Autosports Show - 14-17 Jan 10

Autosport International raises funds to make wishes come true

Posted: February 3, 2010 2:26 PM

Europe's largest motorsport show, Autosport International, has helped raise almost £4,000 for its 2010 nominated charity, Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, which grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Over 85,000 visitors attended Autosport International, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010.
Current Formula One World Champion and Patron of Make-A-Wish, Jenson Button was in attendance, signing autographs for fans along with BBC F1 commentator Martin Brundle and motorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss.
Autosport International commissioned innovative artist Ian Cook, who developed an original piece of artwork for the charity.
The picture - created with remote control cars and Dunlop tyres dipped in paint - depicted nine championship-winning cars from the 2009 season, including the Brawn GP001 driven by Button, Sebastien Loeb's Citroen World Rally Championship winner and the BMW of British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington.
Throughout the event, motorsport personalities signed the artwork, including Jenson Button, Martin Brundle, David Brabham, Allan McNish, Colin Turkington, Jason Plato, Matt Neal and Tiff Needell, to name but a few. The painting, auctioned on the Coys stand, raised an outstanding £2,150 for the charity, which - combined with the on-stand donations - took the Make-A-Wish funding to almost £4,000 over the weekend.

"The show was a huge success," said Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish, Neil Jones.
"The stand attracted a lot of positive interest, with visitors making direct debit pledges in addition to the donations we received at the show. Thank you to Autosport International and its visitors, as well as Ian Cook, for helping us raise this money, which will go towards making the wishes of many special young people come true."
Autosport International Show Director, Ian France, said: "Make-A-Wish is an incredible charity, and we're thrilled to have been able to raise this money, as well as increase awareness of the outstanding work that it does.

Photos

Posted: January 15, 2010 1:17 PM

crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
Rikki @ UXXV Photos

MSA unveils national squad under new Team UK banner
Alastair Fisher & Martin McCormack included

Posted: January 14, 2010 4:40 PM

The Motor Sports Association (MSA), governing body for UK motor sport, will today reveal the ten young drivers that have been selected to form the national squad under the new designation of Team UK.

Announced at Autosport International, the ten drivers selected to join the MSA’s driver development scheme in 2010 are:

Drivers Date of birth 2010 Championship
William Buller 17/09/1992 British F3 (Co Armagh)
James Calado 13/06/1989 British F3 (Worcs)
Alastair Fisher 30/07/1988 BRC/IRC (Co Tyrone)
Adam Gould 06/05/1987 BRC/IRC/WRC (Bristol)
Martin McCormack 15/11/1985 French C2 Champ (Draperstown)
Alexander Sims 15/03/1988 F3 Euro Series (Peterborough)
Will Stevens 28/06/1991 Formula Renault UK (Surrey)
Harry Tincknell 29/10/1991 Formula Renault UK (Devon)
Oliver Webb 20/03/1991 British F3 (Cheshire)
Dave Weston Jr 25/08/1990 BRC/IRC/PWRC (Aberdeen)

Team UK represents the pinnacle of the MSA Academy structure created last year under the direction of MSA Performance Director Robert Reid to guide young drivers from eight years old through to world championship level. The new Team UK designation reflects the creation of a national squad of the country’s most promising drivers and builds on the experience gained from the previous Elite schemes in Rally and Race over the past five and three years respectively.

“We realised that there was a high degree of shared content between the Race and Rally schemes, so it made sense to bring them together,” says Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. “Consolidating everything will enable the programme to become more focused; Team UK will become a recognisable identity and young drivers will aspire to join the UK national squad.”

Team UK will be operated by Brabham Performance Clinic with race and rally coaches providing specific expertise to supplement the common learning shared across all disciplines. Racing legend and 2009 Le Mans champion David Brabham will fulfil the role of National Race Coach alongside the highly experienced and three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins as National Rally Coach.

The content of the programme has been developed in recognition of the more focused membership, enabling a greater emphasis to be placed on driver coaching and in-car performance within the scheme. Individual fitness programmes and dietary consultations will ensure that the drivers are in the best physical shape, while the application of advanced sports psychology will equip them mentally to perform at the highest level.

Exclusive visits to teams from F1 and WRC as well as to leading component suppliers will provide invaluable insight into the demands and requirements made of top drivers and the squad will enjoy access to some of the most sophisticated simulation equipment in the world. And thanks to support from the FIA Institute’s Motor Sport Safety Fund, Team UK members will also benefit from advanced training in both road and on-track safety skills.

“It’s going to be a fabulous programme,” says David Brabham. “The MSA is offering an amazing opportunity for a very select number of drivers to join a national squad that will really help them to make huge strides in their careers. By becoming more targeted, we are looking forward to working more closely with drivers on their in-car performance, as well as developing those all-round skills needed for a successful career at the top end of world motor sport.”

The ten chosen athletes have been individually selected by those responsible for delivering the programme and represent the most promising young drivers in the country. Rally co-drivers are no longer selected to the scheme on their own merit, but are invited to participate alongside their designated driver to help develop that all-important partnership.

“We have selected ten of the most promising young British drivers to join Team UK for 2010,” says Robert Reid, MSA Performance Director and 2001 World Rally Champion co-driver. “Every member of the squad is fully committed to the programme and understands just what a fantastic opportunity this is – that is vital to its success. We are delighted with the line-up and look forward to working with them to make real progress with their careers.”

Special ‘Under 17 Junior Motor Sport’ Showcase at the 2010 Autosport International Show

Posted: January 8, 2010 11:39 AM

The huge variety of motor sport available to those still too young to drive on the UK’s public roads is showcased on the Go Motorsport display stand at this year’s Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC (14-17 January).  

The special ‘Under 17 Motor Sport’ showcase (Hall no. 7; stand no: 7450) has been designed to highlight many of the exciting opportunities open to those keen to compete at a young age. Those opportunities include karting, rallying and circuit racing as well as less well known junior disciplines such as autotesting, trials, rallycross and drag racing.  

Established by the Motor Sports Association, governing body of UK motor sport, and supported by a wealth of the sport’s top stars including World Champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, the Go Motorsport initiative has been set up to encourage newcomers of all ages into the sport. Particular emphasis is focused on youth. Go Motorsport introduced a nationwide School Visits programme in 2009 with its Regional Development Officers promoting the sport in classrooms and school assemblies right across the UK. Now the dedicated display at the Autosport International Show further highlights the wide choice available to those too young to qualify for a UK driving licence.

  “It’s incredibly important that we show children and teenagers everything motor sport has to offer,” explains MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton. “Lewis and Jenson have helped us to put our sport on the radar; now it’s up to us to help all those inspired by them to fulfil their dreams. While anyone can buy a ball and play rugby, cricket or football, it’s much trickier for a keen child to go karting or rallying – more so if they haven’t a close family member already involved in the sport. Other sports – particularly Olympic sports with lottery and government funding – are engaged in similar campaigns, so it’s even more important that we maximise the current opportunity to encourage future competitors to start having fun on four wheels in safe and well-organised environments.”  

Like most of today’s F1 drivers, both Button and Hamilton started out in junior kart racing from a very young age and the MSA’s highly-praised Let’s Go Karting scheme offers the next generation of potential F1 champions the perfect launch pad. Let’s Go Karting operates at 20 nationwide venues and enables those aged between eight and 16 to have an introductory taste of the action for just £5.

  Karting, of course, provides plenty of excitement and family fun at dozens of tracks around the country with race meetings almost every weekend of the year, but there are other ways for youngsters to get into motor sport. In circuit racing the 750 Motor Club’s well established SaxMax series plus the equally formative Ginetta Junior Championship are open to those aged over 14… and, today, there is a similar opportunity for those of the same age with their hearts set on rallying. The new Junior 1000 Championship featuring one-litre engined hatchbacks is already proving a major success and, hopefully, will start producing a new era of British-born World Rally Champions to emulate the achievements of Colin McRae and Richard Burns.  

As ever, though, there is far more to MSA-governed motor sport than just racing and rallying. Electrically powered Junior Dragsters are available for those seeking some straight-line speed thrills from the age of eight while there is a wide selection of other relatively inexpensive starting points for those who have turned 14 – these include autotests, autosolos and rallycross. For some of these activities participants do not even need their own car or special clothes.  

Competition vehicles representing all of these disciplines will be displayed on the unique Go Motorsport ‘Under 17 Motorsport’ stand at the NEC; moreover, competitors and representatives from all areas will be present to provide first hand information and expert advice to show-goers.  

And to support the Go Motorsport message, the MSA is organising a free seminar at 2.45pm on Saturday afternoon at the MSA Members’ Lounge in Hall 8 dedicated to explaining the vast array of opportunities on offer to those yet to qualify for a road licence.

Adding to the interest on the display stand, the Go Motorsport showcase will feature several schools-based motor sport initiatives including Greenpower electric racers and the British Schools Karting Championship, while for visitors wanting to test their skills the stand will also boast a pair of mini racing simulators kindly loaned by Williams F1 partner RBS.

WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONS HONOURED AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Posted: January 7, 2010 5:06 PM

Leading the way for national supporters at the Motorsport News World Rally display will be two of Prodrive’s Subarus. Colin McRae’s Impreza 555 will be there, alongside the 2000 Safari Rally Subaru Impreza WRC that 2001 title-winner Richard Burns took to victory in Kenya. Both Burns and McRae were regulars at Autosport International, and it's a fitting tribute to them both that Britain's only two World Rally Champions will be remembered on the display with cars they scored successes in.

Other notable machines include the stunning Group B Peugeot 205 T16 that had success with World Champions Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen and a Group A Lancia Delta Integrale that was rallied by the likes of other title winners Carlos Sainz, Kankkunen, Miki Biasion and Didier Auriol.

Timo Makkinen's Mitsubishi Lancer, Walter Rohrl’s 1982 Opel Ascona 400, one of Ford's Focus WRC cars and the perennial rally fan’s favourite, the MG Metro 6R4 will also be on display. Bringing 30 years of modern era world rallying up to date will be Sebastien Loeb’s multiple championship-winning Citroen C4.

For those who want to see and hear rally cars in their full glory, legendary winners from Audi and Lancia will be running in the Live Action Arena this year. The stunning Group B Audi Sport Quattro will be in the hands of 1984 World Rally Champion, Stig Blomqvist, while the famous Lancia Stratos from the early 1970s, still considered by many to be the best looking, and sounding, rally car ever built, will be driven by three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins.

"Colin McRae and Richard Burns are very much a part of the history of the World Rally Championship, especially in this country," said Autosport International Show Director Ian France. "We have some wonderful cars from 30 years of the WRC at the show that were driven by many of the sport's greats, and I'm sure anyone with a passing interest in rallying will be amazed by the collections of cars we have at the NEC."

Autosports Show

GET A SWIFT ENTRY TO RALLYCROSS

Posted: January 1, 2010 1:24 AM

Don't miss the chance to see the Suzuki Swift Rallycross car, which will be used in the new one-make Swift Sport Rallycross Championship in 2010, when it is officially released to competitors at Europe's largest motorsport show, Autosport International.

The Suzuki Swift Rallycross car, which has so far only been driven by celebrities, will be displayed on the MSA British Rallycross Championship stand at the show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010.

The series will replace the Stock Hatch category in the 2010 rallycross schedule and will act as a feeder series for drivers from junior disciplines into Super Modified or Division One categories.

The 1600cc car is similar to the Swift used in the British Rally Championship, but features minor modifications to make it suitable for rallycross. So far, World Superbike star Leon Haslam and touring car driver Andrew Jordan have both taken to the track, but all those interested in competing will get the chance to get close to the car at Autosport International.

Alongside the Suzuki Swift will be 2009 British Rallycross Champion Pat Doran's Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, which secured the championship victory at the penultimate meeting of the season at Pembrey in September.

"We wanted to find a way to modernise the Stock Hatch class," said Peter Gwynne of Peter Gwynne Motorsport, the newly-formed company charged with preparing the Suzukis.

"I am hoping to have between 10 or 12 cars on the grid by the start of the next season and want to reach newcomers or drivers from other disciplines who want to come into rallycross. 

Amy Doran, Promoter of the MSA British Rallycross Championship, said:
"We're delighted to be able to bring the new Suzuki Swift Rallycross Championship to the public at Autosport International. We're constantly trying to attract new competitors and spectators to the discipline: the addition of this to our bill is very exciting, and the show is a great place to ensure the motorsport community and racing fans hear our latest news.

"As the show kicks-off the new race season, visitors are always privy to the latest announcements from teams and series,  added Autosport International Show Director Ian France.

"This year will be no different, and it's extremely exciting to see developments within the world of rallycross and the support it's receiving."

Visitors may also win the chance to race at one of the Suzuki Swift Rallycross Championship rounds, a prize worth £3,000! To enter, please visit

http://www.petergwynne.com/prizeentry.php

PSM Motorsport Ltd confirm Rallycross Open Championship stand at Autosport Show 2010

Posted: December 30, 2009 10:32 PM

PSM Motorsport Ltd have today confirmed that the 2010 Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship will be exhibiting at the Autosport International Racing Car Show, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham between the 14th and 17th of January 2010. The three car, Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship stand will be located in Hall 7 - stand number 7530. There will be an additional eight cars from the Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship on display in the Oval Racing Experience section of the show, which takes place on the Saturday and Sunday.

Representing the 2010 Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship will be the 2007 & 2008 Division 1 Rallycross Open Champion - 'Mad Mark' Watson with his Citroen Xsara in addition to the Junior Minicross car of 2009 Fuchs Lubricants Junior Open Champion Bradley Bailey and the title winning RX150 of Open Champion Andy Scott. The Autosport show will be used to officially launch the 2010 Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship to the public, as the countdown commences to round one of the 2010 Championship.

2007 & 2008 Rallycross Open Champion 'Mad Mark' Watson commented: "2009 has been a difficult season, but we are once again delighted to be representing the Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship at Autosport Show 2010. We will use the show to launch our 2010 campaign complete with a new colour scheme as we start our bid to regain the British Rallycross Open title from Andy Grant."

Championship registration forms, race entry forms and provisional regulations will all be made available to competitors at the Autosport Show, with the PSM Motorsport team and supporting drivers being on hand to answer any questions from drivers, spectators and sponsors.

"2010 is going to be a very exciting season with many new initiatives and a variety of new circuits. The Autosport show is the largest Motorsport show on the calendar and it is the perfect place for PSM to officially launch the Championship. The show will help attract several new competitors into the Rallycross Open Championship like it did last season." added Peter Stott from PSM Motorsport Ltd.

The additional eight cars from the 2010 Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Championship on display in the Oval Racing Experience exhibition, includes:

Andy Grant - Ford Escort RS2000 (2009 Division 1 Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Champion)
Gareth Wood - Subaru Impreza (Procar Four Wheel Drive)
Brian Jukes - Audi TT (Division 1)
Aiden McCullagh - Peugeot 206 (Division 1)
Craig Brown - Renault Megane (Procar 2000)
Ashley Simpson - Lotus Exige (Super National)
Russell Simpson - Citroen C2 (Procar 1600)
Jamie Lea - Toyota MR2 (2009 Super National Fuchs Lubricants Rallycross Open Champion)

PEUGEOT'S CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING CARS AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Posted: December 3, 2009 5:18 PM

Anyone who missed 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion Kris Meeke storming through the Scottish hills at the RACMSA Rally of Scotland will get a second chance to see his title-winning machinery at Europe's largest motorsport show, Autosport International, at the NEC in Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010.

Meeke's Peugeot 207 Super 2000 will grace the stand of 2009 IRC Manufacturers' title-winners, Peugeot. The French manufacturer had a clean sweep in the IRC, as it also secured the 2009 2WD Cup Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles with its 207 RC Rally car, which will also be exhibited at the show.

Peugeot's success wasn't confined to rallying: it also had a triumphant year in sportscar racing, with David Brabham, Marc Gene and Alexander Wurz winning the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours Race. The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP which they used in the prestigious and challenging endurance event will also be exhibited, allowing show-goers to get up-close to the sports prototype.

"We're delighted to have Peugeot Sport joining us at Autosport International, especially with a run of such successful cars," said Autosport International Show Director Ian France. "Not only will its Le Mans-winning car be at the show, but David Brabham will be attending, so fans will also get the opportunity to see the star who helped drive it to victory."

Also attending the show will be 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and Brabham's sportscar rival, double-Le Mans 24 Hour winner Allan McNish. The show will also host wheel-to-wheel battles in the Live Action Arena, where visitors will witness awe-inspiring demonstrations and spectacular stunts.

MARTIN BRUNDLE GEARS UP FOR AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Posted: November 29, 2009 2:09 PM

Former Grand Prix driver and BBC commentator Martin Brundle will be entertaining the crowds at Autosport International, held at the NEC Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010, by sharing stories of life behind the scenes in the world's most glamorous sport.

Martin's illustrious Formula One driving and television careers span 26 years and over 400 Grands Prix. He has driven for many legendary teams, including Williams, Benetton, and McLaren, racing against such greats as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. He was also victorious with Jaguar at the Le Mans and Daytona 24-hour races on his way to a World Sportscar title.

In 1997, he moved alongside motorsport legend Murray Walker, co-commentating to tens of millions of English-speaking F1 fans around the world.

Martin will be joined at the show by his racing son Alex, who has been making his mark in the sport. While his father will recount his 2009 season from the world of F1, Alex - who has benefited from his father's hands-on management - will share his experiences from his first season in Formula Two, which returned to action this year.

"I had a great time at Autosport International in '09," said Martin.

"There's something for everyone and I'm looking forward to returning in 2010, as I have always thoroughly enjoyed the ever-improving show over the years. Alex stepped-up to the significant challenge of his first season in F2, and the show will provide a great opportunity for him to meet his fans."

Autosport International Show Director Ian France added: "We are thrilled to be able to welcome Martin back to the show. He is extremely popular with Formula One fans and I am sure he will have plenty of stories from the paddock to share."

Show-goers will get the chance to see Alex get behind the wheel in the Live Action Arena during the weekend. Also in attendance will be 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, former F1 racer Allan McNish, and all the cars from the 2009 World Championship on the F1 Racing Grid.

AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL: HELPING TO MAKE WISHES COME TRUE

Posted: November 11, 2009 2:21 PM

Autosport International, Europe's largest motorsport show, is helping children's charity, Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Autosport International, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will welcome F1 World Champion and charity patron Jenson Button to the show on 14-17 January at the NEC in Birmingham. The show has partnered with the charity and will help raise funds to support its important work. With over 20,000 children in the UK living with a life-threatening illness at any one time, the charity's work is never-ending.

This year, around 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to have their special wish granted. Having a wish come true can provide memories for the whole family, which will last a lifetime, whether the child's wish is to be a princess or a racing driver for a day, meet a favourite celebrity or just enjoy some special time away from home with their family.

Neil Jones, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish, said: "Make-A-Wish is absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the charity partner of Autosport International. Our wishes are all about thrills, excitement and magic; something I'm sure visitors to the show will be able to relate to.

"We believe a wish can transform a child's life and are constantly seeking support to continue granting wishes to some of the most deserving children imaginable. I would like to say a huge thank you to Autosport International and its visitors for all their kind support."

Autosport International Show Director, Ian France, commented: "Make-A-Wish is an incredible charity. We are honoured to support it in 2010 and we look forward to helping raise money and awareness throughthe show."

Autosports Show

ALLAN McNISH CONFIRMED FOR AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Posted: November 5, 2009 4:31 PM

Scottish driver, Allan McNish is the latest big name confirmed at Autosport International, to be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010.

The show will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to meet the Scottish ace, whose position as a factory driver in Audi's hugely successful sports car programme ensures that much of his racing takes place on foreign soil.

As well as meeting and greeting fans, the double Le Mans 24 Hours winner will look back at the 2009 season, which saw Audi launch the new R15 TDi to take on Peugeot in the battle for sports car supremacy.

After helping Audi win on the car's debut at Sebring back in March, McNish secured podium finishes at both Le Mans and Petit Le Mans over the course of the year.

Celebrating its 20th year in 2010, Autosport International gives fans the chance to meet their favourite drivers in person, with McNish joining Formula One World Champion Jenson Button.

"Autosport International is one of the few chances for drivers like me, who race mainly outside the UK, to get close to the fans and vice versa," McNish said.

"The show is brilliant for enabling people to get close to the drivers, and - because there isn't the stress of a race weekend - it gives us a proper chance to relax and interact with the public. It is always a great start to the new season."

Autosport International Show Director Ian France added: "We are thrilled that Allan will be joining us again at the show in 2010. He is always a popular figure with the fans and is one of a number of big names we will be welcoming."

For more information, please visit

Autosports Show

JENSON BUTTON TO APPEAR AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW

Posted: November 2, 2009 11:21 AM

Motor racing enthusiasts will get the opportunity to see Brawn GP driver and current Formula One World Champion Jenson Button when he attends Europe's largest motorsport show, Autosport International, in January.

Not only will visitors get a chance to see the driver at the NEC-based show, but also the machinery which helped him win his title, as the Brawn GP car will be on display, along with all the cars from the 2009 grid.

It was a close call whether Jenson would actually be able to compete in the 2009 season, when his former team Honda shut-up shop at the beginning of the year and the 29-year-old looked to be out of a F1 drive until Ross Brawn stepped in. So why not join in the celebrations with the champion in person at the Autosport Show, and hear his thoughts on his most important season to date?

Held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 14-17 January 2010, the show is one of the few places where motorsport fans have the rare opportunity to get up-close and personal to their favourite drivers and cars away from the racetrack. F1 fan favourite, Jenson will be providing show-goers with a unique insight into life at the pinnacle of the glamorous and thrilling world of Formula One, as Autosport International celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Visitors can also look forward to wheel-to-wheel racing and record-breaking stunts in the Live Action Arena, which will once again showcase live racing, awe-inspiring car demonstrations, celebrity driver appearances and competitions.

"I am really looking forward to visiting the Autosport International Show in January," said Button. "It's a real highlight of the motorsport calendar and there's always a fantastic atmosphere with a great mix of people and some very impressive machinery. Along with the British Grand Prix and Goodwood Festival of Speed, it's one of the best opportunities to meet our fans and thank them for all their support. Hope to see you all there!"

"We are delighted that Jenson has been able to find time in his busy schedule to celebrate this milestone year with us," said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director, Ian France. "I am confident that the 20th edition of our show will be the best yet. Watch this space as we will be announcing even more exciting show features in the coming months."

For more information, please visit

Autosports Show

GINETTA TO LAUNCH NEW MODEL AT THE AUTOSPORT SHOW

Posted: November 2, 2009 11:20 AM

For the third year in a row, British race car manufacturer Ginetta will use the annual Autosport Show to showcase a new model to the public.

The Yorkshire-based company celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching the hugely successful G50 model at the NEC-based show in 2008 and gave the public a first glimpse of the Zytek-powered G50Z earlier this year.

This time, Ginetta will use the Autosport Show, which runs from 14-17 January 2010, to launch the new G40, which brings the UK's first multi-platform road-to-race car to market. As well as being fully road legal, the G40 will race in the British Touring Car-supporting Ginetta Junior Championship in 2010 and will also be eligible for a range of other racing categories.

With the G40, Ginetta has continued its quest to produce the safest race car possible and, like the G50, the new model addresses a range of safety issues. The car will feature a safety cage 50 times stronger than the minimum 2009 FIA homologation regulations and will also be fitted with front and rear crash zones, as well as increased side impact bars, all focused on improved driver safety.

An initial batch of 26 cars is set to be produced and will replace the current Junior model, which played its part in a dramatic 2009 season, when 15-year-old Sarah Moore became the first ever female champion on the BTCC package during the final rounds of the year at Brands Hatch.

"There is no better place for Ginetta to unveil the new G40 than the Autosport Show," said Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson. "We debuted both the G50 and the G50Z at the exhibition and I'm delighted that show-goers will have the first-ever glimpse of Ginetta's latest launch.

"Aside from launching the G40, Ginetta will also be making another exciting announcement, which is sure to have a big impact on the racing fraternity. We will showcase our full range to motorsport lovers and I hope to see many visitors to the Ginetta stand over the course of the four days. The show is an incredible celebration of the British car industry."

Autosport Show Director Ian France added: "We are thrilled that Ginetta has chosen to reveal another new car to the public at the show. The G50 has been a huge success for the company since it was revealed at the 2008 show and we hope that the G40 will be just as successful."

The G40, which features a sealed 1800cc Zetec engine and will be priced at £24,950, will be officially launched on Thursday 14 January and will be on display on the Ginetta stand throughout the four-day event.

AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL: FIRMLY AT THE FOREFRONT FOR 20 YEARS

Posted: November 2, 2009 11:20 AM

Autosport International, Europe's largest motorsport trade show, will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, on 14-17 January 2010.

Autosport International is firmly established as an essential part of the calendar for motorsport professionals, who want to be first in-the-know for the forthcoming season.

Almost 80,000 visitors from 49 countries attended in 2009, including over 26,000 trade buyers, demonstrating the show's international appeal and significant representation in the global motor racing industry. Furthermore, despite the economic climate, over $700 million worth of business was generated at the show.

Chris Aylett, CEO of the Motorsport Industry Association, described the International Business Lounge as "outrageously busy," highlighting the fact that Autosport International is the perfect venue to develop contacts and demonstrate products in a variety of specialised areas, including Autosport Engineering and Manufacturing Technology. For this reason, the show is regarded by many industry figureheads as motorsport's primary technology show.

Ian France, Show Director for Haymarket Exhibitions, is delighted to be celebrating the show's anniversary: "Autosport International has played a pivotal role in the motorsport industry for many years. During the last two decades, the show has kicked-off the season and provided a perfect networking platform for businesses in the sector. With the UK at the forefront of the motorsport industry, Autosport International provides the ideal setting, not only for the development of national relations, but also to establish contacts worldwide.

"The current economic climate is undoubtedly tough, yet there was a highly-positive atmosphere at last year's show and many exhibitors are already queuing up to be part of the 2010 event."

Marking the beginning of the 2010 season, Autosport International will once again host a wide range of the industry's leading companies, exhibiting the latest innovations. Exhibitors already confirmed for the 2010 show include Willans, the world's foremost harness manufacturer and supplier to F1 team Brawn GP, performance suspension manufacturer Eibach Springs, transmission specialists Xtrac, and high-performance coatings supplier Zircotec.

For more information, please visit the event website:

Event Website

Posted: November 2, 2009 11:18 AM

Autosports Show