At last weekend’s 14th running of Race Retro, the international historic motorsport show drew a global audience that included VR’s European team. Indeed, VR’s stand welcomed visitors from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Denmark and even farther afield, including Canada and Singapore. Barry Walker’s stunning 2002 Jordan EJ12, profiled in the magazine’s February issue, was the central display for the stand, the first public appearance for the car since undergoing a complete paint and decal restoration.
The VR stand attracted many onlookers including former F1 World Champion Damon Hill, Williams Heritage boss Jonathan Williams and former Williams chief mechanic Dickie Stanford. Mike Jiggle, VR’s European Editor, was upbeat following the three day exhibition: “It’s always difficult to select a central theme for our stand, especially at a show we’ve supported since inception in 2003. On first reflection, I thought the Jordan EJ12 was a little young for our title, but how wrong was that?
“The story of the car drew many significant historic strands from the motor racing world for our magazine, and this weekend the car has been a true star resplendent in restored livery and captivating the imagination of visitors. The weekend was another opportunity for us to engage with subscribers old and new, and welcome some of those who have played a major part in our sport.”
The big news of the event came at the close of the first day, when it was announced that Race Retro has been acquired by Clarion Events Ltd. from Live Promotions Events Ltd. Clarion adds Race Retro to a motoring portfolio that already includes the UK’s biggest indoor classic car event, The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show, and the newly launched National Car Club Awards.
Daniel Nwaokolo, Event Director for Clarion, said: “Race Retro is a fantastic event and with many of the clubs that support our existing classic motoring events participating in historic motorsport, the acquisition is a natural progression as Clarion continues to support and develop with the classic movement. Race Retro comes to us as a well-established, well-supported show thanks to Live Promotions’ many years of hard work, and we look forward to building on the excellent foundations in place to grow and develop the show further using the vast experience of the Clarion team.”
Race Retro 2017 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Friday to Sunday, February 24-26. Further announcements will be made later in the year. For more information please visit www.raceretro.com.
