Experienced rally driver/navigator Terry Thorp is available to do the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. Ex-Motoring News and British Rally Championship-winning navigator and rally organiser with a reasonable grasp of French. Based in Wiltshire. Contact Retro-Speed or call Terry direct on 07826 858913 or e-mail:  hel.fire@talk21.com

Long standing, successful, rally driver Paul Wignall has moved into the classic Alfa Romeo supply and tuning business, Retro Auto Components. Everything from a valve spring retainer, second-hand body parts, through to a full stage three, Jim Evans-prepared engine, all off the shelf and ready to go.

Call him on 01969 623585 or go to www.retroautocomponents.com

CRA has announced its programme of events for next year (2011) and as well as the usual favourites, such as the Poppy Rally and the Classic Marathon, it includes a return to Monte Carlo in November. Replacing the Rally of the Tests, master route planner Keith Baud is looking to recreate the historic winter rallies of the late nineties that took crews across the Alps in mid winter. Get the duffle coat out.

More at:  www.classicrally.org.uk

Pirelli have recently re-introduced the famous Cinturato tyre, aimed at the classic car market. If you want your car to have that special authentic 60’s look, call Longstone Tyres in Doncaster on +44 (0)1302 711123.

The Historic Sports Car Club is targeting the 1600cc Formula 3 cars of the early 1970s for a revival in 2011 and anyone with a car from the era is beng invited to Brands Hatch on 11 September, where the Club will be running a full programme of racing.

Conditions at the Sarthe circuit for qualifying were scorching, reaching a high of 39 degrees centigrade mid-afternoon. It is expected to remain similar during the twenty-four hours with an outside chance of showers during the night.

The organisers have cancelled the Geneva Classics show due to take place at the Palexpo in October.

The splendid grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London play host to the inaugural Chelsea Auto Legends on 5 September when they stage a colourful motoring extravaganza in aid of the Chelsea Pensioners with the history of Le Mans playing centre stage. Super car manufacturers will be in support and car clubs are invited to attend.

More at www.chelseaautolegends.com/

The MSA is inviting licence holders to support its campaign for Closed Road Events and sign the petition at www.petition.co.uk/msa

Clerk of the Course, Chris Tomley, has moved the Rally Marketing Mid Wales Stages to a much earlier date for next year, Sunday 6 March.  This will be the opening round for those contesting for 2011 Dunlop/WONAGO.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship. Should be less dust!

19/20 June, Grand Prix de L’Age D’Or

An exciting weekend of motor sport at Circuit Dijon in France will include the Sir Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-60s sports cars and the RAC Woodcote Trophy for pre-56 GTs. Other races include Historic Grand Prix cars and Historic Formula Ford.

Information provided by The Historic Grand Prix Cars Association – The International Association for Owners and Drivers of Historic Grand Prix Cars
www.hgpca.com

Sunday 20 June, HSCC Mallory Park

HSCC Historic Formula 5000 and Formula 2 Championship rounds have been cancelled. In their place 70s Road Sports, Historic Road Sports, Classic Formula 3, Historic Formula Ford, Historic Touring Cars and Historic Formula Ford 2000 will all race twice.

The message from the organisers of the 2,000km Maroc Classic 12-19 March 2011 is ‘Action behind the wheel, luxury each night’. Sounds expensive already. Seriously, the fun starts in Morocco and takes crews, via seven legs and nineteen regularities, to visit Rabat, Tangiers, Fes, Boumaine Dades and Ouarzazate before finishing in Marrakech.
More at www.rallye-maroc-classic.com/

Jimmy McRae, famous for winning the Circuit of Ireland an astonishing seven times, along with Dessie Nutt will be appearing at the Barbados Historic Rally Carnival driving Porsche 911s prepared by Francis Tuthill. The historics follow the moderns starting at midday on 24 July.
Contact Martin Sharp (UK) martinsharp007@gmail.com

17 June, Leg 5 St. Lary Soulan - Biarritz. Another day of tough regularities and the Godfreys are still out in front but their lead is just 10s over the Warrens in their Porsche 911 who hold a very slim one second advantage over Andrew and Sarah Mallagh in their fast Porsche 914/6. Three more crews including Marathon veteran Paul Merryweather/Brian Johnson stand a chance of finishing in the top three as the rally heads for today’s finish. Beware, there is always a sting in the tale.

Sad news is Alastair Caldwell has finally succumbed to the pressure and retired, bringing the total number fallen by the wayside up to seven. Team Retro-Speed crew of Miles Chamberlain/Andrew Allen made up a place yesterday and are now in thirtieth place. Keep going lads.

16 June, Leg 4  Carcassonne – St. Lary Soulan. It’s all to play for. After a day of tough regularities and some last minute route changes Mark and Sue Godfrey in their MGB are back on top with a lead of 18s. Paul Wignall/Iain Tullie are still pushing the little Alfa hard while in third place comes the menacing and fast Porsche of Howard and Matt Warren. Jayne Wignall/Kevin Savage could break through, now in fifth place only 1m 30s off the lead. Team Retro-Speed is still in thirty-first place and Alastair Caldwell has accumulated over five hours of penalties. Down but not out.

Hard on the heels of the Classic Marathon comes the exciting 52nd edition of the Rallye des Alpes, 20-26 June 2010, organised by John Davenport and Robert Rorife and this year making full use of the wonderful Bernese Oberland. Sadly numbers are down, probably the result of an overcrowded calendar. There really are too many rallies, plus the current financial unrest, but it’s good to see my friend Peter Barker out in his trusty well-known Mini Cooper with the indefatigable Willie Cave on the maps. In all twelve UK crews make up the total entry of twenty-seven so another British win could be on the cards.

Editor-in-Chief recognises number plate 

Malcolm Rickets and ELA 111 - Nant Melai regularity, Three Castles 2010

Organisers of the Barbados Rally Carnival are offering a very attractive package for those wishing to compete on the 75km stage event running on 24 July. For two people it includes travel, hotel and rally entry for a bargain $1,600.
More information via Martin Sharp (UK) at martinsharp007@gmail.com or direct from Greg Cozier greg@huzier.com

THREE CASTLES WELSH CLASSIC TRIAL 2-5 JUNE

This event has a full entry that includes old friends, Alex and Jane Postan, Geoff Breakell/Geoff Awde, Barbara Morris/Sylvia McCrae, John Ebel/Tony Davies, Richard Scott/David Kirkham. Can Mark and Sue Godfrey repeat last year’s win in their little MG TD, not if Jayne Wignall/Kevin Savage have a say in the matter. Our money this time is on Jayne, but it won’t be easy.
www.three-castles.co.uk


22ND CLASSIC MARATHON 12-18 JUNE

2009 Marathon winners Frank Fennell/Mark Appleton

Bank Holiday Brands Hatch Festival 30/31 May. Two days of pure nostalgia with classic Grand Prix F1, saloon cars and sports car racing, just as it was in the seventies. Great stuff and unmissable. Qualifying and racing on both days.

For tickets visit www.motorsportvision.co.uk

One of only four Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantics was sold recently by the Californian auction house, Gooding & Company, for an undisclosed figure well in excess of $30 million. This easily beats the previous record of $12.2 million paid for a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

In celebration of fifty years, the HSCC will be including The Jaguar E-Type Challenge in its race series for just one year, 2011. Venues include Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton Park and as a special treat, a trip to the Nurburgring as part of the 39th AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix Festival.

For more information visit www.hscc.org.uk

A big win at the casino would have been nothing compared to the success of the RM auction, held on 1 May, at Monaco during the GP Historique weekend.

First there was the Monaco Grand Prix, then there was the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and this year there was the Grand Prix des Auctions. As it has done in so many places around the world, Canadian auction house RM decided to raise the stakes in Monaco by running a third sale alongside Bonhams and Coys.

It would be an understatement to say that it was a success, so astounding were the results. A grand total of Euro33.2 million changed hands and 88 out of the total 105 cars found buyers, albeit some of them after the sale. This included their biggest star, a BMW 328 Mille Miglia that sold for a sum that will remain undisclosed.

Otherwise, the feature 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet took Euro2.8million, the Chris Evans Ferrari California Spider went to Euro2.07million and a long-wheelbase 250GT Tour de France made Euro2.35million.

But it wasn’t all Ferraris. A fabulous little 1953 Moretti 750 Gran Sport made Euro151.2K, “My car of the sale,” said collector Lorenzo Prandina. The first Lola T70 took Euro403.2K and a Lancia Aurelia B53 by Allemano went for Euro100.8K.

Click to view Gallery

When it was clear there were going to be three separate historic car auctions during the Monaco Historique weekend, 30 April to 2 May, not surprisingly there were doubters. Bonhams certainly doesn’t exude the razzmatazz of their rivals RM, and their traditional customers would possibly say hurrah to that, but there is always something in the air at Monaco that makes people put their hands in their pockets for those ‘a little different’ cars and it’s probably the smell of the briny that makes the ‘Jolly’ Fiats so popular. A replica sold over the odds for Euro14.9K against top estimate of 12 and in the same category an Eden Roc Autobianchi Cabriolet took Euro12.6K, virtually top money.

But more than novelty, Monaco has finally underlined the inexorable rise of the Lancia Aurelia. All those of you who thought you would wait and buy one later have missed the boat, they are heading rapidly far out of reach. A gorgeous Series 4, restored and with full Nardi conversion from period, went for Euro103.5 K while even a lovely B21 saloon, previously relatively unloved, took Euro31.6K. There is still a market for reasonably priced entry-level historic competition fodder too, with a very attainable Euro13.2K forked out for a 1972 Lancia Fulvia rally car.

Star was a beautifully restored and very rare Abarth 750 Spider at Euro69K, while a Cameron Millar Maserati 250F and an ex-Rowan Atkinson Lancia Flaminia Zagato both sold.

Click to view Gallery

Subject to a final inspection by the MSA the Masters Festival, postponed from June, will now take place between 3-5 September 2010.

Bonhams reported 93% sales on 18 April with several surprises. The Fiat 500 top estimate was £6K but bidding soared to £9K - for a standard but restored car. A Morgan F Type 3-wheeler doubled estimate. Fiat X1/9 was good value to someone for £3,220. Feature AC428 at £63K was mid-estimate.  All prices include buyers premium.

Click to view Gallery

British racers Martin Stretton and Matthew Watts top the entry for the opening two rounds of the 2010 Historic Formula 2 Championship at Hockenheim during the weekend of 17/18 April.

Defending champion Stretton has stepped up to a 2-litre March 742, having won the 2009 title in his 1600cc March 712, while Watts continues with his ex-Norman Dickson March 772.

The F2 Trophy will be contested over a schedule of twelve races at six major historic race meetings. All six tracks on the calendar have a period Formula 2 history, including Brands Hatch GP, which hosts the British rounds on 3/4 July. The F2 championship caters for both 1600cc and 2-litre Formula 2, also Formula Atlantic cars produced from 1967 to 1978.

The 22-car field includes drivers from seven countries and six manufacturers, with nine 2-litre cars and thirteen 1600cc cars. New to F2 will be Historic F1 racers Richard Meins (March 762) and Peter Wuensch in the ex-Eddie Cheever Ralt RT1. Peter Meyrick (March 782) is another leading contender, while Japanese racer Katsu Kubota (March 712) tops the 1600cc field.

"This is a great start to the F2 season," said Grahame White of the HSCC, managers of the championship. "It is very encouraging to have a 22-car entry for Hockenheim with a number of new drivers and new driver and car combinations."

For more details on the Historic Sports Car Club: www.hscc.org.uk

Superleague Formula Weekend, Silverstone, 2-4 April

Grand Prix Masters, Qualifying, Friday 11.50hr
First Race, Friday 15.55hr
Second Race, Saturday 13.40hr

World Sports Car Masters, Qualifying, Saturday 10.55hr
Race, Sunday 16.50hr

Bags of noise, speed and determined driving. European Ed, Peter Collins, will be there.

54 Degrees South, 23 January to 23 February 2011, also called Journey to the End of the World, is billed as ‘the one journey you’ll never forget’. Designed around owners of 4x4s and well-prepared classic cars, crews will tour South America starting from the Equator in Ecuador and finishing ‘where the road ends’ in Tierra del Fuego.

Places are limited to thirty-five for this 32-day once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Having spoken to organiser James Walker, he is keen to emphasise that the event is untimed and full on-event support will be guaranteed. The entry fee of £35,950 includes shipping, accommodation, meals and full back up.
www.jameswalkerevents.com/

The Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation has come up with a novel idea by introducing The 2010 Hero Cup coupled to a very special prize. To get your name on the Cup and win a Mediterranean cruise for eight people the winner will need to enter three out of their four 2010 events and score the best accumulative results. Second prize is a hospitality package at the Goodwood Revival. Even third place qualifies for a case of champagne.

As an extension to their core interest HERO has also introduced: rally car hire, classic car storage and rally car transportation.
www.heroevents.eu/

The HSCC will be celebrating fifty years of Grand Prix racing at Brands Hatch during their annual HSCC Historic Superprix weekend 3/4 July by running a race over the full circuit in honour of the original ‘Silver City’ Trophy.

Bosch is working on their first ABS application specifically designed for low production replicas and classics. More soon.

Important news. Malcolm Wilson of M-Sport and Iain Wight of Ricardo have joined the Motorsport Industry Association. The organisation not only caters for those directly involved but also helps universities and colleges.

The first race of the inaugural Masters pre-1966 Mini Series takes place at Snetterton on 18 April and the great news is Hillman Imps are eligible. Those of us around at the time will remember just how entertaining this combination was.

Organisers of the Carrera Copacabana visiting Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, starting 21 October, remind us the cut off date for entries is 29 May. Contact info@thetrial.nl or visit www.classicevents.nl

An exiting edition to the never-ending crowded classic rally calendar, the 2011 Liege Rome Liege, with a route of 3,890km, will pass through five countries starting and finishing in Belgium. All special stages exceed 10km and take place on closed roads. There are two categories: 'Speed' for experienced drivers holding a sporting licence and 'Regularity' where competitors rely on imposed average speeds. Eligible cars will be those first manufactured between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1975.

Raymond Baxter interviews Ed-in-Chief after 'Liege'

Patrick Head will be the new name in post-1978 Formula One cars for the series run by Masters Historic Racing. This is the first time a class within the Championship has not been named after a famous driver.

Patrick joined Frank Williams in 1976 and together enjoyed three decades of success, starting with the FW06 which appears regularly on GPM events.

Christopher Tate

Sounds like another good reason for not helpting around the house. Launching on 12 March, Autoclassique TV is a new pay-per-view channel specialising in all areas of motor sport.

The rally section harks back to the glory days of rallying and includes the Alpine, Monte and Safari of the pre-WRC era as well as exciting stuff from 1980s Group B.

We are especially pleased that the effervescent Jonothan Bowles, proprietor of Continental Car Tours, has been encouraged for the second time to organise his immensely enjoyable N.E.W.S. Run. Here is an early opportunity for owners of interesting cars to come out and enjoy the British springtime. And to save fuel they can start from any one of the four points of the compass (hence the name), heading for Gaydon in the fair county of Warwickshire.

As with everything that Mr. Bowles organises, there is a twist and here it is:  Entrants, having decided from which direction to approach the finish will then be expected to choose a route they consider the shortest. In the meantime, a series of way points are compulsory where it is necessary to take photographs as proof of adherence. Who said it would be easy? After arriving at Gaydon drivers have the opportunity of taking part in an ‘autokhana’ driving test, although this is not compulsory.

At a modest £25 this is surely great value, it’s social and a real family fun day out.

More details at www.continentalcartours.co.uk

Drive It Day - www.fbhvc.co.uk/drive-it-day

Who has the best job in the world? It must be Greg Cozier, organiser of the Barbados Rally Carnival running between 14-18 July. The event includes a rallysprint and an asphalt stage rally, both of which will this year be open to pre-1982 Classics and Group B cars (demonstration purposes only).

Greg will be in the UK during Race Retro to answer questions but in the meantime he is available via greg@huzler.com Alternatively telephone Martin Sharp 0208 675 5818.

Dear Ed-in-Chief,
I just happen to be free that week.
Retro-Gnome

Retro-Speed has been informed that this year's FIVA World Rally 2010 due to be held in Belgium has been cancelled due to budgetary and economical reasons.

We have often wondered how an event with such an important title receives so little publicity. Maybe they should try harder.

Over the weekend of 24-26 September two races will be run at the Spa Classic Six-Hour meeting, open to Historic Sports Car CLub members in cars from the Historic Formula 2, Classic Formula 3, Historic FF2000, Historic FF1600 and Classic Racing Car categories. In addition, Formula 2 and Formula Atlantic cars from the Derek Bell Trophy will be eligible along with 1-litre Formula 3 cars.

In addition and just one week later, between 1-3 October the HSCC will run two races in the ‘Closed Wheel’ category at the Trophées Historiques de Bourgogne meeting in Dijon. These races will cater for members in cars from the Guards Trophy, Historic Racing Saloons, 1970s Road Sports and Historic Road Sports categories.

On behalf of HSCC, CEO Grahame White comments: "It is hard to think of two better tracks in mainland Europe than Spa and Dijon and we hope that members will take the chance of an early autumn trip across the channel."

More details about both events are available from the HSCC office and at www.hscc.org.uk

The organisers have at last found a way to discriminate those who choose to do the Championship but lack big budgets. They intend stimulating clubmen interest in the Championship by offering discretionary prizes, given as paid entry fees for one of the closing rounds of the 2010 season. The three winners of the BHRC Spirit of Clubmen Award will include those competing in categories 1, 2 and 3 who can expect to take part in either the Tour of Flanders or the Trackrod Historic Cup.

"This is a great way to recognise and reward the effort of the lower-budget clubmen competing in the BHRC," said series co-ordinator Simon Marks. "We are very grateful to Holton Homes for supporting the awards and we really hope this will make a significant difference to the season of three crews."

The finest circuits in Europe, including Spa, Monza and Hockenheim, are pencilled in as venues for the highly competitive 2010 Historic Formula 2 Championship, extended to include Formula Atlantic cars.

At least 49 drivers in 19 different models of car will take part in the 12-round race series beginning on 16 April weekend in Germany.

The provisional calendar is:-

16-18 April, Hockenheim (D), Jim Clark Meeting

21-23 May, Spa-Francorchamps (B), RMU Classic

4-6 June, Monza (I), Coppa Intereuropa

3-4 July, Brands Hatch GP, HSCC Superprix

4-5 September, Nogaro (F), 50th Grand Prix Historique

1-3 October, Dijon-Prenois (F), Trophees Historiques de Bourgogne

Hall plans BHRC Asphalt Cup challenge.

Triumph TR specialist Stephen Hall will return to historic rallying in 2010 to contest the Waterend Asphalt Cup, which runs over four asphalt rallies held within the Dunlop/Wonago.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship.

The Historic Sports Car Club will run a special race series in 2011, dedicated to the Jaguar E-Type. As the famous model celebrates its 50th anniversary, the HSCC and Jaguar Heritage Trust have joined forces to mark the year with a series of races at high-profile historic race meetings, including the Nurburgring.

The E-Type continues to be hugely popular across historic racing. Within the HSCC, these cars are found in the Guards Trophy, Historic Road Sports and 1970s Road Sports series.

As well as organising the entire racing element of the Silverstone Classic, 23-25 July, the Historic Sports Car Club will provide two grids; covering road sports, and over 2 litre pre-1966 touring cars. 
 
"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to organise these two grids at the Silverstone Classic," said Grahame White, CEO of the HSCC.

Autosport International 14-17 January 2010 is billed as the biggest motor sport show in the world. Jenson promises to be there along with a host of other race and rally stars. Expect plenty of action but at a price.

Standard Entry:  Adult £29.00, children £19.00. Includes Live Action arena show of your choice plus Show Guide. Parking extra.

Paddock Pass Upgrade:  All the above plus paddock pass, driver signing-on, paddock back stage entry. £35.00, children £25.00. That’s six pounds for a youngster to get a signature. Shame on you Autosport.

Platinum Club:  £100.00. Includes all the above plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action arena grandstand, complete with complimentary shampoo and crisps. Exclusive lounge, entry to Coys auction, Paddock guide and goody bag. Finally, free parking. In fact everything that should be included in the standard entry price.

Pistonheads – The Performance Car Show organised by the biggest on-line young enthusiasts club in the world is also included in the ticket price. Special features include Alfa Romeo Celebration, appearance of Andy Green and the Bloodhound record car (or probably just the front section as at NEC), Caterham Drive Experience and British Sports Car Pavilion. Plus a gadget and techno area for those with any money left.

Finally, on Saturday, 16 January will be the Coys' auction of Grand Prix, Competition, Touring and Rally cars, and Collectors Items. For full list of auction entries go to www.coys.co.uk/auctions/lot_list.php?id=97

11 January 
VSCC's New Year Driving Tests, Brooklands, Surrey 

22-31 January 
RetroMobile, Porte de Versailles, Paris 

23 January - 3 February 
13e Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 

27 February 
VSCC's Pomeroy Trophy, Silverstone 

4-14 March
80th International Motor Show, Geneva

12-14 March
RaceRetro, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry

The office of the Earl of March has just contacted Retro-Speed with details concerning the 2010 Festival of Speed extravaganza. Provisional date 2–4 July.

HRCR is the leading name in UK historic rallying and provides strong support for all associated activity. A good example is their Open Day at Gaydon, where the opportunity exists for enthusiasts to spend a day meeting event organisers and deciding at which level they wish to enjoy their classic activities in 2010. And whether it be, just having a fun day driving on quiet country roads in the company of like-minded enthusiasts, or donning a crash helmet and competing on full-blown stage rallies, the experts are on hand and the choice is ever-wider.

This is a very social day out with plenty of variety, there is a driving test laid out in the car park while inside stalls will be selling, among other things, books, equipment and memorabilia.

Note:  For those visiting the Autosport International Show at the NEC (same weekend) Retro-Speed recommends taking time out on the Saturday and joining in with the fastest growing area of motor sport.

While sales statistics appeared good at Bonhams end-of-season sale at Olympia in London on 7 December, hammer prices were lacklustre with many cars sold at, or around, minimum estimates.

The sale made good use of a number of Rolls Royce/Bentleys and Aston Martins, with one of the former turning out to be the star performer of the evening in the very attractive shape of a rare Abbott’s of Farnham-bodied R-Type which was briskly bid on the telephone to nearly double its top estimate of £50K, in the end making £98K.

The featured early AC Cobra took £210K and a very rare early Rolls Royce went for £400K, both bottom estimates.

A Lancia B20 in extremely dilapidated condition requiring a total ground-up restoration enticed two bidders to continue up to £14K which was top-of- estimate. Also from Italy was a nice Fiat Ballila that had been part of the UK ‘Black Diamond’ Team in its hey-day which sold for just over bottom estimate, hammer price £45K.

Finally, someone drove away in what appeared to be a sound 1970 Lancia 2000 Coupe for slightly in excess of £4K, so maybe there’s hope for us mere mortals.

Hang on a second .... I know that car. Ed-in-Chief

It used to be mine!

2010 will be a very special for year for Alfa Romeo and the AROC Events Team has planned a full and varied programme for members in the UK to celebrate the Centenary.  

12-14 March – Race Retro, International Historic Motorsport Show, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, CV8 2LZ
This year Alfa Romeo has been chosen as the celebrated marque. To give AROC members and owners the chance to be included in the celebrations, Hall 4 of the Show will become a dedicated showcase for Alfa Romeo club cars. Owners will be offered significantly discounted tickets and the opportunity to show off their marque for the duration of Race Retro.

18 April – Spring Alfa Day, Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY
The season opening ‘park and polish’ event will be held at one of Europe's most outstanding and important family estates. Burghley House is a grand 16th century English country house with extensive parkland, laid out by Capability Brown, and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer. Spring Alfa Day will see iconic and evocative examples of Alfa Romeo from the past 60 years on display. A real opportunity to see the changing style and sophistication of the marque in one place.

2 May – Giorni Alfa Centenario di York
The historic streetscape of York city centre is due to be transformed!
To commemorate Alfa Romeo’s Centenary, the heart of the City will be the imposing backdrop for an incredible display of 100 examples of automobiles from Italy’s finest manufacturer with every one of Alfa Romeo’s model range being represented chronologically, from the earliest pre-war examples right up to the very latest cars. In collaboration with City of York Council, AROC’s Giorni Alfa Centenario will have an authentic Italian Food Market in attendance. Giorni Alfa Centenario di York – Spettacolare e magnifico!

David Bridges on the Cotswold Economy Drive

A pioneering new series, known as the EV (Electric Vehicles) Cup will bring manufacturers together in a challenge where electric-powered cars will eventually race at the top circuits throughout Europe in 2010. But can EEVRC Limited really persuade car makers to change habits of a life-time?

First race of the season not entirely successful

Sunday, 11 April – Taith Cymru  
Contact:  Entries Secretary , Julie Lloyd at julie@jhlloyd.demon.co.uk or 01656 649733 (evening) or Chris Seymour at chris.seymour@masstock.co.uk or 07836 387639

Sunday, 18 April – The Corinium Run
Contact:  Martin Saunders at ted163@waitrose.com

Sunday, 25 April – MK Classic Tour
Contact:  Alison Upson at mkclassictours@aol.com or 01525 290 117

Saturday, 8 May – The Bluebell Run
Contact:  Matt or Will Rogers at subaru4matt@yahoo.co.uk or 01594 827264

Sunday, 16 May – The Three Counties Tour
Contact:  Pam Douce at info@carolineracing.co.uk or 01883 343450 (evening)

The Action Day season opens on Saturday, 24 April with the Performance Car Action Day. This opening event has sold out for the last three years, with well over 100 clubs representing almost every type of performance car applying for stand space and track passes.

Classic and sports car fans are invited on Saturday, 12 June for their own dedicated event. Showing its diverse appeal, already 50 Morris Minors are promised and will be taking advantage of the Giant Classic Lunchtime Cruise.

Saturday, 4 September sees the return of the Ajec Racing, Summer Performance Car Action Day. Ajec Racing promises a collection of exiting super cars, a drfiting display and a special parade of cars worth literally millions of pounds, so there will be much to look at as well as enjoying the track time.

Closing the season will be "Mini World" magazine-supported Mini Action Day on Saturday, 25 September.

Castle Combe Action Days have been established for almost 25 years and offer clubs, groups and organisations the chance to apply for free display space, free admission tickets and the chance to drive on Castle Combe Circuit at heavily-reduced prices. For enthusiasts there is a chance to experience the circuit, view various displays, wander the trade stands and pick up bargains in the automjumble which operates on selected days.

For information on Castle Combe Action Days contact Maria Fisher at maria@castlecombecircuit.co.uk.

Autosport International 14-17 January 2010 is billed as the biggest motor sport show in the world. Jenson promises to be there along with a host of other race and rally stars. Expect plenty of action but at a price.

Standard Entry:  Adult £29.00, children £19.00. Includes Live Action arena show of your choice plus Show Guide. Parking extra.

Paddock Pass Upgrade:  All the above plus paddock pass, driver signing-on, paddock back stage entry. £35.00, children £25.00. That’s six pounds for a youngster to get a signature. Shame on you Autosport.

Platinum Club:  £100.00. Includes all the above plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action arena grandstand, complete with complimentary shampoo and crisps. Exclusive lounge, entry to Coys auction, Paddock guide and goody bag. Finally, free parking. In fact everything that should be included in the standard entry price.

Pistonheads – The Performance Car Show organised by the biggest on-line young enthusiasts club in the world is also included in the ticket price. Special features include Alfa Romeo Celebration, appearance of Andy Green and the Bloodhound record car (or probably just the front section as at NEC), Caterham Drive Experience and British Sports Car Pavilion. Plus a gadget and techno area for those with any money left.

Latest news from Paul Lawrence  

The 2010 Dunlop/wonago.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship will feature two dedicated mini-series for gravel and asphalt rallies, with five gravel rallies in the Water End Properties Gravel Cup and four asphalt events qualifying for the Water End Properties Asphalt Cup.

The best performance on each surface has been recognised for the last two years, and the 2009 winners were Dessie Nutt/Geraldine McBride (gravel) and Paul Mankin/Desmond Bell (asphalt).

However, in 2010 the concept will be taken further by additional awards and the inclusion of a fourth asphalt event. Although not a part of the overall BHRC for 2010, the Harry Flatters Historic Rally on Epynt will be included in the Water End Properties Asphalt Cup to give competitors four sealed-surface rallies.

"Some competitors want more gravel rallies and some competitors want more asphalt events," said championship manager Simon Marks. "Whilst the overall BHRC will continue to be decided over both types of surface, this development will particularly suit those competitors who prefer either gravel or asphalt. We already had five strong gravel rallies and have included the Harry Flatters for those who would like to focus on asphalt rallies."

The awards for each mini-series will include first, second and third overall as well as class awards. In the gravel series, competitors will score their best four results from five rallies. Meanwhile in the asphalt series, where the three 'over-the-water' events in the Isle of Man, Ulster and Flanders accrue additional points, competitors will be able to miss one of these three rallies and still challenge for awards.

"These awards recognise that certain historic cars are much more suited to one surface than the other, not to mention some of the drivers," said Steven Smith of Water End Properties. "We specifically wanted to give those crews something worthwhile to get out and compete for."

To be eligible for either series, competitors must be members of the Historic Rally Car Register.

The provisional calendars are:

The MSA has recently awarded a new five-year contract to the Historic Rally Car Register to manage the MSA British Historic Rally Championship, which comes as the HRCR completes a 10-year stint at the helm of the BHRC. The new agreement will take the championship through until at least 2014 under the same management. The key change for the 2010 Championship is the closed-road Ulster Rally which replaces the Harry Flatters Rally on Epynt.

Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive said: “The MSA has conducted a full review of the promotional contracts for all of the major rally championships. We are pleased that the HRCR is keen to continue its excellent work of recent years and this long-term contract will provide stability for all parties.”

Championship manager Simon Marks said: "We are delighted to have secured the contract from the MSA to continue taking the British Historic Rally Championship forward over the coming years. 2009 has been a particularly enjoyable season and we are looking forward to a couple of exciting developments and more competitors joining us to make 2010 our best season yet."

There will also be a new title for the BHRC, as wonago.com takes over from the Gambia as joint title sponsor with Dunlop. Wonago.com is the new holiday company of regular BHRC competitor Martin Freestone, who continues his support for the championship. The new title will be the Dunlop/wonago.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship. Wonago.com is a travel and holiday web site, with six search engines to book holidays, cruises, flights, insurance, car hire and motor home hire, all at great discounted prices. Meanwhile, Dunlop will continue to provide major backing to the championship during the second year of a multi-year partnership with the BHRC. As well as being the championship's tyre supplier, Dunlop's support has allowed extensive TV coverage of the 2009 season.

The schedule for 2010 closely follows the 2009 calendar, other than the inclusion of the Ulster Rally in August. The move away from Epynt is the result of an extensive competitor survey, which clearly demonstrated demand for another high-profile closed-roads rally rather than an event on Epynt. The Antrim-based Ulster Rally will offer a fresh new challenge and current BHRC champion Dessie Nutt says that crews contesting the event will not be disappointed. "It really is a superb event," said Nutt. "Everybody who goes will be very, very impressed. The stages are fantastic; some of them are old Circuit of Ireland stages. There is a senior team that organises the event and every one of them has extensive competition experience."

The full provisional calendar is:
27 March; Bulldog Rally (gravel)
24 April; Pirelli Historic Rally (gravel)
6 June; Severn Valley Stages (gravel)
20 June; Mid Wales Stages (gravel)
9/10 July; Isle of Man Historic Rally (asphalt)
20/21 August; Ulster Historic Rally (asphalt)
11/12 September; Tour of Flanders (asphalt)
25 September; Trackrod Historic Cup (gravel)

News from the International Rally Drivers Club  

The newly-crowned winner of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), Kris Meeke, is looking forward to putting the icing on the cake when competing on home soil this November in the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland. With the IRC Drivers' Championship title now in the bag and Scotland being the only event remaining on the calendar, Meeke has just one goal remaining - to end the year with victory on his home event.

When asked about the challenges of the Rally of Scotland, Kris Meeke commented: "There are some classic and rugged stages to overcome. The weather could also be a factor as it may well be challenging in this part of the world come November. For spectators the sound of these cars in the forests will be fantastic and there are lots of great vantage points."

Meeke is particularly looking forward to stages Drummond Hill, near Kenmore and Errochty near Pitlochry which he says require a great deal of commitment. When asked about the challenges offered by the Scottish stages, Meeke said: "They are generally fast and flowing in nature, but with some tricky narrow sections meaning that you have to retain maximum concentration at all times. The deep ditches at the side of the road will be something to watch out for and tightening corners over blind crescents, therefore creating the possibility of picking up punctures."

He concluded by commenting on how the UK spectators differ from those elsewhere around the world: "The Scottish fans are always enthusiastic as evidenced by the fantastic turn-out at last year's 'Colin McRae Forest Stages' and are also amongst the most knowledgeable in the world."

The 2010 and fourth edition of The Rally Show Chatsworth will include a new stage layout, allowing cars to start at thirty second intervals. Also the service and exhibition areas will be better located for access.

Ticket prices are being reviewed to provide better value for money and are likely to be generally cheaper than 2009. A special feature for next year will be Audi, thirty years of the Quattro, including the car driven by Michelle Mouton in 1984.

Following the success of Brooklands, the 3.125-mile Donington Park opened in 1933, under the management of Fred Craner and the Derby and District Motor Club.

Paul Lawrence with news on XS Racing (Chesterfield)  

A class C4 victory for Peter Smith/Russ Langthorne was the highlight result for XS Racing on the eighth and final round of the Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the Trackrod Historic Cup (26 September).

The fast and tough Yorkshire stages were the setting for the final BHRC event and once again the XS Racing squad chalked up a 100 per cent finishing record. The Trackrod was the fifth rally of the year when all the cars from XS finished the rally and the statistics for the season make interesting reading.

Across eight rallies, XS Racing has fielded 38 entries in the 2009 BHRC, and chalked up a total of 35 finishes. The three non-finishes were all down to cars going off the road, so for 2009 XS can rightly record no retirements due to mechanical problems. Running up to seven cars on some of the toughest and most competitive events on the British rallying calendar makes this an amazing achievement.

The Trackrod was a notable day for Smith/Langthorne as Smith celebrated a landmark birthday on his home event. As the day progressed they set some excellent stage times and were fastest of all the category two cars through the final stage, a 14-mile high-speed charge through Langdale.

Fourth in class in C3, just five seconds off another top three finish, came Andrew Siddall/Captain Thompson in their Ford Escort Mk1. "We've been a bit slower than normal, but we enjoyed the rally," said Siddall.

The name Marcos is derived from Jem Marsh and Frank Costin, two brilliant designers who shared extremely original ideas. Marsh was born in 1930, served in the Royal Navy, sold cars and then joined Firestone's technical department. Costin, ten years older, worked for numerous aircraft companies, finally as aerodynamic flight test engineer in charge of the experimental department of De Havilland. At the same time he had input into various Grand Prix cars including Lotus and Vanwall.

Their most successful car together was the Marcos GT, powered by Ford, but losses mounted when cars failed US regulations. From 1972 onwards the Company has always struggled and it passed through several hands until in 1981 Jem Marsh bought back the Company.

Now comes the book 'Making my Marque' by Jem Marsh.

Next round of the V8 Supercar 2009 Championship Series, 8-11 October, moves to the famous Bathurst Circuit for the Supercheap 1,000 km. More news on teams and drivers at www.v8supercars.com.au

Citroen announce their driver line-up for next year's World Rally Championship with Loeb and Sordo staying put.

Predictable result from Phillip Island, Victoria. Can anybody beat Toll Holden?

VSCC at Donnington  

A fabulous GT and Sportscar Cup one hour race resulted in the E Type of John Clark/Gregor Fisken just beating the similar car of Gary Pearson/Carlos Monteverde by less than a second after a last minute place change.

Rare cars department 1: Hubert Fabri brought his fabulous Bugatti T59 into 14th place in the race for Pre-war sportscars.

Rare cars department 2: Greg Snape shipped his unique 1954 Kieft DeSoto sportscar all the way from Australia to compete in the UK. It joined the sole Kieft Grand Prix car that was also making a rare appearance.

The McIntyre brothers enjoyed very close dices during the weekend finishing first and second in Lister Chevrolet and Lotus 15. Little and large.........!

Work was progressing on the infield at the circuit but with still no news as to the eventual outcome. This was the last arce-meeting on the circuit in its present form.

Latest news: Retro-Speed hears that this year's event is not sold-out. But remember, tickets can only be purchased on-line.

The weekend starts on Friday, 18 September when the gates open at the unearthly hour of 07.30. However, it's worth an early arrival as the air display and free practice all take place by 10.00. There will be a tribute to Sir Stirling Moss some time during the afternoon to celebrate his 80th birthday. Let's hope his back stands up to it all.

Moss is probably the most famous driver never to have become World Champion. His greatest achievement was, of course, winning the 1955 Mille Miglia with Denis Jenkinson but, personally, it was his success driving for the Rootes Group and winning a succession of Coupe des Alpes that pursuaded me to buy a Sunbeam Talbot and enter the Monte Carlo Challenge.

Happy Birthday, Sir Stirling.

Every time I take off from East Midlands Airport (until 1 January 2010 when easyJet pull out) I look down at the building site that is Donington Park. Can they realistically hope to run the British Grand Prix in 2010? Herewith is the current statement as freely available on their web site.

The Count Down to the Formula One 2010 British Grand Prix has begun

North West Leicestershire District Council’s approval of planning permission for the re-development of Donington Park on 8 January 2009 began the countdown for the long anticipated return of grand prix racing to the Leicestershire parkland circuit.

Since hosting its first race in 1931, the Leicestershire parkland circuit of Donington Park – the first permanent park circuit in England – has been a fans’ favourite. The last pre-war Grand Prix in 1938 was as memorable as the 29th European Grand Prix hosted at the circuit 55 years later in 1993 – all of which bodes well for the return of Grand Prix racing to Donington Park in 2010.

1938 brought a surprise victory for the then 46-year-old racing legend Tazio Nuvolari – described by Dr Ferdinand Porsche as, “The greatest driver of the past, the present, and the future.” The Italian took a dramatic race win in front of a 60,000-strong British crowd, which included the Duke of Kent, in an 80-mile, 250-lap showdown.

Having quit Alfa Romeo in 1938 and criticising the team for poor workmanship due to a split fuel tank in the first race of the season, Nuvolari agreed to race for Auto Union at the Donington Park Grand Prix event on 22 October. Despite battling with the pain from a fractured rib, sustained during an accident with a deer during practice, and the need to pit for a change of plugs during the race, Nuvolari crossed the finish line in first with a 90-second advantage.

This was the last of the epic battles for which Donington Park had become renowned for quite some time as the break out of World War II saw the circuit being used as a vehicle depot by the War Office. Its rescue came in the form of Tom Wheatcroft in 1971 who bought the Donington Park land and funded the rebuild of the circuit. The businessman also moved his substantial car collection to the venue – where it is now housed in the Grand Prix museum.

Racing returned to the circuit following the rebuild and 55 years after the Nuvolari victory, on Easter Sunday in 1993, another classic race was produced. Amid dismal weather conditions, Ayrton Senna dominated the British track for the third round of that year’s Formula One championship. The Brazilian driver won the race by more than one minute from homegrown hero Damon Hill. Senna had moved fron fifth to first on the opening lap and maintained his competitive advantage until the chequered flag.

A tribute to Senna still stands outside the Donington Park Grand Prix museum (see Retro-Speed feature - Senna Toleman track test) as a reminder of what many called Senna’s greatest drive. Following a 15-year break since that race, 2010 will once again mark the return of Grand Prix racing to the Leicestershire circuit and fans are at the heart of the plans. Improved facilities and a focus on providing some of the most spectactular viewing areas and vantage points at any UK motorsport venue will ensure that Donington Park retains its position as a fans’ favourite.

Architect, Peter Wahl has promised that the new circuit, which will host the British F1 Grand Prix for 17 years from July 2010, will present overtaking and excitement together with technical challenges for drivers and teams.

Tilke, the German concern in which Peter is a partner, has designed most of the world's newest circuits. However, Donington Park is the company's first project in England. On a visit to the parkland circuit, Peter described his work on the project as very exciting because the "circuit has to include the best of the old with the new."

The design of the circuit has been handled by Wahl and his partner Herman Tilke: "We had a lot of fun - Herman is a racing driver so we added many features and are confident that the new circuit will be very good. It has been a task for us to maintain the tradition of the circuit with the necessary new designs but we have done it in such a way that it will be as interesting as when Ayrton Senna won the 1993 Grand Prix of Europe there in 1993, and that was the best race ever."

The multi-million project has a number of features including an under-track tunnel to provide ready access to the infield area, pits and paddock complex at all times.

Retro-Speed comment: Will it, won't it? Bernie is on their side because the BRDC has never been on his Christmas list. But money is hard to come by at the moment so can Harry find the dosh to finish the job in time? Watch this space.

We can't believe that a company with such a high reputation as Renault could try to pull off such a stupid trick. But then again the mind goes back to the Mercedes McLaren debacle last year.

When Nelson Piquet Jnr climbed from the wreckage of his Renault car, facing the wrong way on the floodlit streets of Singapore after clattering into two walls, he scampered across the track and vanished into the night.

At the time, it was dismissed as another abysmal mistake in an abject season by the privileged son of three times world champion Nelson Piquet. But 11 months later, the debris from that crash will be dissected in a courtroom in Paris on Monday. At stake is not only of the reputation of the Renault team but the integrity of Formula One itself.

Retro-Speed sincerely hopes there is no substance to this allegation. F1 and the surrounding organisation is very fragile and something of this magnitude, if proven, will surely be the end of Grand Prix racing as we know it.

Autumn is the Season to get in gear. August Bank holiday is the start of the show and activity season... But it is also time to read all about LANCIA in the press.