Thruxton Circuit is set to mark its 50th Anniversary in style this weekend (June 2/3) with two days of iconic races, mesmerising displays, jaw-dropping off track attractions and famous faces all set to feature.

The first motorsport event to be held at the home of the British Automobile Racing Club in its current guise took place in 1968 and since then, the Hampshire venue has welcomed all manner of machinery, all of them making an indelible mark.

One of the very few circuits in the UK that has remained untouched, all five decades of Thruxton will be showcased during the weekend on what is set to be a spirited trip down memory lane.

Part of that visit to yesteryear will come from the bumper 13-race programme that has been put together which encompasses a wide range of illustrious machines that have starred at the venue down the years.

Action from the Historic Touring Car Challenge/Tony Dron Trophy, Spirit of Thruxton Single-Seater Race for the Jochen Rindt Memorial Trophy, RAC Woodcote Trophy/Stirling Moss Trophy, Ian Taylor Trophy Race for HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship, HSCC Guards Trophy, M7RC Mini Se7en Championship and M7RC Mini Miglia Championship are set to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Away from the racing there will be a host of eye-catching demonstration runs, all of which will be out to steal the show. Formula 1 will return to Thruxton for the first time since 1993 to top the demo run billing as Karun Chandhok takes the reins of the flame-spitting Williams FW08C, the 540kg, 530bhp Ford Cosworth DFV V8 powered car that Keke Rosberg drove in 1983.

The last time a Formula 1 car tackled the sweeping bends of Thruxton was when Damon Hill drove the title-winning Williams FW15C 25 years ago, clocking a stunning average speed of 147.25mph.

Other machines that will take to the track include a Lola T70, March 721g, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford GT and a host of motorcycles from different eras.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will also have a presence too with old and new machines turning a wheel; Rob Austin and Rob Collard in the machines they currently compete in whilst James and Anita Dodd pilot a Honda Accord and Nissan Primera, two icons of Super Touring.

The array of stunning machines don’t just stop on the track however with a wealth of much-loved static cars on display. In addition to the Rosberg Formula 1 machine, Williams will also showcase the famous ‘Red 5’ of Nigel Mansell that powered him to championship glory in 1992, the unique six-wheeled FW08B and the FW38 – the teams 2016 car.

Porsche’s last hurrah in the FIA World Endurance Championship – the stunning technical marvel that is the 919 Hybrid Sports Prototype – will join the likes of the Aston Martin GTE, Ford GT40 and much more.

Mansell himself will be in attendance too and will be joined my Murray Walker as they both officially open the brand-new, state-of-the-art £2 million Thruxton Centre at 12:00 noon on Sunday.

Beyond all of the track and paddock attractions there is set to be even more entertainment taking place around the venue across both days.

Coach rounds around the circuit, car club reunions, live music and fireworks on Saturday, as well as a funfair will ensure there is fun for all of the family. One eye should also be fixed on the skies on Sunday morning as the world-famous British Army parachute display team the Red Devils will perform their thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled aerial choreography over the circuit.

It is set to be a fitting way to mark five decades of Thruxton and it will also serve as the perfect start to the next 50 years as well.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate from £15.00 on Saturday, £20.00 on Sunday and £24.00 for the whole weekend.
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