AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Marking the beginning of motorsport season, the annual Autosport bash in Birmingham brought together independent teams, product manufacturers and Porsche Motorsport’s big guns to showcase exciting developments in racing. Bilstein unveiled its new range of coilover suspension solutions, wowing visitors to its trade stand by displaying the Turner Race Developments Bastos-liveried 964 Carrera 2, while 920E showcased its new direct-fit 991 brake caliper upgrade. KW Automotive pitched a modified Cayman GT4 for all to see, while aviation and race engine specialist, Nicholson Mclaren, enabled Porsche fans to get a close look at the four-litre, carbon-clad flat-six powering Singer’s famous 964-based £1.4m Dynamic and Lightweight Study.

A star-studded cast of speakers at the show included Ferrari Scuderia F1 pilot, Charles Leclerc, as well as current drivers from the field of touring cars and rallying. Former F1 drivers, David Coulthard and Martin Brundle, entertained with their predictions for the 2020 season (we hope they’re not gambling men!), while the event’s accompanying Performance Car & Tuning Show played host to heavily modified Stuttgart-crested street machines.

Porsche Motorsport wheeled out a 991 GT3 Cup and a 718 GT4 Clubsport as a way of raising awareness for the championships serving both cars. This duo of dynamic racing Porsches shared space in the NEC’S primary display hall with a jaw-dropping selection of historic race cars, including the 919 Tribute and a Gulf-liveried 917, marking fifty years since Porsche’s first overall win at Le Mans.