With four months to go until Castle Combe’s third outing of its popular Autumn Classic race meeting on Sunday 5th October, the event organisers have revealed the eight race line-up on a new dedicated website.
The eight races feature everything from the Vintage Sports Car Club Pre War Sport Cars through to 60s and 70s V8s. The highlight for many will be the return almost exactly 60 years to the day of F3’s (500s) in recognition that the Formula was originated by the old Bristol Aeroplane Motorsport Club in nearby Filton in Bristol in December 1945.
In addition Castle Combe Autumn Classic will welcome back crowd-pleasing favourites such as Aston Martins, Big Healeys, Pre 1966 Jaguars and 1950s Intermarque. 2014 will also see the Event televised with a two-hour programme broadcast on Motors TV on Saturday 1st November.
The theme of the day will be celebrating Bristol Cars, 60 years on since the manufacturer’s famous victory at Le Mans when they filled the podium. The one remaining Bristol 405 from that winning trio will be present and is planned to be reunited with a representative of the Brabham family. Sir Jack, who sadly passed away recently, was the reserve driver back in 1954 but never got a chance to take to the wheel. Now 60 years on, it is hoped that Sir Jack’s grandson Sam Brabham, who is currently contesting the British Formula Ford Championship, will take to the wheel.
Many other marques and clubs will celebrate anniversaries including the Riley Register, the Historic Lotus Register. Special displays will feature cars from Nick Mason’s collection including the 250F Maserati with other Formula 1 cars from the 50s and 60s to be announced over the coming months.
Graham Marshallsay, Managing Director of Castle Combe Circuit, commented: “We’ve put a lot of work in to ensure that this year’s Autumn Classic will be the best yet. The event’s growing reputation has attracted an increased number of sponsors and event partners and we continue to enjoy the backing of enthusiastic title sponsor, Bristol Forklifts. The additional race sponsors will enable us to further market the meeting to our partner’s customers as we provide them with commercial coverage.
“Gaining the TV exposure further highlights the growing status of the event and we are particularly pleased to welcome the ‘Hope For Tomorrow’ organisation as our official charity. Amongst its patrons are Sir Stirling Moss, Martin Brundle, Derek Bell and Ross Brawn and we are hoping that we may be able to attract a ‘star’ drivers to establish a lap record in one of the organisations fabulous mobile chemotherapy units.”
With all the action crammed into just the one day and with an admission charge of just £15 with discounts for seniors, the Castle Combe Autumn Classic is excellent value for money for a classic race meeting of this calibre.
Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 for senior citizens, with children under 17 years offered free entrance. Entrance into the paddock is also free. For further details and to book tickets, visit the new dedicated website at castlecombeautumnclassic.co.uk. or telephone 01249 782417.
