Discussion
I went to the show last Friday, it was a good day out despite the live rally stage only running on Saturday and Sunday. The car park was a bit of a joke as were the entrance ticket booths, but other than that the day was great. Nice to see some really old cars up close, I now have a thing for this 1957 Abarth....
It was at the "Race Retro" Historic Motor Sport Show at Stoneleigh Park showground in Warwickshire. It's an annual show (sort of like Autosport Show but way better, & for historic & classic motorsport) & takes place in Feb/ March each year. One of the main attractions is the live rally stage where people demonstrate classic rally cars - usually Groupo B, 4, 2 etc on the saturday & sunday. The rally action is provided, I think, by an organisation called "Slowly Sideways" or "Rallying with Group B" - not sure which.
Well worth a visit to the show, but the rally organisation do other demo events through the year.
Well worth a visit to the show, but the rally organisation do other demo events through the year.
andy97 said:
It was at the "Race Retro" Historic Motor Sport Show at Stoneleigh Park showground in Warwickshire. It's an annual show (sort of like Autosport Show but way better, & for historic & classic motorsport) & takes place in Feb/ March each year. One of the main attractions is the live rally stage where people demonstrate classic rally cars - usually Groupo B, 4, 2 etc on the saturday & sunday. The rally action is provided, I think, by an organisation called "Slowly Sideways" or "Rallying with Group B" - not sure which.
Well worth a visit to the show, but the rally organisation do other demo events through the year.
Andy's right - It's way better than Autosport and a great day (or even two because you'll be pushed to see it all in a day!). I was with colleagues 'running' a stand (360 Motor Racing Club) and we were delighted with the number of visitors and the 'business' that we did ...... but don't tell the organisers or they'll put up the exhibitors' prices. Well worth a visit to the show, but the rally organisation do other demo events through the year.
Must admit the fact that it was a bit earlier this year (wasn't it mid-March last year?) put me off on the assumption it was primarily an outdoor event. But looking at this gallery, the exhibition part of the show is bigger and better than I realised:
ChrisJ. said:
New J.A.P. engined 3 wheeler at RaceRetro
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dennisgoodwin/5476651...
It almost looks a match for Autosport - especially as far as classic machinery is concerned: can anyone confirm / deny? Tahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/dennisgoodwin/5476651...
I've been going to Autosport since it started and ditto Stoneleigh. I generally find ASI a little hard work now - crowds and Max Power-type "blokiness" which doesn't sit well as you get older. Race Retro is very easy-going with a focus on historic racing, which is great if you love watching old cars race and generally indulging in history. If contemporary racing is your thing then ASI would be the better bet; if you have to choose, I suppose. I'm not sure I'll go to ASI again, but Race Retro is a really pleasant way to commence the season.
seansverige said:
Must admit the fact that it was a bit earlier this year (wasn't it mid-March last year?) put me off on the assumption it was primarily an outdoor event. But looking at this gallery, the exhibition part of the show is bigger and better than I realised:
It almost looks a match for Autosport - especially as far as classic machinery is concerned: can anyone confirm / deny? Ta
It was March last year but has been brought forward as a lot of people have already bought stuff & made decisions in March ready for the start of the new season. It was felt that an ealier show was better for the exhibitors.It almost looks a match for Autosport - especially as far as classic machinery is concerned: can anyone confirm / deny? Ta
The exhibition part is in permanent & semi permanent buildings. The autojumble stuff is usually in a barn type farm building (it is an agricultural show ground normally!) but is cheaper for exhibitors as a result.
I think its way better than Autosport because its more suited to the National & club level competitor with a wider variety of more interesting cars on display (no one make race series' launched for the latest EuroJap rocket box for a start!). There are certainly more historic/ classic cars on display & you can generally chat to more people about their cars & the series they race in.
The live show is only on the sat/ sun, although the show is open on the friday, too. It is the only bit that's outside really & as I said earlier focuses on displays of proper rally cars, from the days before electronics dominated everything!
Thanks for the info Andy - it's good to know that even if it's truly miserable there's a worthwhile exhibit to attend. I've nothing against modern stuff per se, it was more the show and venue itself.
I'll keep an eye out next year: compromises always have to be made during summer season, so an early event is welcome.
I'll keep an eye out next year: compromises always have to be made during summer season, so an early event is welcome.
I've done all the race retro shows, this time as an exhibitor promoting our one hour spa francorchamps race, and my mates restoration/ race prep company. There seemed to be plenty of trade and interested punters which was great.
I think they should promote it as the classic/club racing show as thats where it really seems to fit. ASI is getting less and less relavent unless your F1 bound or a chav buying led tat..
I've still never managed to see the live bit of the show, I normally go on the friday, this time i was there all 3 days but didnt get further than the halls.
I dont fancy moulded slicks on wet muddy tarmac, no wonder the merc found a tree.
I think they should promote it as the classic/club racing show as thats where it really seems to fit. ASI is getting less and less relavent unless your F1 bound or a chav buying led tat..
I've still never managed to see the live bit of the show, I normally go on the friday, this time i was there all 3 days but didnt get further than the halls.
I dont fancy moulded slicks on wet muddy tarmac, no wonder the merc found a tree.
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