| This year’s Masters Historic Festival at Brands Hatch on the weekend of May 27-28 promises to be a thriller with early entry lists full of exciting cars and great races to look forward to during a weekend packed with on-track action and off-track socializing. A driver’s party is scheduled for the Saturday night for all those attending, along with DFV demonstrations and displays during the two-day weekend.
The FIA Historic Formula One grid will feature Greg Thornton, a winner in Barcelona, who will be switching back to his ex-Elio de Angelis Lotus 77 as he attempts to visit the podium again. Other contenders figure to be Michael Lyons (Williams FW07), Loic Deman in his Candy-liveried Tyrrell 010 and Steve Hartley (Arrow A4). Andy Wolfe’s Tyrrell 011 will be sporting its new Denim color scheme, and American Charles Nearburg will drive his ex-James Hunt McLaren M23! As part of the celebrations observing 50 years of the Ford Cosworth DFV engine, there will be a selection of paddock displays and on-track demonstrations. Anyone with a DFV-engined car or memorabilia relating to this theme is invited to join in the fun. We have entry tickets, VIP Drivers Club passes and free tickets to the Saturday night Drivers party for those who want to bring a car to take part in the high-speed demonstrations. Sports Car fans won’t be left out either, as FIA Masters Historic Sports Car has assembled a bumper grid bristling with Lolas T70s in the hands of Leo Voyazides, Jason Wright, Paul Gibson and Mark Martin. They will be challenged by the nimbler prototypes driven by Phil Hall (Lola T212), Michael Gans (Lola T290) and Mike Furness (Lola T212). Variety will be found at the sharp end of the grid in the shape of Cooper Monacos driven by Keith Ahlers and Billy Bellinger, and the Chevron B8s of Graham Wilson, Charles Allison and Andrew Owen. A plentiful grid of Pre-66 GT cars will mean Jaguars squaring up against Lotuses, Morgans and American Muscle. Shelby Daytona Cobra pilot Leo Voyazides will be hoping to get his GT season off to a good start, but 2016 Champions Keith Ahlers and Billy Bellinger will be in the hunt, as will the Cobras of Chris Chiles, Alistair Coates and Michael Gans. The exquisite Bizzarrini driven by Roger Wills, and Mike Whitaker’s TVR Griffith are also likely to be battling at the front. Not to be outdone, the Pre-66 Touring Cars will be field a huge grid for their first UK round of the year, and are sure to be a hit with the crowds. As always, a capacity grid pits V8-engined big bangers against a gaggle of Mini Coopers, Cortinas and a smattering of BMWs. Henry Mann will lead the American charge in his Ford Mustang, alongside Craig Davies and Roger Wills’ Mercury Comet Cyclone. For further information please visit www.mastershistoricracing.com |
