HISTORICS MAKE PROUD SHOWING

Lancia 037 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato Vanwall on show

The International Historic Motorsport Show at Stoneleigh Park pulled in more than 20,000 attendees over 24-26 February, with its mix of live action, motorsport heroes and world-famous competition cars and bikes -- not to mention 449 exhibitors and 368 journalists. Some tales from the Show include:

Group B Rally and indoor motorcycle trial Two of the most popular crowd-pleasers were the sideways action of the Group B rally car stage and the indoor pre-'65 classic motorcycle trial. The motorcycle trial, running both solos and sidecars, was a world first which ran ten times over the weekend. Five-times winner of the Scottish Six Days Motorcycle Trial, Mick Andrews, managed to stay penalty-free on the first day, while Peter Gaunt proved almost as successful. Also enjoying riding in the trial was seven-times TT winner Mick Grant on his Ariel.

Historic kart racing

Live action in the form of Historic Kart Racing was another first for Stoneleigh. One competitor arrived with a kart which had not run for 30 years. When a carburettor problem seemed sure to prevent his participation, he scoured the Show's autojumble, found what he needed, fitted the new carburettor and fired the engine up for the first time in three decades.

Sales success

The four heated halls housed 449 exhibitors -- from series organisers and race preparers, through engineering and accessory companies, to classic car and motorcycle books and an autojumble. Feedback from the industry was very positive. Taking just one case as an example, Enduro Cars -- which launched its Jaguar C-type recreation at Stoneleigh Park -- sold a staggering 17 cars at the show. The company even had two clients trying to outbid each other to buy chassis No.1, exhibited on its stand. 

Motorsport heroes

A host of motorsport stars were available to sign autographs at the Show. The public lined up to meet such icons as Giacomo Agostini, Pentti Airikkala, Russell Brookes, Vic Elford, Paddy Hopkirk, Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Oliver, Phil Read and Bjorn Waldegard, to name but a few. The top story of the Show, however, must be multiple British Rally Champion Russell Brookes, leaving the Historic Motorsport Awards Charity Dinner on Saturday night. Looking around for the bus to return him to the hotel, Russell approached a likely-looking individual and asked if he were the bus driver. "No," came the reply. "I am Giacomo Agostini from Italy."

Next year

The dates of the fourth International Historic Motorsport Show will be announced soon.