GT86 - Quite possibly one of the best looking Toyotas - nay even cars - seen this decade
 
The GT86 has already seen racing action in the Britcar 24 Hours
The first GT4 racing version of the Toyota GT86 will hit the track later this month following completion of the first chassis by Buckingham-based motorsport engineering pioneer GPRM.

The new car is powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine which has been developed in conjunction with Nicholson McLaren Engines. The GT86 will be shaken down at a UK circuit ahead of a schedule of European tests and the pre-season ‘balance of performance’ sessions organised by GT4 series organiser SRO.

GPRM and its directors Gary Blackham and Roger King believe the new Toyota will be a serious GT4 contender: “The new engine from Nicholson McLaren will be capable of between 360 and 400 bhp,” said Blackham, “although of course the definitive output figure will be determined by the balance of performance testing.

Inside the Office
“We have gone all out to engineer quality and reliability into the GT86 as well as competitiveness, and the result has provoked a lot of interest from all around Europe.” GPRM has already taken one GT86 order and is in advanced talks with a team keen to race one in the AvonTyres British GT Championship. “The Toyota GT86 will make an ideal GT4 contender in British GT, as well as in the many GT4 series growing in strength and popularity around Europe.”

GPRM’s Toyota GT86 is a cost-efficient entry-level endurance car. The company embarked on the GT4 project immediately after the Britcar24 last September, where the new Toyota sports car made a successful UK race debut. Although not a works effort, the GT4 project has the blessing of Toyota GB, which is providing technical support. 

More marvellous mid-engined Motors move towards magnifient Goodwood Revival

Ferrari 250LM Racing at Goodwood
a Ferrari 250LM (and a GT40 in the background) racing at Goodwood.

Further to the recent announcement that Goodwood will be staging a unique all-Ford GT40 race at this year’s Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) to mark 50 years since development of this exceptional mid-engined Anglo-American racer began, another legendary mid-mounted endurance racer will now also be competing at this September’s event.


Like the Ford, the revered Ferrari 250 LM celebrates its half century this year, having premiered at the Paris salon late in 1963. Also like the Ford, the 250 LM went on to win the Le Mans 24 Hours race, with the North American Racing Team-entered car – driven by Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory – taking the chequered flag in the 1965 event. This remains the last time Ferrari took overall victory in the French endurance classic.


The 250 LM raced in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1964, where it finished fourth, and last competed in this race in the modern era at the Revival in 2000. An example of the Ferrari has also run in the Whitsun Trophy race at the Revival in various years.


For the 2013 Revival, a number of 250 LMs will be returning to the prestigious Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race for the first time in 13 years, campaigning against fierce competition from Ferrari 250 GTOs, AC Cobras, lightweight Jaguar E-types, Maserati 151s, Aston Martin DB4s, and many other rare and mouth watering machines to create the most valuable historic motor race in the world.



Tickets, grandstand seats, camping and other products for the 2013 Goodwood Revival can be purchased via the Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motor sport/), or the Ticket Hotline as follows: Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055

Have Breakfast at Shelsley!


Yes, I know we used that same headline for Goodwood not so long ago...

A Breakfast Club gathering at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb
Now in their second full year, the Midland Automobile Club are pleased to announce the dates for their very popular Breakfast Clubs.

Nine dates have been confirmed, starting on February 10th going through to October 13th.
The Breakfast Clubs are a free social event and a chance to come to the famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, meet with like minded enthusiasts, see a wonderful array of cars, have a great breakfast with our new caterers and still be home in time to watch the Grand Prix!

A full “Shelsley Breakfast” is served in the Stratstone Restaurant and for those who like a healthier option there are cereals, fruit and croissants, after which you can walk the hill and admire the views of the Teme Valley.

Gates open at 9am and close at 12pm, all those wishing to attend are asked to register via the web site

February
10th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
page1image17336
March
10th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
April
7th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
May
12th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
June
16th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
July
14th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
August
11th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
September
8th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh
October
13th
Breakfast Club, Shelsley Walsh

David Wright takes on the Wyedean Rally

David Wright aims to get his 2013 season off to a flying start on the slippery Wyedean rally

Bentham's David Wright will start his 2013 rally season next weekend when he contests the Wyedean Forest rally in his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-backed GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9.

The Chepstow-based event is the opening round of the BTRDA rally championship which Wright is intending to contest this season.

"I can't wait for the season to commence," said Wright. "I'm keen to get the year off to a good start after our disappointing retirement from the Grizedale Stages at the end of last year."

"I enjoy the Forest of Dean stages that the Wyedean uses although I am hoping that conditions will be better than last year when the stages were covered in sheet ice - it becomes a bit of a lottery when we have zero grip."

"Thanks to the support from my sponsors we are starting the year with the aim of contesting the full BTRDA championship. I will be trying to repeat the title win I achieved in 2009."

The rally starts from Chepstow racecourse on Saturday morning with the crews facing tough stages such as Speech House and Serridge.