A pair of Ferraris born a generation apart, the LaFerrari hypercar and legendary F40 will be in the spotlight when the Performance Car Show brings the best of the motoring world to Birmingham next month.

On 8-11 January*, supercars, high-performance favourites and classics will come together at the NEC, with the LaFerrari to appear in the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com. The F40, meanwhile, headlines a display of wild road cars presented by Classic & Sports Car magazine within Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.

With only 499 to be produced, all priced at over £1 million and packed with F1-derived technology, the hybrid LaFerrari combines a V12 engine with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System to produce 950 bhp.

Accelerating from 0-124mph in less than seven seconds and weighing 1,255kg including a chassis made from four different types of carbon fibre, it’s the fastest road-going Ferrari around the marque’s test track at Fiorano, three seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.

The masterpiece will be parked outside the new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com for enthusiasts to admire while catching up with the team behind the popular website.

“Ferrari holds a truly special place within the world of motoring. Its heritage is legendary and passion unrivalled, and continues to create amazing, sector-defining models,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.

“The LaFerrari is the latest in Ferrari’s long line of phenomenal supercars, which of course includes the ground-breaking F40. We’re excited about bringing these two icons of motoring to the NEC for enthusiasts to enjoy.”

The Ferrari F40 will be displayed on a new, 14-car ‘Track Icons and Wild Road Cars’ historics feature presented by Classic & Sports Car and Silverstone Classic, within Autosport International.

Considered one of the greatest supercars ever made, the F40 was developed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, and the last model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before the founder’s death in 1988.

Powered by a twin-turbo V8 producing 471hp, the lightweight, mid-engined creation covers 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and became the first production car to break the 200mph barrier.

The F40 will be accompanied by a Jaguar XJR15, launched at the very first Autosport International in 1991, Porsche 959, Audi Sport Quattro SWB and Lancia Stratos Stradale in the unique collection.

Other Performance Car Show features include the Autocar Supercar display, hosting the Ferrari 458 Speciale, Lamborghini Huracán, BMW i8 and Vühl 05 in an 1,800hp showcase.

Finalists from the motoring bible’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Cars 2014 will also be put through their paces in the Live Action Arena, with the winning 458 Speciale accompanied by the McLaren 650S, Porsche 911 GT3 and Jaguar F-Type.

In the Live Action Arena and a special Performance Car Show presentation, attendees will have the first opportunity to see a selection of category winners from the prestigious What Car? Awards 2015, after the accolades are handed out on the eve of the show.

Within Autosport International, stars of motorsport such as David Coulthard, Petter Solberg, Allan McNish, Anthony Davidson, Colin Turkington and Matt Neal will be present, along with displays spanning karting to Formula 1.

Tickets to the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com 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.

With the silverware freshly engraved, visitors to next month’s Performance Car Show will have the very first opportunity to see a selection of winners from the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2015.

The annual What Car? ceremony will be held on Wednesday 7 January, just hours before the Performance Car Show opens its doors at Birmingham’s NEC. On 8-11 January*, it will host sensational supercars and high-performance favourites alongside Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.

The Performance Car Show will be presented by new major sponsor, Landsail Tyres, and in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, with the latter also curating a new-for-2015 feature.

Judged by the UK’s biggest and best new and used car buyer’s guide, the What Car? Car of the Year Awards celebrate the cars that set the highest standards in their class. A selection of category winners will be displayed in a special showcase, and demonstrated in the event’s 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.

“The What Car? Car of the Year Awards is the most prestigious car award ceremony in the UK. They are the prize every car manufacturer wants to pick up,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.

“Each year, the winners are vehicles that have raised the bar in their respective sector, and we’re excited about having a selection of newly-crowned models within the Performance Car Show for enthusiasts to see for themselves.”

Landsail Tyres joins the Performance Car Show as a new major sponsor, with its broad ranges of High Performance, Ultra High Performance, and SUV tyres to be on display.

A long-standing event partner PistonHeads.com will bring an exclusive, hand-picked collection of cars to the NEC, to be parked outside the new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com. Inside, attendees will be able to enjoy a pint and a pie with the team, getting the scoop on the latest models, whilst talking about their own projects.

“We’re proud to be working with Landsail Tyres as a new Performance Car Show partner in 2015, providing a platform to promote its extensive range of tyres to local enthusiasts,” Ian France said.

“The new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com is another exciting addition to the show, and will provide a unique ‘local’ within the NEC to catch up with the team and get their distinctive take on the motoring world.”

The new What Car? and PistonHeads.com features accompany the popular Autocar Supercar Display, which will boast 1,800hp through the Lamborghini Huracán, Ferrari 458 Speciale, BMW i8 and Vühl 05.

A host of manufacturers will be present with stands across the Performance Car Show and Autosport International, including Porsche, Vauxhall, Renaultsport, Lotus Cars, Ginetta Cars, Noble Automotive, BAC Mono, Zenos Cars and Sin Cars.

Motorsport stars at the NEC will include former F1 star David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.

Displays are set to span every level of motorsport, led by the F1 Racing Grid and Dunlop MSA BTCC feature, adrenaline-fuelled shows held in the Live Action Arena and interactive activities include the scope to purchase high-speed Ginetta Thrill Rides and time on the karting track.

Tickets for the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com 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.performancecarshow.com.

Britain’s most-successful sportscar driver of the modern era and host of last weekend’s prestigious FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish has joined the Autosport International 2015 guest list.

Europe’s biggest motorsport show is celebrating its 25th anniversary at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January*, and McNish has featured at motorsport’s highest levels throughout its history.

A winner in junior classes such as Formula 3 and Formula 3000, and a Formula 1 test driver for McLaren at 19 years of age, McNish was recruited by Porsche for its sportscar programme and quickly became one of the world’s best, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.

Following a season in Formula 1 with Toyota in 2002, McNish returned to endurance racing with Audi. He enjoyed further Le Mans glory in 2008 and 2013, along with the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship to go with four Sebring 12 Hour and Petit Le Mans victories and three American Le Mans Series crowns.

Remaining an Audi ambassador, he stepped out of the cockpit at the end of 2013 and has become a popular part of the BBC’s F1 broadcast team.

He’ll be joined at Autosport International by fellow Scots in BBC colleague and 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and 2012 British Touring Car Champion Gordon Shedden. New FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and BTCC champs Colin Turkington, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan will also be present, with more stars to be announced.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Autosport International over the years, it is a great show and I really think it has something for every motorsport fan. I’m excited about attending January’s 25th anniversary celebrations,” McNish said.

McNish will also present the Motorsport Safety Fund’s annual Watkins Lecture on safety issues within the sport. The respected event is named in honour of the late Professor Sid Watkins, who is credited with revolutionising Formula 1 safety.

“Allan is always warmly-welcomed at Autosport International, as a great ambassador of British motorsport and one of its most popular figures,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

“His racing record speaks for itself, and Allan has taken that experience into the media, providing insightful and entertaining analysis. We’re looking forward to hearing his expert take on the 2014 Formula 1 and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons at the NEC in January.”

Motorsport stars such as McNish, Coulthard and Solberg will be accompanied at Autosport International by exclusive displays spanning every aspect of motorsport, exhilarating performances in the Live Action Arena and motoring’s Performance Car Show 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 menacing Lamborghini Huracán, award-winning Ferrari 458 Speciale and ground-breaking BMW i8 will headline the supercars on display during the Performance Car Show next month, as the best of the motoring world heads to Birmingham.

Held alongside Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com features sensational collections of the latest high-octane favourites at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January*.

Bringing a combined 1,800hp to the popular Autocar Supercar Display, the Lamborghini, Ferrari and BMW will be accompanied by an emerging force, Mexico’s track-focused Vühl 05.

Other masterpieces will be hosted by What Car? and PistonHeads.com, while Autocar will also demonstrate a collection of its Britain’s Best Handling Cars in the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena. Motoring enthusiasts can also witness launches, meet car clubs and view the latest accessories at the event, which was attended by 82,000 people in 2014.

Unveiled earlier this year and picking up where the Gallardo left off, the stunning Lamborghini Huracán is aptly named with the Spanish word for ‘hurricane’. A 5.2-litre V10 produces 610hp, with the package capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 202mph.

In what the Italian manufacturer describes as the new benchmark in luxury super sports cars, the four-wheel-drive Huracán features a lightweight, hybrid chassis made from carbon fibre and aluminium and ceramic brakes.

The mid-engined Ferrari 458 Speciale was named in October as the winner of Autocar’s prestigious Britain’s Best Driver’s Car for 2014. With 605hp, it’s the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever produced by Ferrari, weighs just 1,290kg and is armed with active aerodynamics.

Sitting alongside the V10 and V8 stallions, the BMW i8 represents the future of motoring, as a revolutionary yet accessible hybrid supercar. A three-cylinder turbo engine combines with an electric motor to produce 357bhp and cover 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, and offering economy of up to 134.5mpg.

Mexican manufacturer Vühl has made waves with its very first model, the road-legal and lightweight 05 supercar. Engineered for racetrack performance, the exhilarating Vühl 05 pairs an aluminium monocoque with a 2.0-litre Ford Ecoboost engine capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds.

“It goes without saying that Lamborghini and Ferrari are always two of the first names mentioned in conversations about supercars, so we’re excited to host the Huracán and 458 Speciale in the Autocar Supercar Display, along with the BMW i8 and Vühl 05,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.

“We’re looking forward to displaying these four amazing cars and a diverse group of other supercars and high-performance favourites at the Performance Car Show in January.”

Under the same roof, Autosport International will host motorsport stars such as 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, rally hero Petter Solberg, Le Mans legend Allan McNish and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden, and displays spanning karting to Formula 1.

Tickets for the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com 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.performancecarshow.com.

One of Britain’s most-successful Formula 1 drivers of the generation, 13-time race winner David Coulthard has joined the guest list for the 25th anniversary edition of Autosport International. Europe’s biggest motorsport show was first held in 1991, the year ‘DC’ won the prestigious Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix on his way to F1.

The Scot has enjoyed a decorated 247-race F1 career, succeeding the late Ayrton Senna at Williams, before driving for McLaren and retiring behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB4 in 2008. He has since competed in Germany’s DTM (Touring Car Championship), and moved seamlessly into the media as part of the BBC’s F1 broadcast team.

Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC, Coulthard will appear during the event’s two public days, 10-11 January, dissecting the mammoth 2014 season and looking ahead to the new year.

“One of the fantastic things about motorsport is the way it brings passionate fans together and Autosport International is a big part of that,” Coulthard said.

“I’ve got very fond memories of 1991, when I moved into Formula 3 and won Macau, and I’ve enjoyed attending the show over the years at different stages of my career. There’ll be lots to talk about from Formula 1, particularly following this incredible title fight between Lewis and Nico, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the NEC in January.”

Coulthard will be joined by the likes of 2014 FIA World Rallycross and 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg and British Touring Car Championship aces Andrew Jordan, Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal.

“Throughout Autosport International’s history, David Coulthard has been at the forefront of world motorsport, including winning at the very highest level, Formula 1,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

“As one of the UK’s most popular drivers we’re delighted David will be joining us to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.”

The stars will be accompanied by exclusive displays spanning Formula 1 to karting, the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena, a host of interactive activities and supercars in the Performance Car Show, 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

Motorsport fans can join the action and raise funds for the worthy Alzheimer’s Society by competing in the Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy during January’s Autosport International.

A regular feature at Europe’s biggest motorsport show, the three-hour charity karting race will be held on Saturday 10 January from 6pm at Birmingham’s NEC during the 8-11 January* event.

The annual race celebrates the life and achievements of dual Indy 500 winner and 2005 IndyCar Champion Dan Wheldon, who died in a racing incident in October 2011.

The Dan Wheldon Tribute Fund has raised over £51,000 to date, with the 2014 karting trophy contributing £7,000. Coronation Street actor and Alzheimer’s Society celebrity supporter Tony Hirst was among the field, joined by the likes of former World Superbike Champion Troy Corser, commentator Steve Parish and British Touring Car Championship drivers Adam Morgan and Dan Welch.

Autosport International’s bespoke indoor karting track will host the action, with Teesside Karting providing the 160cc machinery. Teams can enter by emailing admin@teessidekarting.co.uk or calling 01642 231117.

In January, Tony Hirst, known to Corrie fans as fire fighter Paul Kershaw, will be returning to the track.

“I was a huge fan of Dan’s and I’m a passionate supporter of Alzheimer’s Society so I was really honoured to take part last year,” he said.

“It’s a great event and I would encourage anyone who loves their motorsports to sign-up for the race on the Saturday. I can’t wait to be involved again and just hope our team beat both last year’s fundraising efforts and our race time!”

“As a family, it so important we’re able to keep Dan’s memory alive by doing something that he loved and raising money for a charity so close to all of our hearts in the Alzheimer’s Society,” said Jo Wheldon, sister-in-law of Dan.

“The Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy captures so much about Dan, extremely competitive but hugely fun and we’re looking forward to the 2015 race at Autosport International.”

Once again celebrities and motorsport stars will be on-hand to mentor the 25 teams, providing trackside advice. A six-person team can enter for £300 with the opportunity to raise additional funds by securing their own sponsorship.

Show attendees will also be able to make donations to the Alzheimer’s Society through collection buckets located near the entry to Autosport International’s 5,000-seat Live Action Arena as well as through the Just Giving page.

“We are proud to host the Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy. The race has been a popular part of Autosport International over the years, and we hope to see a great turnout on 10 January,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2015, Autosport International will feature appearances by the likes of 2014 FIA World Rallycross and 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg and British Touring Car Championship heroes Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.

Special displays will showcase Formula 1, karting, touring car racing, rallying and historic motorsport, while the latest supercars and high-performance favourites will star in the Performance Car Show, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.

Tickets are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. To book and for further details, visit www.autosportinternational.com

Have you ever been sat on your sofa watching an F1 race on a Sunday afternoon and wondered how the F1 mechanics complete a pit stop in less than three seconds? Well now it is your turn! Motorsport fans will be able to get their hands dirty at Autosport International in January, testing their skills against the clock to win prizes in the new ALCATEL ONETOUCH Wheel Change Challenge.

Europe’s biggest motorsport show has teamed up with mobile technology innovators ALCATEL ONETOUCH to host the interactive activity at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January.

Located near the main entrance, the retro garage will include a live leaderboard, with prizes including ALCATEL ONETOUCH smartphones and tablets awarded for the fastest tyre changes each morning and afternoon*.

“We’re thrilled to be putting motorsport fans in the heat of the battle with the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Wheel Change Challenge at Autosport International,” said William Paterson, UK & Ireland Country Director for ALCATEL ONETOUCH.

“At ALCATEL ONETOUCH we prideourselves on making the latest technology available for all – the Wheel Change Challenge allows us to interact with a new audience who are interested in technology in a fun way. With great prizes on offer, such as our POP 7S tablet, F1 fans will be able to keep up with the sport using the latest technology.”

In 2014 the show was attended by 82,000 people, with motorsport fans enjoying exhibits such as the F1 Racing Grid and British Touring Car Championship feature, not forgetting the chance to get behind the wheel of karts and tackle an array of simulators.

“We get a lot of feedback from fans about how much they enjoy the interactive elements of Autosport International and this new partnership with ALCATEL ONETOUCH will add to the day’s enjoyment,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

“The new ALCATEL ONETOUCH Wheel Change Challenge will be a great opportunity for the attendees to be hands-on and get a taste of what it’s like to be in a highly competitive motorsport environment, where races are often won and lost, while competing for fantastic prizes.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, Autosport International will be attended by motorsport stars including British Touring Car Championship aces Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, with more to be announced.

They’ll be accompanied by exclusive displays spanning karting to Formula 1, the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena and the Performance Car Show, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, featuring supercars and high-performance favourites.

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 next Lewis Hamilton could be unearthed at Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, through a new and unique competition for aspiring race drivers in conjunction with Formula Kart Stars, the only junior karting series backed by Formula One Management. The initiative is supported by Formula One Management and counts current points-leader and 2008 F1 World Champion Hamilton, among its graduates.

One young driver aged between eight and ten years old will start their career with a funded drive in the Formula Kart Stars Cadet class in 2015. The prize includes ownership of the £25,000* kart, tyres and fuel, series entry and the appropriate racing licence.

Karting is motorsport’s undisputed nursery and Formula Kart Stars’ Road to Formula 1 provides racing and education to Britain’s racing stars of tomorrow.

Boys and girls who are aged at least eight by 3 April 2015 and no older than ten on 1 January 2015 can enter by sending a 200-word story about their desire to be an F1 star to competition@formulakartstars.com before 2 January 2015.

Responses will be reviewed by the official governing body of motorsport, the Motor Sports Association, with 20 finalists invited to test their skills in a timed session on Autosport International’s karting track on Saturday 10 January.

Five finalists will then be shortlist and following an interview with a panel including ex-F1 driver Mark Blundell, McLaren test driver Gary Paffett, karting legend Terry Fullerton, father of Lewis, Anthony Hamilton and current British Cadet Champion, 12-year-old Teddy Wilson, a winner will be crowned.

“I am very excited to be part of this dynamic competition. Every year, the Road to Formula 1 programme helps young drivers enter motorsport. Having been closely involved in Formula Kart Stars, I’m proud to see so many alumni go on to enjoy success around the world, and hopefully through this unique opportunity we’ll uncover another future champion,” said Mark Blundell, ex-F1 driver.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in January, Autosport International encompasses every level of motorsport, from karting to Formula 1, with some of the sport’s biggest names and exclusive collections of machinery on display.

The Formula Kart Stars stand will be accompanied by the presence of leading karting suppliers and the Teesside Karting-operated track where show visitors can get their adrenaline fix behind the wheel of a kart.

“This competition is a special way to celebrate the significant role karting plays in motorsport. Even as the sport has evolved during Autosport International’s history, it remains the best place for young drivers to get their start and learn vital skills,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.

“Formula Kart Stars has been at the forefront of this for young drivers in the UK and the quality of its graduates, not just those who have reached the top, but those who are on their way in classes such as GP2 and GP3, is a testament to its success.”

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.

Notes

Tickets are now on sale for the public show, which is held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 10-11 January 2014. Advanced adult tickets cost £32, with children’s tickets priced at £21 (children under five years of age go free). Group tickets are also available. Paddock passes are available from £42, with VIP tickets from £120.

Paddock passes include general admission plus: access to Driver Signing Area where visitors can get autographs of famous drivers and motor racing celebrities, access to the backstage Paddock Area and a paddock guide.

VIP tickets include: exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with complimentary champagne and canapés, a dedicated Club Lounge where VIP Club ticket holders can chill out, complimentary parking at the NEC, complimentary cloak room, access to Driver Signing Area and dedicated VIP signing sessions, fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and access to the backstage Paddock Area, plus a paddock guide, show guide and goodie bag.

For more ticket information call +44 (0)844 581 1420 or visit www.autosportinternational.com

Hometown heroes Andrew Jordan and Matt Neal and fellow British Touring Car Champion Gordon Shedden are the first drivers to join the guest list for Autosport International 2015 at Birmingham’s NEC.

With another big season in the popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship set to conclude this weekend at Brands Hatch, the Honda trio will appear on the Saturday and Sunday of the 8-11 January show, as Autosport International celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Earlier this year, three months after securing his maiden BTCC title in the dramatic 2013 season finale, Jordan celebrated with local fans at the show. The Pirtek Racing driver started his title defence strongly, with a pair of victories, however a tough mid-season run at Snetterton and Knockhill hurt his chances.

With four victories, Jordan is fifth in the 2014 standings heading to this weekend’s final round, and also claimed a podium in a one-off FIA World Rallycross Championship appearance at Lydden Hill.

“Winning the British Touring Car Championship in 2013 is something I’ll always remember, and being able to share that with so many enthusiastic, local fans at Autosport International in January was special,” Jordan said.

“While ultimately this season hasn’t gone our way, we’re already planning for 2015, and Autosport International will be a great way to kick off the new year.”

Three-time champion Neal and 2012 titlist Shedden showed off their new Honda Civic Tourer at Autosport International 2014, with the estate attracting plenty of attention from BTCC fans. It has been a race winner in the hands of both drivers, with Shedden currently third in the championship and Neal eighth.

The three BTCC aces will dissect the 2014 season and look ahead to 2015 at Autosport International.

“The British Touring Car Championship has been a massively popular part of Autosport International over the years. We are delighted BTCC champions Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden will be attending the show again as we celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.

Other local and international guests will be announced in the coming months, while Autosport International will also feature exclusive displays spanning karting to Formula One and exhilarating shows in the Live Action Arena. Under the same roof, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will host the latest supercars and high-performance favourites.

Autosport International is spread over nine halls of the Birmingham NEC and is packed with racing cars, live action and much more. Advanced Adult tickets are available from £32, with children’s tickets priced from £21 (children under five years of age go free).

For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com

An amazing collection of race cars and motorcycles will form a tribute to John Surtees’ life in motorsport at Autosport International next weekend, marking the start of 50^th anniversary celebrations of the British legend’s 1964 Formula One World Championship.

After taking seven motorcycle Road Racing World Championships, Surtees became the first man to win world championships on both two and four wheels when he secured the 1964 title with Ferrari. It’s an accolade Surtees still holds today, and he’s also the last Brit to have won an F1 crown with the iconic Italian manufacturer.

With Surtees to headline the list of motorsport stars attending the show, at Birmingham’s NEC on 9-12 January, his title-winning Ferrari 158 leads the special display.

Taken to victory by Surtees in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, the 158 is powered by a lightweight 90-degree, 1.5-litre V8 engine, and is set for a rare appearance outside of the USA where it is part of a dedicated Surtees section in the George Barber Museum at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

“I’ve got very fond memories of the 1964 season with Ferrari, and seeing my 158 from that year is always a special occasion. I’m looking forward to having it alongside many of my other race cars and bikes at Autosport International, and sharing stories about the entire collection with fans of the sport,” said John Surtees.

Accompanying the display, the Henry Surtees Foundation will have a presence at the show. Founded after the tragic death of his son Henry in an accident in 2009, the charity assists those who have sustained injuries in accidents and provides education, training and road safety instruction for two and four wheels.

“With 2014 marking 50 years since John Surtees secured the Formula One World Championship with Ferrari, we’re honoured to be hosting John and a collection of his race cars and bikes at Autosport International,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

“Spanning motorcycles from his formative racing days as a teenager to his title-winning Ferrari 158 and cars from John’s time as an owner with Team Surtees, it’s a special collection of motorsport history.”

A World Champion on two wheels but with only four car races to his name, Surtees made his Formula One debut at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1960 at the invitation of the legendary Colin Chapman. The Lotus 18 he used that weekend, and to subsequently finish second in his next race, the British Grand Prix, will also appear.

A remarkable career includes Surtees’ position as one of the few drivers to have also formed and raced for their own Formula One team. Surtees Racing Organisation will be represented by the TS7, its first F1 car from 1970, and the Formula 2 TS10 and TS15, along with the Lola T70 sports car he drove to win the inaugural Can-Am Series in North America in 1966.

A similarly diverse line-up documents Surtees’ time on two wheels, during which he claimed seven Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix titles.

His very first motorcycle at 15 years of age, a 1939 250ccTriumph Tiger 70 is joined by the 1949 500cc Vincent Grey Flash on which he won his first race at Aberdare Park in Wales. Works Norton and BMW Rennsport bikes will also be on display, along with the manufacturer Surtees enjoyed incredible success with, MV Agusta.

Surtees claimed six titles with the Italian brand across 350cc and 500cc competition between 1958 and 1960, and the 1960 Type 500cc MV Agusta from his final season of motorcycle racing rounds out the display.

Other Autosport International displays will feature contemporary Formula One machinery on the F1 Racing Grid and showcases of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and Wales Rally GB.

Surtees will be joined at the show by the likes of ex-racer and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle, current F1 driver Adrian Sutil, 2013 Le Mans winners and sports car racing legends Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish and BTCC Champions Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.

Attended by almost 80,000 people in 2013, Autosport International 2014 will host every level of motorsport, while the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will feature supercars and the latest high-performance models under the same roof.

Adult tickets are now available from £31 and children’s tickets from £20. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.