More than 20,000 people braved wintry conditions to attend the second International Historic Motorsport Show at Stoneleigh, near Coventry in England from Feb. 25–27. This was an increase of one third over last year’s figures, and there was also an increase in the number of exhibitors from 340 to 476, with media attendance from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, India, Netherlands, Sweden and the USA.
Derek Bell opened the show on Saturday, and numerous racing celebrities in attendance included Paddy Hopkirk, Richard Attwood, Tim Parnell, Stuart Graham, Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin. Parnell unveiled the brand new Vanwall built for road and track use, complete with well-hidden lighting and wheel covers. All the major historic race series organizers reported good support for the 2005 championships, as did many of the UK clubs in attendance.
Significant racecars abounded, highlighted by a display of famous pre-war racecars associated with the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb, including the ex–Whitney Straight Maserati. Other notable cars included the first Chevron (B1) courtesy of Vin Malkie, the first Tyrrell (001) courtesy of American John Delane and countless other Formula One, endurance and rally cars.
The show’s now-annual awards dinner featured a number of the stars of the last year, and Paddy Hopkirk presented the award for the Best Speed Event of 2004 to Claudio Casale for the Vernasca Silver Flag Hillclimb, held in July near Piacenza in Italy. VRJ regularly covers this fine historic hillclimb and will be there again in 2005.
Submitted by Ed McDonough
