With the acquisition of Motor Racing Legends and the HRDC you became the leading historic race promoter in the UK. What are your plans for these two well established and recognised institutions?
The HRDC is an accessible race organiser focused on one-day events; drivers qualify in the morning, race in the afternoon, and head home that same evening. It’s a simple but effective format that helps competitors avoid hotel costs and saves them from giving up an entire weekend. Our aim is to build on this solid foundation by visiting new circuits and enriching the raceday experience to make it more inclusive and immersive.
At Motor Racing Legends, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on eligibility, ensuring a level playing field and fair classification for every car. We’ve also introduced new grids, such as GT3 Legends, to reflect the evolving interests of our community.
This October, we’re launching the Generations Trophy, a unique concept in historic racing. It’s a competition specifically designed for families who want to race together and pass on their passion for motorsport. It offers a fresh way to experience classic racing; welcoming, approachable, and centred on shared memories across generations. Newcomers get the chance to race cars that aren’t overly powerful but still exciting and rewarding to drive.
After the race, participants gather in the hospitality area to share stories and laughs, often with a parent, child, or uncle beside them. It turns the event into a true family moment. Personally, I’ve shared unforgettable experiences racing alongside my son, Max. Competing together in both modern and classic cars has brought us even closer.
Motor Racing Legends is about more than just racing. At its core, it’s about the entire atmosphere; spending time in the paddock, enjoying great food, discovering legendary circuits, and experiencing competitive yet affordable racing. Most of all, it’s about the camaraderie that defines this world. Whether you’re camping with friends or exploring local hotels and restaurants, every weekend becomes a lasting memory.
Are there any plans to organise more race meetings outside the UK?
Absolutely. We’ll be racing on iconic circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, Navarra, and of course Silverstone, with plans to expand further into Europe. Charade, in France, is one of the exciting new additions we’re looking forward to.
How can the events be improved and made more attractive to visitors and participants? The last Donington Historic already hinted at positive changes …
I believe our events have great potential to offer spectators a deeper and more personal experience. Initiatives like guided paddock tours or the chance to walk onto the starting grid can create lasting impressions. Adding live entertainment like music, performances, would turn the paddock into a vibrant, welcoming space.
Helping people truly understand the spirit of historic racing is just as important. Inviting guest speakers, including former or current professional drivers, could give fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes. A dedicated stage in the paddock would host these talks and Q&A sessions, encouraging real engagement between drivers and fans.
We also place high value on the presence of car clubs. At Donington, the turnout of club cars was outstanding. Spectators loved seeing not only the race cars, but also the classic road cars, hypercars, and supercars brought by enthusiasts. Whether it’s a Koenigsegg, a McLaren P1, or a lovingly restored vintage car, these displays bring richness and excitement to the event as a whole.
What role will the FIA specifications play in the future racing series? Is it possible to get significantly more participants interested in racing by partly moving away from the hard restrictions?
Appendix K and the Historic Technical Passport (HTP) are essential for maintaining fair competition and historical accuracy. That said, we’re also very mindful of costs.
Some updates, though not strictly period-correct, can improve reliability without offering any performance advantage. Take the ‘Dynator’ for example: a modern device that looks like a dynamo but functions like an alternator. It keeps the vintage look while ensuring the lights work properly; especially crucial in night races.
Motorsport has evolved, and certain allowances must reflect that reality. When reviewing modifications not covered by the HTP, we ask: does it boost performance, or does it improve reliability? If it boosts performance, it’s excluded. But if it enhances reliability, like brighter headlights for night use, or brake cooling systems for long-distance events, we may allow it.
We propose a measured extension of Appendix K and HTP guidelines to maintain both fairness and accessibility in competition.
What are your three favourite classics in the race and on the road?
The GT40 and the Cobra, both of which I’ve owned and raced for many years, rank among the greatest race cars ever built. I’d also add the Bentley Speed 8, not only for its capabilities on track, but because the entire journey I shared with that project. As for road cars, the most unforgettable is an old Ferrari. On a perfect sunny day, with the sound of its V12 filling the air, it’s hard to imagine anything more exhilarating.
