Tyrrell 011, Lotus 18 and ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton added to incredible line-up of historic Formula 1 cars
NASCAR and rally machinery will also tackle the legendary 1000-yard hill climb course
Special guests will include Stig Blomqvist, Stuart Graham, Mike Wilds, Bob Evans and Tony Southgate
Flagship event returns to the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb on 20-21 July 2024
C&SC Concours, Exhibition of Speed art gallery and Startline VIP Club all set to return
Plus non-stop entertainment, main stage interviews, live bands and more!
Great cars from Formula 1, NASCAR and the world of rallying are set to star in this year’s Classic Nostalgia weekend at Shelsley Walsh. The flagship event returns to the famous Worcestershire hill climb on 20-21 July, and will once again be offering enthusiasts the chance to relive a golden era of motorsport.
The sound of Formula 1 cars reverberating around the picturesque Teme Valley is bound to be a highlight, and the Tyrrell 011 that gave the Ford-Cosworth DFV engine its 155th – and final – Grand Prix victory will be at Classic Nostalgia. Introduced in 1967, the 3-litre DFV won first time out at that year’s Dutch Grand Prix and went on to be the most successful Formula 1 engine of all time, powering most of the grid throughout the 1970s. The turbocharged revolution was almost complete by the time that Michele Alboreto won the 1983 Detroit Grand Prix in Tyrrell 011-4, but the popular Italian overcame the odds to give the venerable Cosworth engine a memorable last hurrah.
A DFV was also fitted to the Hesketh 308 in which James Hunt won the 1974 International Trophy at Silverstone, and 50 years later this famous car will be at Shelsley Walsh. The victory was Hunt’s first in Formula 1 and came after a spirited comeback drive in which he caught and passed the Lotus of Ronnie Peterson. Chassis 308/1 was subsequently raced by another driver who went on to become World Champion – burly Australian Alan Jones.
A Lotus 18 that was raced by American legend Dan Gurney on both sides of the Atlantic will be taking to the hill during Classic Nostalgia. ‘Handsome Dan’ drove chassis 903 in Formula 1 and Intercontinental races for owner Louise Bryden-Brown during 1961 and, after it had been sold to Frank Arciero, Gurney then raced it in the US through 1962-63.
It will be joined by an ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton B192, which will be demonstrated by its custodian Lorina McLaughlin, President of the British Women Racing Drivers Club. Designed by a team led by Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, the B192 helped Benetton – with its ace driver pairing of Michael Schumacher and Martin Brundle – to finish third in the 1992 Constructors’ Championship. It also provided Schumacher with the first of his 91 Grand Prix victories.
Formula 1 and Formula 2 cars were a popular choice for speed events up until the emergence of specialist marques such as Pilbeam and Gould, and a March 772 that was campaigned in period by three-times British Hillclimb Champion Martin Bolsover will be returning to Shelsley Walsh. First raced by Ricardo Zunino in the 1977 European Formula 2 Championship, the Hart-engined single-seater was later sold to Bolsover, and then sprint specialists Roy and Doug Woodhouse. It has recently undergone a full restoration to 1977 spec and should be well suited to the tight confines of Shelsley Walsh.
No doubt the most thunderous cars at Classic Nostalgia will be the stunning line-up of ten NASCAR racers. They will include a very special ex-Kevin Harvick 2007 Chevrolet that boasts race history at superspeedways such as Daytona and Talledega, as well as a race-winning truck from the Craftsman Series. The sight and sound of these powerful American machines being put through their places in the heart of the English countryside is not to be missed.
Few people have dominated American motorsport like Roger Penske, and Classic Nostalgia will also showcase a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 that ‘The Captain’ entered in the Trans-Am series for his good friend Mark Donohue. With its Sunoco livery, the Penske Camaro has become one of the most evocative cars from that era of American racing, and it will be driven at Shelsley Walsh by Stuart Graham. British hero Graham enjoyed a lot of success in Camaros, and took one to victory in the 1974 Tourist Trophy – making the former motorcycle racer the only person to have won post-war TTs on two wheels and four.
The Classic Nostalgia weekend will celebrate 40 years of Prodrive, one of the most successful British race and rally teams of all time. A selection of Prodrive cars will be demonstrated at Shelsley Walsh by drivers including company stalwarts David Lapworth and Paul Howarth, and organisers would love to hear from anyone who owns a car that had been raced or rallied by Prodrive over the years. If you’ve got a car that could feature in the special Prodrive Celebration Display, please email rebecca@eventspr.co.uk
There will be another treat for rally fans because Swedish legend Stig Blomqvist will also be at Classic Nostalgia. The 1984 World Rally Champion will be joined by his good friend, and ace engineer, Hans-Åke Söderqvist, who led Volvo’s motorsport programme during the 1980s. Crowd favourites Ralli 22, meanwhile, will return to Classic Nostalgia in full force and on full throttle, showcasing cars from the flame-spitting Group B years to Group A and the WRC era, and there will also be a special tribute to honour Ralli 22 founder Steve Davies.
Other famous names to be appearing at Classic Nostalgia include former BRM, Shadow and TWR-Jaguar designer Tony Southgate – plus Mike Wilds, who will be reunited with the 1978 Beaconsfield Toyota Celica that he raced in the British Saloon Car Championship. The ever-versatile Wilds has raced at the top level in Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 5000 and sports cars, and recently published his autobiography. He will be signing copies of Life on the Wilds Side during the weekend.
Another former Formula 1 driver, Bob Evans, will also be signing copies of his new book – Happy Lucky Days (BHP Publishing). Lincolnshire-born Evans raced in F1 for BRM and Lotus and won the 1974 European Formula 5000 Championship against the likes of Peter Gethin, Brian Redman and David Hobbs. Evans and Wilds will be joined at Shelsley Walsh by Stuart Dent, who will be chatting about his memories of a life spent in and around motor racing, and signing copies of his book Both Sides of the Barrier (BHP Publishing). Dent went from sneaking onto F1 grids as a teenager to working for Autosport magazine, and Both Sides of the Barrier is part-biography, part-photo book, with his images capturing some of motor racing’s greatest events and characters.
The Crosslé marque will be celebrated with the last of the 5S sports-racers to be built, 60 years after that giant-killing model made its debut in a major international event – a support race for the 1964 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. A car from a much earlier era is also set to be remembered at Shelsley Walsh, via Terry Clarke’s amazing diesel-engined recreation of the famous 1933 Napier-Railton in which John Cobb set the Brooklands lap record at 143.44mph.
Now firmly established as a highlight of the historic-motorsport calendar, Classic Nostalgia will once again be packed with exciting action both on and off the hill, demonstration runs, the Classic & Sports Car Concours, quality trade stands and non-stop live entertainment. Shelsley Walsh is known throughout the automotive world for its unique atmosphere, with enthusiasts able to get close to the action as well as the cars and drivers, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
The Exhibition of Speed
Following its successful debut last year, the Exhibition of Speed is set to return in 2024. The Courtyard Barn turns into the ‘Art of Motorsport Gallery’ and will feature the unique works of a dozen incredibly talented UK automobile artists, from 2D-3D paintings, sculptures, graphics and illustrations to photography and mosaics. With guest artist appearances and new works unveiled, it’s the perfect opportunity to buy original artworks directly, meet the artists and get items signed.
The Startline VIP Club
Make the action-packed weekend even more memorable with a VIP package at the Startline VIP Club! Whether you’re entertaining clients, gifting, celebrating an occasion or just want a truly special day out, the VIP hospitality package at Classic Nostalgia offers an exhilarating day for all racing enthusiasts.
Enjoy unrestricted access to the entire site and have exclusive access to the VIP-only enclosure, which occupies pole position overlooking the startline, paddock and commentary box. Its elevated vantage point enables you to watch the action unfold. The Startline VIP Club includes personality appearances, incredible hospitality, access to the VIP enclosure and grandstand, plus many other benefits. (Excludes Members' Marquee on Hill).
Classic & Sports Car Concours
On Sunday, the popular Classic & Sports Car Concours returns to Classic Nostalgia. It is open to all cars built before 1985, and the judging will be led by motoring journalist and regular Shelsley Walsh competitor Simon Taylor. He will be joined by John Mayhead, classic car valuations expert from Hagerty, plus Alastair Clements, editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine.
There will be four classes to be judged: Pre-World War 2; 1949-1959; 1960-1985 Saloons; and 1960-1985 Sports/GT – plus a Spirit of the Day award for an entry that may not be in top concours condition but is outstanding in its own special way. There is no entry fee to participate, but a general entrance ticket is required unless you are an MAC member.
Visiting car clubs’ discount
Classic Nostalgia is a firm favourite for car club gatherings and is the perfect event at which to hold a members’ day out. Each year, more than 20 clubs make the event their annual pilgrimage. All car clubs are entitled to discounted admission tickets, plus their own reserved area for 10 cars or more when booked under the club’s name. To register your car club, please email rebecca@eventspr.co.uk
Own a pre-1985 classic car?
Preferential ‘pole position’ parking for pre-1985 vehicles – allowing owners to be located right at the heart of the event. Space allocated on a first-come first-served basis, and by advance ticket only.
TRADE STAND BOOKINGS
Trade stands are a key part of this very popular event, with stand space costing as little as £75 for the weekend. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
ADMISSION
Date: 20-21 July 2024
Event address: Shelsley Walsh, Worcester, WR6 6RP
Ticket prices:
Advance ticket £25. On-the-gate price £30
Advance weekend ticket £40
Car club advance ticket £20
Startline VIP full hospitality tickets (Adult): £135; Children under 16: £67.50
Times: 8am each day, until approx 5pm
Click here for advance tickets and more information
Please note: general admission includes access to the hill, race paddock, car club displays and all entertainment. Children under 16 free (no ticket required and to be accompanied by a full paying adult).
Entry to this event is included in MAC membership.
No dogs are permitted.
