British touring car legends on the grid for Silverstone Classic

Two British touring car legends will be on the grid for this year’s Silverstone Classic. Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden are teaming up in a bid to take glory at the event, which takes place 24-26 July.

The dynamic duo ­– who between them have racked up four BTCC titles – shared a Lotus Cortina at last year’s event. They raced in the popular Saturday morning showdown for pre-1966, Under 2.0-Litre Touring Cars (U2TC).

Shedden took pole position in the Team Dynamics-prepared car and was involved in a battle for the lead before a mid-race mechanical failure scuppered his chances.

Now the pair are now revved up for their return and have their sights set on the U2TC win that eluded them in 2014.

Touring car ace Gordon Shedden will race at the Silverstone Classic

Shedden said, ‘Matt and I will be back in the Lotus Cortina following our escapades of 12 months ago.

‘That was the car’s competitive debut, and we haven’t really done anything with it since, so we’ll need to dust off the cobwebs if we want to finish the job we started last year and win the race,’ he added.

Neal agreed that they would not be taking the challenge lightly – U2TC is one of Europe’s most fiercely-fought series for historic racing cars.

Neal said, ‘The main aim is to go to Silverstone and have a bit of fun, although of course by nature Gordon and I are both competitive and we will want to do well.’

Andrew and Max Banks will compete in their Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA

Last summer’s U2TC winners, racing journalist Richard Meaden and Grant Tromans, will be back to defend their title as will runners-up Neil Brown and Richard Dutton – both crews in Lotus Cortinas.

Others sure to be battling it out with Neal and Shedden include brothers Andrew and Max Banks in their Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA and the super-swift BMW 1800TiSA of Richard Shaw and 1969 Le Mans winner Jackie Oliver.

Those wanting to see whether Neal and Shedden can make up for last year’s disappointment must purchase their tickets in advance.

Adult admission starts from £40 and ticket prices include booking fees, parking, access to all paddocks, infield, grandstands, live music – this year topped by rock legends Status Quo – and the vast majority of the numerous attractions.

Full details – together with hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official website: www.SilverstoneClassic.com.