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Professional Detailer Paul Every recounts how he became hooked - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I’ve been an avid car detailer for many years but purely as a hobby, whilst doing the odd paying client at weekends and during holidays. My client base started to grow so much that I was having to turn people away, so when I was offered a package to leave my 14 year old IT job earlier this year, I jumped at the chance to go full time and work for myself. I cover Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire but have been known to travel further afield for a nominal charge. Because of my existing customer base I tend to specialise in the very high end and exotic cars. The vast majority being Ferraris. With Ferrari's I seem to have done them all including a 412 for Chris Evans – no it wasn't white! My love has always been Aston Martins and Jaguars however, with the classics of both marques being my favourite cars. Doing a fellow members car only 2 weeks ago reminded me just how nice these Jaguars are!

In doing this job I have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic people. Be they a private car collector with 25+ cars, or someone that has worked all their life to be able to afford the car of their dreams, they all share one thing in common. They love cars and it is my honour to work on these prize cars and see the owners’ reactions when I have finished.

Each car is worked on with the same love and attention to detail as each other. Value doesn't enter the equation in the search for perfection!

The work is hard and the days can be very long – it is not at all uncommon to leave home at 6.30am and not return until 11pm at night, but the satisfaction I get from doing my job makes it all worth while. I have had to do some ‘strange’ jobs in my time. Firstly a customer had his car washed by his 12 year old daughter as a birthday present. What he didn't realise was she had used a kitchen scourer! The state of his car was truly shocking and the only way to rectify it was to wet sand the entire vehicle. The effort paid off as not only was the customer bowled over, but even I was amazed at the finished result. Glass smooth with a deep mirror finish would be an understatement!

Another time I received a call from a customer who had recently painted the roof of his boat with white gloss paint using a roller. The wind had caught the specks of paint and had blown them over the Harbour Masters Jet black 4x4! Due to the Harbour Master going on holiday, the vehicle was left outside in the summer sun for 2 weeks before I was allowed to go and see it. Needless to say the paint was baked on and nothing would shift it. Again, this resulted in a complete wet sand but the finish I achieved was even better than when they had bought the car from the dealership I was told.

I have even detailed an E-Type Jaguar that had been sold to a customer over 18 months ago, yet he still hasn't got round to collecting it as he is simply “too busy”.

One of the common misconceptions with detailing is that it is simply an expensive valet. Even when you explain to some people what it is you do they can't understand why people just don't use the chaps in the Supermarket car park for £7.50. It's only after they see the hard work and the finished result that they finally understand what the difference is. I explain to people all the time that a detail is not just about making a car “pretty” but more importantly it is about maintaining the exterior of the vehicle. Owners pay to get their engines serviced, so why not do the same to the cars bodywork? It is left to cope with tree sap, bird lime, UV, tar, dead insects and all sorts of industrial fallout yet most people think a bucket and sponge is all it needs. No wonder when you look at most cars paintwork it is covered in fine scratches and ‘cob-webbing’.

The paint is fully cleansed, machine polished to remove swirl marks, scratches and other imperfections, and then sealed with either a high end car wax or modern day nanotechnology sealant. This protects the car from everything mentioned above. The plus point is it also makes the car look fantastic and 10 times easier to clean. An example being that it would take me on average at least four hours to clean a car – engine bay, wheels and bodywork, yet once the car has been detailed the same vehicle would be done in less than one hour. For those that like cleaning their cars but don't want to dedicate half a day plus to do so, this is a blessing – plus you get the kudos from the neighbours that think you achieved stunning results in under an hour.

When asked why I don't have premises, the answer is easy. Working at customers' properties allows me to actually meet the client and for the client to see how their hard earned money is being spent. It also enables me to demonstrate to customers how to maintain their car going forward. Sometimes the weather does stop play if the customer doesn't have a garage, but normally this can be worked around. Jet washing a car in the snow is an interesting experience let me tell you.

My bad points I would say is only charging a customer for one days work even though I might have been working non stop for 14 hours, and forgetting to take photographs of the vehicles I have worked on. A lot of my customers don’t wish me to take photos of their cars for privacy reasons which I fully respect but for those that don't mind, I just seem to forget.

I am just too keen to crack on with the job, rather than standing around taking photographs of every thing I do.

The end of October and early November is the ideal time to prepare your car for winter.

With all the salt that gets put down, winter is the harshest time of the year for your cars exterior and therefore an ideal time to have your car detailed and protected. It is quite common for a car to go three to four months without being washed at this time of year.

After all, what is the point if it is going to be black again within a few hundred yards? This makes it even more important to make sure the paintwork and wheels are protected. Using a very long lasting wax or Permanon you can be assured that both those items are indeed protected.

By Paul Every

Oulton Park with Thomas Moseley - 0 comment(s)

at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:26:41 +0100

We at Car-Skin popped down to Oulton Park up in Cheshire, built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park's combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. We were there, as one of our sponsored drivers, Thomas Moseley, was competing in the mini races. Below is Thomas’s own race report:

QUALI:

I had a very good qualifying session, the car felt faster than it ever has done and the numbers prove this as I was 1.3 seconds faster than my last time at oulton (believe me that’s a lot ).

I managed to get to 10th place in qualifying from 27 cars but I feel I could have been even closer to pole if I hadn’t been held up. In fact I was only a quarter of a second off 6th place.

RACE:

I had a great start to the race and I began to catch everybody .I had already gained three places, into the first corner. Three cars abreast I found myself squashed to the edge of the track alongside Ade Tuckley who last year won at oulton park, As all the cars turned into the first corner I think we had the slightest of touches of our wheels which pushed Ades car around it managed to become completely sideways and I narrowly avoided an impact.

The rest of the race from there wasn’t very entertaining for me as I found my engine had a huge flat spot from around 2500rpm to around 5000rpm and I had hardly any power at all between those revs.

Momentarily 6th then 9th I ended up 13th at one point

I found myself setting lap times 2-3 seconds slower than in qualifying and being overtaken by people who I had out qualified.

Nearing the end of the race I was desperate to keep as far up the field as possible and was becoming very defensive and trying my hardest to be competitive and making my car wide and driving a different line into certain corners. I used some late braking to win back one place on the last lap and finish 12th overall.

All in all I had a great day, the atmosphere was amazing as usual and to be part of a real team just felt brilliant, having mick help wherever needed took so much off my mind and I could purely concentrate on the race ahead.

I hope to fix the snags and be competitive for Donnington

Thanks

Thomas

After the races we went to see Thomas and gave him a range of our products to try, Thomas has already used some of the products on the car and has said that he was impressed with the quality and effectiveness. We wish Thomas the best of luck at Donnington and hopes the cars all fixed and sparkling from the Car-Skin products!

Introducing the new CS80 range of Luxury waxes from Car-Skin - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Car-Skin mantra has always been to release a product only once we are confident that everyone will immediately realise it is significantly better than anything else in the price range. Despite working closely with experienced detailers and concours vehicles, we have never been happy to release a high end carnauba based wax.

When developing Rapid Wax, containing 18% Carnauba wax in emulsion, we realised that 80% of the benefits of this naturally occurring wax could be felt at relatively low concentrations. As these concentrations rise, it becomes harder to apply and more expensive. Thus for our midrange ‘wax’ we used a synthetic polymer system that combines the gloss of carnauba with the longevity of resin-based sealants. CS Pro remains one of the best waxes in the sub-£100 market, but with demand for something to rival the long-established, super expensive, brands from Europe we decided to commit considerable resources towards the project.

Six months later, after many prototype formulations and much consultation with our network of detailers, we have ended up with two waxes. As mentioned, using more than 20% of Carnauba by volume in an emulsion is impossible, thus a solid wax was the only option. Conventional additives to soften and condition Carnauba are good for up to around 55% by volume. Any wax beyond 60% will have bespoke, closely guarded additives that will make or break the product. At these concentrations the quality and consistency of the wax is even more important, so finding a reliable supplier from South America who complied with ethical environmental standards, using renewable sources, was crucial.

With retail prices of £249.99 (CS80 Road) and £299.99 (CS80 Show) we had to make sure our waxes would tick every box and score full marks against any competition this side of £1k. The key design parameters were a deep, long lasting gloss, that could be created easily and quickly by hand or machine. However, we found that the best gloss came at the cost of longevity and visa versa – thus it was decided to create two waxes. One for concours competitions where the ultimate finish was the one and only priority, and one for cars that are used on the road or track, where long lasting shine and protection were important. This leaves it up to the customer to decide which version is most appropriate for their needs.

We are in the process of arranging for objective detailers and enthusiasts to test and review both waxes – watch this space!

Our Favourite Links - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

SCCS - Selboy Classic Car Spares

We sell used classic car spares and specialise in parts from cars built in the 70s,80s & 90s. These parts are becoming hard to find in your local car salvage yards and at selboy.com you can find them without the need to leave your home.

Winter Car Care - 1 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

With winter fast approaching we have put together some advice to make sure both you and your car make it through the season in good shape. Download the Winter Survival Guide for your Car and Winter Driving Tips PDF's now.

Winter_Survival_Guide.pdf

Winter_Tips_Part_1.pdf

Winter_Tips_Part_2.pdf

Winning Formulas at Brighton this weekend! - 1 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Ace Cafe Reunion Run, or the Brighton Burn-Up as its known, in September is one of the biggest, perhapsthe biggest, motoring events to fill the tarmac along Madeira Drive - although its immediate competitor, the Brightona, grows ever larger as well. Some claims put the total number of participants as high as 40,000. But whatever, the city is certainly heaving with motorcycles of all shapes and sizes on the day.

Ace Cafe is the famous bikers' cafe on London's North Circular Road. Built as a cafe for road hauliers in the 1930s it became the favourite haunt of Britain's motorcyclists, part of teenage culture and post-war rock 'n' roll. It closed in 1969: end of an era.

But in 1993 Mark Wilsmore had the idea for the Ace Cafe Reunion, an annual event at the old Ace Cafe site. And so it's gone from there and in 1997 the old cafe itself was reborn.

The Ace Cafe Reunion is for both Mods and Rockers - young and old - bikes and scooters - young and old.

Bikers come from all over the country; in fact, all over Europe - and maybe even further afield.

This is a a sight worth seeing! Bikes start to arrive mid-morning and fill up the Drive: the noise, the smell of petrol fumes, the wave and wave of arriving bikers all generate an atmosphere of excitement. A great coming together.

By the time the Drive has filled up, a vast range of motobikes is on display. If you look long enough, I reckon you'll find what you're looking for. Bikes and bikers of all ages; bikes, trikes, cafe racers, sidecars; every manufacturer's name in the history of the motorcycle is represented. An exaggeration perhaps, but you'll certainly find Vincent, Norton, Kawasaki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Victory, BSA, BMW, Triumph, Suzuki, National Chopper Club, and many customised machines, especially trikes.

There's also a stage, DJs, rock'n' roll, bands, stands, etc.

Winning Formulas at Ace Cafe - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We will be at the world famous Ace Cafe in London for a number of events, including the Brighton Show

Our first appearance will be at the VAG meet for Volkswagon and Audi Connoisseurs on the 30th of August

We have all sorts of treats in store - including vouchers and product giveaways!

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/event_view.aspx?event_id=2451&date=30/08/2011%2000:00:00

Winning Formulas at Knebworth Classic Motor Show - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We will be at the Knebworth Classic Motor Show THIS bank holiday Sunday & Monday (28th/29th August)

The showgound is open between 10am and 5pm

Come and find us, we have the whole product range and 5% off web purchase vouchers for all!

REVVING UP FOR SUPERCAR START-UP 2011 - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This Bank Holiday Monday, 29^th August, Beaulieu’s fifth annual Supercar Start-Up will be revving into action, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to hear the unique melodies created by some of the most prestigious supercars, as they are put through their start-up paces in the Beaulieu Arena. This year’s event looks set to be the biggest yet, with over forty five supercars confirmed to appear.

The impressive line-up of vehicles on display includes the 1928 Mercedes-Benz and Graham Hill Lotus 49 from the National Motor Museum collection. They will be joined by some of the elite of the supercar world, a Ferrari Enzo, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Maserati GranTurismo Stradale, Audi R8, the latest Ferrari 458 Italia and the new and highly exciting gull wing Mercedes SLS.

In addition to these vehicles, some heavyweights of the supercar world, Porsche of Bournemouth, Westover Nissan and Bentley Hampshire, will also be bringing a selection of their beautiful motors to display and demonstrate.

At twelve noon a selection of these supercars will be powering up to take part in a Demonstration Run through the Beaulieu parkland. This exciting new element to the event allows visitors to watch as these exquisite supercars open up their engines at full throttle, giving a tantalising glimpse of what their powerful engines are really capable of – a must-see for petrol-heads.

During the afternoon in the Beaulieu Arena, motoring commentator Graham Robson will be talking to the drivers about their vehicles. A People’s Choice Award will be presented to the best supercar in attendance, as voted for by the day’s visitors, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy and £100 prize money. Every visitor who casts a vote will be entered into a separate draw to win a ride in the passenger seat of the lead car, travelling through the grounds in the afternoon’s Supercar Cavalcade.

This event can be enjoyed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, the James Bond Experience, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

For more information, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or telephone 01590 612345.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD SET AT THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The 2011 Silverstone Classic (22-24 July) broke many records, but the biggest accolade for the event comes after Guinness World Records confirmed that a new record was set for the ‘largest parade of Jaguar cars’ when 767 Jaguar E-types took part in a special parade lap of the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

On-track, a total of 1104 race car entries and a crowd of 80,000 across the weekend ensured that the Silverstone Classic proudly lived up to its claim of being the 'the world's biggest classic motor racing festival'.

But that was only part of the story for this sensational event, as thousands of classic cars packed into the Silverstone infield to be part of the world’s biggest celebration of automotive heritage.

The 2011 event was the major celebration of the 50th birthday of the Jaguar E-type, first produced in 1961. More than 1000 E-types were on site and the vast majority of these took to the Grand Prix circuit on Saturday for a unique parade. Although in excess of 800 E-types took to the famous grand prix track, the record of 767 is based on the number of participating cars meeting the strict record verification criteria.

Getting over 800 gleaming E-types on and off the Silverstone track presented a considerable logistical challenge and the result was an unrivalled display of one of the most beautiful sports cars ever produced. Owners came from across Europe, from North America, Mexico and Australia to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Among the parade were some very special examples of the E-type. These included famous E-types with registration numbers 9600 HP, 77 RW and 848 CRY as well as the Lindner/Nocker low-drag racer.

9600 HP is the oldest surviving E-type and the only 1960 prototype in existence. It was the original launch car, the 150 mph road test car and the subject of the book ‘The Most Famous Car in the World’. 77 RW is the earliest surviving production roadster and an original press car. 848 CRY was the twelfth roadster produced and the most active racing E-type in 1961; it also appeared in the film ‘The Italian Job’. The Lindner/Nocker low-drag lightweight racer was one of the 12 original Lightweight E-types, raced in 1963/64 by Peter Lindner and Peter Nocker and the subject of a famous recent restoration.

However, the Silverstone Classic was not just about the Jaguar E-type as over 7000 classic cars from 120 clubs filled the venue in a stunning display of automotive design, development and passion. Many of the clubs present were celebrating anniversaries, including 75 years of the Bentley Drivers’ Club, 25 years of the BMW M3 with the BMW Car Club UK, 60 years of the Morgan Sports Car Club, 75 years of the BMW 328 with Historic BMW, 50 years of the Porsche Club GB and 50 years of Reliant sports cars with the Reliant Sabre and Scimitar Owners’ Club.

"The whole Silverstone Classic weekend set many new records, both on and off the track," said event director Nick Wigley. “The icing on the cake is to have achieved a new Guinness World Record for the number of Jaguars on parade. It was an incredible sight to see so many examples of the beautiful and iconic E-type four abreast stretching all around the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.”

WORLD’S LARGEST JAMES BOND VEHICLE EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED FOR 2012 - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and EON Productions unveiled their plans at Empire presents BIG SCREEN to hold the largest exhibition of James Bond vehicles ever displayed, to celebrate the fiftieth year of the Bond franchise. It will run from January to December 2012.

The display at BIG SCREEN includes the 2008 Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the 2002 Jaguar XKR with SFX weapons from Die Another Day, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye and the 1937 Phantom lll Rolls-Royce from Goldfinger. These are just a small selection of the 50 vehicles that will be on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn said, “Following the success of the first Bond cars exhibition staged at Beaulieu in 2001, we are delighted to be working with EON again on this new display, bringing together the world’s largest collection of Bond vehicles.”

2012 also marks the 40^th anniversary of the world-famous National Motor Museum, so it is fitting that in this special year it will be hosting a major new exhibition marking 50 years since the first James Bond film was screened.

Ace Cafe - a petrol heads shrine - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Ace Cafe is located on the north circular in London and it has to be our favourite hang-out of an evening, with hundreds of themed nights throughout the year, it is an awesome evening out for anyone with petrol running through their veins... We will be appearing in force on some nights over the summer, watch this space for info!

Ace Cafe Website

Motorbase - the ultimate automotive database - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

I discovered motorbase when writing a dissertation on Classic Car Investment for an MBA, it proved to be the single most interesting site I found, it is well worth a gander for any motoring enthusiast!

http://www.motorbase.com/

CZECH MATE FOR SUITORS OF SOFT-TOPS - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Historics anticipate interest in rare pre-war BMW

With classic cabriolets likely to catch the eye at its forthcoming Summer sale, Historics auctioneers is anticipating keen interest in a rare pre-war 1937 BMW Type 320, complete with Czech Historic Vehicle Passport, on July 19^th at Brooklands.

The striking dark green and cream soft-top is one of just 1635 Cabriolet cars produced, with manufacture of the midsize model put on hold in December 1938, 18 months after its introduction in July 1937, due to German preparation for World War Two.

At the time of its launch, the 320 Cabriolet was priced at approximately £1000 (5,250 Reichsmarks), which by modern standards equates to a figure in the region of £31,000 or the price of a 2011 BMW 320i Convertible.

Comparisons with the modern day equivalent end there however, with the 320 featuring an all-steel body built by Autenrieth in Darmstadt, leaf spring rear axle within a shortened wheelbase (to that of the Type 326), and a 1971cc, 6 cylinder, single carburettor engine that generated 45hp to propel the elegant BMW to a top speed of some 71mph.

Restored in the early 1990’s in Prague, Czech Republic, the car has covered just 113 miles since then, and alongside its immaculate dark green leather upholstery, features a matching BMW factory specification canvas hood.

Complete with a Czech Historic Vehicle Passport, Czech registration document and photo file of the restoration, the sale on July 19^th represents an ideal opportunity to acquire a very rare pre-war German classic, and Historics anticipate offers in the region of £58,000 - £68,000 on Tuesday week at Brooklands Museum.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of Tuesday July 19^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

Our Delage at Salon Privé 2011 - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Our very own Delage, star of our online videos and favourite current car in stock was at Salon Privé in June and its official photo has just been released on the first page

Thirty of the world’s most powerful and exclusive cars are ready to rock the capital - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Supercar spotters will be out in force in London on the first Sunday in September. Their prey? A host of rare breeds, which will be taking to the streets as part of the Chelsea AutoLegends motoring extravaganza.

The PistonHeads Supercar Run in association with The Sunday Times will set off from the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall at around 10am on Sunday 4 September. The cars will be aiming for the Sunday Times Supercar Paddock situated right at the heart of Chelsea AutoLegends on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea… but the cavalcade won’t be taking a direct route.

Instead, around 30 supercars will take a pre-planned route past many famous London landmarks turning thousands of heads along the way. The trip will reach Sloane Square and the Kings Road around noon, before arriving at Chelsea AutoLegends.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Motoring Committee at the Royal Automobile Club, said: "As the Pall Mall clubhouse celebrates its centenary year, the Royal Automobile Club is delighted to support the Chelsea AutoLegends event, and continue a long history of welcoming and supporting motorists as they embark on their automobile adventures."

Among the potent machines seldom seen marques are promised such as Spyker, Pagani, Henessey, Mosler and Koenigsegg. They will be rubbing shoulders with rarities from Aston Martin (One-77) and Jaguar (XJ220 and XJR-15) as well as the latest mouth-watering machines from Alfa and Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren, Bugatti, Mercedes and more.

The Supercar Run unites two very different types of media. PistonHeads (www.pistonheads.com) was created in 1998 as a community website for owners and fans of performance and supercars: today the site is crammed with daily news, forums and tantalising classified adverts.

“We are proud to be associated with Chelsea AutoLegends. The show is a wonderful addition to the motoring calendar and captures the motoring excitement our readers enjoy. The fact that we can showcase a spectacle through central London is fantastic: seeing the cars being used is what PistonHeads is all about,” said Paul Garlick, PistonHeads brand manager.

Over the years The Sunday Times has become synonymous with high performance machines, thanks to the creation of the Supercar Paddock at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now the leading quality Sunday paper brings its supercar connections to Chelsea AutoLegends.

“It’s not often that so many desirable, rare, and downright expensive supercars are assembled in one place – unless you include Jeremy Clarkson’s drive – so it’s well worth a trip to the Sunday Times Supercar Paddock,” enthused Nick Rufford editor of The Sunday Times ‘InGear’.

Chelsea AutoLegends, now in its second year, is a feast of motoring nostalgia. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this year’s extravaganza will be packed with motoring memories. As well as great names from motor sport – patron is Sir Stirling Moss OBE and he will be joined by eight times world motorcycle champion Phil Read among other stars – some of the world’s most famous cars will be on show.

Special displays will feature more than 30 Le Mans racers, plus a selection of Group B rally cars from the 1980s. Tributes will be paid to the Jaguar E-type and the Mini Cooper – both celebrating 50^th birthdays this year – while the PistonHeads Run and Sunday Times Supercar Paddock will be matched by a classic bike run to the show, organised by the famous Ace Café.

Other displays include a special tribute to the some of the British ‘Patrons’, the private race team entrants of the Fifties and Sixties, who took on the factory teams… and often won.

As well as providing plenty of motoring excitement for all the family, Chelsea AutoLegends will also raise money for the Chelsea Pensioners, the veterans who have given over their grounds for the day.

Tickets for this year’s Chelsea AutoLegends are now on sale either via the event’s new website (www.ChelseaAutoLegends.com) or from the ticket hotline on 0844 581 0760. Those pre-booking before the end of July can take advantage of considerable savings with adult tickets priced at £15 in advance rather than £20 on the gate, and £10 rather than £20 for 12-16 year-olds. Underlining the event’s family entertainment values, accompanied children aged under 12 will be admitted free of charge.

FORMER F1 AND TOURING CAR ACES LINE UP AT STAR-STUDDED SILVERSTONE CLASSIC - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Three former Grand Prix racers plus a former British Touring Car champion are among the star names racing at the Silverstone Classic (22-24 July). On top of the host of celebrities in action in the special Celebrity Challenge race and rock music legends playing live on stage, a raft of famous names from across the sport will be rolling back the years and tackling the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in historic racing machinery.

Confirmed racing celebrities lining up in a grid of race-prepared Morgans and raising funds for the Bobby Moore Fund include Heston Blumenthal, Sally ‘Traffic’ Boazman, Lord Charles Brocket, Brendan Cole, Comedy Dave, Vicky Gomersall and Jo Wood while live music on Saturday evening comes from Suzi Quatro, 10cc and Wishbone Ash.

For the purists, though, the spotlight will be on the unrivalled line-up of races that make the annual Silverstone Classic the world’s biggest classic racing festival. British aces Richard Attwood and Jackie Oliver and Italian racer Arturo Merzario will all be in action over the weekend, and all were Grand Prix racers. Remarkably, Attwood and Oliver also won the Le Mans 24-hour race, with Oliver winning in a Ford GT40 in 1969 and Attwood giving Porsche its maiden victory a year later.

Oliver will race in both the E-type Challenge – a special series to mark the iconic British sportscar’s 50^thbirthday – and the Under 2-litre Touring Cars, while Attwood will race in the Woodcote Trophy at the wheel of the Aston Martin DBR1 that won at Le Mans in 1959. Merzario will campaign several cars, including a Lotus Elite in the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy. Desire Wilson, the only female driver to win a Formula 1 race, is another contesting the celebratory E-type Challenge.

Eight drivers with experience of the BTCC will be racing, including a former double champion and three race winners. John Cleland, BTCC champion in 1989 and 1995, will race in the E-type Challenge, while BTCC race winners Paul Radisich (Elva Mk7), Mike Jordan (Lotus Cortina) and Patrick Watts (Ford Mustang) are all competing. Radisich also won the FIA World Touring Car Cup in 1993 and 1994. Other drivers with a BTCC campaign under their belt include Andy Middlehurst (Lotus 25), Charlie Butler-Henderson (Cooper T56) and Tony Crudgington (Chevrolet Corvette), while the story comes right up to date with 2011 BTCC contender Rob Austin racing his Arrows A4 in Grand Prix Masters.

A rising star of contemporary sports car racing is Le Mans contender Andy Meyrick, who will partner his father Peter in their Spice SE89C in Group C. Meanwhile Nick Adams, winner of the Group C2 title in the 1989 World Sportscar Championship, races a Lotus X in the Woodcote Trophy.

From the media ranks come TV presenter Tony Jardine (E-type Challenge) and journalist Mark Hales, who will race a Marcos 1800GT in the Gentleman Drivers race. From rallying is Norwegian veteran and multiple RAC Rally class winner John Haugland who will field a Lotus Cortina in the U2TC race.

Finally, the entry list is packed with all the leading racers of historic cars from across Europe. Notable crowd pleasers include Brackley’s Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams in the E-type Challenge, Willie Green (Ferrari 275 GTB/C), Simon Hadfield and Martin Stretton. Among a variety of drives, both Stretton and Hadfield will race Lola T70 Mk3Bs in the World Sportscar Masters race.

With so many star drivers in action competing in 22 races featuring more than 800 of the world’s finest competition cars spanning more than six decades of motor sport history, it’s no surprise that this year’s Silverstone Classic is enjoying record ticket pre-sales. It’s a ‘must see’ event for all generations.

GOODWOOD GETS READY FOR THE 2011 REVIVAL 2011 - RACE AND TRIBUTE SUMMARIES - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

With this year’s Festival of Speed now a fond but distant memory for the 181,000 enthusiastic spectators that attended the event, the excitement for motor racing at Goodwood is growing again with just over nine weeks to go until the 2011 Goodwood Revival (16-18 September) gets underway with its mouth-watering grids, scintillating on-track action, and a number of significant anniversaries to celebrate.

The 2011 Revival is set to build on the success of last year’s event, when a record-breaking 134,000 people attended over the weekend. As ever, the Revival offers visitors of all ages a chance to revel in the romance and glamour of motor racing as it used to be. It is the only sporting event in the world set entirely to a period theme and, every year, spectators and competitors take a magical step back in time by getting into the effervescent Goodwood spirit. The majority of visitors enter into the spirit of the event, dressing in appropriate clothing from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

This September’s event will offer an action-packed weekend of historic motor racing and period theatre for all the family, as always – with much more besides. The following is a summary of all the on-track activity:

Celebrity Two-driver Races

Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race (one hour, two driver)

For closed-cockpit GT cars in the spirit of the RAC TT races, 1960-1964

The one-hour, two-driver Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race remains the jewel in the Revival’s crown. Nowhere else in the world will you see such a spectacular grid of super-rare GT cars racing in anger, driven by great aces past and present. The grid will once again feature a breathtaking £100+ million array of internationally-renowned historic cars. Expect to see Ferrari 250 GTO, GT SWB and 330 LMB; Aston Martin DB4GT, Zagato and Project cars; plus AC Cobra and the rare Shelby Daytona.

Fordwater Trophy

For Jaguar E-Types of a type that raced up to 1966

This year’s Fordwater Trophy will be very special indeed, featuring a grid exclusively made up of Jaguar E-types, in celebration of the model’s 50^th anniversary. It will be a 45-minute two-driver race, with driver changes in the pits between 15 and 30 minutes. With a mixture of lightweights, roadsters, fixed head coupés and low drag coupés, it should make for an intriguing spectacle and a fitting tribute to Britain’s most popular sports car and its special relationship with Goodwood.

St Mary’s Trophy

Two races for saloon cars of a type that raced between 1960 and 1966

This year’s St Mary’s Trophy will feature cars from the 1960s – a truly golden age of touring car racing. Expect to see a thrilling and close-fought battle between such diverse and classic cars as Jaguar MkII, Ford Galaxie, Mini Cooper S, Lotus Cortina, Saab 93,Alfa Romeo GTA and BMW 1800 TiSA. As ever, the format will be a celebrity race on Saturday, with the car owners taking their turn on Sunday, and the result declared on aggregate.

Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy

Two races for 350cc to 500cc motorcycles of a type that raced between 1960 and 1966

The Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy will continue as a two-part, two-rider challenge, this year featuring bikes from the 1960s, including iconic names like Matchless, Norton, BMW, Ducati and Gilera. There will again be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing. Each owner-rider will be paired up with a professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance.

Sports car races

Madgwick Cup

For sports-racing cars under 3-litres of a type that raced between 1960 and 1966

The Madgwick Cup is a name synonymous with Goodwood and the Revival, and this year’s race will feature a diverse grid of small-capacity sports-racing cars from the early 1960s. With a grid of svelte, lightweightBrabham, Elva and Lotus models, it should make for an incredibly fast and close-fought race.

Freddie March Memorial Trophy

For cars in the spirit of the Goodwood Nine-Hour races, 1952-1955

The Freddie March Memorial Trophy continues as a short sprint race for cars of a type that contested the legendary Goodwood Nine Hour race. It will feature a fabulous collection of classic sports-racing cars such as Jaguar C-type, Aston Martin DB3 and DB3S, Austin-Healey 1005, Ferrari 750, Allard and HWM.

Sussex Trophy

For World Championship sports cars and production sports racing cars from 1955-1960

The Sussex Trophy caters for World Championship sports cars and production sports racing cars from 1955-1960. These big, powerful cars, from the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lister andMaserati, are perfectly suited to Goodwood’s fast, sweeping curves, and always produce a stunning spectacle.

Whitsun Trophy

For sports-racing prototypes of a type that raced between 1963 and 1966

The Whitsun Trophy is the weekend’s fastest race and is always guaranteed to provide breathtaking entertainment and close racing. A wonderful selection of ‘big banger’ sports prototypes will once again unleash upwards of 10,000bhp between them. The legendary Ford GT40 will feature strongly, with several taking part, including a rare 1964 model. Providing stiff opposition will be legions of Ferrari prototypes,Lotus 30s, Lola-Chevrolet T70 Spyders and McLaren-Chevrolet M1s.

Single-Seater Racing

Goodwood Trophy

For Grand Prix and Voiturette cars of a type that raced between 1930 and 1950

This race features GP ‘titans’ and more nimble voiturette cars based on designs from before the Second World War. These sit-up-and-beg single seaters will thunder around the fast and spectacular track, just as they did in the circuit’s earliest years. In addition to a gaggle of ERAs, expect to see Alfa Romeo 308C take onMaserati 4CM, 6CM and 8CM, plus Alta, Bugatti Type 54 and Talbot Lago. A gaggle of super-rare Alfa Romeo Tipo B monopostos will also take part.

RichmondTrophy

For front-engined Grand Prix cars of a type that raced between 1950 and 1960

The Richmond Trophy for Formula One cars (1950-1960) continues as a race solely for front-engined cars. This will offer exciting racing between the legendary cars from one of Grand Prix racing’s golden eras, withMaserati 250Fs out in force, battling against Ferrari 246 Dino, Aston Martin DBR4, BRM Type 25, Cooper-Bristol, Connaught, HWM and the unique four-wheel driveFerguson P99.

Glover Trophy

For 1.5-litre Formula One and Tasman cars of a type that raced between 1961 and 1965

This race for 1960s Formula 1 cars will once again see a spectacular gathering of 1.5-litre GP cars, from the likes of Lotus, Brabham, BRM and Cooper. These cigar-like racers are synonymous with the important F1 meetings in Goodwood’s latter years, and the selection of cars taking part will focus on genuine F1 cars using fabulous-sounding V8 engines, making the race as noisy and exciting as ever.

ChichesterCup

For disc-braked rear-engined Formula Juniors of a type that raced between 1960 and 1963

This year’s Formula Junior race focuses on the ‘late period’, when cars ran with rear-engines and disc brakes, which last appeared at the Revival in 2008. With so many Juniors competing internationally, the specification of the race changes every year, to give it a new look and character. This year’s race sees the cars in their ultimate form, and should once again provide fantastically close and competitive racing.

Earl of March Trophy

For 500cc Formula 3 cars of a type that raced between 1948 and 1959

The Earl of March Trophy regularly provides some of the closest, most competitive racing of the Revival weekend. 500cc Formula 3 racing was hugely important and popular during Goodwood’s formative years, and this year’s race should once again make for an intriguing spectacle.

Circuit Parades

Tribute to Juan Manuel Fangio

Our annual feature tribute will be to Juan Manuel Fangio, on the centenary of his birth and 60^th anniversary of him winning the first of his five world championships. A daily track parade will include a variety of his most famous cars, to honour the life and achievements of this incredible man.

100 Years of Ford of Great Britain

From humble family saloons to racing icons, lusty sports cars to military vehicles, and rally legends to commercial workhorses, Ford of Great Britain has been responsible for some of the most iconic vehicles ever to grace Britain’s roads and race tracks. This year the company celebrates its centenary, and the Revival will celebrate with a parade of the greatest and most instantly recognisable vehicles from those 100 years.

Motocross Champions

This year’s Revival will celebrate a branch of two-wheeled sport at which Britons were once dominant. Motocross was a hugely popular sport on British television in the 1960s, and this parade, featuring seven past champions from that period, will evoke memories of that era.

Special Tribute

75 Years of the Spitfire

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of arguably the most famous fighter plane of all time. The Supermarine Spitfire first flew in 1936, and went on to become a true icon, credited with helping the RAF win the Battle of Britain. Having served as a Spitfire base during World War II, Goodwood is a particularly fitting venue to celebrate this anniversary, with an incredible gathering of aircraft, and a spectacular mass scramble where all the planes will take off in close formation.

To order advance tickets for 2011 Goodwood Revival, please contact the Ticket Hotline
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
Fax: +44 (0)1243 755058
Email: ticket.office@goodwood.com
Book on-line: www.goodwood.com/motorsport

OVER 30 CLASSIC RACE AND RALLY CARS ALONGSIDE MODERN SUPERCARS AT CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT PRESS DAY - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The line-up of vehicles attending the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power Press Day (Tuesday 14 June) is growing fast, with more than 30 classic race and rally cars, as well as a batch of current supercars, now confirmed. Competing with the four-wheel attractions for attention will be helicopters, iconic race and road motorbikes, and a wide range of powerboats doing high-speed runs on the lakes in the Cholmondeley grounds.

Organisers are inviting media to the Press Day for an exclusive taste of Pageant action and to launch the 2011 programme. Highlights of the Press Day will include:

Classic and modern cars and motorbikes:

Group B Rally Cars – Witness a range of iconic rally vehicles, including an Audi Quattro A2 and Peugeot 205 T16 EVO, Ford RS200, Austin Rover Metro 6R4 and Lancia Delta Integrale WRC Martini take to the new rally stage created for the 2011 Pageant.
Jaguar XKR-S – The most powerful and fastest series production sports car Jaguar has ever built is capable of accelerating from rest to 100 mph in just 8.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 186 mph.
BAC Mono – With a 0-60 mph of 2.8 seconds, this lightweight high-performance sports vehicle has been designed and manufactured in Cheshire. It will make its first UK appearance at 2011 Pageant.
Lindner Nocker E-Type – After crashing in 1964, this lightweight Jaguar was so badly damaged that a complete restoration was thought to be impossible. But 47 years later, and after more than 7,000 hours of work, the car will be making its first public appearance at 2011 Pageant.
Bentley Continental GT – The newly-launched coupe has an even crisper, more defined appearance to match its high-performance 6.0-litre W12 twin turbo-charged engine.
Other cars include: 1953 Aston Martin DB3S; 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL; 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB; 2003 Le Mans-winning Bentley Speed 8; 2011 Lamborghini LP570-4 Performante.
Motorbikes include: 1974 Maxton Yamaha TZ385; 1979 Suzuki RG500; 2007 Hasaberg FS650 Supermoto DCR; 1972 840cc Weslake side-car and the hand-built Icon Sheene, claimed to be the world’s most powerful production bike.

Military:

Interviews with representatives from Combat Stress, the UK charity which aids servicemen and women affected both mentally and physically by war.

Powerboats:

An eclectic mix of powerboats including hydroplanes, monohulls and catamarans.
Powerboat lessons from Formula 1 World Speed Record Champion, Alan Marshall.
Experience the James Bond wetbike from the film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.

Helicopters:

Short flights available for photography and filming purposes.
RAF Shawbury with a Eurocopter Squirrel.

The Press Day takes place on the Cholmondeley Estate near Crewe in Cheshire, on Tuesday, 14 June, from 11am with light refreshments available. Media wishing to attend the Press Day should contact PFPR Communications (contact details below).

The Pageant is the UK’s biggest celebration of power and speed, and has established an impressive reputation as a major automotive event and unbeatable family day out. For more details, visitwww.cpop.co.uk.

RECORD SPEEDS AND RECORD CROWDS EXPECTED AT PAGEANT OF POWER - 0 comment(s)

Bert Youell at http://www.winning-formulas.com/ — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (15-17 July; www.cpop.co.uk) is set to be more action-packed than ever this year, with race cars classic and modern, motorbikes, helicopters, powerboats, the UK’s only British Army combat power assault simulation and a stunning Fireworks Concert.

Last year the Pageant, located in the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, welcomed 50,000 guests, and this year advanced ticket sales are up by 40 per cent. Until 18:00 Thursday 14^th July, tickets for the three-day event will remain available at a discount when purchased online, starting at just £17 for adults and £5 for children.

Now in its fourth year and voted Best Tourist Event in Cheshire in 2010, the Pageant in 2011 will feature a series of exciting new features. With the continued backing of Founder-Sponsors Bentley Motors, Breitling and Eurocopter, the event has also been extended to three days with a new ‘Preview Day’ on Friday, where the focus will be on track activities, vehicle preparation and practice sessions.

The crowds will also be able to mingle with famous names from the worlds of sport and entertainment, including world-champion rally driver Juha Kankkunen, five-time Le Mans-winning racing legend Derek Bell, Olympic gold-medallist Rebecca Romero and comedian John Bishop.

The morning of Friday 15 July at the Pageant will start with the ‘Magnificent Marques’ (Bentley, Jaguar and Ford) taking to the track so their guests and members of the press can experience the 1.2-mile course first-hand at a thrilling pace.

Throughout the weekend there will be non-stop on-track action, featuring an eclectic mix of more than 150 high-octane race and road cars taking part in the event’s timed sessions and parade runs.

Some historically-significant race cars will compete alongside modern supercars on the venue’s testing circuit, as well as being on view in the paddocks throughout the event. Last year, Nikki Faulkner established a new track record of 62.68 seconds in a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

Famously successful racing cars at the 2011 Pageant will include Sir Stirling Moss’s 1961 Monaco GP-winning Lotus 18, Jim Clark’s 1963 championship-winning Lotus 25, Jackie Stewart’s triumphant 1971 Tyrrell-Ford and Bentley’s glorious Speed 8 Le Mans 24 Hours victor from 2003.

Racing saloon cars will also star, with “the most beautiful E-type ever” (Lindner Nocker’s Low Drag Lightweight restoration) topping a cast which includes an AC Cobra, Ford GT40, and a host of Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar sportscars. Hundreds of other cars will also feature in static displays, and the combined value of the vehicles at the Pageant will exceed £150million.

Adding to the spectacle, professional Nissan stunt driver Terry Grant will be attempting to become the fastest four-wheeled vehicle to race around the track on just two wheels in the Nissan Juke.

Other innovations for 2011 include a purpose-built 1.3-kilometre tarmac Rally Stage that will play host to more than 30 rally cars, including a line-up of legendary and Group B machines (1982 to 1986), headed by Audi’s awesome 1983 Quattro.

Green-Car-Guide Live! will be a new area dedicated to green performance motoring. Visitors can see the all-electric Nissan LEAF hatchback, Volkswagen’s latest BlueMotion products and the first UK public outing for the brand new 62.8 mpg BMW 520d EfficientDynamics. The area also features vehicles from Jaguar, MINI, Ford, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Oaktec Honda’s remarkable Insight rally car. On track, Nissan’s first electric prototype race car will be in action.

More than 40 world famous classic and modern motorcycles, including many marques from the golden age of British motorcycling, will attend. This year’s ‘star attraction’ will be the fabulous 1977 factory Kawasaki KR750 racer ridden by Tom Sykes. Britain’s World Superbike ace will also push his 2011 ZX10R Kawasaki to the limit around the course.

Away from the track, there will be awesome on-water thrills, with F2 Catamarans ripping across the Deer Park Mere at incredible speeds, and seven classes of powerboat competing for Breitling-sponsored awards. The recently launched Bluebird Electric Water Speed record-challenger will be present, together with famous wetbike from The Spy Who Loved Me.

In the air, brilliant aerobatics will be executed by the Breitling Wing Walkers, the Abarth Extra 300 SC high-tech stunt plane and the elegant Redhawks duo. Sure to be a crowd favourite will be the 10 replica warbirds of the WW1 era that will fill the sky and complete a simulated dogfight. Helicopter pleasure flights will also be available during the event.

The Army and RAF will also put on a live-action combat power assault display with a mock-attack on an enemy position using an array of military hardware – the only demonstration of its kind in the UK this year.

Saturday night will end with an extravaganza of music as the Pageant’s Firework Concert and military tattooaims to raise thousands to help Combat Stress and Remount’s work with veterans. The Mossley Brass and Military Marching bands will be followed by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra and a sensational fireworks finale.

“We are heartened by the tremendous public support for our event and we are determined to reward visitors by making the 2011 Pageant even better with several exciting innovations,” comments event organiser, James Hall. “Last year we welcomed a record number of guests and in 2011 advanced ticket sales are even higher. I’m sure everyone attending and participating in the event will enjoy a fantastic weekend.”

Visiting the Pageant

For 2011, the Pageant gates open at 08.00 each day. Friday is Preview Day with no air or water displays, but plenty of action on the track.

Park (basic admission) tickets for Saturday and Sunday cost just £17 (adult) and £5 (children aged 4-15 years). Paddock tickets, which allow visitors to view all the participating machines and their drivers up-close, cost £20 (Friday) and £27 (Saturday & Sunday). Tickets for Saturday night’s special Concert & Fireworks display cost £25.

Park, Paddock and Concert tickets can be purchased on the day at the estate entry points for £20, £25 (Friday) and £30 (Saturday or Sunday), and £30 respectively.

Special combined tickets are available only by booking in advance. A three-day Paddock pass and Concert ticket is priced at £85 (a saving of £14), while a Saturday Paddock pass and Concert ticket costs £45 (saving £7). A range of high quality hospitality packages are priced from £75 to £234, booking essential.

Ticket booking details and further event information can be found at www.cpop.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01829 772 432. On all three days, admission for children aged under 4 and car parking are free.