Tag: Thruxton Historic

Thruxton Circuit rolled back the years this past weekend (June 22/23) as a bumper trackside crowd was taken on a captivating trip down memory lane for the annual Thruxton Historic meeting.

One of the standout events on the UK motorsport calendar since it first debuted back in 2018 as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations, the two-day spectacle once again brought together legendary machines and racers for an adrenaline rush like no other.

Undoubtedly one of the headline acts of the weekend was the prestigious two-part Jochen Rindt Trophy; which celebrated the best single-seater race cars – with up to 2-litre engines – from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Second place in the opening contest was followed up by a hard-fought victory in the finale for Tom Smith, which secured him the overall bragging rights for this year.

Further single-seater thrills were on display courtesy of the Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup, which was battling for the coveted Ian Taylor Trophy. Small margins played their part across both races as Cameron Jackson triumphed in race one before Richard Tarling then came to the fore in race two.

The HSCC Guards Trophy Championship for Sports Racing & GT Cars prompted plenty of close competition with the team of Robert Tusting and Benjamin Tusting getting the better of Ross Hyett and Charlie Hyatt in their Lenham P69.

Andrew Hibbert was the driver to be in the weekend’s two Historic F3 for the Chris Moore Memorial Trophy, however he didn’t have things his own way as the Brabham BT18 was pushed to the limit in both contests, although he managed to hang on to triumph twice.

Over in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000 Championship, Samuel Harrison was in a league of his own as he swept his way to pole position in qualifying and then followed up with two commanding lights-to-flag victories.

Italian flair was in full force courtesy of the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic Series, where Gary Culver, Nicky Paul-Barron and Tristan Simpson each claiming a win apiece in their respective prancing horse machines.

Slip-streaming thrills and spills were in full force when it came to the Mighty Minis Championship as Greg Jenkins powered his way to a brace of wins. Steve Rideout, Ben Butler and David Kirkpatrick also featured on the podium across the weekend.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest grids of the weekend came in the shape of the Adams & Page Swinging Sixties and new Thruxton Circuit owner Alex Thistlewayte marked his recent acquisition by comfortably winning the 40-minute race in his trusty Chevrolet Camaro.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action was a thrilling half-hour FISCAR which was dominated by Jonathan Abecassis, who claimed a commanding victory in his Austin Healey 100/4 by almost a full lap.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at this year’s Thruxton Historic, CLICK HERE.

Thruxton’s next major event takes place on July 6/7 as the British Truck Racing Championship thunders into town to headline the highly-anticipated Convoy on the Plain weekend.

Advance tickets are available to purchase online here: https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks.

Thruxton Circuit is gearing up for a spectacular weekend of motorsport and entertainment with the Jochen Rindt Trophy (JRT) headlining the Thruxton Historic on June 22/23.

Fans can expect a dazzling display of historic and classic race cars and top-tier drivers, all set against the backdrop of the UK’s fastest race circuit. Here are some highlights and exciting entries for this year’s event:

JOCHEN RINDT TROPHY IN ASSOCIATION WITH YUASA BATTERIES
The highly anticipated Jochen Rindt Trophy is set to be the highlight of the two-day Thruxton Historic. This thrilling event will showcase two celebration races for single-seat race cars up to 2 litres in capacity, evoking the spirit of Thruxton throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

For the 2024 running of the Jochen Rindt Trophy, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, Yuasa are the title sponsor and will be providing trophies, welcome packs to JRT competitors and teams, and showcasing their products throughout the event.

INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF MACHINES IN ACTION
Scotland’s Tim Jacobsen will race the Ex Bev Bond / Alan Jones March 74B, marking its return to Thruxton after half a century. This car, built in late 1973 and raced by Jones to three victories in 1974, will be a crowd favourite, especially now that it’s back in the original ’74 Jones/Stiller livery. Multi-Champ Rob Moores will be racing his Ex-Derek Daly Chevron B38.

This car, with a rich history including multiple championships, will be a star attraction. Moores’ presence adds significant prestige, given his success at European circuits over the last 15 years. Ex Hanny Wiano/Richard Hawkins Monaco March 743 with Hampshire racer Bruce Balchin at the wheel originally raced at Monaco. This car’s storied past and recent restoration make it a must-see at the Thruxton Historic.

Delta Motorsport’s Iain Rowley in the Ex ‘Howdy’ Holmes March 79B will also be in attendance. Known for his charismatic character and impressive driving, Rowley’s participation adds excitement to the lineup. 2022 Best Presented Car Winner Neil Jenkins returns, showcasing his beautifully prepared Chevron B38 Toyota Novamotor. This car, always a contender for best presentation, will compete in the Derek Warwick Trophy class for 2-litre F3s.

Kent’s Martin Wood brings his stunning March 73B, adding to the Formula Atlantic ranks. Wood’s rich racing history and the car’s Cosworth engine are sure to delight fans. Gary Ward with a background in FF1600, F3, and F3000, will race the Ex Didier Theys Ralt RT3. Known for his detailed race car preparation, Ward’s return is eagerly anticipated. Also watch out for Gary in his own original Lola FF1600 in the ‘Heroes’ race. Former Classic F3 Champion Andy Smith will race in his March 783 Toyota. Smith, a prominent figure in historic racing, adds significant competition to the Derek Warwick Class.

John Cottrill’s Ex Henri Pescarolo Brabham BT30, fitted with a period-correct Ford Cosworth FVA engine, will debut at Thruxton. This car’s rich history is sure to captivate spectators. Former F1, F5000 & World Sportscar racer Mike Wilds will drive a Formula Atlantic Lyncar FA005. Wilds, known for his extensive career and engaging personality, is expected to be a highlight of the event. Simon Langman’s beautifully restored Ex Rolf Stommelen Brabham BT30 returns. This car, a highlight from last year’s event and promises to be a visual treat for racing fans.

Raimund Fein from Germany brings back Ian Taylor’s March Holbay F3, a car deeply connected to Thruxton’s history. Historic F3 cars, including a Ralt RT1 and Chevron B38, will return to Thruxton. These cars, with their links to local racing legend Derek Warwick, are sure to bring back memories for long-time fans.

The Thruxton Historic will also feature an array of exciting races that celebrate the rich history of motorsport:

Ferrari Superformance: Watch road-legal and modified Ferraris up to the era of the 355 challenge, including models like the 308, 328, 348, 355, 456, 550, Mondial, and more.

Historic Formula Ford 2000: Single-seater cars built and raced before 1980 offer an affordable way to compete in a slicks and wings class.

FISCAR: The Fifties Sports Car Racing Club showcases sports cars from the 1950s, providing a competitive and friendly environment for drivers and enthusiasts.

Mighty MINIS: This highly competitive series features compact, modified Mini Coopers known for their speed, agility, and thrilling wheel-to-wheel action.

Swinging Sixties: A mix of sports, saloons, and GT cars race in a series that ensures close, clean competition with exciting 40-minute races and mandatory pit stops.

HSCC Guards Trophy: The HSCC’s Guards Trophy Championship makes a rare appearance at Thruxton this weekend, showcasing a splendid array of 1960s sports-racing and GT cars in a 50-minute mini-enduro race. In this enduring and highly successful series from the Historic Sports Car Club, pit stops are mandatory, but driver changes are optional. Saturday’s race will be one of the longest races at Thruxton this season. Sports racing cars and grand touring cars from the 1960s compete, with separate awards for each class.

HSCC – Historic F3 1L: When the current circuit opened in 1968, the one-litre Formula 3 category was thriving, earning the nickname ‘screamers’ due to the high-revving 1000cc engines. This weekend’s races mark a rare return to Thruxton for these iconic racing cars, and fittingly, a trophy from that era is being reintroduced. With the support of the British Automobile Racing Club, the Chris Moore Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the aggregate race winner.

Chris Moore was one of Britain’s promising young stars in the mid-1960s, racing competitively in one-litre Formula 3. Tragically, he passed away from a brain tumour at the age of 25. In his memory, his mother and brother presented the Chris Moore Memorial Trophy to the BARC, which was awarded to the winner of a Formula 3 race for many years.

Heroes of FF1600: New for 2024 is the Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup, a mini-series comprising of three events that celebrate Formula Ford cars from the category’s golden era up to 1993. This weekend’s competitors will fittingly be racing for the Ian Taylor Trophy, in honour of the leading Formula Ford racer who played a pivotal role at Thruxton for many years. Ian Taylor’s name is synonymous with both Formula Ford and Thruxton, and the aggregate winner from the two races will be awarded the trophy dedicated to his memory.

Thruxton Circuit took a trip down memory lane and rolled back the years this past weekend (June 17/18) as a bumper crowd flocked trackside to savour the Hampshire venues annual Historic meeting. 

A regular fixture on the UK motorsport calendar having first debuted back in 2018 as part of the circuits 50th Anniversary celebrations, the two-day spectacle brought legendary machines and racers together for an adrenaline rush like no other. 

One of the headline acts of the weekend was undoubtedly the two-part Jochen Rindt Trophy, which celebrated the best single-seater race cars – with up to 2-litre engines – from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Anthony Hancock guided his Lola T670 to the top step of the podium in the opening contest ahead of Rory Smith and Ben Tilley before Smith came to the fore in race two, piloting his Ralt RT4 to a commanding victory of almost 20 seconds.

Italian flair was in full force courtesy of the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic Series as three different drivers – James Cartwright, Nicky Paul-Barron and Nigel Jenkins – enjoyed a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Elsewhere, Graham Fennymore reigned supreme in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000 as he chalked up a brace of wins whilst Jonathan Abecassis clinched a narrow victory in the weekend’s only FISCAR contest.

Rounding out the race action were two bouts from the CCRC Mighty Minis Championship, which were won by David Kirkpatrick and Nevan Kirkpatrick, and the CMMC Classic Challenge, which saw Jack Smith and Grant Williams triumph.

Aside from the wheel-to-wheel track action, those in attendance were also treated to a number of high-speed demonstrations from the stars of the British Truck Racing Championship and Formula 1 cars from yesteryear; one of which was a 1993 Benetton that was previously driven by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

In the paddock, Formula 1 teams Red Bull Racing and Alpine garnered plenty of attention with their static displays whilst a number of other iconic machines and car clubs also whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at this year’s Thruxton Historic, CLICK HERE.

Thruxton’s next major event takes place on July 8/9 as the British Truck Racing Championship thunders into town to headline the highly-anticipated Convoy on the Plain weekend. 

Advance tickets are available to purchase online here: https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks. 

Thruxton Circuit has announced exciting new plans for the 2023 Historic meeting to deliver a wider cross-section of racing machinery and a greater on-track spectacle for the crowd.

In recent years, the Thruxton Historic has carved out its own place in the congested historic and classic racing calendar thanks to the support of Motor Racing Legends. For 2023, Thruxton will curate the race meeting content itself and the circuit has been overwhelmed by the interest shown from a number of series before any official announcement has been made.

Taking place on the 17/18 June, the Thruxton Historic will feature an array of evocative machinery including single-seaters, saloon cars and touring cars.

The first series to confirm is the spectacular Jochen Rindt Trophy for single-seat race cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Featuring early Formula 2, Historic & Classic F3s, Formula Atlantic, FF2000 and other invitation-class cars, the JRT was undoubtedly the star of the event this year and will return with its burgeoning grid.

Circuit Manager, Pat Blakeney, confirms the draw of the Hampshire venue:
“We are only able to host six meetings at year at Thruxton, so the opportunity to race here doesn’t come along all the time. As a result, we have had some really exciting approaches from championships, series and also groups of people who would like to come here next year as a one-off.

“We’re not so concerned with the ‘Historic’ label; we’re being open-minded about the content. It’s more important to get a quality retro event together that provides great racing for the competitors, and a brilliant spectacle for the crowds. We will also put a lot of effort into getting the entertainment package right off the circuit to make it a special atmosphere for the weekend.”

Further details of confirmed grids will be announced shortly. Interesting and serious enquiries will be welcomed to pat@thruxtonracing.co.uk

Thruxton Circuit rolled back the years this past weekend (June 11/12) as a bumper crowd flocked trackside to savour the annual Historic meeting. 

Now a regular fixture on the UK motorsport calendar having debuted back in 2018 as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations, the two-day spectacle brought legendary machines and racers together for an adrenaline rush like no other. 

One of the headline acts of the weekend was undoubtedly the two-part Jochen Rindt Trophy, which celebrating the best single-seater race cars with up to 2-litre engines from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Race one saw a fascinating head-to-head battle take place between Benn Tilley and Rob Wainwright – with Tilley narrowly pipping him to the chequered flag by less than a second. Wainwright was able to strike back in the second bout however as he claimed victory ahead of Matthew Wright.

Outright honours in the HRDC ‘Classic Alfa Challenge’ went the way of James Wright whilst Jamie Boot guided his TVR Griffiths to the top step of the podium in the HRDC ‘Dunlop Allstars’ for Pre-’66 Sports GT & Touring Cars.

Whilst the latest crop of British Touring Car Championship racers starred up at Oulton Park, those at Thruxton wound back the clock courtesy of the HRDC Jack Sears Trophy. Neil Brown and Richard Dutton proved to be the perfect combination as they teamed up to pilot their Lotus Ford Cortina Mk.1 to the top step of the odium.

Tipped as one to watch in the lead up to the event, Ric Wood and his Nissan Skyline GTR delivered a mighty drive to claim outright honours in the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy.

Pre-61 sportscars took centre stage in the one-hour RAC Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy race – and it didn’t disappoint. Boasting an eclectic mix of iconic machines, Ben Adam emerged as the driver to beat as he guided his Lola Mk1 to victory in commanding fashion.

Rounding out the list of race winners was Pippa Cow and Tom Walker, who scored a win apiece in the Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge, Andrew and Max Banks who triumphed in the Sixties Touring Car Challenge with U2TC and the duo of Wrigley and Wainwright, who were the victors of the sole Pre 63 GT & Jaguar Classic Challenge contest. 

Unmissable action also took place in the skies above during the course of the weekend as a new heritage aviation feature paid homage to the venues role in WW2 and its ongoing use as a training facility and home to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service.

One of the headline attractions was a flypast from the iconic Spitfire from the Battle of Britain whilst the equally jaw-dropping Augusta Bell Sioux and the Westland Scout, amongst many others, were on the ground and available to be viewed up close.

Elsewhere, a record number of car clubs were in attendance and on display for all to see across both days. Leading Land Rover clubs were out in force in particular as they played their part in the Land Rover Legends show, which celebrated the history of the marque in style. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at the Thruxton Historic, CLICK HERE. 

Thruxton’s next major event takes place on July 9/10 as the British Truck Racing Championship thunders into town to headline the highly-anticipated Convoy on the Plain weekend. 

Advance tickets are available to purchase for the titans of truck racing, as well as the upcoming BSB and BTCC, events via https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing. 

Thruxton Circuit produced an action-packed two days of nostalgia this past weekend (June 12/13) courtesy of the ‘Thruxton Historic’, which saw a mouth-watering array of sensational sportscars, flame-spitting saloons and evocative racing cars take centre stage.

Basked in glorious sunshine, the Hampshire venue opened its doors for the first time this year to welcome a limited number of spectators, all of which soaked up the variety of attractions both on and off the track.

Retro-themed thrills were the order of both days on-track, with a number of pulsating contests by the Motor Racing Legends and HRDC being produced for those in attendance.

In the RAC Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ’61 Sportcars, the Lister Knobbly duo of Rob Smith and Chris Ward showcased their class by taking victory in emphatic fashion, doing so by more than 30 seconds.

James Cottingham and Harvey Stanley were the ones to beat in the Pre ’63 GT encounter, narrowly pipping Jack Minshaw at the end of an hours’ racing in their Jaguar E-Type.

There was high drama in the HRDC Liqui Moly Jack Sears Trophy as Tiff Needell looked to have victory in the bag before a mechanical issue befell him at the final corner on the last lap, costing him victory.

Roy Alderslade would benefit in his Lotus Ford Cortina to claim outright spoils whilst the duo of Needell and John Spiers could only hobble their Cortina across the line to claim second place.

James Colburn was the cream of the crop in the HRDC ‘Classic Alfa Challenge’ whilst Spiers piloted his Lister Knobbly to the top step of the podium in the HRDC ‘Dunlop Allstars’ for Pre-66 Sports, GT and Touring Cars encounter.

Spiers then partnered Needell again to reign supreme in the MRL Jaguar Classic Challenge, sharing driving duties in the sensational Jaguar E-Type Lightweight.

In the Historic Touring Car Challenge, just five seconds separated the top two at the end of a blockbuster opening 40-minute contest. At wheel of their Ford GA Capri, Adrian Willmott and Mark Farmer were the victors ahead of Andy Middlehurst and Jonathan Bailey.

Ric Wood would demonstrate his abilities in his Nissan Skyline GTR in race two as he got the better of Farmer and Willmott to score victory.

The Pre-War Sports Cars made their presence known too as the pairing of Gareth Burnett and Michael Birch navigated their Talbot AV105 Brooklands to the chequered flag first.

Capping off the track action were two races for the coveted Jochen Rindt Trophy. Celebrating the best single-seater race cars from the 60s, 70s & 80s, outright honours on the Saturday went the way of Matthew Wrigley in his March 79B.

Peter Williams came to the fore in race two to lift the famous trophy. At the wheel of the mighty Ralt RT1, Williams pipped Greg Roberston to victory and due to Wrigley being one of many unfortunate retirements, he wrapped up the Jochen Rindt Trophy as well.

Away from the racing there was plenty to see and do around the venue with parades, car clubs adorning spectators bankings and a trade village. One of the star attractions was situated on the Skid Pan in the shape of the Land Rover Legends.

To view the full classification of results from the Thruxton Historic, CLICK HERE.

Thruxton Circuit is set to welcome back spectators for the first time in 2021 this coming weekend (June 12/13), with those in attendance set to take a spirited trip down memory lane as part of the now annual ‘Thruxton Historic’.

Debuting in 2018 as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations, the now-titled Thruxton Historic brings together legendary machines and racers to the fastest circuit in the UK for an adrenaline rush like no other.

As UK government restrictions continue to ease, a limited number of fans will head to the Hampshire venue across both days to witness a mouth-watering array of sensational sportscars, flame-spitting saloons and evocative racing cars go wheel-to-wheel.

On-track, one of the standout races over the course of the weekend will undoubtedly be the Jochen Rindt Trophy. Celebrating the best single-seater race cars from the 60s, 70 & 80s, the

Fans of touring cars from yesteryear will be well-catered for as well with the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy, Sixties Touring Car Challenge with U2TC and HRDC Liqui Moly Jack Sears Trophy all in action.

Additional retro-themed thrills and spills will be provided by the HRDC Allstars’, HRDC Classic Alfa Challenge, Jaguar Classic Challenge, Pre ’63 GT, Pre-War Sports Cars and the RAC Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ’61 Sportscars.

It won’t just be the racing that makes up the spectacle at the Thruxton Historic this weekend though, with plenty of things to see and do off-track as well.

Ensuring that there is fun to be had by the whole family, those in attendance will be able to see a number of different car displays and parades, wander around the trade village and take advantage of free camping.

Over at the Skid Pan, fans will find the Land Rover Legends. In what is the ultimate show for Land Rover enthusiasts, the Land Rover Legends will showcase the very best examples of the marque including several rare and unusual vehicles from the Dunsfold Collection, a founding partner of the event.

This year includes unique feature displays, the leading Land Rover clubs, an exclusive Land Rover parade around the circuit, specialist exhibitors and traders and the National Land Rover Awards.

Tickets for this weekend’s Thruxton Historic are on-sale now. To find out more information head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/historic.

Information on the venues COVID-19 guidelines can be found via https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/covid-19-information. 

Spectators were able to return trackside at Thruxton Circuit this past weekend (August 15/16) for the first time since motorsport resumed in July and they weren’t to be disappointed as they enjoyed two days of high-speed nostalgic racing at the Thruxton Historic.

Welcoming enthusiastic race-goers, the fastest circuit in the UK played host to a stunning display of classic cars as well as eye-catching racing machines – making it a weekend to remember.

The Automobiles Historiques GT & Sports Car Cup provided plenty of entertainment but it was the Austin Healy 3000 pairing of Mark Holme and Jeremy Welch that proved too hot to handle, triumphing by more than 40 seconds at the chequered flag.

Richard Merrell reigned supreme in the HRDC ‘Classic Alfa Challenge’ for 750-116 Alfa Romeos whilst the Ford Mustang duo of David Coyne and Adrian Miles scored victory in the HRDC ‘Jack Sears Trophy’ for Touring Cars 1958 – 1966 in a breathtaking encounter.

There was unrelenting wheel-to-wheel action in the HRDC ‘Thermex Allstars’ for pre-66 Sports, GT and Touring Cars race too which saw David Smithies triumph at the wheel of his Cobra Daytona.

Current British Touring Car Championship star Rory Butcher was another to taste stand on the top step of the podium as he teamed up with Jon Minshaw to drive a Jaguar E-Type to first place in the Motor Racing Legends Pre 63 GT.

Arguably one of the standout races came from the Motor Racing Legends Pre-War Sports Cars. Harking back to the early days of four-wheeled racing, the 23-lap encounter had those in attendance on the edge of their seats and they would see Patrick Blakeney-Edwards and Mike Grant Peterkin claim the win.

Meanwhile, the Motor Racing Legends Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy saw Ben Adams in unstoppable form as he clinched a dominant victory from behind the wheel of his Lola Mk1.

Rounding out the weekend’s retro-themed action were two races from the Motor Racing Legends Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy and Sixties Touring Car Challenge with U2TC.

Combining the results from both races, Blakeney-Edwards and Gregor Fiskin emerged produced a sensational performance to walk away as the victors in their Rover SD1.

To view the full classification of results from the 2020 Thruxton Historic, click here.

Thruxton will now welcome the British Racing & Sports Cars Club on August 22/23 before the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads to Hampshire on September 19/20.

Find out more about information on Thruxton’s race meetings, driving experiences and the latest on our coronavirus guidelines by visiting www.thruxtonracing.co.uk .

Thruxton Circuit will reverberate to the sounds of historic and classic motor racing machines this weekend (August 15/16) as it takes a spirited trip down memory lane for the eagerly anticipated ‘Thruxton Historic’ meeting.

Originally scheduled to take place on June 6/7 before the coronavirus pandemic caused calendars to be revised, the two-day spectacle will welcome a limited number of spectators trackside for the first time since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Extensive measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of all staff and visitors will be in place throughout the venue, including the implementation of strict social distancing and other preventative measures such as clear signage, hand sanitiser stations and enhanced cleaning products.

Aiming to build on the success of last year’s Motorsport Celebration, Thruxton Historic will feature a mouth-watering array of sensational sportscars, flame-spitting saloons and evocative racing cars going wheel-to-wheel around the fastest track in the UK.

Confirmed to take centre stage over the course of the weekend include bumpers grids from the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy, Stirling Moss Trophy, HRDC Classic Alfa Challenge, Pre ’63 GT, Historic Touring Car Challenge and the GT & Sports Car Cup – to name but a few.

In addition to the on-track entertainment, those in attendance will be able to cast their eye over a number of stunning classic car displays, situated around the picturesque Hampshire venue.

To read what Thruxton is doing to keep its visitors and colleagues safe this weekend, click here.

Further information on the 2020 Thruxton Historic meeting can be found here.