Motorsport once again demonstrated its enormous global appeal over the last four days, as the NEC played host to the 21st Autosport International, the world’s biggest motorsport show.
The show attracted motoring legends such as Porsche and Chevron Racing, household names such as Skoda, and the Brit pack including Lotus (with a bit of help from Renault) and Ginetta.
Racing cars wouldn’t go very far without drivers. Martin Brundle, Anthony Davidson, Jake Humphrey and Gary Paffett drove crowds wild on the Autosport Stage. Other highlights included the latest F1 cars and historic cars. .
“It’s great to be here!” said Humphrey. “The show has given fans the chance to be really close to the action. At Autosport International you can be just two feet away from a contemporary F1 car, and even meet race drivers and legends of the sport. It’s an amazing day out for the fans and their families.” Davidson added: “I was really looking forward to coming to Autosport International today! It’s great to talk to all the fans and update them on my racing plans for the year.”
Show visitors also witnessed the unveiling of the 2011 Lotus Renault GP car livery this weekend. British sports car company Ginetta attracted great interest at its stand with the launch of the G55, generating many strong leads throughout the four days. High-end manufacturer Porsche showed its GT3-R Hybrid and Škoda UK Motorsport revealed its incredible 2011 Fabia S2000 for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Meanwhile, Chevron Racing Cars launched its Chevron GR8 GT, which attracted new and existing customers to the stand from as far afield as Japan and Brazil. “Last year we sold five cars during the show and this year there has been even more sales,” said Helen Bashford-Malkie, Managing Director at Chevron Racing Cars. “We sold the first car within one hour of the show opening on Thursday, so we are very happy with our attendance in Autosport International.”
Hosted by Fifth Gear TV stars Jason Plato and Tiff Needell, fans had the chance to enjoy adrenaline-pumping action and stunts at the Fifth Gear Live Action Arena during the weekend. The show featured cars from the European Drift Championship, autograss racers, rally cars, BriSCA F1 Stock Cars and fan-favourite Terry Grant, who thrilled show goers with amazing stunts.
Autosport International Show Director Ian France said: “The four days of the show have been extremely successful. With high-class exhibitors and fantastic displays we have received some very positive feedback and it’s always great to see the smiles on racing fans’ faces. Plans for 2012 are already underway, and much more of the same can be expected.”
Autosport International 2012 will take place on 12-15 January 2012 at the NEC in Birmingham.
