Autosport International to Kickstart 2004

27 December 2003

Returning to the Birmingham NEC in its usual mid-January slot, Autosport International is set to kickstart the motorsport season in great style with a huge array of the worlds finest road and race machinery. Running 8-11th January, the exhibition showcases every area of world motor racing from karting through rally, road, oval and drag racing, to the heady heights of Formula One.

Representing the latter, the entire F1 grid will be present to explore at far closer quarters than is normally possible. Furthermore, celebrating their championship success The official Ferrari museum, Galleria Ferrari will be bringing over £25 million worth of cars representing Ferrari's road and race heritage. From their earliest race cars, through legendary road cars, the display will be headed up by Michael Schumachers F1 World Championship cars from 1999-2002. Other sports and GT cars include the beautiful 250 GTO and 333SP as well as road-going F40, F50 and the latest-tech Enzo.

On a whole other plane, Hall 11 will be home to the oval racing experience, celebrating 50 years of home-grown oval racing in the UK. Featuring Midgets, Autograss, and Hot Rods, to BRISCA F1 Stock Cars, there will be a host of clubs, experts, promoters and race associations to chat to, while a new Oval Racing Stage will feature non-stop action, celebrity interviews, competitions and awards.

One of the biggest attractions for race fans will be the British Eurosport Live Action Arena. Always worth a visit, this years show will feature thrilling high-speed, tyre-smoking live stunts and celebrities, with action spilling over from the Oval Racing and WRC exhibitions.

In addition to the track-stars, Autosport, in association with Autoglym will be presenting the Supercar Paddock - a collection of the road-going elite and a chance to see your fantasy garage in the flesh. Heading the line-up will be Aston Martin's stunning 450bhp Vanquish V12; the beefy British Invicta S1; the 'baby' Lamborghini Gallardo launched earlier this year; the 500bhp Pagani Zonda and the stunning Noble M12 GTO. The show will also provide the first chance to see the production version of the new Porsche Carrera GT and Porsche's new Carrera GT3 Cup car.

The show runs from 8-11 January, trade only on the first two days and with the full range of shows and activities available for the general public thereafter. Tickets are £24 including entry to the Live Arena, or £14 without.

See official site for Autsport International