Historic race tour finishes at the home of British motor racing
Tour Britannia, the all-new four-day race tour for owners of historic cars, will reach a fitting finale at Northamptonshire’s Silverstone Circuit - the home of British motor racing - on Thursday 8 September. After the previous three days of intense competition that showcase the country’s finest racing venues, the outcome of the inaugural Tour Britannia will then be decided over eight lap races on Silverstone’s Historic Grand Prix Circuit.
“As home to the British Grand Prix and numerous major historic events, Silverstone is the country’s most important race track. Having our final race and the finish here adds so much to the event,” commented Tour Britannia’s Sporting Director, Fred Gallagher. “For our foreign crews, in particular, it is the track everyone in the world has heard of, which adds considerable stature to Tour Britannia.”
Tour Britannia (Monday 5 - Thursday 8 September), a new and distinctive event on the British motor sport calendar, provides a wonderful opportunity for owners of pre-1976 road legal cars to compete in a high-quality fixture that tours some of the country’s most prominent venues. The event, which also celebrates 100 years of British motor sporting heritage, will run annually in association with the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), one of the most prestigious motor racing clubs in the world.
In its debut year on the motor sport calendar, Tour Britannia has attracted a spectacular array of pre-1976 cars and no fewer than 49 crews will take the start of this unique historic race tour which begins on Monday 5 September. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the four-day event takes in races at Cadwell Park and Rockingham Motor Speedway as well as 16 competitive sections at famous British sprint, hill climb and stately home venues. The event will then reach its climax at the famous Silverstone Circuit on Thursday 8 September.
Competition is expected to be fierce among the diverse field of pre-1976 entries. Ray Bellm, former Group C2 World Champion, has entered his 1965 Ford GT40, while Adrian Newey - Technical Director of McLaren International - will be vying for honours in identical machinery. John Hugenholtz - a three-time winner of Tour Auto (the equivalent event in France) - will be fighting for victory in his 1965 Shelby GT350 and John Sheldon - winner of the 2005 Tour Auto and 2004 Tour España - will be challenging the thunderous V8s for outright glory in his highly-competitive 1965 Lotus Elan. In contrast, the smallest car is a Mini Clubman, the only ex-works example in existence. Historic racing star, Gareth Burnett, will drive one of three John Ruston-entered pre-war Talbot 105s.
“We’re absolutely delighted and proud of the quality and diversity of the entry,” added Fred Gallagher. “All the way through the field, from the big GT40s and Corvettes right through to the humble Mini, spectacular action is guaranteed on the circuits and stages.”
Spectators wishing to watch the cars in action can gain access to Silverstone Circuit from 09:00 hrs on Thursday 8 September. Practice and racing is anticipated from 09:30 hrs.
The full entry list can be found at http://www.tourbritannia.com/entries.aspx
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For further information or accreditation details to attend Silverstone, please contact:
Hayley Maxfield
Media Officer
Tour Britannia
Tel/fax: +44 (0)1483 459555
GSM: +44 (0)7887 508890
Web: www.tourbritannia.com
