Started by enthusiast Ian Williamson, who “bet the farm” on its success, the International Historic Motorsport Show has been successful, but has it had the success it deserves? Race Retro, as it has become known, was sold to Live Events, who are much more professional in their approach to organising the show, and more importantly have been able to support some new initiatives to try to get the public to attend. Each year, the number of paying public creeps up, but to really succeed and become the show it deserves to be, far more visitors are required. For the competitors, the show is a great place to see all the major organisers, preparers, suppliers and to get a handle on what will be happening in the coming season. If we value such an opportunity, we should give it more support.
Porsche will be the featured marque for 2012 and on display at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on 24-26 February will be everything from the 1948 birth of the iconic 356, the first sports car to bear the Porsche name, to the current-model 911 GT2 RS, an astonishing and pulse-quickening creation. There will also be guest appearances by Porsche race and rally stars, including a number of legendary Porsche works drivers. And Porsche cars will be seen in sideways action on the rally stage, on both Saturday and Sunday. Hall 2 will be home to Race Retro’s ‘The Porsche 956 at Thirty’ celebrations.
For the delight of the bikers, thirty years of Honda will also be celebrated. Ever since the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) was founded in 1982, this hugely successful organisation has been at the forefront of GP racing, road racing, endurance racing, trials riding and motorcross. Visitors will see a variety of Honda displays and be able to rub shoulders with Honda team riders, team managers, and mechanics. The bikes too will be heard as well as seen, with the race bike ‘Fire-up Paddock’ returning for 2012. Each day, this aural arena will resonate with the sounds of bike racing’s past, including the marvellous multi-cylinder Hondas. For the latest updates visit www.raceretro.com.
