Celebrity Racers Battle
Celebrity racers battle on track at the ‘Silverstone Classic’ motorsports extravaganza
Stars from the X-Factor join Dr Feelgood and The Yardbirds to entertain fans at the biggest classic motor racing festival in the world
Celebrities from the worlds of radio, TV, music and entertainment will follow in the tyre tracks of Grand Prix stars Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton when they race head to head at Silverstone Circuit, home of the British GP. The ‘Silverstone Celebrity Race Challenge’, which will raise funds for the Bobby Moore Fund, is just one of the highlights of the prestigious ‘Silverstone Classic’ motorsport extravaganza which runs from 23rd to 25th July 2010.
More star names for this unique challenge will be announced in the coming weeks, but celebrities already confirmed to take part include BBC Radio 2 DJs 'Whispering' Bob Harris, Johnnie Walker and Richard Allinson, BBC Sport journalist Jonny Saunders, from the Chris Evans breakfast show and the nation's favourite radio traffic reporter Sally 'Traffic' Boazman.
The radio personalities will be joined by a host of other celebrities including world renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole and rocker Rick Parfitt Jr.
All 30 celebrity drivers will receive training from ‘Silverstone Drive’ professional instructors to prepare them for the challenge, and obtain an official racing licence before taking to the track. They’ll be competing in road-going versions of the fabulous Abarth 500, which will be modified to meet the required race safety specification.
"The Silverstone Celebrity Race Challenge will provide lots of fun for the competitors and spectators whilst raising money and awareness for a very good cause at the same time,” said Event Director Nick Wigley. “I can’t wait to see all those DJs, musicians and TV stars out on track in their race suits and helmets – it’s a really exciting addition to the Silverstone Classic”.
The Silverstone Classic is the biggest and best classic racing festival in the world as well as Europe's most entertaining car-themed event. It features some of the most rare and valuable racing cars in the world battling it out on track… and plenty more besides.
On Friday night Silverstone will rock to the sounds of two classic British bands from the 1960s and 1970s, when the Yardbirds and Dr Feelgood take to the stage. Then, on Saturday evening, the story comes bang up to date with a show including Stars from the X Factor, with Jedward, Danyl Johnson and Ruth Lorenzo, plus the Rick Parfitt Jnr Rock Band.
Along with the racing and rocking, the circuit will be packed with off-track activities and attractions to make it a weekend to suit the whole family. Alongside the hot-rods, street car shoot-outs and Harley Davidson displays there will be funfairs, shopping malls, hot-air balloon fly-outs and air displays adding to the sheer diversity of attractions.
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Editors’ notes: The Silverstone Classic is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic racing festival. The spectacular three-day event is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit, birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home of the British Grand Prix. The Silverstone Classic features over 1000 drivers racing more than 800 of the world’s finest competition cars spanning the full spectrum of motor sport history. Adding to the rich on-track entertainment, the Silverstone Classic features a vast array of off-track attractions with 6000+ classic cars and bikes on display, hot rod demonstrations, fun fair, parades and live music concerts guaranteeing a memorable day out for all the family.
Tickets: Available in advance via the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0849 or from the official event website www.SilverstoneClassic.com. Adult entrance: £30 Friday; £40 Saturday; £35 Sunday or three day ticket £80. Children aged between 6 and 16: £5 per day. Those aged five and under: free. Ticket price includes car parking, grandstand seating, paddock access and live music.
For more information: Visit the official event website www.SilverstoneClassic.com or contact Jonathan Gill/Deborah Tee at the Silverstone Classic media office. Tel: 01372 414120 or email SilverstoneClassic@MPACreative.com
Photography: For copyright-free photography please contact Jonathan Gill/Deborah Tee at the Silverstone Classic media office. Tel: 01372 414120 or email SilverstoneClassic@MPACreative.com
For media accreditation: Apply to the Silverstone Classic media office via email: SilverstoneClassic@MPACreative.com
