THE HEAD-TURNERS WHO PERFORM IN SMALL CIRCLES
For those who say that seeing racing car sat on a piece of carpet is anathema, then the Autosport International Show gives the opportunity to get the juices flowing with some sideways action in the ever-popular Live Action Arena.
I got to see the first show on Friday and, while it was clear that there were still a few bugs to iron out in terms of the production of the event, the sights and sounds of cars in full flight were those to perk up the interest.
Obviously, not all types of vehicle are suited to the super-slippery NEC indoor surface, but the ones that were there tried their best to put on a display. There were some features in the Live Action arena that were not great for the race and rally enthusiast, such as the stunt driving features that made up a large proportion of the just-under-an-hour-long performances. I admire Terry Grant and Team Maximum Lock Precision Driving Team for their inches-apart derringdo, but it is not for me.
Competition cars and engines is what it is all about. Autograss and FIA Cross Cars were the appetisers in this department and they were followed by a moving tribute to the recently departed Ken Block.
The Retro and British Rallycross drivers put on a fine show and this was more up the motorsport fan’s street.
However, the best was saved for last: the BriSCA F1 monsters. If there is a category more suited to blasting around the mini oval with their shoving, pushing and sideway antics, we haven’t seen one. And the noise: oh boy, the noise…
In truth, they were the saving grace of the entire roster of entertainment that had been served up.