RACE RETRO REACHES SEVEN YEAR HIGH

Filed under: Classic News |
Race Retro LadiesThis 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.”Tags: