Motorsport clubs showcase historic hobby at Race Retro
Motor sport clubs are the backbone of the hobby, catering for all types of sport and all kinds of cars. This year’s Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park Coventry from 12th to 14th March brings together not only the best in historic motor sport but the clubs that keep the hobby alive.
The 750 Motor Club is celebrating its origins with a three-car display. Cars being shown are an Austin 7 Nippy, a single-seater Twin Cam replica and a highly-developed 750 Trophy racing car. The Club is on a recruitment drive and is using its Race Retro display to encourage people to try this cost-effective form of motor sport.
One of the UK’s oldest car clubs is the Vintage Sports Car Club, which last year turned 75 years old. Originally founded to promote motor sport for vintage cars, the Club organises a full calendar of circuit racing, sprints and trials and will showcase examples of members’ cars.
Keeping the sport firmly on track are the marshalls, and the British Motorsport Marshalls Club has a presence at this year’s Race Retro – not just overseeing the outdoor activities, but with a stand in the show. The club is looking to recruit new marshalls and is also promoting the recently-published book ’50 Years of Motorsport Marshalling’ by George Copeland.
Likely to be one of the most popular displays is the Super Saloon Association’s display featuring two period racers from the days when seriously large engines were shoehorned into family saloons. The SSA is showing a VW Beetle powered by a small-block Chevrolet V8 (and featuring F5000 steering and suspension), and a DAF 55 Coupe powered by a Buick V8. Both cars were crowd pleasers back in the ‘70s and are just as popular, if not more so, today.
Also promoting its involvement is the Midland Automobile Club, whose home is Shelsley Walsh – the world’s oldest motor sport venue, having held its first event in 1905. The MAC’s roots also go back a long way, having been founded in 1901.
Clubs are responsible for keeping the historic motor sport scene strong, so to see the best in clubs involved in the hobby, a trip to Race Retro is a must.
If all this inspires you to invest in a competition car or motorcycle of your own then visit the H&H Classic and Historic Motorsport Auction, which will have an amazing range of rare and desirable cars, bikes and memorabilia on offer. Add to this hundreds of trade stands, the popular Ken Fox Wall of Death and a host of other names yet to be announced, and it looks like it’s going to be a winner.
Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet are special guests. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit raceretro.com.