Thruxton set for annual festival
THRUXTON 50TH
Thruxton is likely to host a historic racing festival every year, following the success of the circuit’s 50th anniversary meeting.
A mix of categories organised by different clubs, from 1950s sportscars to Mini Se7ens, formed part of the two-day event last weekend, which also included several high-speed demonstration runs.
Thruxton Group managing director Bill Coombs now intends to repeat the event. “I’d love to,” he said. “When we started out we were hoping it wouldn’t just be for the 50th – if it got momentum, we thought we could do it again with a wide range of
historics. We’re very keen to have a flagship historic meeting covering all the ages, to appeal to a wide audience.
“I’m really pleased with what we managed to do and the paddock had a lovely atmosphere. We had a fantastic marshal turnout too – even more than for British Touring Cars.”
Grid sizes varied from 13 starters in the Spirit of Thruxton Single-seater race for the Jochen Rindt Memorial Trophy to 30 for Historic Formula Ford. Future events are likely to have different categories on the bill but some will remain.
“Because it was the 50th we looked at what was relevant to Thruxton, but now we can open things up a bit,” said Coombs. “You’ve got to mix and match – pick competitor groups from various clubs that really want to come and people really want to see, interspersed with some demos.
“The 1950s sportscars have got some beautiful cars and I’m delighted they raced so hard. They were a highlight, and so was Historic Formula Ford, which I believe deserves a more prime slot.”
Reaction from the drivers, many of whom had not raced at the high-speed Hampshire venue, was positive.
Former BTCC racer Patrick Watts, who competed in both the combined RAC Woodcote Trophy/stirling Moss Trophy for ’50s sportscars and Historic Touring Car Challenge, said: “It’s fantastic. It’s unique in terms of British circuits – fast and flowing, and with undulations that would have been ironed out if it was a Formula 1 track. For drivers there’s nothing like it. The Ford Capri is like a bucking bronco out the back.
“I think there’s lots of drivers out there this year who are going to see how it goes.”
Lola Mk1 Prototype driver Keith Ahlers, who last raced at Thruxton in a Morgan in 2011, said: “It’s awesome. It’s got to be in the top three of circuits in the UK. It’s a privilege to race at Thruxton.”
The new Thruxton Centre was also officially opened on Sunday. Coombs says the commercial boosts at the circuit in recent years have helped improve facilities with more planned, including a bigger pitlane and more viewing areas.