Friday 1st October 2004

Historic racing at Mallory Park

Old BMWs and Benzes to battle it out next weekend

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A fabulous line up of cars from the 1960s and 70s that will delight any true motorsport enthusiast are set for Mallory Park’s 'Top Hat' Historic race day on Sunday 10 October, according to race day organiser Top Hat. And yes, the picture (left) was taken at Goodwood, not Mallory Park.

Top Hat is in its sixth year of competition and can now be regarded as the most popular independent historic racing organisation in Europe, staging events at some great circuits including Spa Franchorchamps, Dijon, Pau -- and of course Mallory Park.

Sunday’s sport kicks off with a 45 minute, two-driver race for pre 1966 Historic Touring Cars. Heading the entry is the BMW 1800Ti driven by Richard Shaw and former GP driver and team owner Jackie Oliver. The duo takes on a variety of cars such as Mercedes – Benz 300SE, Ford Mustang GT350 and Lotus Cortina, as well as less powerful but more nimble Mini Coopers and Hillman Imps.

Competitors in the Sebring Salute Historic Sports/GT race will be trying to win the Edwina Overend Memorial Trophy, in an event that features an eclectic mix of cars inspired by the type of entries attracted to the Sebring races in the 1960s and 70s.

Emphasising the quality of cars racing is Leo Voyazide’s Ford GT40, which is chassis number 5 and conservatively said to be worth well over £1,000,000. This is up against AC Cobra, BMW CSL ‘Batmobile’, Lister Jaguar and assorted Alfa Romeo amongst others.

There are plenty more interesting cars in the other races which are for pre 1966 historic sports cars, Alfa Romeo GTA, British sportscars and pre 1960 historic touring cars

First race of the day is at 1.30pm, with practice from 9.30am. Adult admission is £10, with no charge for accompanied children (under 16). Mallory Park is off the A47 between Leicester and Hinckley.

Top Hat is a 1-hour race series for pre-1965 Group 2-style historic touring cars. As Julius Thurgood's original race series, Top Hat helped establish historic endurance racing in the UK. A traditional 1-hour race with optional driver changes, Top Hat allows drivers to share races with co-owners, partners or invited guests. The camaraderie and good-natured competition within Top Hat belies the fiercely competitive nature of the racing, but when the chequered flag falls the paddock is as friendly a place as you'll find anywhere in motorsport

Further details from 01455 842931 or here.

[pentoman]

Going

Look out for a gnarly Audi A6 estate with VET private plate, that'll be me.

[hansgerd]

They were at Spa two weeks ago and it was terrific to watch these cars going through bents sideways. This is definately no wheels on rails motor sport. I just can recommend it.

More here: www.tophatracing.co.uk


Edited to add the Top Hat site.

>> Edited by hansgerd on Friday 1st October 15:50

[anonymous-user]

saw them at combe in the summer, still cant get over it. Jackie Oliver at Castle Combe!!!
great day, lovely cars and a great paddock atmosphere.

[anonymous-user]

saw them at combe in the summer, still cant get over it. Jackie Oliver at Castle Combe!!!
great day, lovely cars and a great paddock atmosphere.

[pentoman]

hansgerd said:

They were at Spa two weeks ago and it was terrific to watch these cars going through bents sideways. This is definately no wheels on rails motor sport. I just can recommend it.

Were you there? I was there with Retro Track and Air, piloting/sleeping in the 'G1GLY' Sharan crew bus...

Russ

>> Edited by pentoman on Friday 1st October 17:17