Category Archives: Shows and Events

Ducati, London Motorcycle Show, Shows and Events

London calling for Ducati at the MCN London Motorcycle Show

Londoners will get their first chance to see the new additions to the Ducati range at this month’s MCN Motorcycle show at Excel in the capital’s Docklands.

New for 2015 and fresh in the minds of many who visit the show will be the 1299 Panigale which has claimed some impressive reviews, with journalists extolling the virtues of the new Panigale; “one of the most exciting motorcycles I have even been fortunate enough to swing a leg over”, “It’s one of the most quick-steering motorcycles I’ve ever ridden,” “electronics that genuinely make you faster and the most user-friendly semi-active suspension system we’ve seen so far”.

This 205hp, 165kg Panigale is an impressive new member of the Ducati Superbike lineage featuring some of the latest electronics. The menu of features are extensive: New electronics kit with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), riding modes (Race, Sport, Wet), Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS, DTC) Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Braking Control, Ducati Quick Shifter up/down, auxiliary buttons to adjust DTC, DWC, EBC*.  There is also an automatic calibration system of the tyre size and final drive ratio, semi active Öhlins Smart EC suspension and steering damper*, lightweight forged aluminium wheels*, full LED headlight*, DDA+ GPS compatible and TFT instrumentation with indicator of lean angle.

Also on the radar of many visitors will be the new Ducati Scrambler brand, already an incredible sales success despite only being in dealerships a few weeks. All four versions will be on display on a separate dedicated stand – Urban Enduro, Classic, Icon and Full Throttle.

The new Multistrada is another new addition to the 2015 range sharing many of the electronic features of the 1299 Panigale such as DTC, DWC, EBC, IMU and riding modes. It also boasts Sky Hook Suspension*, Ducati Cornering lights*, Bosch-Brembo Cornering braking system and the Ducati Multimedia System* that connects the bike to a smartphone for user-friendly control of basic functions such as receiving incoming calls, notification of text messages, or playing music via the handlebar controls and on-dash info.

Ducati’s technological expertise has also produced this new generation of Multistradas with the latest Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine and a state-of-the-art technological package that sets a whole new standard in the segment.

The latest Monster range, only recently released last year, sees some new additions with the new stripe versions of the Monster 821 and Monster 1200 S. The stripe is characterised by a red colour scheme with a white double side-stripe on mudguard, tank and passenger seat cover. Both bikes have a red-painted nose fairing, while the Monster 821 Stripe is also equipped with adjustable forks and the Monster 1200 S Stripe with a Ducati Performance carbon undertail plate holder and belt covers.

For race fans there will be a race section featuring the Ducati British Superbike of the Lloyd British Moto Rapido team ridden by Jakub Smrz and an 899 Panigale which has been specially adapted by the True Heroes race team for double amputee Murray Hambro. Murray will form a three man team that will contest the Ducati TriOptions Cup for eight support rounds of the British Superbike Championship.

The Ducati stand will also feature the Ducati clothing from the latest 2015 collection.

*Available on the S versions

KTM, London Motorcycle Show, Shows and Events

See and Feel the KTM 2015 Street Range at London Excel in February

KTM will be showcasing the full 2015 Street range at the MCN London Motorcycle Show at ExCeL, Docklands, on February 13-15, along with having exciting demonstrations of its electric Freeride machines.

The Austrian manufacturer has released 12 new street bikes to its range since 2011, beginning with the 125 Duke, and now boasts a 14-strong road line-up with an eclectic mix of machines in naked, supersport or travel enduro styles, from 125cc to 1301cc. Brand new for 2015 from Europe’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer is the headline-grabbing 1290 Super Adventure and 1050 Adventure.

The 1290 Super Adventure redefines the standard for luxury touring on a motorcycle. Boasting features including 160hp, 140Nm, semi-active suspension, cornering lights, cruise control, optional hill hold control, this bike embodies superlative technology in every respect as far as its power, comfort and equipment goes – but of course with an explicitly dynamic touch.

The KTM 1050 Adventure is for riders who demand a travel enduro that delivers pure riding enjoyment in comfort over long distances with a chassis that can exploit the twisty routes or simply out manoeuvre traffic when escaping. Employing neither excessive equipment or performance; the 1050’s V-twin engine still matches the 1190 Adventure for power and torque up to its 95hp and can be electronically mapped to be A2 licence compliant.

Launched in Autumn 2014, the supersport RC range is also making a big impression on the UK’s roads. With Grand Prix-inspired styling, high-level specification components and innovative features, the RC 125 is suitable for riders aged 17 and above and is currently available with a free PowerParts promotion, encompassing an Akrapovič exhaust (rrp £464.32) and Neon graphics kit (rrp £93.95).

With 44hp, the RC 390 is a perfect combination of power and performance in a lightweight chassis. Ideal for experienced riders or those with an A2 licence. This exciting bike is also the basis for the Santander Consumer Finance KTM British Junior Cup, held within the British Superbike Championship, for riders aged 13-18.

The Duke range is more versatile than ever, packing naked attitude and tarmac aggression behind the wide bars and punchy single-cylinder engines of the 125, 390, 690 and the track-inspired 690 R variants. The 1290 Super Duke R takes the Duke spirit to insane levels of performance and specification; boasting 180hp, 144 Nm of torque and sophisticated electronic aids to keep the rear tyre gripping and the front wheel on the floor – if you want to.

KTM has also steamrolled into electric propulsion in 2015 with its Freeride E range, including the off-road E-XC and E-SX that will be joined by the road-going and A1 licence-suitable E-SM supermoto. Racers Jamie Whitham and Taylor Mackenzie will be utilising the performance of the E-XC as part of the Dockland-based show’s live action entertainment.

The show opens on February 13 with advance tickets starting from £15. For more information visit www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com

London Motorcycle Show, Shows and Events, Suzuki

Suzuki return to MCN London show with new models

Suzuki will return to the MCN Motorcycle Show at London’s ExCeL arena this February, with a host of new models taking centre-stage, including the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F.

Headlining the Intermot show in Cologne last year after their unveiling, the two new GSX-S1000 models boast an engine based on the iconic GSX-R1000 K5, but with new internals, as well as an all-new frame, switchable traction control with three modes, and ABS.

Also on display and new for 2015 is the V-Strom 650XT, which comes with DID wire-spoke wheels and styling based on the V-Strom 1000, plus hand guards, engine bars and sump guard as standard. The new V-Strom is available in dealerships now with an RRP of £7,499.

After covering 15,000 miles, the V-Strom 1000 that Bike Magazine rode from Peterborough in the UK back to the factory in Hamamatsu, Japan will be featured on the stand along with the new V-Strom 1000 Sport. The TL1000S that was assembled from brand new genuine parts at Motorcycle Live in November will also be on the stand.

The GSX-R1000 comes with optional ABS in 2015 and is available in the new MotoGP livery. The GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 are also available in the stunning MotoGP blue and will be on display, with all replicas coming with a Yoshimura R11 exhaust, double-bubble race screen, and other Yoshimura performance parts.

Completing the Suzuki range on display at the show will be the GSX1250FA, GSR750, Inazuma 250Z, Hayabusa Z – which comes with Yoshimura Hepta Force titanium silencers with carbon tip – the Intruder M1800RBZ performance cruiser, Burgman 650 Executive luxury scooter, and the award-winning RM-Z450 motocross machine.

As well as the 2015 model range, the latest lines from this year’s merchandise range will be on display, including the latest race team wear and popular heritage lines.

Three-time British Superbike champion John Reynolds will also make an appearance, stopping by the Suzuki stand on Saturday 14 February to meet and greet show-goers and talk about his racing career and development role.

Suzuki GB Marketing Manager, Rob Cooper, said, “We’re looking forward to getting back to the MCN London show this year. It’s an opportunity to see the new GSX-S models up close and in the metal, as well as the other new bikes on our stand. Plus bikes such as the TL1000S that was built from new parts at Motorcycle Live and the V-Strom 1000 Bike Magazine rode back to the factory add plenty of reasons to come and see us at the show.”

Suzuki GB will be supported by popular local dealers Motoden, Laguna Motorcycles, and John’s of Romford for the duration of the show, which runs from Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February, 2015. Suzuki can be found on stand M50, next to the live action zone.

For more information on the MCN Motorcycle show in London, visitwww.mcnmotorcycleshow.com

London Motorcycle Show, Shows and Events

Just Two Weeks to go Until Carl Fogarty opens 2015 Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show

There are just two weeks remaining until the Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show returns to London’s ExCel Centre (February 13-15), opened by ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ winner Carl Fogarty. ‘Foggy’ will be officially opening the show on Friday, where he will be meeting his racing fans for the first time since being crowned ‘King of the Jungle’.

Fans attending on the Friday will also be able to meet one of the UK’s most promising MotoGP stars, Scott Redding, who fresh from his first test of the 2015 season, will be greeting fans and signing autographs throughout the day. He will be joined by four time British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne and Macau GP winner Stuart Easton.

In addition to this unique once-in-a-lifetime display there will be an incredible array of the new 2015 motorcycles from Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. Visitors over the three days will get to see new machines such as the supercharged  Kawasaki H2, Ducati Scrambler, Suzuki GSX-S1000, and the all-new Yamaha YZF-R1.

The free live action show ‘Slide’, sponsored by Michelin, features Isle of Man TT hero John McGuinness and Superbike legends James Whitham and Chris Walker going head-to-head around a special course in the middle of the arena. Another exciting moment for motorsport fans will be the unveiling of the new BMW British Superbike team (Tyco BMW) comprising of Michael Laverty and Tommy Bridewell. Visitors will also be able to see an exclusive collection of World Championship winning machines raced by Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.

The MCN London Motorcycle Show will also be playing host to an incredible Norton tribute that will not only feature the prototype NRS588 that Steve Hislop took to a memorable TT victory, but a start-up of the stunning rotary Nortons that have to be heard to be believed. Top Gear’s James May will be showcasing his classic bike collection, which will be joined by bikes from his colleague Richard Hammond.

Advance tickets are priced just £16 (until 9th February) and £20 on the day with free bike parking (and free for children under 15) you can check out the Carole Nash MCN London motorcycle show and book tickets via www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com or call 0844 5816 900

Ducati, Shows and Events

The Ducati Scrambler goes Special at Motor Bike Expo

From 23 to 25 January, Ducati Scrambler will have a surprise in store for the public at the Verona Motor Bike Expo: a world exclusive presentation of the first three Ducati Scrambler specials. These first creations are just a starting point for further joint projects in the future, the aim being to highlight the Ducati Scrambler’s versatility and infinite customisation potential. Right from the day of its unveiling, 30 September 2014 at Intermot in Cologne, the Ducati Scrambler was all over the internet and within just a few hours we’d received numerous customisation proposals from enthusiasts all over the world. The bikes on display at the Motor Bike Expo are the first completed customisations.

Ducati Scrambler is a universe characterised by freedom of expression, sharing and passion. That’s one more reason for entrusting the first three Ducati Scrambler customisations to three Italian excellences in this particular field. Three friends of the Ducati Scrambler team, three craftsmen specialised in hand-crafted work who personalise iconic motorcycles throughout the world.

The three customisers were given a clear brief: each one of them was free to interpret one of the three versions of the Ducati Scrambler according to their own personal style. Deus Ex Machina from Milan put forward their idea for the Full Throttle; Officine Mermaid from Milan interpreted the Urban Enduro in their own special way, while Mr. Martini from Verona created their very own Classic. So, three original bikes, conscientiously prepared down to the very last detail, have been produced, underlining the superlative standards of Italian workmanship in the specials field and the vast potential this bike has for customisation.

Filippo Bassoli – MD of Deus Italy: “We’d been waiting for the Ducati Scrambler for some time: in 2010 we did some drift riding with bikes on the Harold Park horse-race track in Sydney together with our friends from Ducati and back then we promised that a Deus creation would be made by developing one of their models. And today we’ve maintained that promise thanks to the Ducati Scrambler: we finally found a bike made with evident vintage inspiration but with the DNA and technical features of a real motorcycle. These characteristics allowed Emanuele and Peter to follow their instincts, particularly after getting their hands on the bike and dismantling it to reveal a fantastic frame. Our project started from there, the result of free and innovative ideas where the main focus is on the aluminium bodywork, with a single-piece tail, number-plate support and a headlight inspired by speedway bikes. An asymmetric mudguard completes the project, together with lots of little details such as the positioning of the conic filter within the frame, the disc brake and, of course, the dedicated exhaust. The name however comes from Carby, creative director of Deus Australia, who was in Milan at the time; he saw the project when it was almost complete and fell in love with it, naming it Hondo Grattan, after the horse that won everything on the Harold Park race-track. Who knows, in the not-too-distant future, perhaps our bike will end up on that track too.”

Nicola Martini – Customiser at Mr. Martini: “I decided to take part in the project because I was fascinated by the idea of working with this Italian brand and in particular by the opportunity of working with the young, dynamic and easygoing Scrambler team. Thanks to the bike’s versatility, I decided to revolutionise the basic concept, from Ducati Scrambler to Café Racer. The style is reminiscent of American rather than British design, owing partly to the fact that the roots of the original Ducati Scrambler project date from the seventies. Although the style is that of a Café Racer, this bike has a combination of elements that make it unique; In fact, details such as the high exhaust and knobby tyres retain a decidedly Ducati Scrambler flavour. This fusion gave our bike its name: S.C.R. – Scrambler Café Racer. We’ve changed the nose fairing, the tail-piece, the whole of the exhaust, the foot-peg and handlebar mountings and the rear suspension unit and have, of course, given the bike a new colour. The Scrambler Café Racer is in ‘total black’ including the saddle, undertail and timing belt covers.”

Dario Mastroianni – Customiser at Officine Mermaid: “We decided to customise the Ducati Scrambler because we immediately earmarked it as a uniquely convertible Italian bike. We’ve infused it with our unmistakeable Officine Mermaid style, with a kind of rough-and-ready look that’s spartan and basic. We named it using the English word Scratch, to convey the idea of it being scraped or damaged. This can be seen straight away from the fuel tank, which we stripped of paint and treated by hand – a procedure we use only on our most exclusive bikes. The metal mudguards have been left rough (a bit like us) and then hand-brushed at the workshop. We’ve left only what is essential on the bike – anything that wasn’t necessary has been eliminated. Even the exhaust, for example, while derived from the original, has been reduced to a minimum. For the front we’ve chosen a traditional stanchion fork with a wide 21” wheel and an 18” wheel at the back, while the saddle and handlebars are made of vintage green leather with a decidedly Western style. Our Scratch has a main rally-style headlight and a smaller lateral spotlight.”

The world of Ducati Scrambler customisation is accessible to all thanks to a huge range of accessories that can be used to make the bike both original and highly personal. No less than six different versions will be at the Ducati Scrambler stand at the Verona Motor Bike Expo, each with unmistakable Ducati Performance ‘ingredients’: but the potential goes much further. For example chrome-plated fuel tank side-panels are available in black, matt, camouflage and even in carbon fibre. There are various options for the front mudguard and the high number-plate support, tank bags, canvas and waterproof bags, low and high slip-on Termignoni exhausts, headlight rims and mesh covers, dashboard rims, vintage handlebars and mirrors as well as spoked wheels, four versions of saddle and low-slung tapered handlebars.

The Ducati Scrambler Icon, available in yellow and red, is joined by three other versions – Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic – which interpret the spirit of the Ducati Scrambler in different stylistic and functional ways. The Urban Enduro, with its Wild Green colour scheme is aimed at those who love the enduro style and are ready to switch from road to off-road in an instant; the Full Throttle is for the rider who’s fascinated by the flat track racing world and has a penchant for pushing things to the limit while the Classic is for those who love the details and style of the ’70s but don’t want to forgo the riding pleasure and comfort of a contemporary bike.

Motorcycle Live, Shows and Events

Revised 2015 Dates For Motorcycle Live

The organisers of Motorcycle Live, the UK’s biggest motorcycle show, have announced that the 2015 event will take place one week later than originally planned, opening at its usual venue of The NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 28 November and closing on Sunday 6 December.

The decision comes following confirmation that the EICMA exhibition in Milan has moved from its usual early-November slot to later in the month, thus clashing with the planned dates for Motorcycle Live. EICMA is traditionally where the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers unveil their new model launches, many of which are then shipped to Birmingham to make their UK debut, meaning that visitors to Motorcycle Live are amongst the first in the world to see the new machinery in the metal.

“If we had maintained our traditional slot of the last two weeks of November, it would have been logistically impossible for manufacturers to ship their new models to The NEC in time for the opening day of the show,” explains Motorcycle Live organiser Finlay McAllan. “This would ultimately mean that UK motorcycle fans would miss out on the opportunity to see the new models so soon after launch. For that reason we have decided to move Motorcycle Live 2015 back one week.”

Motorcycle Live 2015 will take place at The NEC, Birmingham from 28 November to 6 December. Tickets will go on sale in August 2015

Autosport International, Shows and Events

2015 Season Launched To Sell-Out Crowd

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

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Stars And Champions Celebrate

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)

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Off And Racing

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.

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Stage Set For Season Opener

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.

Autosport International, Shows and Events

25th Anniversary Celebrated With Launches

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

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Champs, Sportscar Aces And Rising Stars For Autosport International

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

Autosport International, Shows and Events

ASI Launches To Start New BTCC Season

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

Autosport International, Shows and Events

An International Invasion

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.

Trade registration is available from £27 through +44 (0)844 4170272 or www.autosportinternational.com

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Autosport International’s Silver Showcase

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.

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Iconic Ferraris Prance Into Performance Car Show

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.

Autosport International, Shows and Events

World Champion Davidson Heading To Autosport International

Britain’s newly-crowned FIA World Endurance Champion Driver, Anthony Davidson has joined the line-up for Autosport International’s 25th anniversary celebrations next month.

Also a Sky Sports F1 expert and Formula 1 development driver for the title-winning MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, Davidson will head to Birmingham’s NEC on Saturday 10 January, during Europe’s biggest motorsport show on 8-11 January*.

Davidson switched to sportscar racing with Aston Martin in 2009 after contesting 24 Formula 1 GPs. Two seasons with Peugeot saw numerous endurance victories, including winning the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring on his debut with the team, before he moved to Toyota in 2012.

Recovering from a horror accident in the French classic a year earlier, Davidson claimed his first 24 Hours of Le Mans podium with second in 2013 alongside Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin, the trio also finishing third in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

In 2014, Davidson and Buemi sealed the Drivers’ World Championship with a round to spare, having taken their Toyota TS040 Hybrid to victory in four of the eight races. The pair also finished third at Le Mans with Nicolas Lapierre.

“It’s been a truly incredible year, winning the FIA World Endurance Championship with Sébastien and Toyota Racing,” Davidson said.

“The title is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, so it’ll be great to celebrate that at Autosport International in January with the passionate British fans who have supported me throughout my career.”

Davidson joins 2013 FIA World Endurance Champion Driver Allan McNish and 2014 FIA World Rallycross Champion and 2003 FIA World Rally Champion Petter Solberg on the Autosport International guest list. Other stars heading to the NEC include David Coulthard, recent F1 debutant Will Stevens and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.

“We’re excited about welcoming Anthony Davidson to Autosport International and celebrating his success in the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

“Anthony has added another chapter to Britain’s fine record in sportscar racing, and it’s fitting that he’ll be joined by outgoing champion Allan McNish to review the season and look ahead to 2015, when Toyota, Audi and Porsche will be joined by Nissan.”

Exclusive collections spanning karting to Formula 1 will be on display, along with 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

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Best Of The Best Heading To Birmingham

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.

London Motorcycle Show, Shows and Events

World exclusive collection of Valentino Rossi machines set for London Motorcycle Show

The 2015 MCN London Motorcycle Show (13th-15th February) will be showcasing a world exclusive collection of motorcycles raced by nine-time MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. This incredible collection will feature many of Rossi’s most famous machines including his Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha and Ducati race bikes (full list at base of communication).

In addition to this unique once-in-a-lifetime display there will be an incredible array of the new 2015 motorcycles from Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Piaggio and Yamaha.

2015 looks set to be one of the most exciting years in motorcycling, with an unbelievable line-up of new models coming from the world’s leading manufacturers – and the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show will allow fans to get up close and personal with them all. Visitors over the three days will get to see new machines such as the BMW R1200R, Ducati Scrambler, Kawasaki H2, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Triumph Street Triple RX and the eagerly anticipated, all-new Yamaha YZF-R1.

Alongside the latest models and world exclusive Valentino Rossi collection, the MCN London Motorcycle Show will also play host to a Norton tribute to the golden era of the rotary race bikes and the people that built and raced them.  From the prototype RC588 to Steve Hislop’s TT winning NRS588, the rotary Nortons were the icons of a fabulous era in British motorcycle racing history, with machines started up on the Show stage! TV’s James May will be lending us his classic bike collection and this time it will joined by bikes from his Top Gear colleague Richard Hammond. The free live action show sponsored by Michelin will keep the entire family entertained.

Details of Rossi bikes to be displayed:
1997 AGV Aprilia RS125R- 125cc
1999 Aprilia RS250 Mugello special- ‘Valenti-Peace and Love’- 250cc
2002 Repsol Honda RC211V- 990cc
2004 Go! Yamaha YZR-M1- 990cc
2005 Yamaha YZR-M1- 990cc Laguna ‘Speed Block’ special
2008 Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1- 800cc
2009 Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1-800cc Estoril ‘Fiat Punto’ special
2011 Factory Ducati Desmosedici- 800cc

Tickets for the action-packed three-day event are now on sale, making this the ideal Xmas gift for any bike enthusiast. MCN have also just announced a brand new event, the MCN Festival of Motorcycling will be held on May 16-17th at the East of England Showground. An advance day ticket bundle of just £29.50 will provide entrance to both events.

Priced just £16 with free bike parking (and free for children under 15) you can check out the Carole Nash MCN London motorcycle show and book tickets via www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com or call 0844 5816 900

Autosport International, Shows and Events

Le Mans Legend Heading To Autosport International

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