In these modern times the events calendar is become very full of revival meetings which recreate previous sporting events. Other enthusiasts, amateurs or hobbyists have their own versions of these events from battle re-enactment societies to Traction Engine steam rallies.
The majority of these re-enactment events are attempts to give an insight into the racing world from the time period of the cars heyday. The majority of these meetings are rightly focused on the racing. You turn up, you get briefed, you practice, you race, you hopefully survive with all 4 corners intact, you celebrate or commiserate and then you go home. In the mean time there's little chance to soak up the authentic atmosphere which has been created around you. And while each event has its own drama, its own spectacle within the meeting, the focus for the competitors is clearly on tearing round the track and beating the other car that’s a fraction quicker than you.
The focus for the Classic is more relaxed the racing, although competitive, is almost secondary to the cause Celebes of event itself. From Funfair's and auto jumbles, it’s a half Wimbledon, half Ascot but for motorsport. Whereas Goodwood Revival in Benjy terms, place the emphasis on the “Preserving” of “Preserving the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship ...” Silverstone Classic puts it firmly on the “Spirit”. It’s ‘Glastonbury’ for motorsport.
You might have expected the mood to be downbeat after the recent surprise announcement Silverstone was to lose the British Grand Prix from 2011 to the less well equipped and far more difficult to access Donington Park, but it wasn’t. If anything the news added to the relaxed atmosphere of the event.
I was met at the gates by Chris Guests 4 ½ litre and driven inside to the paddock where the Benjy’s team has made base camp. Security was very tight all weekend on site all weekend, but we got through and carried on into the Paddock. Budding Gordon Ramsey, Martin had set up his own version of the camping stove the camping 4 ring cooker alongside his trailer and this was the team’s base for the meeting.
The team were racing in the penultimate event of the day which means a long wait paddock side from the Friday Practice to the Saturday Race.
The BRDC 500 hundred is a race which recreates the famous 500 mile races of the 20’s and 30’s. Instead of driving the full 500 miles, they drive for one hour. The race is usually contested in teams of 2, although solo drivers may also enter. Solo drivers must spend at least 1 minute in the pits to help even up the advantage over 2 driver teams at their driver change over point. You cannot pit between the first and last 20 minutes of the race meaning the pit window is between 20 and 40 minutes of the race.
The race was won by Simon Hope in his Alfa Romeo 8C Monza who led comfortably from the start. So compelling was the win that at the finish of the race only the first 5 racers were on the same lap.
Full Results | Silverstone Classic BRDC 500
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