Exhibitors have responded in force to the announcement of the 3rd International Historic Motorsport Show, to be held Feb. 24–26, 2006, at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, England. By the beginning of November, almost 60% of the available space had gone—with over 90% of the main racing car hall already booked.
In 2005, there were 450 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors. Building on the momentum generated in 2005, the 2006 show should be even better, with its combination of indoor exhibition halls, Bonhams Auction, the Historic Motorsport Awards Dinner and four live competition events.
Major confirmed exhibitors for this year’s show already include the FIA Thoroughbred Grand Prix World Championship, HGPCA, the Grand Prix Masters Series, Orwell Supersports, VSCC, HSCC, European Formula 2/Formula Atlantique, Formula Junior, Historic Motor Racing News, U2TC, Vintage Racecar Journal, Jochen Rindt F2:1600, CSCC, Motor Racing Legends, Classic Formula 3, the 500cc Association, Tour Britannia, the Hillclimb & Sprint Association, 750 Motor Club, Lotus Drivers, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari Owners Club, MG Car Club, MG Owners Club, Bugatti Owners Club, and Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.
On the rally side, there are the BTRDA, the Classic Rally Association, Classic Events, Club Modr Cymru, the Alpine Rally Association, HERO, 4×4 Explore, the Roger Albert Clark Rally, the Historic Rally Car Register, David Sutton Motorsport, Lancia Stratos Club, Association of Rootes Car Clubs, and many more.
The newly added Hall 2A is filling rapidly with an eclectic mixture of booksellers, memorabilia, and a special automotive art section built around a central area for engineering and accessories.
In the engineering and car-preparation areas, more than 100 companies had booked by early November, with more coming in every week, while interest from the classic motorcycle racing industry is proving stronger than ever this year. There is a large autojumble area and, of course, a major Bonhams auction on Saturday.
All this plus live action on the Group B rally car stage, the indoor classic motorcycle trial, championship-level autotests, and historic kart racing.
Advance tickets cost £15 for one day or £28 for two days, with accompanied children under 16 free. On-the-day prices are £18 for one day or £30 for two days. Tickets can be purchased online at www.historicmotorsportshow.com.
