THE SHOWS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO

EDITOR An Evening with Paddy Hopkirk Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL. Thursday, 17 February

The title pretty much says it all – the man who made the Mini Cooper’s reputation at the Monte Carlo Rally will be at Brooklands Museum’s clubhouse sharing his stories from six decades of taking part in contemporary motor sport events and historic race and rally celebrations. Expect plenty of fascinating anecdotes from his non-cooper capers, too – don’t forget that he also campaigned MGBS at Le Mans and the Targo Florio and drove a Hillman Husky in 1959’s Safari Rally.

■ brooklandsmuseum.com

EVENTS EDITOR Le French Fest Santa Pod Raceway, Podington, Bedfordshire NN29 7XA. 27 March

French cars don’t get a lot of their own events in the UK, unlike American, German, Japanese or even Italian cars do. As a believer that nothing really beats a small French hatchback for all round fun, practicality and running costs, I’ll be very tempted to head over to Le French Fest to see both whatever shows up in the car park, as well as the tricked out stuff racing down the drag strip. ■ santapod.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR Young Driver Classic Car Experiences British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warks CV35 0BJ, Sunday 12 February

Although younger classic car fans can get up close to cars at shows, and may even be lucky enough to sit behind the wheel, actually driving an old car is usually off the cards. Next month, though, children can drive a Morris Minor, Austin 7 and a Vauxhall VX4/90, courtesy of Young Driver. It’s £25 for 15 minutes with slots available 10am-4pm. What’s more, booking a slot entitles the payer to £5 off a standard entry Museum family ticket (which is usually £44).

■ britishmotormuseum.co.uk