Classic line-up to span a century of racing

An overhaul of the race content and a new company to promote and organise the event are the major changes announced for the 2009 Silverstone Classic.

Gone from the provisional 2009 schedule is the Historic F1 Championship as well as races for Porsches and Aston Martin, while in come races for Edwardian cars, Minis and Super Touring cars of the 1990s to give the programme a span of nearly 100 years.

Event rights holder Ken Prichard Jones says they can build on the 2008 Classic. “We want to make it bigger and better, and we will have at least one major rock concert on Saturday evening,” he said. Goose Communications, the company headed by HGPCA racer Nick Wigley, will take over the event organisation.

The 3-litre Formula 1 content will be cut back to two races for Grand Prix Masters, after the 2008 Classic featured both GPM and Historic F1. The unexpected inclusion of an Edwardian race is also a significant change. “We know spectators love to see these cars and we hope to encourage more of them out,” said Prichard Jones.

Although not all categories have been confirmed, other races on the provisional schedule include a full package of Masters events, Group C, Formula Junior, HGPCA, BRDC Historic Sports, Woodcote Trophy and the BRDC 500. The Masters Top Hat Saloon slot is taken over by the Historic Motor Racing News U2TC grid.

Prichard Jones also confirmed that his Classic Entertainment Events company has extended its agreement with Silverstone Circuit to run the Classic until 2017.