First International Historic Show a Sell-Out with Exhibitors

25 January 2004

All but a handful of the 375 exhibition stands at International Historic Motorsport, the three-day winter show which makes its debut at Stoneleigh Park on 20-22 February 2004, have been sold.

The news was welcomed by show organisers Heritage Motorsport Services Ltd. A spokesman said: "We literally have hardly any space left. I'm delighted, not only for everyone who has worked so hard to develop the show, but for the whole historic motorsport movement. This is a British success story which has until now been largely hidden from public view.

Heritage Motorsport Services have identified over 3,000 individual companies involved in this industry, together with at least 50 historic motorsport series and event organisers; many of these have never exhibited before.

"We intend to put that right at Stoneleigh Park in February. The major players in the business will be there: historic and classic event organisers, competition motor clubs, car preparation companies, plus historic motorsport engineering and technical equipment suppliers.

For the first time ever, they will all be together under one roof, where they can meet and do business with each other and, of course, discuss their plans with historic motorsport competitors, fans and the media. Additionally, newcomers to the sport will find everything they need to get started at Stoneleigh Park.

With historic rallying continuing to grow in terms of both events and support industries, the Show highlights this trend with nine blocks of stands devoted entirely to classic road and historic stage rallying, along with famous ex-works cars and drivers, including Paddy Hopkirk, Pentti Airikkala, Russell Brookes and Rosemary Smith.

The Show also features a 50-car Live Rally Stage in Stoneleigh Park with celebrity drivers (Saturday & Sunday only), a charity dinner where the International Historic Motorsport Awards will be presented (Saturday evening), a sale by H&H Classic Auctions of important memorabilia, cars and motorcycles (Saturday), a series of Historic Motorsport Business Briefings, plus a separate hall where competition cars from individuals and specialist dealers are actually on sale to visitors.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent will visit the Show and attend The Charity Awards Dinner. The Show will be officially opened on Friday morning by Max Mosley, President of the FIA, and Tom Wheatcroft, representing the historic motorsport industry. The weekend Visitor Days will be opened on Saturday morning by Sir Stirling Moss.

Ticket sales are now open. Admission for Trade & Competitor Day on Friday 20 February is fixed at £20 per person (no discounts). For Saturday 21 February and Sunday 22 February, tickets are £15 (£25 for two days). Advance tickets are cheaper than tickets bought on the day and extra discounts are available for motor clubs and groups. Details from the Ticket Hotline: 0870 906 2002

Tickets for the Historic Motorsport Charity Awards Dinner on Saturday evening (£60 each or £540 for a table of ten) should be ordered from Tracy Li at The Motorsports Industry Association by telephone (0247 669 2600), email (tracy.li@the-mia.com) or online (www.the-mia.com).

See official site for Historic Motorsport International

Related Story 03.01.2004 - New International Historic Show for 2004