Race Retro returns in style
Motorsport enthusiasts celebrated as Race Retro returned to Stoneleigh Park with its biggest and best show since the covid pandemic. After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation, the organisers added an extra hall packed with motorsport history that delighted the 23,229* attendees (an increase in 2023) over the three-day event.
The Hall of Fame hosted epic displays including the Legends of Formula 1 which features eight F1 cars from various eras, starting with the Penske PC3 and going up to the 2019 Racing Point which is believed to be the youngest F1 car in private ownership.
Fans were delighted to see a fantastic mix of vehicles on display that covered all motorsport disciplines including hill climbs, Formula Ford, circuit racing and even NASCAR.
At the heart of the displays was the Talk Motorsport stage where visitors enjoyed lively interviews with the likes of F1 driver turned pundit Anthony Davidson, who was also reunited with the Honda BAR 006 which he test drove for Jenson Button. BTCC stars Jason Plato and Matt Neal shared stories of their epic battles – both on and off the track, while rally legends Rauno AAltonen, Nicky Grist and Dai Llewelin recounted their amazing careers.
The Pride of the Paddock final saw 19 competition cars vying for the visitors’ votes but it was James Williams’ modified 1976 Hillman Imp that took first place. Jim Angliss’ 1963 Ford Anglia 105E came second with Dave Eaton and John Hartland coming in third with the Icon 917K.
Rallying with Group B created its own Hall of Fame with one of the greatest showcases of rally cars ever seen as a tribute to founder Steve Davies, including the Opel Manta 400, Audi Quattro, Ford RS2000 and Metro 6R4 to name a few. Meanwhile outside, another 120 rally cars thrilled the crowds with high octane action on the bespoke Live Stage, with all decades of rally history represented from a 1964 Mini Cooper S through to the Vauxhall Nova.
Show Director Lee Masters said: “We are blown away by the feedback from both visitors and traders. Race Retro has not had an easy time since covid so to hear the buzz in the halls, see these epic cars on display and to see the show back at its best is fantastic. A huge thank you to all our traders and visitors for sticking with us and supporting us through the past few years. Planning for 2026 starts now!”
2025 also saw the return of the popular indoor autojumble, with a full hall dedicated to the treasure trove of motorsport parts, spares and artefacts, and Iconic Auctioneers Competition and Collector Car sales with the hammer coming down on lots including a Pikes Peak Audi and an ex-works Metro 6R4.