Racing legends celebrate BTCC Diamond Jubilee at Silverstone Classic

Sixty British Touring Car icons will gather at this year’s Silverstone Classic on 20-22 July to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the championship. 

Marking the series’ 60th Jubilee, Sunday’s packed race programme already includes four epic retro showdowns featuring more than 150 cars that have competed in the national championship.

Now the most iconic cars from these spectacular encounters will be selected to join an exclusive track parade on Sunday.

At the head of the pack will be an Austin Westminster raced by the late Jack Sears and the very first to win the BTCC crown in 1958.

The historic collection will also include several significant BTCC cars not racing at the Classic – such as Frank Gardner’s title winning Alan Mann-prepared Ford Escort from 1968. 

You can also expect to see many past and present drivers including double champions John Cleland and Jason Plato - the most victorious BTCC driver of all time with an unrivalled 97 race wins. 

‘Saloon car racing has always been massively popular here in the UK and this incredible parade will not only stir up lots of great memories but mark the timeless BTCC’s 60th birthday in terrific style’ said Nick Wigley, CEO of Goose Live Events, organiser of the Silverstone Classic.

‘We have already invited a number of noteworthy stars and cars to join us for these very special celebrations and would love to include all those who’ve played a role in creating what to this day is one of the best-loved and widely-watched championships in the world.’

Marking the occasion, a special one-off photo call is also being organised for all the many past and present BTCC drivers attending the Classic. This will take place in the International Paddock immediately before the dazzling Diamond Anniversary Parade takes to the hallowed circuit. 

Alan Gow, Series Director of the BTCC, said, ‘We are delighted that the Silverstone Classic is saluting the BTCC’s diamond anniversary with what’s clearly going to be a magnificent gathering of stars and cars from the past 60 years.

‘The BTCC has a remarkable history and this great parade will not only put the spotlight on much of that wonderful heritage but also act as the perfect curtain-raiser to our own one-off Diamond Double 60-mile race taking place the following weekend at Snetterton,’ Gow said.

All tickets for the Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance and, for those buying before 31 March, adult admission begins at £37. Full details of all 2018 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.