The outstanding Kidston Trophy proved one of the highlights of the Silverstone Classic in 2015, it’s now set to make a welcome return to the schedule for next year’s event, which takes place from 28-30 July.
The inaugural Kidston Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars helped crown Silverstone’s Jubilee celebrations, gathering an incredible selection of more than 50 machines dating back to the dawn of circuit racing. The 40-minute showdown complete with pit stop and optional driver change produced an enthralling spectacle that included representatives from leading pre-war manufacturers, including Alvis, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Invicta and Lagonda.
The Frazer Nash Super Sports of Fred Wakeman and Pat Blakeney-Edwards took the spoils, but it shared the limelight with a dozen Bentleys that delighted the 100,000-strong crowd. A comparable turnout is expected this July.
“We were completely blown away by the fabulous entry last time,” said Motor Racing Legends chairman Duncan Wiltshire. “The amazing quality and quantity of these wonderfully evocative cars proved incredibly popular both when on display in the paddock and when racing out on the track. They may not lap quite as fast as some of the slightly more modern machines from later epochs competing at the Silverstone Classic, but they are certainly every bit as spectacular.”
“It’s hard to beat the magnificent sight of so many intrepid drivers sawing away at their wooden steering wheels, fighting for grip on such narrow tyres,” agreed organiser Nick Wigley. “It’s not something fans of modern motor sport ever experience and is one of the many marvellous reasons that historic motor racing today is becoming more and more popular with those of all ages. We’re delighted to have these epic Pre-War Sports Cars back on the bill – they really do add yet another incredible dimension to what is always a fantastic show.”
