Silverstone Classic to mark BTCC's birthday with special parade

By Marc McLaren
News
 | 26 Mar 2018
Silverstone Classic to mark BTCC's birthday with parade

The 60th anniversary of the British Touring Car Championship will be marked with a special parade at this year's Silverstone Classic festival.

The parade will take place at lunchtime on the event's Tin Top Sunday, a whole day of celebrations in honour of the venerable British series, and will feature 60 iconic BTCC cars.

It'll be led by an Austin Westminster, which, driven by the late Jack Sears, was the very first winner of the BTCC in 1958, together with the Subaru Levorg that was taken to victory by Ash Sutton in the 2017 edition.

Others taking part in the parade will include several historically significant vehicles not actually racing at the Silverstone Classic, including Frank Gardner’s title-winning Ford Escort from 1968, plus many famous drivers from the series' past, such as double champions John Cleland and Jason Plato.  

Silverstone Classic to mark BTCC's birthday with parade

Tin Top Sunday already looks like a fitting tribute to the BTCC's birthday, with four races featuring more than 150 cars that have competed in the series over the years.

“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.”  

Alan Gow, Series Director of the BTCC, added, “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.”  

This year's Silverstone Classic takes place on July 20-22 and also features a celebration to mark 60 years of Formula Junior, a ‘Daytona at Dusk’ sportscar showpiece and much more.

Early-bird tickets, which are up to 18% cheaper than standard tickets, are available until this Saturday (31 March). Head over to the event's website to find out more.