There really is nothing quite like the sights, smells and sounds of historic racing. From the heady smell of fuel in the air to the warm rubber, smoking brakes and aural assault from these cars being pushed to the limit, spectators are transported back to the golden age of motor racing for a few wonderful hours.
What makes this particular event even better, was the fact it was completely FREE. Yes, that’s right - free! The reason for this is due to the event on 19th March 2024 was technically billed as a testing day for those in the Masters Historic Racing season, giving competitors and teams a chance to blow off the winter cobwebs and get their cars out on track for a pre-season shakedown. Spectators were welcomed with open arms, and whilst it was hardly a packed race event (which was excellent for photographers!) there was still a decent turnout for those wanting to spend a day trackside, and audiences were amply rewarded with a wealth of historic machinery, from open-wheeled Formula One cars of yesteryear to ex-Le Mans prototypes, and a plethora of disciplines in-between.
For those of a certain age, it may well have been a flashback to their childhood, growing up watching legendary cars such as the John Surtees McLaren or the Sir Jackie Stewart March (campaigned by Tom Hartley Jnr) being driven at full pelt, whilst for others it was a chance to enjoy these historic machines in their natural environment, and drink in the atmosphere of a period in time that they are too young to remember.
Whilst the historic Formula One cars may have been the main attraction for some, the historic GT and Touring cars certainly drew plenty of attention, and there is no denying the sheer grace of some of these cars, such as the iconic Ford GT40, Lotus Elan or Porsche 911, all of which were present and being driven as-intended, much to the delight of the spectators.
At the other end of the spectrum, there was the third class in action for the day, dubbed simply “All Sports Cars” on the MHR timetable, this was a truly bumper grid, with everything from modern classic GT and Sports cars (such as the Ferrari 430 GT3 car, campaigned by Myles Poulton) to LMP3 prototypes, Porsche Cup cars and historic endurance cars such as the gorgeous Lola T70 MK3B, which surely has to hold the title as one of the prettiest cars to ever hit the track.
With each class having a total of four runs throughout the day, there was no shortage of action to enjoy, and whilst the event was billed as a testing day, a few drivers were definitely out exploring the limits and performance of their cars, with plenty of overtaking to delight the crowd, along with a couple of minor slides and spins, but thankfully no major incidents to report.
If the Masters Historic Test day was anything to go by, it looks like spectators both in the UK and Europe are in for a brilliant season, with the series taking in the likes of Silverstone, Spa, Paul Richard and Zandvoort throughout the year. Wherever you are in Europe, make sure you get along to one of these brilliant events - they're not to be missed!
📷Images courtesy of Kieran Bicknell
