Silverstone Classic 2014 preview

By James Clark

Motor Shows

21 July 2014 07:00

Along with Goodwood’s Revival and the Donington Historic Festival, the Silverstone Classic is one of the largest and most popular historic racing events on the global calendar.

The 2014 Silverstone Classic promises to be as spectacular as ever, so CAR has helpfully highlighted the races, cars and drivers you should keep an eye on.

The Group C prototype race will be one of the most popular of the weekend, with the 80s icons making their only UK appearance of 2014. The pair of Sauber-Mercedes C11s of Bob Berridge and Shaun Lynn are expected to be at the head of the pack, with the rapid Katsu Kabota looming in their Dayglo mirrors in his 1990 Nissan R90CK. Also be sure to listen out for the Werner brothers recently restored Mazda 767B – its batty four-rotor engine makes one of racing’s most ear-splitting rackets. These Group C monsters will race into the evening on Saturday, promising an even bigger spectacle, with glowing brake discs and belches of flame aplenty.

It’s always fun to see modern drivers adapt to old cars, and the 2014 Silverstone Classic will provide plenty of opportunity for this. Honda BTCC teammates Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden will be sharing a Lotus Cortina in the competitive Sir John Whitmore Trophy for sub-2.0-litre touring cars. Their BTCC peer Colin Turkington will also take to the track in a be-winged BMW CSL ‘Batmobile’ and thunderous Ford Galaxie.

Many racing enthusiasts remember the no-expenses-spared super-touring era fondly, and thankfully it has returned to the Silverstone Classic after 2013’s action-packed race. Highlights this year include John Cleland driving the 1997 Vectra that he took to the BTCC title, whilst current WTCC ace Rob Huff will be entrusted with one of the quickest ever touring cars – the Prodrive-developed Ford Mondeo from 2000.

To be honest, there are just too many priceless racing cars to list in their entirety. You’ll be able to see the usual suspects such as Jaguar D-types – one of which is driven (probably sideways) by incredibly quick and spectacular historic racer Gary Pearson – a Ferrari 250 GT SWB with legend Jackie Oliver behind the wheel, numerous Listers, Ford GT40s, plucky Minis and McLaren F1 GTRs thoughout the Silverstone Classic weekend.

There will also be a tribute race to the late Formula One legend Jack Brabham, featuring pre ’66 grand prix cars, including cars driven by the three-time title winner such as the Cooper T51 and Brabham BT11.

If you get sick of watching the racing (we’re not sure why you would!), there’s also plenty of live music. Both paddocks will also be open to the public, giving punters a unique chance to get a close up peek of every car at the event.

If you fancy going along then adult tickets start at £39 and are available, along with additional information, at www.silverstoneclassic.com.

By James Clark