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Final Day for Autosport International 2008 |
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Monday, 14 January 2008 |
Autosport International’s 18th show concluded yesterday with 2007
American Le Mans Series Champion Allan McNish opening the show. The former Formula One driver paid particular attention to the Autosport International Show-backed project ‘F1 in Schools’, a scheme which he explained is
very close to his heart.
Crowds waiting at the show's opening
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“I had a quick look around the show and visited the F1 in Schools
stand, which is particularly important to me,” said McNish. ”It’s very different to when we were at school; there is a lot more
guidance for kids interested in the motorsport industry than when we were growing up.
“It’s
good to see so many options available as well as advice.
Through that, a kid might find out he or she wants to be an engineer or
a driver, etc and the main thing for me is that at least they get a
chance to
find out.”
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Neal, Hodgetts, Chilton, Giovanardi and Plato
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An array of British Touring Car Championship drivers also attended
Europe’s largest motorsport show today, celebrating 50 years of the BTCC.
2007 BTCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi headed the line-up, which featured
his new team-mate double BTCC champion Matt Neal as well as championship rival Jason Plato, Tom Chilton and back-to-back Champion Chris Hodgetts.
“I
think touring cars are very successful because it is such close
racing,” said Giovanardi. “The people can relate to the cars we drive.
They also like accidents and with touring cars, there is much of
that!”
Former Formula One driver and ITV-F1 presenter Mark Blundell also attended
the show today, making one visitor particularly happy.
“I met Mark Blundell today which is a dream come true,” said
visitor David Motterham who works as an MOT tester. “I’ve been coming to the Autosport International Show for 15 years and from
experience, I can honestly say there is no better place to go if you want a chance to meet famous racing drivers.”
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Mark Blundell at the Autosport Stage
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The show also proved successful for first-time exhibitors KTM. Already the
second largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe, the company chose the show to display their latest project, the X-Bow car.
“We
felt the show had the right target audience for us,” said
X-Bow Manager UK Jeffrey Lau. “We weren’t disappointed! We received at
least 70 strong enquiries of which ten are firm offers. The idea
behind the car is that we wanted to give motorbike enthusiasts the
experience of four wheels, which is why the car is so reminiscent of
our
bikes.”
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“Each
year, we aim to better the previous show,” said Gavin
Brown, Haymarket Managing Director. “This year has been no exception
and I am extremely pleased to hear such good feedback not only from the
public but from exhibitors as well. As ever, we’ll be working hard
between now and next year’s show to continue the success of
Autosport International for all parties concerned.”
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