This
week has seen the launch of the 2008 motorsport’s calendar with what many see
as the start of the year The Autosport International Motorsport’s show. From
manufacturers to the fans this show is the largest and probably the most
important event of the year.
From its early days in 1991 when the Autosport International
show replaced the Racing Car Show it has gone from strength to strength. It is
an ideal chance for the fans of single seater racing, for example, to get a
close look at Touring cars or rally in a safe environment. ASI covers just
about every conceivable type of motor racing. From the colleges and
universities that participate in the Formula Student, an annual event that develops
the skills of car design and building as well competition, to the pinnacle of
motor racing which is Formula 1.
The ASI is an ideal platform for launches of new teams, new
cars, new series and new drivers. Also it’s a fantastic opportunity to inform
of new championships and past classes making an important comeback. One such
team unveiled at 2008 ASI is the CR Scuderia who will be competing this year in
Formula Renault and the British GT revealed were the new livery and sponsors.
Mitsubishi used the ASI to launch the latest in the Lancer Evolution series the
Evolution X. Graham Hathaway Racing launched the Speads RM08 single seater and
the new Formula Triple S one make series. Also announced at ASI was that Group
C sports cars are to return to Le Mans in 2008 in a support race at the Le Mans
24hr June 13th – 15th.
The live Arena Show consists of a varied collection of Motorsport
examples, off road rally cars, WRC rally cars, Autograss Specials, Formula Ford
1600, Pick Up trucks, Formula Palmer Audi, Historic Touring Cars, BRISCA
Formula 1 Stock Cars and for the first time Dragsters. The live show consisted
of demonstrations from the off road rally cars and races for the other formula’s,
the dragsters performed burnouts. The dragsters consisted of the Juniors which
look very similar to the top fuel cars but are restricted to allow the under 16’s
to compete, various funny cars including one which shook the entire arena. The 2500bhp
1953 Studebaker Commander of Andy Robinson has a 0 – 60mph of less than a
second and a 0 – 180mph in less than 4 seconds and a top speed of around 230mph
this car is the first Pro Mod class car to have an ET of 6.161 and currently
holds the record of 229.43mph. The live show lasts for just short of 1 hour and
opens with short tribute to Colin McRae and a large number of the participants
in the live show honoured Colin by flaying the Scottish National Flag. The
highlight of the live show has to be stunt driver Terry Grant who amazed the
crowd with half a lap of the arena on two wheels, Louis Goodman jumped in the
passenger seat and was treated to a number of high speed donuts and handbrake
 turns. Terry attempted to break the world record for the J-turn in the tightest
area, two walls were set up the length of the car plus 1.74 meters Terry
reversed towards the walls performed the J-turn successfully and broke the
record. As Louis Goodman was talking to Terry about the J turn a Lamborghini
was driven into the arena this belonged to Terry, he jumped into the car and proceeded
to perform donuts and spins and managed to spin from one end of the arena to
the other. During the weekend he is going to attempt to drive an Evo
9 on two
wheels through the arena a feat that has never been achieved in this type of
vehicle.
One of the lots in the Coys Auction is the Mark 1 Ford
Escort Mexico that Sir Jack Brabham won the Jack Brabham Trophy race at Brands
Hatch on 24 October 1971. The car is in immaculate condition and following
restoration has remained in dry storage for the past 23 years. There are many
other classic cars in the auction including a road legal Lister Storm.
The F1 display this year was set out as a Pit lane with 1 of
last seasons from each team in front of the pit garage. It would have good to
get a look at this years models but they are in Spain testing at Jerez. Fans of
F1 have plenty of opportunity to stock up on merchandise as the major suppliers
are all in attendance with the latest gear. Keeping with a F1 theme EuroBoss
are at the show with a few cars Benetton’s, Footwork, and Martin Brundle’s 2003
Jaguar PF1 which will be competing in this years EuroBoss series. EuroBoss is a
race series for F1 cars dating up to December 2003, also eligible are Indy/Champ
cars up to a similar date ex Renault World Series and Formula Nissan cars.
Unfortunately due to availability of engine parts it is impossible to run the
cars in their original specifications, and with modern sponsors, which it  would
be impossible to run without, original liveries are seldom seen. There is a Footwork
on show which apart from the Lucas Oils sponsor is in original livery, also
competing there is a Jordan belonging to Jodie Hemmings which is in its
original livery unfortunately this car is not at ASI.
James Tucker of European Endurance and Racing Club says that
this year there are around 50 registered entries for the Britcar series making
this year possibly the best. Possibly helped by BBC’s Top Gear crew
participating in the 2007 24 hour at Silverstone.
The BTCC had a collection of cars covering the past 50 years
to begin the celebrations of their Golden Anniversary among the display was the
Faberge Capri, Gerry Marshals Vauxhall, an Audi which Sir Stirling Moss had
competed in and Giovanardi’s 2007 championship winning Vauxhall.
Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 12
to Sunday 13 January 2008. Adult tickets start at £28.00 per day with
children’s tickets costing £18.50. Tickets are available on the day.
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