• Simpson Performance Products has expanded its line of racing safety products with the acquisition of HANS Performance Products, makers of the HANS Device Head And Neck Restraint System. HANS Performance Products, formed in 1991 by five-time IMSA driving champion Jim Downing and HANS inventor Dr. Robert Hubbard, will be operated in Atlanta as a separate division of Simpson Performance Products with Downing and Dr. Hubbard continuing to provide engineering experience and support to Simpson. For complete information, visit www.teamsimpson.com
• The Sports Car Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced its purchase of Historic Sports Car Racing West (HSR-West). Tony Parella, president and CEO of SVRA said: “I am very excited to have Ed Swart and HSR-West become part of our future. Ed has a storied history in racing and is the founder of HSR-West. He will be a valued part of our team. We will work hard to standardize our rules to set the stage for a true Vintage Racing National Championship. We also plan to expand our race season with more events for both SVRA east and west competitors over the coming months.”
• More than 400 cars and motorcycles delivered pure racing excitement for the 14,000-plus spectators lining historic Kop Hill in Princes Risborough in late September. Sunny Saturday weather made the event even more inviting and after Lord Howe opened the competition by flagging off a splendid 1914 Sunbeam TT racer things really took off, capped by a show-stopping Spitfire flyover. Although Sunday dawned overcast, keeping crowd numbers down, it did not dampen the spirit of those who braved the elements, for a further 200 vintage, veteran and classic cars were on display for spectators roaming the grounds and taking in a superb “trade village” featuring an array of goods and services. The provisional date of next year’s hillclimb has been set for September 21-22, and for complete information please visit www.kophillclimb.info
• When Race Retro 2013 returns to Stoneleigh Park next February 22-24, Team Lotus and French specialist manufacturer Alpine will be honored. Team Lotus is, of course, the racing organization founded by the legendary Colin Chapman in 1958 that won six World Championships for drivers and seven Constructors titles, while Alpine shocked the establishment by winning the inaugural Manufacturers World Rally Championship in 1973 with its small but beautifully proportioned, Renault-powered A110 coupe. To book tickets and for full information, please visit www.raceretro.com.
