There’s something about late February that stirs the motorsport enthusiast’s soul. After months of automotive hibernation, Race Retro bursts into the calendar like the first warm day of spring. It revives memories. It reconnects communities and reignites passion. This year’s visit was my first in several seasons, and stepping back into the show felt like coming home.
A Volvo That Shocked the World
My re‑entry point was Hall 2, appropriately branded the Race Ready Hall. The moment I walked in, my attention locked on a sight that never fails to raise a smile: the iconic Volvo 850 estate touring car driven by Jan Lammers—a machine that stunned the racing world when it debuted in 1994.
It transported me instantly back to my days working for the local Volvo Trucks dealership. During that time, I’d been lucky enough to attend Oulton Park with a VIP pass, which included a sit-down 3-course lunch, and meeting the drivers. There, I’d watched Rickard Rydell and Kelvin Burt push the limits—right up until Burt’s memorable and frightening crash that required an airlift to hospital. Racing has a way of reminding us how thin the margins truly are.
Beauty, Craftsmanship, and a Quarter‑Million‑Pound C‑Type
A few paces on, the graceful silhouette of a Jaguar C‑Type pulled me in. Sitting proudly on the Prescott Hill stand, this example revealed itself—after a chat with the team—to be a meticulously crafted replica. Immaculate in every detail, it carried a price tag to match: a cool £250,000. Proof, if ever needed, that passion and craftsmanship still command their value.
Books, Boost, and Formula 3000 Legends
One of the weekend’s standout moments came not from an engine but from ink and paper. At the Hortons Books stand, author James Newbold was signing copies of his new deep‑dive into Formula 3000. This legendary feeder series cultivated stars like Jean Alesi, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Nick Heidfeld between 1985 and 2004.
This book took James five years of research and writing. He compiled the facts, anecdotes, and stories, including many interviews with star drivers. I managed to secure the very first signed copy—an early treasure I’m eager to review shortly in The Vital Spark.
Treasure Hunting in the Autojumble
From literary delights to mechanical relics, Hall 2A delivered its usual treasure‑trove chaos. The Autojumble remains one of Race Retro’s beating hearts: stacks of second‑hand spares, quirky repurposed parts (yes, including a Mk1 Escort grille‑and‑wing wall hanging), and models ranging from the mundane to the magnificent.
Hammer Time: Richard Hammond’s Cars Go Up for Auction
In Hall 1, the atmosphere shifted from rummaging to refinement as the Iconic Auctioneers lined up an irresistible mix of road and race machinery—any marque, any era, any dream. Among the highlights: Richard Hammond offering two of his own well‑known vehicles from Richard Hammond’s Workshop: an Escort RS2000 and his MGB‑GT race car, both heading to new homes under the hammer.
Heroes, Icons, and Motorsport Royalty
The journey continued into Hall 3, where the Hall of Fame and Talk Motorsport Stage offered something for every enthusiast. From grassroots teenage racers to seasoned pros like Alex Brundle, the conversations were rich, varied, and full of insight.
The displays were equally star‑studded: former F1 machinery including Alain Prost’s McLaren and Kimi Räikkönen’s Lotus Renault E20, alongside ex‑Le Mans prototypes, rally legends, hillclimbers, and dragsters. Everywhere you looked, motorsport history stood proudly polished and ready for admiration.
Mud, Motorsport, and Magic on the Rally Stage
No Race Retro visit is complete without stepping outside to the live rally stage, a muddy amphitheatre where the heroes of yesteryear come alive. Ford Escorts, Audi Quattro SWBs, Triumph TR7‑V8s, and Lancia Delta Integrales tore through the mud with theatrical brilliance—showering delighted spectators in flying dirt and nostalgia.
A Perfect Start to the Season
Race Retro doesn’t just mark the beginning of the car‑show season—it sets the tone. It’s a celebration of motorsport in all its forms: the noise, the craft, the stories, the community. This year delivered all of it in abundance.
And yes—I’ll be back next year.
