Silverstone RetroRun announced

As part of the 2001 Silverstone Historic Festival, more than 400 classic cars are expected to enter the eighth annual Footman James Silverstone RetroRun, and be flagged off from five different start points around the UK on Saturday, August 25.

New this year are Brands Hatch and Castle Combe motor racing circuits and The National Motorcycle Museum at Solihull in the West Midlands. Cars starting from Brands Hatch and Castle Combe will complete a couple of laps of the circuits to get them in the mood.

The event - open to all enthusiastic owners of modern or not-so-modern classic cars, will include the two traditionally popular starts from Stowe School near Buckingham and The Bellhouse Hotel at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

The RetroRun entrants complete between 100 and 130 non-competitive `fun-run' miles to the Finish at Silverstone later in the day. Most will return to Silverstone on Sunday, August 26, to take part in celebratory parade laps of the 3.14-mile Historic Grand Prix circuit.

The RetroRun Awards Ceremony - involving some of the motor sport personalities present at the Festival - will then take place trackside using the same podium as the Formula 1 drivers at the British Grand Prix.

The £100 entry fee for each car includes 2 x 3-day admission tickets to the Silverstone Historic Festival as well as exclusive infield parking close to the paddock area and unlimited access to the competitors' paddock, the Bonhams & Brooks auction and the Footman James Pavilion in the Champagne Lanson `Scarf & Goggles' bar/restaurant complex.

In addition, all entrants will automatically be entered into a lucky draw to win one of 10 hot-air balloon flights.

Footman James leads the market in insurance of historic and classic cars, motorcycles and other specialist vehicles. Managing Director, Peter James commented: "We are looking forward to what has become one of our favourite events in the classic calendar and are delighted to be associated with its unique atmosphere for the eighth consecutive year.

"The event gets right to the heart of the specialist vehicle movement and displays genuine pride in vehicle ownership."

For more information, an Entry Form or to contact the RetroRun Organiser's Office, call the

24-hour RetroRun Hotline on 01327 320200

For further information, ticket information and advance bookings for the Silverstone Historic Festival, call 01327 850204 or visit www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk.

-SHF