The latest motorsport event to fall victim to you know what is the much-loved Silverstone Classic, which was scheduled to take place over three days from the 31st July. The “inevitable” decision, undertaken because of the impossibility of ensuring the social distancing of more than 100,000 spectators, means the world’s biggest historic racing event will have to celebrate its 30th birthday a year late in 2021.
Nick Wigley, CEO of Silverstone Classic promotor Goose Live Events, said that “the latest Government advice, coupled with other scheduling changes at Silverstone” ensured that his company “reached the inevitable conclusion”. But that like other postponed motorsport events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, ticket holders will be offered full refunds or the option to roll-over their tickets for next summer.
Still, this delay feels particularly hard hitting thanks to it being the event’s pearl anniversary and the fact that PH was due to host a club area there, so it’s as close to home as they get. Please check the thread to see the latest on that - rest assured we plan to run in 2021.
Silverstone Classic’s 2020 cancellation may potentially clear space for a second spectator free British GP of 2020. Reports suggested Silverstone was hoping to host back-to-back F1 races on 26th July and 2nd August, with empty grandstands, so this latest development at least clears room for that.
If you’re wondering why the Classic can’t go ahead as a no spectator event, Wigley said that it’s the event’s core focus on family fun that meant that was a no-go option. He said: "For the last 12 years it has been my life's focus to build the Classic into the most amazing family friendly classic racing festival. But our priority at all times is the safety and wellbeing of those attending our events - as well as our own team - and we know that Classic fans will understand why this step has been necessary.”
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