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As the Silverstone Classic Festival fast approaches, many people agree that it is recognised as the epitome of classic racing; so go ahead -  it's time to choose your favourite celebrity racer. 
 
 
The good news is more have joined celebrity racing at Silverstone for 2017, meaning more choice and action is coming your way, with 3 more high-profile sports personalities including Jason Kenny CBE, Mike Gatting OBE and Amy Williams MBE.
 
This race is infamous with The Classic, a range of celebrities pitting their wits against each other in an illustrious 50 car grid, all armed with an identical race prepped Austin A35 saloon vehicle famed for the 1950s.
 
These guys join an already action packed team of celebrities including Dragon's Den TV star Theo Paphitis, Stan Boardman, Dennis Taylor, Neil Primrose, Wayne Gardner, Freddie Spencer, Sir Chris Hoy - and that's not everybody - there are many more yet to be confirmed.
 
The guys we are keeping an eye on this year are undoubtedly Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer and their transition from 2 to 4 wheel racing, this will be something special to see.
 
When all the celebrities are confirmed, the final list will be compiled. This will then be split into teams, all representing their current professions e.g. TV, Music, Racing etc., then each team will be issued with a renowned racing driver who will mentor each driver, teaching them a range of track strategies, skills and techniques.
Team captains for this event include; Alex Brundle and Darren Turner, renowned sports car aces Steve Soper and Rob Gravett, and infamous touring car legends and Formula 1 stars Martin Donnelly and Mark Blundell. With these guys in control this is surely an event not to be missed.
 
The qualifying events will take place on Friday, and then race on Sunday with the celebrities together and the team captains on the Saturday.
 
The Austin A35 is well renowned in the world of classic racing. This retro car was introduced a few years ago as a cost effective route, by the historic racing drivers club to ensure more historic racing. Over 50 have been built, thus ensuring an enormous grid ready to challenge.
Nick Wigley, CEO of Silverstone Classic - organiser of Goose Live Events said "We are thrilled that stars of this calibre are eager and enthusiastic to go racing at the Silverstone Classic" he then added "What's more, we have some more big names - including at least three further Olympic gold medallists to be announced soon"
 
Also, look out for Jaguar, out in full force with a host of their classic marks, including the E type, XK150, and don't miss the record breaking attempt to achieve 50 XJ220 Jaguar supercars in one place; definately one not to be missed. The XJ220 was released between 1992 and 1994, in collaboration with Tom Walkinshore Racing. Only 271 were made, costing £470,000 each. Until this event, only a handful have ever been seen together - this 50 car reunion will surely make history, with the record at this point being 20 Jaguar supercars in one place.
The XJ220 concept was to be powered by a V12 engine with four wheel drive, however for the car to meet legislation on emissions, it came with a V6 engine capable of delivering 542bhp, based on a 3.5L twin turbo, delivered via a five speed gear box to the rear axle. 
 
No matter what you choose to watch at the Silverstone Classic, it's going to be a spectacular event and if celebrity racing isn't your bag, there is always the classic and vintage Aston Martin racing, where you can catch up with Ecurie Bertelli and their racing team, as they go full throttle after the Bentley boys.
 
 
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Northern Group of Motoring Writers NGMW

Northern Group Of Motoring Writers

Annabelle Quirk Vice Chairwoman
Ben D T Quirk Member