The special ‘Greatest Hits’ racecard at this summer’s 30th birthday Silverstone Classic (31 July-2 August) is completed with a pair of super-evocative Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary Celebration Races.
• Legendary Italian manufacturer reaches 110 year milestone this summer
• Special single-marque showdowns added to event’s own birthday bill
• Record-breaking grids exclusively for much-admired Alfa racers
• Early Bird weekend tickets on sale until the end of March
Scheduled as a crowd-pleasing double-header on both Saturday and Sunday, these two showdowns are set to attract unprecedented numbers of racing Alfas. The record turn-out will provide yet another extra dimension to an incredible line-up of 22 retro races which already boasts the cream of Europe’s premier historic championships for F1, GT, prototype, touring and sportscars from past golden eras.
Marking the much-loved Milanese company’s birth in June 1910, the new addition is open to a wide range of showroom-based models from the 750-style Giuliettas of the early fifties right up to the mid-1980s 4-cylinder 116-model Alfettas and Giuliettas. A never-seen-before turn-out of 50+ entries is predicted.
Whether reserved for E-types, Minis or Alfas, such single-marque anniversary encounters have always been part of the magical on-track mix at the Classic. Indeed, the very first race at the first historic festival staged at Silverstone back in 1990 was a similar showdown exclusively for Austin-Healeys.
“Quite literally, right from the birth of the Silverstone Classic these single-marque showdowns have always been a highlight on what is an ever-evolving track programme,” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “We are really thrilled to be adding these Alfa Romeo anniversary races to the ‘greatest hits’ collection compiled to celebrate the magical event’s 30th birthday this summer.”
The race entries will be organised by the Historic Racing Drivers Club and will star cars and drivers from the HRDC’s own successful Classic Alfa Challenge as well as some notable international entries from Europe and the USA.
“We are honoured that the team at the Silverstone Classic has chosen the HRDC to organise these fabulous Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary Celebration Races at this world class event,” lauded Julius Thurgood, the club’s founder and himself a renowned Alfista. “I have been addicted to the marque ever since I ‘inherited’ my father’s 1750 GTV without his knowledge back in the early ’70s!”
The Italian company’s 110th anniversary – plus the 70 years since Alfas scored a 1-2-3 podium clean-sweep in the first-ever world championship grand prix staged at Silverstone in 1950 – will be further honoured by special displays and track parades arranged in conjunction with the ever-enthusiastic Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
Like all those belonging to one of the 100+ registered car clubs, AROC members keen to join their manufacturer’s milestone party can take advantage of a special Early Bird package. This offers a pair of adult tickets plus an infield display parking pass for those securing tickets this month.
A wide range of cost-saving Early Bird tickets are also on general sale to all those festival-goers purchasing before the end of March. These offer significant savings of up to 17 per cent, with adult prices starting at just £39 and the popular 3-day weekend festival ticket available for £105.
All admission tickets (which must be purchased in advance) give access to both race paddocks, trackside grandstands, funfair rides, car club displays and a host of great family activities… plus the live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, this year featuring The Brand New Heavies, Aswad and Scouting For Girls.
Report by silverstoneclassic.com
Photos by Jeff Bloxham
