Silverstone Classic organizers announced that an exciting and eclectic grid of early 1960s racers will battle it out on track at the classic car race in July.
Participation is limited by invitation only to GT cars built and homologated before January 1st, 1963, from AC Cobras to Short Wheel Base Ferraris and Aston Martin Zagatos, all models which were built to be driven on the road and raced on the track. Observance to period homologation rules will be strict, as the grid welcomes pre-’63 models which were competitive in their time but whose performance may not be suitable for more ‘modern’ historic racing.
“We are attracting owners of rarely seen cars,” says racer Ben Cussons, “and have convinced them to get their toys out of the cupboard to race here at the Silverstone Classic. The event gives owners an opportunity to race their cars within a grid that more closely reflects the specification of the original racing models.”
Among the entries accepted so far are two of the rarest and most famous Aston Martins: the lightweight chassis ex-Equipe Endeavour DB4GT, which won its first race at Goodwood with Stirling Moss at the wheel in 1960, and a Project DP212 which raced at Le Mans in 1962. There will also be a Triumph TR3, winner of an Alpine Rally cup and placed second in the 1957 Sebring 12-hour race, thus sporting both period race and rally history, a very rare feat in ex-works cars.
Ken Prichard Jones, director of Racing at Silverstone Ltd, confirms the importance of a rigorous grid selection process. “The Silverstone Classic,” he says, “is all about encouraging and nurturing the spirit of good old historic racing. After all, it is only by enjoying and understanding the past that we can invest in the future and appreciate innovation and technology.”
For more information, visit www.silverstoneclassic.com.
[Source: Silverstone Classic]
