In brief, April 2009

The Masters Racing Series has announced technical regulation changes for 2009 on a one-year trial basis. In response to competitor feedback, electronic ignition within the original distributor will be allowed in pursuit of improved reliability. Other measures include performance caps on Top Hat V8 saloons.

A race for Pre-63 GT cars will be among the new events in July’s Silverstone Classic. Organisers are hoping to encourage rare machinery like the Ferrari 250SWB onto the grid and are dealing direct with competitors.

A biography of Mark Donohue will be launched at Watkins Glen in April in an event featuring demo laps by cars from his career. They include a Lola T70 Can-Am, the Eagle he raced in the ’73 Indy 500, and Donohue’s first race car, his 1961 Elva Courier. Author Michael Argetsinger will be present.

The Porsche 962C raced by Oscar Larrauri for Walter Brun’s team in 1989 will return to the grid this year in the hands of new owner Steve Tandy. The car is believed to have gone unused since the end of the 1989 World Sportscar Championship and is being re-prepared by Peter Chambers Automotive.

On the Saturday morning of June’s Le Mans 24 Hours, Motor Racing Legends will run a heritage parade for classic and modern cars from marques with a link to Le Mans. Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, Austin-Healey and Jaguar will all be represented.

The Porto Historic Grand Prix is due to run from July 10-12 at the Boavista street circuit, although no races have yet been confirmed. The historic event, first held in 2007, will run a week after the World Touring Car Championship event at the Portuguese track.

The 16th edition of Modena Trackdays will be held at the Nürburgring on June 29/30. Hosted by leading German Ferrari specialist Modena Motorsport, it will feature 15 historic F1 cars and between 150-200 classic road and race cars. Ex-works driver Jacky Ickx will drive some of his former cars. For details go to www.modena-trackdays.com