Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One test driver and Mercedes-Benz DTM pilot Gary Paffett is the latest guest to be confirmed for Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.
One of the UK’s top drivers and the first Brit to win the prestigious DTM title, Paffett joins a host of motorsport personalities on Saturday 11 January at Birmingham’s NEC for Autosport International, which takes place on 9-12 January 2014.
A seasoned racer, Paffett’s motorsport credentials include winning the acclaimed McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award in 1999, followed by success in British Formula 3 National Class and the German Formula 3 Championship.
Having graduated to German touring car series DTM, Bromley-born Paffett has become one of its most successful drivers, finishing second in his debut season before taking the title in 2005. Having just missed out on the title three times since, Paffett will return to DTM for the 2014 season in the EURONICS-sponsored Mercedes AMG C-Coupé after a sixth-place finish in this year’s standings.
Alongside his touring car achievements, Paffett is one of the longest serving test drivers in Formula One, having worked with McLaren on its F1 development programme since 2006.
“Autosport International has always marked the start of the motorsport season for me and I’m looking forward to meeting fellow racing enthusiasts and drivers, as well as taking a look around the halls to see what we can expect next year,” said Paffett. “With the UK no longer on the DTM calendar, it’s a great opportunity to catch-up with the fans.”
“As someone trusted to assist McLaren’s development programme, Gary’s talent both on the track and when preparing for it is evident,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director. “We look forward to welcoming him at the show, where he will answer fan questions on home soil.”
Paffett will attend Autosport International on Saturday 11 January, joining a host of personalities from the sport, including John Surtees, Martin Brundle and new Sauber signing Adrian Sutil from the world of F1, Le Mans legends Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish, as well as current British Touring Car Champion Andrew Jordan.
Adult tickets are now available from £31 and children’s tickets from £20. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
The Live Action Arena will demonstrate powerful racing machinery and performance cars in a unique ‘Evolution of Racing’ celebration at Autosport International from 10-13 January, 2019.
A line-up of leading motorsport categories and competition drivers will offer fans an unrivalled variety of racing action, driving demonstrations, breathtaking stunts in addition to celebrity interviews and appearances.
Every visitor attending across the weekend gets a seat within the 5,000-seater arena included with their ticket. Hosted by Sky F1 Lead Commentator David Croft alongside popular social media vloggers Shmee150 and Miss Emma Walsh, the hour-long, high-octane show is a must-see for all motorsport fans and car enthusiasts.
Terry Grant will be performing a thrilling sequence bringing petrolheads a high-speed show like no other. The event will also play host to the legendary Brabham name, as the monstrous roar of the 5.4-litre V8 Brabham BT62 race car will be on display for all to experience.
Fans can also expect a unique homage to kickstart MINI’s 60th birthday celebrations.
With over 95,000 people attending the 2018 show, this year’s Autosport International promises to be even bigger and better, with a monumental selection of incredible and intricate automotive machinery all under one roof at Birmingham’s NEC.
Autosport International Events Director, Kate Woodley, said: “The Live Action Arena is a true immersive experience with a variety of motorsport categories on display, from the grassroots to the latest racing machines. We will be celebrating the Evolution of Racing at the 2019 thriller, demonstrating the progressive nature of motorsport, through both the cars and people.
“Growing with every year, this year’s show saw Mission Motorsport, Billy Monger and Terry Grant wow the crowds with a daring stunt driving sequence. Truly fun for all the family, car-lovers of all ages and those with a lifelong passion for everything on wheels, this year’s show promises to be the most exciting yet!”
Autosport International, which is part of Motorsport Network’s flagship title, Autosport – one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.
Tickets are on sale now for the established motorsport season starter, which will pack in more exhibitors, stars and cars than ever before. Make sure you get yours today, head over to http://www.autosportinternational.com.
The 2019 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season will start revving up at Autosport International in January, with a host of star drivers and cars set to attend the world’s biggest pre-season motorsport show.
BTCC champions are confirmed to attend over the weekend with title-holder Colin Turkington performing various duties around the show, including interviews on the Autosport Stage and the BTCC feature presented by Motorsport News, in company with fellow drivers Andrew Jordan and Independents Trophy winner Tom Ingram.
The dedicated BTCC feature presented by Motorsport News will be the perfect place for fans to get up close to the show’s star drivers and to catch a first glimpse of some of the 2019 models set to contest the upcoming season. Visitors can also hear from the current crop of racers at the show with interviews and signing sessions set to take place at the show.
Matt James, Motorsport News Editor, said: “We cannot wait to get the BTCC season off to a flyer at Autosport International. Visitors to the show can expect to hear exclusive announcements on the BTCC feature presented by Motorsport News, along with hearing from a host of the drivers on our live interview stage.
“We will have plenty to talk about as we mull over expectations ahead of the upcoming 2019 season. Fans will also be able to get up close and personal with signing sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. Make sure you join the drivers and a host of 2019 metal on the BTCC feature presented by Motorsport News at Autosport International in January.”
Autosport International and Motorsport News is part of Motorsport Network’s UK title, Autosport – one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers.
Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.
Make sure you head over to www.autosportinternational.com to get your tickets.
It’s only a matter of days now until Autosport International 2016 kicks off, with an incredible Williams feature as its centrepiece. Here we round up the top 10 Williams attractions you can see at the show.
Damon Hill OBE reunited with his Williams-Renault FW18
Celebrating 20 years since he won the 1996 Formula One Drivers’ Championship Hill will be at the NEC on the 16th and 17th January. He’ll be reunited with the Williams-Renault FW18, statistically the greatest-ever Williams racing car, which won 12 of 16 races in the 1996 season.
Williams Martini Racing motorhome For the first time ever the Williams Martini Racing motorhome will be constructed away from a racing circuit, erected next to a revamped Autosport Stage. At more than eight metres tall, the motorhome will bring a real slice of the F1 paddock to the NEC.
Felipe Massa on the Autosport Stage One of Williams Martini Racing’s current Formula One stars, Felipe Massa, will be at Autosport International on the afternoon of Sunday 17th January to meet fans, sign autographs and give a glimpse in to the glamorous life of a Formula One driver with insightful talks on the Autosport Stage.
Jaguar C-X75 from SPECTRE Two Jaguar C-X75s, driven on screen by villain Hinx (played by Dave Bautista), will be on display at the NEC. One will be in the Live Action Arena while the other will be next to the Williams Martini Racing motorhome. Specially-prepared for SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the C-X75 was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering.
Nigel Mansell’s FW14B on display Not just one of the most successful Williams racing cars ever, but one of the most successful F1 cars in history. The Williams-Renault FW14B won nine races in a single season, securing Nigel Mansell and Williams the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with five races to go. It will form part of an eight car line-up of Williams historic racers on display outside the Williams Martini Racing motorhome.
Claire Williams at Autosport International Deputy Team Principal since 2013, Claire Williams knows more about Williams Martini Racing than almost anyone else. Claire will be at Autosport International on Saturday 16th January, giving showgoers unrivalled insight in to the running of one of Formula One’s best-loved and most successful teams.
Williams-Cosworth FW08C in the Live Action Arena The chance to see a historic Formula One car on the move doesn’t come around very often so the appearance of the Williams-Cosworth FW08C in the Live Action Arena really can’t be missed. This car won the Monaco Grand Prix in 1983, and was the first car that Ayrton Senna tested. On the afternoon of Sunday 17th January, it will get a very special driver – Williams Martini Racing driver Felipe Massa.
See Williams’ first-ever Formula One car One of the largest ever collections of Williams Formula One cars will be on display at Autosport International, including the Williams-Ford FW06 – Williams’ very first Formula One car. The FW06 was the team’s single entry in the 1978 season.
Sky Sports F1 live shows During the course of Autosport International Sky Sports F1 will be located in a specially created studio next to the Williams Martini Racing motorhome hosting up to three shows a day exclusively for visitors to the event. Sky Sports F1 presenters, including Natalie Pinkham and Ted Kravitz, will be interviewing famous faces from Williams, including Felipe Massa and Claire Williams.
Williams Martini Racing engineers Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds, will be present at the NEC on both Friday 15th January and Saturday 16th January while Chief Performance Engineer Jakob Andreasen will attend Thursday 14th January and Rob Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering joining on Sunday 17th January. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 and Autosport Stages, they will be giving fans incredible access to the secrets behind designing and engineering a competitive Formula One car.
The Autosport International show takes place from 14-17 January* at the Birmingham NEC. Tickets for the event, which covers every aspect of motorsport from karting to Formula 1 and also engineering, are on sale now. Visit http://www.autosportinternational.com/public or call 0844 581 1420
Autosport International will be hosting the incredible all-new Ford GT racing car, giving visitors a chance to be among the first in the world to see the new WEC racer in the flesh, and hear from two of its star drivers.
The Ford GT will be taking to the race circuits of the world in the FIA World Endurance Championship this year, including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June, 50 years on from Ford’s now-legendary 1-2-3 finish.
Among the four drivers competing with Ford in WEC are two Brits: Andy Priaulx and Marino Franchitti. Autosport International marks the first time that motorsport fans can hear the two drivers speaking about the project live at the show. Both Franchitti and Priaulx will be on the Autosport Stage at 12:00 on Friday 15 January and at 12:45 on Saturday 16 January.
Andy Priaulx is a triple World Touring Car Champion and winner of the Nurburgring 24 Hours, while Marino Franchitti is a former winner of the Sebring 12 Hours with Chip Ganassi Racing-Ford in 2014.
The all-new Ford GT will be joined at Europe’s premier pre-season motorsport event by countless other incredible racing features and famous faces. Fans can see historic Williams Formula One cars, the Le Mans-winning Porsche 919 Hybrid, and listen to incredible interviews with motor racing icons like Damon Hill, Felipe Massa and Petter Solberg.
Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said: “The Ford GT World Endurance race car is heading straight from its world debut to Autosport International, so it really will be an exclusive opportunity for UK fans to see this incredible racing car up close. It’s just another indication that this year’s show is shaping up to be the best yet, with countless Le Mans winners, Formula 1 legends and incredible stunt displays taking place across the weekend.”
Autosport International takes place from 14-17 January* at the Birmingham NEC. Tickets for the event, which covers every aspect of motorsport from karting to Formula 1 and also engineering, are on sale now. Visit http://www.autosportinternational.com/public or call 0844 581 1420
Excitement levels are building in the run-up to the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham between 14-17 January, 2016*.
An incredible collection of ultra exclusive hypercars and newly launched lightweight sportscars will grace the halls at the show next month and what can only be described as petrolhead heaven. Here is a round-up of the Top 10 not-to-missed high performance cars at the show in January.
Jaguar C-X75
Visitors to Autosport International will be able to get close to cars from the 24th James Bond adventure SPECTRE. Not one, but two Jaguar C-X75s, driven on screen by villain Hinx (played by Dave Bautista), will be at the show. The first is entertaining crowds in the Live Action Arena, while the second car is on static display at the Williams F1 motorhome as part of Williams Advanced Engineering’s presence at this year’s show. Definitely put this on your ‘To Do’ list when visiting Autosport International.
Aston Martin Vulcan
The Aston Martin Vulcan is a track-only supercar from the British sportscar brand and is its most intense and exhilarating creation to date. The Autocar stand (19010) will showcase this ultra exclusive £1,800,000 supercar from Aston Martin and it’ll be one of the best opportunities to see this rare and mind-blowing race car. Make your way across to Autocar’s stand, because you do not want to miss out on the incredible details of this stunning machine.
McLaren P1 GTR
Costing nearly £2,000,000 and offering a colossal 1000PS (986bhp) thanks to its cutting edge hybrid V8 powertrain, the McLaren P1 GTR is the most powerful McLaren ever made.
P1 GTR is homologated for track-use only and boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 687bhp per tonne. You can see this ultra exclusive hypercar on the Gibson Motorsport stand (7630) located in Hall 7.
McLaren 570S
Visitors to Sportscarhire’s stand (19332 in Hall 19) will be able to see the brand new McLaren 570S up close, and it is expected to be a huge draw card for supercar fans at the show. One lucky person will even be able to try out the 570S personally by entering an incredible raffle at the company’s stand throughout the four-day show.
The Midlands-based firm is the first hire company in the country to have a McLaren 570S on its fleet and the car is sure to turn heads and give the winner a day to remember. The mid-engined 562bhp 570S is the latest model from McLaren, and is capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 3.1sec while 0-100mph is dispatched in 6.3sec.
BMW M4 GTS
Packing 493bhp and capable of lapping the Nürburgring in an astonishing 7.27.88 seconds, the BMW M4 GTS is another extreme limited edition track day car making an appearance at the Performance Car Show. The Autocar stand (19010 in Hall 19) will be your chance to see every stunning detail of the exclusive M4 GTS up close.
Zenos E10 R
The Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will host the public debut of the Zenos E10 R, a road-legal British trackday car delivering 500bhp/tonne. Following the introduction of the E10 and E10 S, the E10 R represents the brand’s quickest, most exhilarating and most focused car to date and is situated on on Zenos’ stand (19320) within the Performance Car Show.
Avatar
Autosport International 2016 hosts the worldwide launch of new British mid-engined sports car, the Avatar. At 700kg the Avatar is lighter than a Lotus Elise, and the base model boasts 250hp from its 2.0-litre Ford Ecoboost engine, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 333bhp per tonne.
There’s also an uprated 350bhp option powered by the impressive 2.3-litre version of the Ecoboost engine that will feature in the new Focus RS. Beneath the Avatar’s composite body, the engine is longitudinally mounted for excellent balance and the absence of driver aids gives a pure, authentic and
adrenaline-fuelled driving experience. Head to Stand 19215 in The Performance Car Show to see the new Avatar in the metal.
BAC Mono
BAC’s 2016 Model Year Mono, featuring an all-new 2.5-litre Mountune four-cylinder engine producing 305bhp – that’s up 25bhp on the previous 2.3-litre Cosworth engine. The revised car weighs in at just 580kg giving an incredible 526bhp per tonne. The new 2016 Model Year Mono also includes a drive-by-wire throttle as well as a bespoke driver fitment culminating in a custom steering wheel and seat tailor-made for the owner. Stand 19110 is where you need to go to see this advanced sportscar from BAC.
Abarth 695 Biposto
This ultimate 695 Biposto carries just about every available Abarth tuning feature – including a dog-ring gearbox. It’s a fine example of the extreme, rare-breed of hot hatches that are currently proving popular. It will form part of the all-new Hot Hatch Nirvana theme of the Performance Car Show and is definitely not to be missed.
Ginetta G57
The covers will come off the all-new Ginetta G57 as the prototype racing car receives its full public debut at Autosport International. Visitors to Ginetta’s stand will be among the first people outside of the manufacturer’s HQ to see the all-new G57 in the metal. Come and see it at Stand 6430 in Hall 6 and prepare to be amazed at the technology and design of this 2016 racing car.
Metro 6R4
The Metro 6R4 is headlining a star cast of more than 60 rare and collectable road and racing cars going under the hammer with Coys live at Autosport International. This particular model is one of the lowest mileage examples of its kind, having covered just 3,100 miles since it was built in 1985. Its pristine condition is down to the fact that, unusually, it has never been raced or rallied, as it was the original Rothmans show car.
Instead, it was mainly used as a display car at shows, although it was used for the occasional demonstration. As a result, it is a perfect, almost box fresh example of the iconic 6R4.
Radical RSX Spyder
Powered by a 3.5-litre Ford V6 EcoBoost Turbo engine and fitted with carbon bodywork. It is expected to be a big attraction when it is officially revealed on the morning of Thursday 14 January. Further details are due to be announced on the opening day, so ensure you are there to see it live.
Alongside the new Radical will be a very special version of the company’s SR3 sports racer – chassis number 1000. The very first SR3 was launched at Autosport International back in 2002, and the show is the most appropriate place to present this landmark version. The car has a unique gold-coloured chassis to celebrate the achievement.
And finally…
Don’t miss out on the exciting Hot Hatch Nirvana theme, taking place at the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com. Two 10-car displays showcasing the very best and iconic hot hatches will entertain families and enthusiasts alike. You can play your part in deciding which hot hatches go on display at the show by voting for your favourite over at: www.performancecarshow.com/hothatchnirvana.
Don’t miss out on this brilliant chance to see all the above cars and more by buying your tickets now at www.performancecarshow.com
The Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will host the public debut of the Zenos E10 R, a road-legal British trackday car delivering 500bhp/tonne.
This astonishing road-legal trackday car will be on display at The Performance Car Show between 14-17 January* for the very first time, allowing showgoers to be amongst the first in the world to see the E10 R in the metal.
Following the introduction of the E10 and E10 S, the E10 R represents the brand’s quickest, most exhilarating and most focused car to date. Powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, related to that found in the Ford Mustang and Focus RS, the E10 R produces 350bhp and 475Nm of torque and is set to be one of the stars of the Performance Car Show.
Compared with the E10 and E10 S, the E10 R features uprated brakes, changes to the spring and damper rates, and a set of new lightweight wheels, saving 10kg alone over the E10 S. Despite all its upgrades, prices still start from just £39,995.
Mark Edwards, Founder and Managing Director of Zenos Cars, said: “The E10 R is a car that delivers maximum performance both on track and road, so Autosport International is the perfect place for its debut. Thanks to its advanced lightweight architecture and natural balance, the E10 R handles its extra power comfortably – and it’s also one of the most affordable ways to join the exclusive 500bhp/tonne club.”
Ian France, Show Director, Autosport International said: “Some of the world’s most cutting-edge high performance products have been showcased at Autosport International over the past 25 years, and the unveiling of the Zenos E10 R marks another momentous debut. The team at Zenos have created an accessible car for the track and the road that Britain should be rightly proud of.”
The E10 R also forms the basis for a competition that gives Autosport International/Performance Car Show visitors the chance to win a Zenos driver training day, which will include driving the thrilling Zenos E10 S and experiencing the E10 R from the passenger seat. Visitors to the show simply need to follow @ZenosCars and then tweet a picture of themselves at the Zenos stand, with the hashtags #E10Ready, #ASI16 and #PCS16.
The Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will celebrate the UK’s unique love affair with the hot hatchback with an all-new theme called Hot Hatch Nirvana. The centrepiece will feature never-before-seen hot hatch displays, paying tribute to the icons that started it all 40 years ago to the latest hyper-hatches.
Furthermore, you can directly influence the Top 10 best hot hatches to go on display by voting for your favourite at www.performancecarshow/hothatchnirvana now.
To come and be amongst the first to see the Zenos E10 R while taking all that Hot Hatch Nirvana has to offer, get your tickets while stocks last at www.performancecarshow.com
Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International, will next year welcome five motor racing world champions, including Formula 1 legend Damon Hill OBE, 2013 FIA World Endurance Champion Allan McNish and former WRC and current FIA World Rallycross champion, Petter Solberg.
From the world of motorcycle racing, Phil Read – the first man to win 125cc, 250cc and 500cc world championships – and 1987 500cc world champion, Wayne Gardner, will be signing autographs and reliving some of their career highlights as part of the stunning historic display called ‘When We Were Kings’ (stand 2280 in Hall 20).
Visitors to Europe’s premier pre-season motorsport show will have the unique opportunity to see Damon Hill OBE reunited with the iconic Williams FW18 – his 1996 Drivers’ Championship-winning F1 car. The FW18 is appearing as part of an exclusive Williams Martini Racing feature, which will see the team’s motorhome constructed next to the Autosport Stage – the first time it’s been built away from a race circuit.
Petter Solberg, two-time World Rallycross champion and former WRC Champion, will be taking to the Live Action Arena to show off his incredible driving skills on the UK’s largest indoor track. Away from the circuit, Solberg will be giving live interviews on the Autosport Stage, entertaining visitors with his tales of danger and glory.
Allan McNish is no stranger to the show, the 2013 FIA WEC Champion will be captivating the legions of fans at the Autosport Stage with many behind-the-scenes stories from his time in Formula 1 and of course his experiences of winning the 24 hours of Le Mans three times.
Representing the bikers at Autosport International will be Phil Read – the first man to win 125cc, 250cc and 500cc world championships – who will be on-hand alongside some of the bikes he rode throughout his career. Read will be signing copies of his autobiography ‘Rebel Read’ and meeting fans over the course of the weekend. Australian rider Wayne Gardner, who was 500cc world champion in 1987, will also be at Autosport International, appearing on the Central Stage throughout the show.
Ian France, Show Director, said: “To have five world champions at Autosport International is a real privilege for us and a real treat for visitors. Nowhere else can you get access to such a huge number of world-class drivers and riders – you’re guaranteed to see some amazing stunts from Petter Solberg, hear some incredible insight from Damon Hill and Allan McNish and marvel at the achievements of Wayne Gardner and Phil Read.
“Couple these amazing appearances with the exclusive Williams feature – which will see some of the team’s most famous Formula 1 cars lined up in front of the towering motorhome – and I’ve no doubt that the 2016 edition of Autosport International is going to be the best yet.”
Autosport International takes place from 14-17 January* at the NEC in Birmingham . Tickets for the event, which covers every aspect of motorsport from karting to Formula 1, are on sale now. Visit http://www.autosportinternational.com/public or call 0844 581 1420
The critically acclaimed thriller, Driven, is one of many attractions to visitors and those die-hard shoppers at Autosport International this coming January.
Driven is set in the world of Formula 1, and the book’s author, Toby Vintcent, will be at the show. The book covers the competitive and cutthroat world of F1, and is aimed at fans and those unfamiliar with the sport. It has been praised by the likes of Murray Walker, London’s Evening Standard and F1 Racing Magazine.
Shoppers at Autosport International and fans of racing memorabilia will have lots to choose from at the show, with many different stalls to browse and buy from, with wares ranging from books to clothing to signed photographs.
Memorabilia Giant (stand 6930 in Hall 6) will have a selection of motoring memorabilia. The stand features a variety of signed photographs, including a limited edition signed Sir Stirling Moss picture from his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1960. Neil Edwards, of Memorabilia Giant, says he is also bringing a new John Surtees signed print, which will be available for the first time at Autosport International – the picture will be from the Isle of Man TT, and features Surtees going over Ballaugh Bridge.
Steve Tappin Books (stand 6801 in Hall 6) is attending for the first time, and is bringing a selection of secondhand motoring books, ranging from around £10 all the way up to £1000. One such rarity is an old Bugatti book, signed by five-time F1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and fellow drivers Toulo de Graffenried and Philippe Étancelin. Steve is also showing off a selection of limited edition prints of photos taken at the 1961 French Grand Prix
Horton Books (stand 6800 in Hall 6) is also taking a selection of limited edition and collectable out-of-print books to the show. In addition to this, it will also cater for modern motoring and motor racing fans with a comprehensive set of the latest motoring titles from all over the world. Horton Book is family owned and operated since 1997 and it stocks in the region of 12,000 books and sales brochure at its shop in Malborough, Wiltshire.
Several new clothing ranges will be available at 195mph’s stand (6954 in Hall 6), including a selection of 1970s style and Gulf and Heuer branded accessories, clothing and luggage. Other exhibitors at the show include the talented Piers Dowell from P.D.P Master of the Airbrush, who will display a stunning line-up of bespoke crash helmet designs (located on stand 2940 in Hall 20). In Hall 20 of Autosport International, Race to The Finish gives real F1 fans the opportunity to buy authentic and rare items of F1 memorabilia.
Autosport International offers something for the whole family and promises to be one of the most action-packed and entertaining events of the new year. To see all this and more, log on to www.autosportinternational.com/public
This January the Jaguar C-X75 from SPECTRE will make an appearance at Autosport International.
SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sees the Jaguar C-X75 driven by Hinx in one of the movie’s iconic high speed car chases. Two cars used in filming will be present at the NEC from 14-17 January. A demonstration of one of the specially-prepared stunt cars will take place in the Live Action Arena. A must see for any movie or car enthusiast.
For a more detailed view, a second static car – one of the ‘hero’ models used for close-ups in SPECTRE – will be on display at the Williams stage area, another of the star attractions at Autosport International 2016.
The C-X75 was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering, the division of Williams that transfers technology from Formula One to other market sectors.
The C-X75 for SPECTRE is just one of many high-profile projects that Williams Advanced Engineering has worked on and visitors to the show will be able to learn all about this exciting division and every other part of the Williams story, thanks to a unique celebration of the famous British racing team at Autosport International 2016.
The focal point will be a revamped Autosport Stage, which will feature the eight-metre-tall Williams Martini Racing motorhome constructed immediately next to it – the first time it has been erected outside of a racing circuit.
Eight of Williams’ most historically-significant Formula One cars will be on show, including the FW18 which Damon Hill OBE drove to the 1996 Drivers’ Championship title. Hill will be present at Autosport International, celebrating the 20th anniversary of this victory. He will be joined by many other famous faces from Williams.
Mike O’Driscoll, CEO of Williams said: “Collaborating with Jaguar on the project has been a great experience and is something the Williams Advanced Engineering team is extremely proud of. It shows just how incredibly diverse our skills are at Grove. It was fantastic to share the C-X75 with people all over the world in SPECTRE – but now we’re really excited to bring the cars closer to home at Autosport International, where we’ll have these slices of movie history lined up alongside some of our most important Formula One cars.”
Anthony Rowlinson, Group Editor, Motorsport at Haymarket Media Group, said: “The Jaguar C-X75 looks incredible in SPECTRE, but it really is one of the cars you need to see in the flesh to fully appreciate. Both inside and out it’s a masterpiece in design, showcasing what a great job Jaguar and Williams Advanced Engineering did with preparing these cars for the big screen. It’ll be fantastic to see and hear the C-X75 in the Live Action Arena.”
Ian France, Autosport International show director, said: “To have one of the genuine Jaguar C-X75 cars from SPECTRE on display at Autosport International is incredible enough, but to have another performing in the Live Action Arena is real treat. To see and hear one of the James Bond franchise’s most incredible stunt cars that we saw recently on the silver screen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
To confirm your own attendance at what promises to be the most exciting and action-packed edition of Autosport International to date, log on to www.autosportinternational.com to get your tickets now.
FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg will star in next weekend’s Autosport International Live Action Arena, which will be hosted by Sky Sports F1’s David Croft and feature a Guinness World Record attempt from Brit Alastair Moffat.
The Live Action Arena is the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, home to exciting, 70-minute shows packed with live racing, stunts and celebrity appearances over the course of the 8-11 January* event at Birmingham’s NEC.
Also a former World Rally Champion, Solberg will demonstrate a Citroën Xsara WRC, the car which carried the French manufacturer to six FIA world titles in four years, entertaining 5,000 fans in each session.
“Driving a car like my Citroën Xsara WRC inside definitely isn’t something you get to do every day, so I’m really looking forward to the Live Action Arena shows,” Solberg said.
“With so much power and noise, it’s a sensational car for the stages, and I’m sure it’ll look and sound even better within the confines of the NEC to all of the fans.”
A popular broadcaster, ‘Crofty’ will introduce the action, share his take on the world of Formula 1 and interview motorsport stars including 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and Croft’s Sky Sports F1 colleague and newly-crowned FIA World Endurance Champion Anthony Davidson.
“The Live Action Arena showcase is unique and adrenaline-fuelled. There’s really something for everyone in each show, whether you’re there to see the racing, be amazed by the stunts or hear from the stars,” he said.
“It’ll be great to see Petter Solberg on the limit in such a confined environment, and catch up with the likes of David Coulthard and my Sky Sports F1 buddy Anthony Davidson, sharing their take on the 2014 F1 season and looking ahead to 2015.”
In each show, Alastair Moffat will look to reclaim his Guinness World Record for the world’s tightest parallel park. Set in 2013, Moffat’s record of performing a handbrake park into a space just 3.4 inches longer than the Mini he was driving was broken in November by Chinese Drift Champion Han Yue.
Excitement also comes through side-by-side racing from BTRDA Rallycross Clubman Championship Super Modifieds, BriSCA F2, BriSCA F1 Stock Cars, Autograss Class 7 and Specials, while Team Japspeed will return with sensational drifting demonstrations.
From motoring’s Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, a collection of Autocar’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Cars 2014 will also feature, led by the Ferrari 458 Speciale, McLaren 650S and Porsche P11 GT3.
Including Live Action Arena access, tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com
The 2015 motorsport season is off to a flying start as stars, cars and action descended on Autosport International for a sell-out show.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the show treated enthusiasts to a sensational line-up of stars headlined by former F1 star and BBC F1 presenter David Coulthard, who opened today’s show alongside newly-crowned FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg.
“My 2014 season began at Autosport International, where I launched my plans for the year. Just one year later I’m pleased to be back in the UK as the first ever Rallycross champion celebrating with the fans and looking ahead to 2015,” said Solberg, who was seen wowing fans in each of the show’s 5,000-capacity Live Action Arena performances.
“It’s been another phenomenal few days fuelled by a real motorsport passion, I loved it.”
The show opened to the public on Saturday 10 January with 2014 FIA World Endurance Champion Anthony Davidson cutting the ribbon alongside Britain’s most-successful sportscar driver of the modern era, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish.
“I’ve attended a number of Autosport International shows over the years and, like every year, it’s been a great weekend and a unique opportunity for both the industry and fans to come together,” he said.
McNish was joined by a host of world-class drivers, including 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington, F1 rookie Will Stevens, touring car champions Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan, Gordon Shedden and Rob Huff, Audi sportscar ace Oliver Jarvis and 2014 GP3 Champion Alex Lynn.
Europe’s biggest dedicated motorsport show, Autosport International consisted of more than 700 exhibitors including exclusive displays and launches spanning every level of the sport.
Led by Lewis Hamilton’s title-winning Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 car, the F1 Racing Grid attracted big crowds with the European unveiling of a unique Ayrton Senna portrait created by renowned British artist Ian Berry.
Known as ‘Denimu’, Berry uses shades of layered denim as his palette and was commissioned by the Ayrton Senna Institute to commemorate the 20th year since the three-time World Champion’s passing in 1994, utilising jeans owned by members of the Senna family.
A new feature for 2015, the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Wheel Change Challenge, allowed motorsport fans to get their hands dirty, testing their skills against the clock to win ALCATEL ONETOUCH smartphones and tablets.
Fans also flocked to see debuts at the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship display, where it was revealed three-time World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx will join West Surrey Racing for the coming season.
For fans already craving their next fix of auto-action, Autosport International 2016 will be held on 14-17 January*. For further information, visit www.autosportinternational.com
A host of motorsport champions, drivers and fans flocked to Birmingham’s NEC today to Autosport International, for their motorsport fix in advance of the 2015 season.
Marking its 25th anniversary and continuing tomorrow, the show is headlined by former-F1 star David Coulthard, 2014 FIA World Endurance Champion Anthony Davidson, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington amongst many others.
A 13-time F1 race winner and part of the BBC F1 broadcast team, David Coulthard has been looking back on the action-packed 2014 season and sharing his views on the season ahead.
“2014 was a massive year for British motorsport with Lewis Hamilton bringing home the Formula 1 world title, and Autosport International is the perfect place to celebrate the year’s successes with the fans,” said Coulthard.
“With so many in attendance there has been a real buzz in the air and I’m looking forward to another big day tomorrow.”
Davidson celebrated his 2014 title with fans, giving an inside scoop on a phenomenal season and officially opening the show with Britain’s most-successful sportscar driver of the modern era, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish.
“The support from fans in 2014 was a vital part of what was a truly incredible year and it’s been great to get the opportunity to meet so many of them here at Autosport International. It’s been a fantastic way to start what’s hopefully another successful year in 2015,” Davidson said.
Solberg wowed fans in the Live Action Arena, while other guests included F1 rookie Will Stevens, touring car champions Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan, Gordon Shedden and Rob Huff, Audi sportscar ace Oliver Jarvis and 2014 GP3 Series champion Alex Lynn.
Autosport International hosts exclusive launches and displays spanning every aspect of motorsport across more than 700 exhibitors, as well as a stunning array of high-octane favourites in the motoring’s Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com. At the 5,000-capacity Live Action Arena, the UKs largest indoor racetrack, fans can attend 70-minute shows packed with live racing, stunts and celebrity appearances.
Tickets for the final day at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham are available on the door. Advanced adult tickets cost £32, with children’s tickets priced at £21 (children under five years of age go free)
Motorsport professionals and over 700 companies from across the world converged on Birmingham to start the new season at Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show, Autosport International.
Including the specialist Autosport Engineering in association with Racecar Engineering, the 25th anniversary show’s two focused trade days have now concluded, however a diverse range of technology will remain at Birmingham’s NEC for the weekend’s public days.
Engineers and decision makers networked and viewed the latest technology, while key industry figures such as M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson, Williams F1’s Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds and Jean-Pascal Dauce, Renault Sport Technologies’ Director of Motorsport, were among those to share their views on the Autosport Stage.
Before big audiences, launches included Radical’s most-powerful and advanced car yet, the RXC Spyder, the Zenos E10 S lightweight sports car and a GT4 version of Sin Cars’ R1.
Also in the spotlight, Wirth Research received the Best Autosport Engineering Stand Award for its presence, which promoted its high technology, research and development capabilities.
“We are delighted to receive this award and to successfully showcase our performance engineering at Autosport International again this year,” Wirth Research’s Lisa Holloway said.
Also in Autosport Engineering, Newton Equipment was named as the Best Small Stand and XYZ Machine Tools the winner of the Manufacturing Award. In the new Low Carbon Racing and Automotive Show, introduced as part of high-performance engineering’s push towards greener solutions, Frost EV Systems claimed Best Stand honours.
“It’s fantastic for Frost EV, as a young innovative engineering company working in low carbon vehicle technology, to be awarded the Best Stand at the very first Low Carbon Racing and Automotive Show. We’ve had a really strong response from our involvement in the show and it’s made a great start to 2015,” said Richie Frost, Frost EV CEO.
Every level of motorsport will be in the spotlight until the show concludes on Sunday, including a host of leading suppliers. Among them, Quaife received the Best Trade & Technical Stand Award as it starts its 50th anniversary, and Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Tuning the Best Overseas Stand Award.
Porsche was named as having the Best Overall Stand, while other winners included Pirelli, Handy Motorsport, DEN Motorsport and Auto Finesse, the latter within the Performance Car Show.
“Over the last two days we’ve seen some exciting new projects and technology, and plenty of activity between local and international exhibitors, which has been really positive,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.
“We’d like to congratulate all of our stand award winners, and thank every exhibitor and trade visitor for their presence at Autosport International 2015. We wish them every success for the year ahead.”
Autosport International will return to Birmingham’s NEC on 14-16 January 2016.
A host of stars and sensational machinery from every level of the sport are in Birmingham to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, which opens to the public on Saturday.
Following two industry-focused days, fans of the sport will flock to the NEC on Saturday and Sunday to start the new motorsport season. There, they’ll hear from the likes of 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, FIA World Endurance Championship-winning drivers Allan McNish and Anthony Davidson and recent F1 debutant Will Stevens.
British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden will also be present, along with new Audi factory sportscar driver Oliver Jarvis, 2014 GP3 Champion Alex Lynn and former FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff.
Accompanying them, Autosport International will feature exclusive displays, including the popular F1 Racing Grid, which is led by Lewis Hamilton’s World Championship-winning Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid.
The Dunlop MSA BTCC is in the spotlight, with three-time FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx announcing at the show that he’ll return home to join 2014 titlists West Surrey Racing. His new BMW takes pride of place on the Autosport Stage, while former champion Andrew Jordan’s new MG headlines the special BTCC feature.
Fans can also get up close to the Porsche LMP1 919 Hybrid and the Renaultsport R.S. 01, check out 60 Years of Motorsport News and Wales Rally GB features, and inspect a special collection of Track Icons and Wild Road Cars like the Mercedes C11 and Ferrari F40 in a feature presented by Classic & Sports Car Magazine and Silverstone Classic.
Among each show in the Live Action Arena, the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, Solberg will wow fans aboard his ex-WRC Citroën Xsara.
“I started my 2014 season at Autosport International, had a great weekend and ended up winning the FIA World Rallycross Championship, so it’s great to be back in Birmingham,” Solberg, also a former World Rally Champion, said.
“I’m having a blast driving my Citroën Xsara in the Live Action Arena, I can’t wait for the weekend’s shows and catching up with guys like David Coulthard, Anthony Davidson and Allan McNish.”
Under the same roof, the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com is packed with supercars and high-performance favourites, including the LaFerrari, Lamborghini Huracán, BMW i8 and a special showcase of winners from Wednesday’s What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2015.
Finalists from Autocar’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Cars 2014 will also fire up the Live Action Arena, led by the winning Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ariel Atom 3.5R and McLaren 650S.
Doors open at 9am with adult tickets available for £35, children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For more information, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show, Autosport International, kicked off the new season today, joined by more than 700 exhibitors of the industry’s national and international performance engineering sector.
The show’s 25th anniversary was marked with a number of significant launches, including the world unveiling of British manufacturer Radical Sportscars’ new flagship model, the RXC Spyder.
Founded in 1997, the Peterborough-based manufacturer has been one of the local industry’s leading lights during the show’s history and is now the world’s largest constructor of racing and track cars, producing over 250 vehicles each year. Powered by a 3.0-litre V8 engine producing 440bhp, the RXC Spyder is the most advanced, powerful and aerodynamically-developed open racing car yet.
Offering a value-filled dose of Le Mans Prototype-esque performance, the RXC Spyder is packed with technology including a new seven-speed, paddle-shift gearbox from fellow exhibitor Quaife, and an all-new carbon tubular steel spaceframe chassis. The total package weighs 860kg, while larger cockpit dimensions enable a greater range of driving aids and functionality.
“We’re delighted with the response to the new Radical RXC Spyder, with a fantastic crowd on hand to witness the unveiling,” said Roger Green, Radical Cars Head of Sales & Marketing.
“Already, the interest has been incredibly strong with enquiries and potential orders. Alongside the rest of the Radical range, we’re looking forward to that continuing for the rest of the show.”
A year after making its public debut at Autosport International, Zenos Cars returned to reveal its second lightweight sports car. Capping 12 months of development, the new E10 S features a 250bhp turbocharged, 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine.
Weighing 725 kg, the E10 S is expected to cover 0-60mph in less than four seconds and is underpinned by the company’s E-series chassis platform; a unique aluminium extrusion ‘backbone’ and recycled carbon composite tub.
“Launching the production-ready version of the E10 was something we committed to doing 12 months ago when we were here at Autosport International 2014. I can’t believe it’s a year on,” Zenos Cars co-founder Ansar Ali said.
“It’s been a fantastic day. Autosport International gives us the right platform to showcase what Zenos is about, affordable, engaging sports cars, before we start production later this month.”
Amidst the latest technology within the specialist Autosport Engineering, the new Low Carbon Racing and Automotive Show features a leading group of companies fuelling motorsport and automotive’s push for greener solutions.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start Autosport International’s 25thanniversary show, with packed halls and plenty of new technology on display within the NEC,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.
“The level of activity is a reflection of the strength of Britain’s high-performance engineering sector, from established manufacturers such as Radical to emerging players like Zenos Cars.”
Autosport International continues tomorrow, Friday 9 January, with trade registration available on the door for £29, before doors open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit www.autosportinternational.com
Audi’s newest factory sportscar driver, Oliver Jarvis, 2014 GP3 Champion Alex Lynn and former FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff are among the latest motorsport stars heading to this weekend’s 25th anniversary edition of Autosport International in Birmingham.
The Brits join a bumper line-up attending the NEC on 8-11 January* for Europe’s biggest motorsport show, which was attended by 82,000 people in 2014. Former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner David Brabham will launch the new Project Brabham initiative, while a number of local rising stars will also appear.
Celebrating every level of the sport, the guest list features ex-F1 ace and BBC F1 expert David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, FIA World Endurance Championship-winning drivers Anthony Davidson and Allan McNish, recent F1 debutant Will Stevens and Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.
A former Macau Grand Prix winner, Jarvis has been selected by Audi to replace the retiring ‘Mr Le Mans’, Tom Kristensen, in its 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship line-up. Among a variety of sportscar racing in recent years, Jarvis has already finished third at Le Mans in 2012 and 2013, and won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2013.
“As a nine-time Le Mans winner and FIA World Endurance Champion, I’ve got some big shoes to fill replacing Tom, but I’m excited about rising to this new challenge,” Jarvis said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and something I’ve been working towards. I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter of my career at Autosport International this weekend.”
Another Macau winner, 21-year-old Lynn added to his already impressive resume in 2014 by winning the GP3 Series as a rookie. Lynn won three races and was second in four others, and was rewarded with his first taste of Formula 1 machinery in November, testing with Lotus F1 Team.
“It seems like yesterday I was at Autosport International 2014 talking about my upcoming move from Formula 3 to GP3. It’s been an amazing 12 months since then, hopefully this weekend’s show can start another memorable year in 2015,” Lynn said.
Lynn won’t be the only member of Britain’s next crop at the show. Another GP3 race winner, Nick Yelloly will appear on Saturday with Oliver Rowland, fourth in Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Jordan King, sixth in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, and Jack Harvey, runner-up in Indy Lights, the feeder class to IndyCar. On Sunday, gamer-turned GP3 race winner Jann Mardenborough will join Lynn on stage.
Including his 2012 crown, Huff has won a race in the FIA World Touring Car Championship in every season since 2006. In 2014, he took Russian manufacturer Lada’s programme to new heights, winning two races for a manufacturer which had previously never finished a race higher than fifth.
“I really enjoyed working with LADA Sport team in 2014. We made a lot of progress throughout the year and to claim Lada’s first WTCC victories was incredibly satisfying, particularly ending the season with a win at Macau,” Huff said.
“With an all-new car being developed for 2015, there’s a lot to be excited about, and I’m looking forward to sharing that with everyone at the NEC.”
Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009 with Peugeot, Brabham will also take to the stage on Autosport International’s public days, 10-11 January. He’ll discuss the latest chapter in his family’s rich motorsport story, Project Brabham, which will make its physical debut with a stand.
The motorsport stars will be joined by exclusive collections spanning karting to Formula 1, amazing shows in the Live Action Arena, interactive activities and the best of the motoring world in the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com
The first race is still three months away, but major announcements from former champion and local favourite Andrew Jordan and 2014 title-winning team West Surrey Racing will kick off the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Autosport International this week.
A host of cars, star drivers and launches at Birmingham’s NEC will place the world’s most popular touring car series firmly in the spotlight on 8-11 January*. Fans will be able to get up close to BTCC machines and hear from leading drivers including 2014 champion Colin Turkington and former titlists Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.
On the opening morning of the show, Thursday 8 January, a dedicated Dunlop MSA BTCC feature in Hall 6 will formally launch 2013 champion Jordan’s programme for the new season. Nearby, on the Autosport Stage, WSR will make a major sponsorship and driver announcement. In their 2015 liveries, both cars will remain on display throughout the four days of Europe’s biggest motorsport show.
“I’m really excited about the new challenge that’s ahead of me in 2015,” Jordan said. “It’s something I’m looking forward to telling everyone about at Autosport International, as we start the new season.”
Jordan’s car will be accompanied on the Dunlop MSA BTCC display by 2014 race winner Rob Austin’s Audi and the factory-backed Infiniti Q50 from the new Support Our Paras Racing programme, both unveiling the liveries they’ll carry this year.
Announced late last year, it will be the first chance for enthusiasts to see Infiniti’s maiden BTCC racer. The team will employ injured ex-Paratroopers and donate its profits to charity.
Austin and Support Our Paras Racing’s Derek Palmer and Richard Hawken are among a strong contingent of drivers heading to the show, and will take part in interviews and autograph sessions on the Dunlop MSA BTCC feature. By tweeting their questions to @DunlopLive, fans will be able to set the agenda.
Also at the NEC, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class of the BTCC’s youngest driver, Aiden Moffat, will be revealed on the stand of artist PopbangColour.
“The 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship was one of the most competitive seasons ever, and 2015 is shaping up as another massive year,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.
“We’re delighted to be getting it started this week at Autosport International with a special Dunlop MSA BTCC feature.”
BTCC favourites will be joined at Autosport International by the likes of 13-time F1 race winner David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and FIA World Endurance Championship-winning Brits Anthony Davidson and Allan McNish.
Other Autosport International showcases include the F1 Racing Grid, Wales Rally GB feature, special 60 Years of Motorsport News collection and a unique collection of Track Icons and Wild Road Cars presented in association with Classic & Sports Car Magazine and Silverstone Classic.
Attended by 82,000 people in 2014, the show also hosts the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, the Live Action Arena, and supercars and high-performance favourites from the motoring world within the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com
Leading motorsport suppliers, engineers and decision makers from around the world will descend on Birmingham next month, for Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show, Autosport International.
The 8-11 January event brings the high-performance engineering sector together on the eve of the new season, presenting significant networking opportunities and a platform to see the sport’s latest developments.
Home to the majority of Formula 1 teams including title-winners MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, the renowned British sector is valued at generating £9 billion in sales, and accounts for more than 41,000 jobs across approximately 4,300 companies. The chance to meet local leaders face-to-face means an array of accents will be heard within the NEC.
Roughly 15% of the expected 700 exhibitors are based outside of the UK, including market leaders such as Brembo, Bosch, Capricorn Automotive, Öhlins Racing and Sadev. The winner of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship teams’ title, Olsberg MSE from Sweden is amongst the first-time exhibitors.
A total of 17 nations are currently represented in the group, led by 17 firms from the United States of America, 13 from Italy and 11 apiece from France and Germany. Beyond Europe, exhibitors from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and Taiwan are preparing for longer journeys to Birmingham.
There, they’ll meet motorsport professionals from around the world, with guests from 63 different countries among the 2014 Autosport International trade audience of 28,000 people.
“Every year, we receive significant interest in Autosport International from all over the world, and we’re looking forward to hosting international exhibitors and trade guests at our 25th anniversary event in January,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.
“That so many companies and motorsport professionals from America, Europe and beyond attend the event to network with the British sector is a testament to its standing as the hub for engineering excellence.
“We are proud to work closely with UK Trade & Investment in facilitating further opportunities for the growth of British companies, and to play our part in bringing everyone together to start the new season, wherever they are based.”
Many of the travelling exhibitors will use Autosport International to launch new products.
Brake specialists Brembo will introduce the latest additions to its GT racing line-up. A six-piston front-GT caliper is made from aluminium, and designed for discs with a greater surface area; such as Brembo’s new 390mm GT front disc brakes. Another Italian exhibitor, M.E.RIN S.r.l is launching its updated Standard Range fuel tanks, available in more than 520 configurations.
From Australia, Holinger Engineering is set to showcase its first in-line, six-speed sequential transaxle, developed as an extension of its OEM ‘kits’ for the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Porsche.
American firm AEM Electronics will announce and showcase new software for its Infinity, standalone, programmable ECU, with a range of new applications and features.
First held in 1991, Autosport International commences with two days dedicated to industry visitors, 8-9 January, incorporating Autosport Engineering in association with Racecar Engineering and the new Low Carbon Racing and Automotive Show.
Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International has joined forces with Classic & Sports Car magazine and the ever popular Silverstone Classic to bring approximately £15 million worth of historic machinery to January’s 25th anniversary event.
Led by the Formula 1 World Championship-winning Cooper T53 and famous sportscars including the Mercedes C11 and Jaguar D-Type, a total of eight iconic race cars will appear in a new feature at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January 2015*. They’ll be joined by six wild road cars from the sector’s voice in the UK, Classic & Sports Car magazine, including the revered Ferrari F40.
Additional historic content curated by Autosport International exhibitors will recognise the feats of three-time F1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham and legendary Jim Clark.
Headlining the Silverstone Classic showcase, British manufacturer Cooper’s T53 claimed the 1960 Formula 1 World Championship with Brabham behind the wheel. Brabham won five races and his team-mate Bruce McLaren, whose T53 will be on display, finished second in the standings.
Mercedes-Benz dominated the 1990 World Sportscar Championship during a successful programme in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Driven by the likes of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, the Mercedes C11 won eight of the nine races it entered.
The Jaguar D-Type remains a true motorsport legend. With a 3.4-litre, six-cylinder engine producing 245bhp, the British roadster won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957.
An ex-Nigel Mansell Lotus 87 will also feature, along with an ex-James Thompson Honda Super Tourer, GT Lister Storm, Lola T70 Spyder and 6.6-litre Corvette Stingray.
“To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Silverstone Classic, we are pleased to join forces with leading race grid organisers and Classic & Sports Car magazine to present a selection of the finest race and road cars covering the most evocative 50 years of racing,” commented Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic Event Director.
“As a popular event in the industry, Autosport International is the perfect location to see the most amazing track and road cars ever, and all the race cars will be in action at the Silverstone Classic in July.”
Elsewhere within the NEC, the Historic Sports Car Club will pay tribute to the unique achievements of Sir Jack Brabham, who passed away in May and remains the only man to win an F1 World Championship driving one of his own cars. A 10-strong collection of Brabham Racing cars will be led by a Brabham BT49, which won the 1981 F1 title with Nelson Piquet.
Classic Team Lotus is starting 50th anniversary celebrations of Jim Clark’s momentous 1965, in which the Scot became the only man to win the Formula 1 World Championship and Indianapolis 500 in the same year, with a display of his F1 title-winning Lotus 33.
“We are excited to be hosting such a significant group of historic race cars to celebrate Autosport International’s 25th anniversary,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said. “It represents the very best of the sport from the last 50 years and I’m sure seeing these cars will bring back some fantastic memories for many fans.”
Spanning karting to F1, modern machinery will be accompanied by stars including ex-Formula 1 ace David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, FIA World Endurance Champions Allan McNish and Anthony Davidson and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.
Across nine halls, the NEC will also host the latest supercars and high-performance favourites within the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, and exciting shows in the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.
Tickets to the 25th anniversary Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
Motorcycle Industry News and Images mainly from UK
The Distinguished Gentleman's RideWe are entering the 2024 The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride please donate
