Silverstone Classic Preview Day 2019

​The 2019 Silverstone Classic Preview on the 10th April presented some great marques and models celebrating special milestones in their history.
Several motorsport legends made an appearance, and their owners showed genuine enthusiasm. All were pleased to chat about their achievements and excited to see cars covering their particular period of racing.
​This year’s event is dubbed the ‘Woodstock of motorsport’ and the entertainment planned for this summer’s event is from that period of time.
The event is now the biggest classic motor racing festival.
Marking 100 years of Bentley in 2019, nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen, and team-mate Guy Smith were reunited in the triumphant 2003 Team Bentley entry.
Tom then took to the wheel of a vintage Bentley for a future magazine article as he launched a new ‘Twilight Tribute to Le Mans’ feature for Saturday night at the Classic.
The Mini, which is sixty years old in 2019, will present a record-breaking double-header grid, bringing together more than 50 pre-1966 Minis. 
Also taking part at the Preview was Mini rallying and racing legend Paddy Hopkirk – reunited with his 1964 Monte Carlo Rally-winning car. He was joined at the Preview by fellow period Mini racers Steve Neal and John Rhodes.
Gordon Spice, another period mini racer, but perhaps better known for his British Saloon Car Championship exploits behind the wheel of the Ford Capri, (which turns 50 this year) was also there.
This year’s event will have Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) as the event’s Official Charity Partner. This year’s Classic will raise funds for the Race Against Dementia Fellowships, an initiative founded by Sir Jackie Stewart – three-time Formula 1 World Champion
Silverstone Auctions revealed its star lot going under the hammer in July – a Gullwing Mercedes, once owned by Team Lotus Formula 1 team manager, Peter Warr.
On the track, more than 150 cars offered a foretaste of some of the thrilling action to come at the end of July. The new Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series was out in force as it prepares to make its debut at this summer’s Classic.
The HSCC Historic Formula 2 International Series will have a full grid of 54 cars in the new race at the Silverstone Classic.
Many other models and clubs will have landmark anniversaries at this year’s event including Abarth, the Austin Healey 3000, Middlebridge Scimitar and Triumph TR6.
Anyone wishing to attend this summer’s Silverstone Classic must purchase their tickets in advance, with adult admission starting at £45.
Once again, all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts - which this summer marks the 50thanniversary of Woodstock - on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.
A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.
Editor’s notes: The Silverstone Classic is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. The epic event attracts more than 1,000 race entries and draws crowds of more than 100,000. The spectacular classic car celebration is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. The three-day festival features the very best of historic motor racing, as well as live music and a wealth of family entertainment. This includes a free funfair, Shopping Village, a host of interactive experiences, a classic car auction, air displays plus huge showcases of classic cars often celebrating important milestones in automotive history; over 130 car clubs will be displaying more than 10,000 classic cars over the weekend of the Classic.