Journey through time at NEC Classic Motor Show: Events
Big historic race events may be over, but the Classic Motor Show at the NEC will keep you entertained. Ed Hardy looks ahead
It’s not just road cars – expect classic racers to pepper the displays at the Classic Motor Show
Goodwood’s season may be over, but there’s still a few chances to get up close and personal with automotive legends, and the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham is not one to be missed. Held at the gargantuan NEC, the event always bring together a huge array of classic car and motorcycle clubs to showcase some stunning metal.
Visitors will be treated to a journey through time as they progress between the halls, starting with pre-20th century vehicles, before moving on towards Rolls-Royce and Ford cars of the 1920s and ’30s. War-time machines will be on display, as will cars of the 1960s and ’70s, decades that cranked up the horsepower. American muscle cars will pepper those halls, while visitors can then step into the 1980s and the birth of the modern supercar.
Many clubs will be in attendance for brands such as Jaguar, Alfa Romeo and Austin-Healey. But fans can also get behind the wheel, as opposed to just looking at displays. From £55, visitors can drive a selection of cars – whether it’s a classic Mini Cooper, an MGB, a Delta Integrale or more – on a four-mile route around the NEC. Passenger rides are also available. For the kids, the Mini-Rovers event means they can be part of the action and tackle an obstacle course in little cars.
For those in the mood, you can even leave with a new toy of your own. Numerous dealers will be present with a large range of British, American and European cars up for sale. Last year was a big one for the auction section where beautiful vehicles such as a 1965 Jaguar E-type, a 1950 Land Rover and a 1972 Honda Z50A were all sold.
There will also be trade stands, restoration and maintenance workshops, talks and even a period fancy dress contest, plus an award for the Classic American Car of the Year.
Tickets are still available priced from £33.50 at the Classic Motor Show website, where you can also find out more.
For a surcharge, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of a classic car on a four-mile route
MotoGP – Grand Prix of Indonesia
Mandalika International Street Circuit, Lombok, Indonesia, October 13-15
Indonesia ended a 25-year absence from MotoGP last season, and returns in ’23. Riders face a fast 17-turn circuit for the season’s 15th round. Miguel Oliveira won last year’s race, but he’s had a poor season with Francesco Bagnaia dominant, and he should be back after escaping serious injury in Barcelona.
Formula 1 – United States Grand Prix
Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, US, October 20-22
F1 returns to COTA for the second of three races Stateside this year. Max Verstappen may already be a triple world champion by that weekend, and is striving for a third consecutive win here.
WRC – Central European Rally
Passau, Bavaria, Germany, October 26-29
This is the WRC’s first tri-nation event. Based in Germany, the 18-stage rally also tours through Austria and the Czech Republic. It could also be the weekend defending champion Kalle Rovanperä clinches his second title.
World endurance Championship – Bahrain 8 hours
Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain, November 4
The WEC’s first season under converged Hypercar regulations draws to a close –and it’s been another strong year for Toyota, which has been the team to beat for a fifth season (despite losing at Le Mans). Toyota has also won every race in Bahrain since 2017.
NASCAR – NASCAR Cup
Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona, US, November 5
After three play-off rounds, the title fight is whittled down to a ‘championship four’. The highest finisher of those drivers at Phoenix wins the title, which Joey Logano currently holds.
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