Race Retro - 12-14 Mar 10

RACE RETRO REACHES SEVEN YEAR HIGH

Posted: March 21, 2010 9:39 PM

This year’s Race Retro reached a seven year high as just under 27,000 motorsport enthusiasts attended the three-day event held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. This was an increase of around 3,000 people from the 2009 event. Whilst the numbers were impressive, exhibitors and industry representatives commented on the quality of the visitor especially on the Friday which is the unofficial trade day.

The new outdoor rally stage also proved popular with both the drivers and visitors. The drivers enjoyed the challenges of the new course and the added ‘yump’ that made quite a spectacle for those who surrounded the mile-long fence that enclosed the circuit to watch all the action.

Features such as the impressive displays of Alfas proved equally as popular as did appearances by F1 driver Bruno Giacomelli, rally legends Stig Blomqvist and Russell Brookes, current British Rally Champion Keith Cronin and racing connoisseur Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams.

The Vintage Wall of Death left visitors breathless while the hundreds of traders offering parts, spares, services and motorsport memorabilia helped lighten visitors’ pockets.

At the H&H Auction, one of two LG45 Tourers entered by Lagonda for the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally was the undisputed star. Though the car slid out of the rally after just 200 miles, this magnificent Post Vintage Thoroughbred has survived the last 74 years without further mishap and, resplendent in cream coachwork complemented by green leather upholstery, it sold for £167,200 - way over even its top estimate.

Plans are already underway for 2011 with the show returning to its original timing at the end of February. Robert Limming, Director of Live Promotions the organisers of Race Retro, said: “As the historic motorsport season continues to add more events each year, the season has crept forward and now starts earlier in the year. We have always positioned the show as the kick-off for the new season and to accommodate the needs of the industry, we have moved the show to the 25th, 26th and 27th February for the 2011 event.”

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A HEARTY FEAST FOR CAR LOVERS AT RACE RETRO

Posted: March 8, 2010 7:59 PM

This year’s Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park from 12th to 14th March, is serving up a hearty feast of cars for lovers of historic motor sport, giving enthusiasts to get up close to cars they usually only get a passing glimpse of on rally stages or race circuits.

Pushing the boundaries of historic motor sport is Dennis Welch Motorsport with its record-breaking Austin-Healey 100 record breaker, which late last year, at industry test track Millbrook, took numerous British and International speed records. The car achieved a top speed of 152mph, up on the works car record set in 1954.

Meanwhile, representing the later historic era is Juha Kankkunen’s Group A Lancia Delta Integrale rally car, which is fresh out of a sympathetic restoration.

The Historic Sports Car Club has a selection of cars representing the eras and grids it caters for, including a 1964 Dodge Dart and a 1962 Jaguar E-Type, along with a Macon Formula Ford single seater, 1964 Merlyn sports racer and a 1972 Royale RP11 Formula 3 single seater.

Two true rarities on show are a Peerless and a V8 Firenza. The Peerless, built in Slough not far from the Mars Bar factory, is a former factory press car but has been modified for greater performance. Fewer than 350 Peerless cars were made between 1957 and 1960 and when the company folded the model was resurrected as the Warwick, at a factory in nearby Colnbrook.

The V8 Firenza is a tribute to fire-breathing models built in South Africa to rival Ford’s V8 Perana Capri. Badged as Chevrolets in South Africa, a 302 cubic inch (4949cc) engine was squeezed under the Firenza’s bonnet, creating a car with plenty of power, but in a nimble, European-sized package. The Firenza on show is based on the early ‘70s works cars and is lined up for a full historic rally programme throughout 2010.

TWO OR FOUR WHEELS, THE COUNTDOWN TO RACE RETRO 2010 BEGINS

Posted: March 5, 2010 11:35 AM

The final countdown to this year's Race Retro has begun, with just over a week until the doors open at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry - and whether you like your historic motor sport on two wheels or four - there's something for every motoring enthusiast.

Starting on Friday 12 March and lasting three days, the exhibition halls and rally stage will bring historic motor sport to life through the cars, bikes and competitors who made their names in the past, but are still highly regarded today.

Race Retro is celebrating 100 years of Alfa Romeo, and a delectable line-up of competition models down the decades will demonstrate just why this highly- successful manufacturer's cars are still competing today, despite their age.

Outside, there's an action-packed tribute to a later classic model - Audi's all-conquering quattro - with numerous models being put through their paces in the hands of the real Stig - acclaimed driver Stig Blomqvist.

Meanwhile, fans of 1970s and 1980s rallying are in for a treat, as Russell Brookes gets behind the wheel of the "Andrews Heat for Hire"-sponsored cars, including the Talbot Sunbeam.

The rally stage is always a big draw at Race Retro and - while many people will be waiting to see several Group B cars - for those who like their cars from an earlier period, Brian Culcheth is back behind the wheel of a Triumph 2.5PI, proving that four-door saloons can be just as much fun as any two- door.

Bringing the action right up to date is reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin, who will be at the wheel of the mighty Aston Martin V8 Rally GT, trying to beat the legends at their own game!

But for enthusiasts who like their motorsport in quarter- mile, straight-line style, Race Retro welcomes the UK's first dragster, which was constructed by Sydney Allard. Built to run in its home country, but mimicking Stateside dragsters, the Chrysler Hemi-engined car is currently being fully restored to its former glory.

There's more 1970s V8 action, courtesy of the Super Saloon Association, which will have a Chevrolet V8- powered VW Beetle and a Buick V8-powered DAF55 Coupe on its stand.

Meanwhile, a record-breaking Austin-Healey 100 will be showing Race Retro visitors that records can still be broken, even if it takes around 50 years! The Dennis Welch Motorsport Healey covered 612 miles in just over four hours - an average speed of 148.22mph, and on the way posted an outright speed of 153.44mph.

Reunited with the cars which bore his name is Brian Lister, the Cambridge-based builder of beautiful yet functional big-banger sports models. Brian is on hand to mark the publication of a new book covering his car company's history, right up to the 1990s Jaguar- powered model which ran at Le Mans.

Race Retro isn't just about cars - there are plenty of motorcycles to keep two-wheeler enthusiasts happy There's a replica of the bike which George Formby rode in the film "No Limit" and - like the one used in the film - it is based on an Ariel.

This year is also the 60th anniversary of the Norton Featherbed Manx frame's introduction; several Manx models will be shown on the Norton Owners' Club stand, alongside some John Player Commando Twins.

Look out also for the Jim Lee Racing Collection - a selection of bikes built by master framemaker Jim back in the 1960s and 1970s. Among them is the JL Yamaha ridden by Mick Grant, which posted 15 consecutive victories.

And there's plenty of motorcycle action, old-school style. The Ken Fox Troupe's mighty Wall of Death is back at Race Retro, with Indian and early Honda twins literally climbing the wall!

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance, or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet our special guests. Children's tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is free throughout.

The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

KEITH CRONIN TO JOIN MOTORSPORT’S TOP NAMES AT RACE RETRO

Posted: March 1, 2010 8:18 PM

Top names from all areas of motor sport, including Stig Blomqvist, Bruno Giacomelli and Keith Cronin, will be at Race Retro – behind the wheel and the microphone.

The Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire-based three-day event gives historic motor sport lovers the chance to see competitors in action on the Rally Stage, and talking about their golden days in the event halls.

Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday’s Rally Stage are Stig Blomqvist, Russell Brookes, Brian Culcheth and Keith Cronin, showing just what it takes to tame a classic rally car while Tony Mason commentates on all the rally proceedings.

In the halls, look out also for Formula One driver Bruno Giacomelli, who’ll be live on the Octane stage on all three days, being interviewed by motorcycle racer Steve Parrish.

Steve’s your host throughout the event and he’ll be brandishing the mike and talking to Race Retro’s special guests, who will include rally drivers Stig Blomqvist, Russell Brookes and Brian Culcheth on Saturday and Sunday.

Also taking to the Octane stage are motorcycle racers Phil Read and Steve Plater, Peter Williams and Trevor Nation. Famed sports car builder Brian Lister will be on stage on Friday talking about the cars that made his name and Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams talks competition, giving an insight into more than fifty years of racing.

For visitors buying a premium VIP ticket, there’s the opportunity over all three days to meet Race Retro’s special guests as they will be popping into the VIP lounge throughout each day to sign autographs and answer any questions.

There are some VIP tickets still available which include fantastic hospitality. Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

FAMOUS NAMES AND CARS REUNITE ON THRILLING LIVE RALLY STAGE AT RACE RETRO

Posted: March 1, 2010 8:15 PM

Race Retro’s new live rally stage has a host of famous names and an array of cars pleasing the crowds as they did in races past. Celebrating the best in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive action, the live rally stage gives visitors the chance to see what rally cars were like in the past – cars like the family-saloon-turned–rally-hero works Triumph 2.5PI, which will be driven by Brian Culcheth.

Stig Blomqvist will be delighting Race Retro-goers – alongside reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin – by driving a range of ex-works Audi quattros and the mighty Aston Martin V8 Rally GT.

Rally stars getting behind the wheel include Russell Brookes, driving an Opel Manta 400 and a Ford Sierra Cosworth. Russell made his name driving cars sponsored by ‘Andrews Heat for Hire’, and fans of those cars are in for a treat, as Russell will be reunited with all the Andrews-sponsored cars slated to take part.

Possibly the most crowd-pleasing era for rallying was the Group B period, and the live stage is serving up some fire-breathing treats from this illustrious period. A Metro 6R4, Ford RS 200, Peugeot 205T16 will show just how fast and exciting these cars really were.

Rally cars from the glam rock era include a V8-engined Chevrolet Firenza, a Datsun 260Z and for rear-engined sideways action, an Alpine-Renault A110. Slightly later, but also bringing tail-out action is a 1980 Porsche 911 SC.

Other cars taking part in the live rally stage are a Fiat Ritmo (Strada) Abarth, Fiat 131 Abarth, Lancia Delta Integrale EVO, Triumph TR7 V8 and a Rover V8 Vitesse. It all adds up to plenty of tail-sliding, rip-roaring action!

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet our special guests. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

BEST ENGINEERING COMPANIES IN THE BUSINESS TO EXHIBIT AT RACE RETRO 2010

Posted: February 22, 2010 8:32 PM

From a replacement cylinder liner and engine block through to engine rebuilds and complete car restorations, Race Retro’s exhibitors bring together all the best in historic motor sport engineering when they arrive at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, from 12th to 14th March 2010.

Internationally-renowned restoration and engineering specialist Crosthwaite and Gardiner has been responsible for restoring and looking after some of the world’s finest historic racing cars, and this year is showing a selection of its products, including castings, superchargers, Jaguar sumps and Bugatti fasteners.

For those who like British heavy metal, Cape International is showing a ‘big’ Healey fresh from its paintshop, and is using its stand to show what it can do to improve any Austin Healey.

There’s more British heavy metal courtesy of Lola, whose stand will feature a T70 Spider and an Isla Racing two-litre car driven by Travis drummer Neil Primrose.

Meanwhile if you’re looking for restoration work, from engine rebuilds and rewiring, to the reconstruction of a wood-framed body, first-time exhibitors David Brown Vintage and Classic Restoration are the people to talk to. As an example of their work, they’re showing a Riley Roadster they restored several years ago.

For many competitors the reintroduction of Cosworth FVC blocks and heads is very welcome. David Gathercole is showing FVC blocks in alloy and cast-iron forms, which because they can up to 90mm bores, give 1600cc to 2000cc capacities.

Jaguar specialists M and C Wilkinson will be showing four cars, including the recently-restored Broadspeed XJ Coupe, and an XK150. The company, which was established more than 25 years ago, will also be showing some of its replacement parts range.

The Fortuna Moto stand will be showing some of the best in ‘go’ and ‘whoa’: alongside a freshly-minted Mazda RX7 running a 1000-horsepower Corvette engine there’s a display of Carbone Lorraine brake pads, which are used on Mirage jet fighters, Airbus airliners and the Space Shuttle – as well as the Citroen WRC team!

Also showing its latest products is FAI, which will be introducing its FAI Extreme competition gaskets. Also on show will be company boss Sean Walker’s Gold Bug Elan 26R.

Staying with engine components Westwood Cylinder Liners, which normally carries 25,000 liners in stock, will be showing examples of its product range. The company can supply liners for cars and motorcycles of all ages and for all types of use.

So if you are looking to make your vehicle even faster or just ‘get it going’, Race Retro will have everything you need. To book tickets and for the latest updates, go to:

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

RACE RETRO 2010 BRINGS TOGETHER RACING AND RALLY LEGENDS TO CELEBRATE MOTORSPORT

Posted: February 15, 2010 2:00 PM

Race Retro, the international historic motorsport show, will bring together racing and rally legends to celebrate all aspects of motorsport. Modern-day heroes will line up alongside classic icons, to pay tribute to some of the most magnificent marques ever to grace the starting line.

Held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, from 12 to 14 March 2010, Race Retro, in association with Footman James, will be celebrating all things Alfa Romeo, with a stunning display of vehicles and some leading Alfa drivers appearing, including Italian Bruno Giacomelli. Bruno participated in over 80 Grands Prix from 1977 through to 1990 and spent many years at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 179/182 F1 car.

As part of the celebration, organisers have invited Alfa Romeo clubs and owners to exhibit their marque in a dedicated hall, as well as having specialist Alfa restorers, race teams and engineers on hand to answer all your questions.

Outside, visitors can enjoy high-octane action on the Live Rally Stage over the weekend, where old and new will collide. One of the most popular features of the show, this year's course has been redesigned and moved closer to the action inside the show to make sure that visitors don't miss any aspect of the event.

With a special tribute to the Audi quattro, one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s and the first rally car to take advantage of the change in rules which allowed the use of four-wheel drive in competition, Stig Blomqvist will drive a selection of ex-works quattros from the beginning of the 'big-wing' S1 evolution.

Bringing the Rally Stage bang up-to-date is reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin, who will be at the wheel of the Aston Martin V8 Rally GT, owned by Jeremy Bailey and prepped by David Appleby Engineering. The ex-Prodrive car has competed in the Italian Tarmac Rally Championship and will take part in a number of Aston Martin Owners Club events.

Race Retro will also celebrate 25 years since Russell Brookes won his last BRC title, with a reunion of all the Andrews Heat for Hire cars, including Ford Escort Mk2, Talbot Sunbeam, Ford Sierra Cosworth, and two versions of the Opel Manta 400 which he used from 1973 until 1994. Russell said: "It will be a really exciting trip down memory lane. I have fond memories of the Monte Carlo Ford Escort, as it was one of the most expensive rally cars I ever drove! I won the Welsh International in the Manta in 1987, the car's last international win."

A first for Race Retro, a Lancia Delta Integrale Evo in Repsol livery as previously driven by Carlos Sainz, will be in action on the rally stage, as will Brian Culcheth in his 1972 East African Safari Triumph 2.5PI. Another of Brian's cars, the Triumph used in the World Rally Cup, will be on display in the Rally hall.

There will also be a reunion of cars and drivers from the 1970 London-Mexico World Cup Rally, which covered approximately 16,000 miles (25,750 km) through Europe and South America and was won by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm in a Ford Escort. The winning Escort will be on display, courtesy of the Ford Heritage Collection.

For those who prefer two-wheeled racers, there will be a tribute to 60 years of Norton, with racers on hand to talk about the bikes' finest hour. Expect to be rubbing shoulders with Peter Williams, Phil Read MBE, John 'Mooneyes' Cooper, Trevor Nation and Steve Plater, who will be talking with Race Retro motorcycle MC Steve Parrish.

The best retro and cafe racers will compete in the show's annual concours competition, supported by Ace Cafe London and Meguiars. Around 50 bikes will be judged over the three days and awarded prizes on the Sunday.

If all this inspires you to invest in a competition car or motorcycle of your own, then visit the H&H Classic & Historic Motorsport Auction, which will have on offer an amazing range of rare and desirable cars, bikes and memorabilia. Add to this hundreds of trade stands, the popular Ken Fox Wall of Death and a host of other names yet to be announced, and it looks like it's going to be a winner...

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance, or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet our special guests. Children's tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is free throughout.

The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

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EXCITING NEW RALLY STAGE SET TO THRILL AT RACE RETRO 2010

Posted: January 7, 2010 8:36 PM

This year’s Race Retro will see legendary Rally drivers put to the test on an exciting new live action Rally Stage when it returns to Stoneleigh Park from 12th to 14th March. Featuring more sharp turns and an amazing power slide for the drivers to enjoy, the new course is also much more visitor friendly with a raised spectator viewing bank and all tarmac paddock where enthusiasts can get up close to the cars in service.

Show Operations Manager David Alderson said: “We’ve run the rally stage in its established location for six years now and whilst it was enjoyed by all, it was time to raise the bar for the drivers and give the visitors a better view of all the action. The new stage is also much more convenient, situated less than 200 metres from the front of the exhibition halls. I’m really excited that we can finally bring the action close to the exhibition halls and save our rally enthusiasts from that long cold trek through the park.”

The new rally stage is still all Tarmac, with the start and finish line adjacent to a spectator area. The course begins with a 90 degree left turn into a fast straight with a midpoint ‘yump’, then left again along a shorter straight before a sharp left and right complex. This is followed by a dramatic double left directly in front of the spectator viewing area, so expect the fast boys to make this one long power slide before they make a 90 degree right back to the start/finish. The stage lap length is 0.5 of a mile and cars will complete two laps on each run. This allows two cars to be in action on the stage at any one time.

If the course isn’t enough to get you excited, then the line-up of cars is sure to get the blood pumping. Visitors can expect to see an iconic selection of genuine ex works Audi quattros. From the original long wheelbase A2 coupe that shook the rallying world on its debut in 1980, to the outrageous short wheelbase S1 Evo 2, Audi’s final statement of the Group B era, all will be a part of the show’s celebration of thirty years of the quattro.

Joining the quattros will be a further selection of Group B rallying monsters from the recently formed, ‘Rallying with Group B’ club. Expect to see Ford RS200, MG 6R4, Lancia 037, Peugeot 205T16, Porsche RSR supported by Stratos, Rover V8 SD1, Manta 400, TR7V8, and of course the Rothmans Escort, all the genuine article from Rallying’s illustrious past.

Add to this the full range of ex Russell Brookes ‘Andrews Heat for Hire’ cars all appearing in the hands of the ever popular British rallying maestro, and a new innovation for Race Retro 2010, the inclusion of an invited selection of the most dramatic rally ‘specials’ from the British rally championships.

The historic kart racers will perform their now established warm-up demonstration before the appearance of the rally cars in each of the Saturday and Sunday live action sessions. The karts will use a shorter loop section of the new rally stage immediately in front of the spectator areas. There will be everything from early class 1 machines up to the very fast class 4 250 gearbox karts. The new kart track received an enthusiastic ‘thumbs-up’ on recent inspection by British Historic Kart Club officials who will as always be organising the kart action at Race Retro 2010.

MOTORSPORT CLUBS SHOWCASE AN HISTORIC HOBBY AT RACE RETRO 2010

Posted: December 28, 2009 10:29 PM

Motor sport clubs are the backbone of the hobby, catering for all types of sport and all kinds of cars. This year’s Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park Coventry from 12th to 14th March brings together not only the best in historic motor sport but the clubs that keep the hobby alive.

The 750 Motor Club is celebrating its origins with a three-car display. Cars being shown are an Austin 7 Nippy, a single-seater Twin Cam replica and a highly-developed 750 Trophy racing car. The Club is on a recruitment drive and is using its Race Retro display to encourage people to try this cost-effective form of motor sport.

One of the UK’s oldest car clubs is the Vintage Sports Car Club, which last year turned 75 years old. Originally founded to promote motor sport for vintage cars, the Club organises a full calendar of circuit racing, sprints and trials and will showcase examples of members’ cars.

Keeping the sport firmly on track are the marshalls, and the British Motorsport Marshalls Club has a presence at this year’s Race Retro – not just overseeing the outdoor activities, but with a stand in the show. The club is looking to recruit new marshalls and is also promoting the recently-published book ’50 Years of Motorsport Marshalling’ by George Copeland.

Likely to be one of the most popular displays is the Super Saloon Association’s display featuring two period racers from the days when seriously large engines were shoehorned into family saloons. The SSA is showing a VW Beetle powered by a small-block Chevrolet V8 (and featuring F5000 steering and suspension), and a DAF 55 Coupe powered by a Buick V8. Both cars were crowd pleasers back in the ‘70s and are just as popular, if not more so, today.

Also promoting its involvement is the Midland Automobile Club, whose home is Shelsley Walsh – the world’s oldest motor sport venue, having held its first event in 1905. The MAC’s roots also go back a long way, having been founded in 1901.

Clubs are responsible for keeping the historic motor sport scene strong, so to see the best in clubs involved in the hobby, a trip to Race Retro is a must.

If all this inspires you to invest in a competition car or motorcycle of your own then visit the H&H Classic and Historic Motorsport Auction, which will have an amazing range of rare and desirable cars, bikes and memorabilia on offer. Add to this hundreds of trade stands, the popular Ken Fox Wall of Death and a host of other names yet to be announced, and it looks like it’s going to be a winner.

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Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

RACE RETRO 2010 LINES UP FOR A CRACKING SEASON

Posted: December 28, 2009 10:26 PM

Held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, from 12th to 14th March 2010, Race Retro will be celebrating all things Alfa Romeo with a stunning display of vehicles and some leading Alfa drivers appearing including Italian racing driver Bruno Giacomelli. Bruno participated in over 80 Grand Prix races from 1977 through to 1990 and spent many years at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 179/182 F1 car.

As part of the celebration, organisers have invited Alfa Romeo clubs and owners to exhibit their marque in a dedicated hall as well as having specialist Alfa restorers, race teams and engineers on hand to answer all your questions.

Outside visitors can enjoy all the high octane action on the Live Rally Stage over the weekend. One of the most popular features of the show, this year’s course has been redesigned and moved closer to the action inside the show to make sure visitors don’t miss any aspect of the event.

To tie into the Live Rally Stage, there will also be a special tribute to the Audi Quattro, one of the most iconic cars of the 80s and the first rally car to take advantage of the change in rules which allowed the use of four-wheel drive in competition racing.

For those who prefer two wheeled racers, there will be a tribute to 60 years of Norton with racers on hand to talk about the bikes’ finest hour. Expect to be rubbing shoulders with Peter Williams, Phil Read MBE, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper, Trevor Nation and Keith Heckles, who will be talking with Race Retro motorcycle MC Steve Parrish.

If all this inspires you to invest in a competition car or motorcycle of your own then visit the H&H Classic and Historic Motorsport Auction, which will have an amazing range of rare and desirable cars, bikes and memorabilia on offer. Add to this hundreds of trade stands, the popular Ken Fox Wall of Death and a host of other names yet to be announced, and it looks like it’s going to be a winner.

RACE RETRO 2010 CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF NORTON

Posted: December 28, 2009 10:25 PM

It’s 60 years since Norton’s Featherbed frame made its debut, and Race Retro has chosen this illustrious manufacturer as its feature motorcycle marque when the show returns to Stoneleigh Park from the 12th to 14th March 2010. Back in April 1950, almost exactly sixty years ago, Geoff Duke debuted the Featherbed Manx frame and it went on to become one of the most famous competition motorcycles of all time.

Race Retro’s tribute sees the Norton Owners’ Club running the main stand, which will feature a selection of Manx models, from period racers to the latest incarnations running in the Lansdowne series. A selection of John Player Commando Twins and later rotary models are also being shown.

Norton racers will be on hand to talk about the bikes’ finest hour: expect to be rubbing shoulders with Peter Williams, Phil Read MBE, John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper, Trevor Nation and Keith Heckles, who will be talking with Race Retro motorcycle MC Steve Parrish.

And making its first public outing since its racing days is the Jim Lee Racing Collection. Jim, whose nickname was ‘The Yorkshire Ferret’, built competition frames and helped kick-start Mick Grant’s career – Mick went on to win seven TTs and the Macau Grand Prix. On display will be the JL Velocette – which is still being raced - the JL Yamaha (which notched up 16 consecutive victories ridden by Mick) and the JL Ossa. There’s also a large supporting display of memorabilia and photographs.

Talking of the TT, Senior TT 2009 winner Steve Plater will also be making an appearance. Steve also won the 2009 British Supersport Championship with a 36 point advantage over his nearest rival.

The International Historic Racing Association is back at Race Retro, and is promoting its ‘IHRO 2’ race series: this pan-European series is aimed at more recent bikes and a selection of eligible machinery will be on display.

Also making a more than welcome return is the Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death, who brings another side of motorcycling to Race Retro. Using Indian and early Honda twins, Ken and his riders continue to defy the force of gravity.

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet are special guests. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit the event website:

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)

RACE RETRO ANNOUNCES 2010 DATES AND ALFA ROMEO CELEBRATIONS

Posted: August 5, 2009 2:10 PM

Organiser Live Promotions has announced that Race Retro, the international historic motorsport show, will be held from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th March 2010, returning to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. After its extremely successful first year as owners, Live has also chosen the Alfa Romeo as its celebrated marque as the Italian manufacturer celebrates its centenary year.

And to give club members and owners the chance to be included in the celebrations, Hall 4 will become a dedicated showcase for Alfa Romeo club cars with owners offered significantly discounted ticket and the opportunity to show off their marquee for the duration of the show.

The remaining halls will follow a similar layout to previous years including the popular Speed Street in Hall 2 and other manufacturers featured will be a tribute to Peugeot’s rallying career and for those who prefer two-wheels, a celebration of Norton motorcycles.

A host of celebrity drivers and racers from the 60s, 70s and 80s have been invited to attend from the world of Rallying, Formula One, Superbikes, etc and will be announced nearer the show.

The outdoor action will continue to expand with the popular Live Rally Stage roaring with popular cars and drivers and the organisers looking to add more high octane entertainment for four and two wheel vehicles.

And if you are looking to invest in a competition car or motorcycle of your own then visit the H&H Classic and Historic Motorsport Auction. Following its return to Race Retro this year, H&H recorded over £990,000 worth of sales.

Event Website:

Posted: August 5, 2009 2:09 PM

Race Retro (Historic Motorsport Show)