Historic Tourers Bringing BTCC Flavour Back to Croft
Fresh off the back of a successful Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race meeting earlier this month, Croft Circuit is already speeding flat-out towards the next major event on its 2017 schedule – the retro-flavoured Croft Nostalgia Festival (5th/6th August).
The BTCC – the UK’s biggest and best four-wheeled motor sport series – reached its halfway point at Croft, with some spectacular doorhandle-to-doorhandle duels and victories for Ashley Sutton, Colin Turkington and Mat Jackson. The former in particular produced a standout performance for the thousands of appreciative fans lining the North Yorkshire circuit, as his swashbuckling driving style saw the young Subaru star indubitably steal the show.
That was not the last time to catch tin-tops at Croft in 2017, however, as the eighth edition of Croft Nostalgia Festival is set to welcome countless classic race cars – amongst which will be no shortage of muscular Mustangs, fabulous Ford Lotus Cortinas and mighty Minis in the ever-popular Historic Touring Car Championship.
The HTCC is just one element of the on-track entertainment over the weekend, though, with action from Historic Road Sports & ‘70s Road Sports, the Guards Trophy, Historic Formula Ford, Historic Formula 3, Historic Formula Junior, Formula Ford 2000, Classic Clubmans and the Sprite Midget Challenge.
The fun is not just confined to the racetrack, with myriad attractions all around the circuit in-keeping with the family-friendly event’s 1930s-1970s theme. From military vehicle exhibits and living history encampments to classic car displays, barnstorming aerial flypasts, static period aircraft and music in the marquee hosted by George Formby impersonator and ENSA performer Colin Bourdiec – including an afternoon tea dance featuring Sinatra songs by artist Jack Randle – there truly is something for everyone at Croft Nostalgia Festival.
Visitors are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the occasion by donning period costume – with prizes for the best-dressed gentleman and lady on each day. Should any inspiration be required, trade stalls will be selling a wide variety of vintage clothing and fashionable accessories, as well as offering makeovers. Cream teas and a Pimms bar will also ensure nobody goes hungry or thirsty over the weekend.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the BTCC here earlier this month,” commented Croft Circuit Manager Cat Lund. “I would like to send our very best wishes to Luke Davenport, Jeff Smith and Árón Taylor-Smith for their recovery after the injuries they sustained in the qualifying day accident. I am delighted they all appear to be making good progress and we hope to see them all back trackside very soon.
“Now, our attention has turned towards the next dates on Croft’s busy calendar, with a special focus on Nostalgia Festival. This is one of the best events in the north of the country and a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most iconic cars ever to have graced Britain’s roads and racetracks. Visitors can also climb into the cockpit of a Spitfire, indulge in the irresistible wartime entertainment and soak up the evocative atmosphere from times gone by.
“It’s fabulous fun for all the family and cracking
