The 40th anniversary of the world-beating Ford DFV F1 engine the most successful F1 engine of all time will be celebrated at Brands Hatch this summer, at the Autoglym HSCC Historic Festival on June 30 and July 1.
Headlining the weekends programme of top-level historic motorsport is Round Six of the FIA Historic Formula One Championship (HFO). The HFO relives the glory days of F1 from 1966 to 1985, with genuine Grand Prix cars in fierce competition, just as they were when driven by such heroes as Gilles Villeneuve, Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi.
The field covers a 20-year period of F1 racing, from Jackie Stewarts Tyrrell 001 to the ex-Stefan Johansson Tyrrell 012 and Brabham BT49. Despite the variety of F1 manufacturers on the grid, the vast majority are powered by the legendary Cosworth DFV engine.
The sound of some 25 V8 DFVs roaring away as the lights go green promises to be an unforgettable experience. The Historic Formula One race is on Sunday July 1, with practice and qualifying on the Saturday.
But its not just F1 that makes the Autoglym Historic Festival an appealing event theres a full and varied programme of historic racing on BOTH days and another 40th anniversary to be celebrated: 1967 also saw the launch of the worlds most successful single-seater formula.
It was here at Brands Hatch on July 2, 1967, that Ray Allen won the first ever Formula Ford race in a Lotus 51. From that first race, the new Formula Ford series grew exponentially, as competitors grabbed the chance to take part in this exciting, competitive and affordable form of racing.
At the Autoglym Festival, Ray Allen will be re-acquainted with a Lotus 51 and will demonstrate it in advance of a thrilling race of pre-1972 Formula Fords.
Wander round the open paddock and youll have the chance to get up close to the cars and drivers in one of the UKs biggest historic race meetings, with its top-level 14-race programme.
Whether you prefer the on-track battles of classic saloon cars, sports cars or single-seaters, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the historic Kent circuit and the many free attractions for younger visitors, no one will have time to get bored: its an event for the whole family.
Tickets are available in advance for just 16 (20 on the day) children under 16 go free. For an upgrade of 8, spectators can watch from the stunning MSV Centre building on Clearways, offering unrivalled views of the circuit; or grandstand seats are just 5.
For your advance tickets for the Saturday or Sunday, log onto www.motorsportvision.co.uk/autoglym, or call the ticket hotline on 0870 950 9000.
Article by Malcolm McKay
