Moss Vanwall to join the MotorFest line-up
MOTOR racing fans are in for a treat at the Ormskirk Motorfest as a racing car that won the British Grand Prix in 1957 will be on show.
That race 60 years ago at Aintree was a historic day as Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks drove the Colin Chapmandesigned Vanwall VW5/11 to success.
This was the first time British drivers had won the British Grand Prix in a British-made car.
It was a big turning point in the growth of the British Motor Sport Industry.
Hall and Hall, who maintain and run the Vanwalls for owners worldwide have confirmed that the VW5/11 is coming to the free MotorFest extravaganza on Sunday, August 27.
The famous car now “lives” in Florida, but is being brought to the UK for the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival meeting in September.
The 1957 race, which also counted in the European Grand Prix, was just one of many occasions the world’s best drivers competed at Aintree as 16 Formula 1 races were held at the circuit between 1955 and 1962.
In the 1955 race, Stirling Moss became the first winner of the British Grand Prix, driving a Mercedes to beat team leader and reigning champion Juan Manuel Fangio.
Mike Ashcroft, chairman of event organisers Aintree Circuit Club, said: “We are extremely privileged to have such a historic car as the Vanwall coming to the MotorFest.
“It would be fantastic if we could get other racing cars from this era to come along to this year’s MotorFest to line up alongside the Vanwall and help celebrate the 60th anniversary of this historic race.
“If you have such a vehicle, please get in touch with us.”
Owners of racing cars from the 1950s can register their cars for the event at www.ormskirkmotorfest.com
For more information, email mja@ormskirkmotorfest.com
Ormskirk MotorFest is one of the biggest free family events in the North West and thousands of people are expected to come to Ormskirk to enjoy the amazing displays.
About 300 cars and motorcycles from all eras of motoring will be in the town centre and Coronation Park and many of them will take part in parade laps around the town centre.
The MotorFest is organised by Aintree Circuit Club and supported by West Lancashire Borough Council.
Cllr John Hodson, portfolio holder for planning, said: “We are sure that all motor racing fans will want to come and see this car, and if any other owners of racing cars from this period want to bring their vehicles along they would be made very welcome.
“With so many visitors expected to come to Ormskirk for the MotorFest, we hope that town centre businesses will take advantage of this great opportunity and open up on MotorFest day.”
For more information about the event, visit www.westlancs. gov.uk/motorfest