Four celebrated legends from the 24 Hours of Le Mans top a star-studded lineup of speakers appearing at the inaugural Historic Motorsport International Conference — a new show devoted to all aspects of historic racing and rallying — set for February 23-26 at ExCeL London.
Between them, Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, Emanuele Pirro and Jürgen Barth (above, photo courtesy of HMI) have won the French endurance classic no fewer than 17 times, and they will be among those sharing memories, experiences, know-how and wisdom with visitors to HMI on February 23-24.
Along with a roster of renowned racecar designers, team managers, event organizers and specialist engineers, the famous four will all be taking part in the free-to-attend, two-day Conference Program in the Supagard Theatre. Others appearing include tin-top father-and-son racers, Andrew and Mike Jordan — past BTCC champion and race winner, respectively — former F1 and World Sportscar designer Tony Southgate and reigning FIA Historic F1 champion Nick Padmore.
The inaugural HMI Conference Program also includes panel session discussions on key topics for historic motorsport. Important issues coming under analysis will cover Scrutineering and Eligibility, Driving Standards and Safety, the Landscape of Historic Rallying and the Promotion of Historic Motorsport.
Among the participants will be distinguished experts like long-distance rally organizer Fred Gallagher, series organizers and promoters Carol Spagg (U2TC) and Duncan Wiltshire (Motor Racing Legends) and engineers, drivers and eligibility specialists such as MSA scrutineer John Hopwood and Barry Cannell from the HGPCA. Other Conference Program contributors include prominent historic racer Shaun Lynn, Porsche preparation expert Richard Tuthill, John Pearson from Dunlop Motorsport and journalist Marcus Pye. It all adds up to two days of absorbing discussions and dialogue that no one with even a passing interest in historic motorsport will want to miss.
This year’s exhibition will be officially opened by Jacky Ickx at 12 noon on Thursday February 23. Tickets start at £24 for single adult entry (£27 at the door on the day) and are now available by visiting www.historicmotorsportinternational.co.uk
