As the festive season draws to a close and the New Year looms ever closer the mood is beginning to change. We would be lying to ourselves if we didn’t admit that everyone’s lost the excitement we had all built up inside in the weeks running up to the big man in red’s arrival. But we should push those January blues to one side because there are far too many events in the New Year to look forward to and get excited about.
One particular event Time journal is eager to attend next month is the highly anticipated Autosport International and Performance Car Show at the NEC arena in Birmingham. In two weeks time petrol heads, professional race drivers, popular manufacturers, motor tuning specialists and influential speakers will all gather together under one roof to celebrate their love of motorsports. Whilst we wait eagerly for January 11th to arrive, we’ve decided to put together a quick ‘what to expect’ summary to give you an idea on what and who will be there, and why this is an event that should not be missed!
Credit: Town of Wakaw
Before we begin, here are some dates for your dairy:
Autosport International (Trade only) 11-12 January 2018
Autosport International (Public days) 13-14 January 2018
Performance Car Show 13-14 January 2018
So what can we expect to see?
Main features
Ferrari
The Italian car manufacturer will be taking center stage throughout the entire event, proudly promoting its extraordinary lineage from classic sports cars to the most current Formula 1 race cars. Ferrari have already confirmed that the latest Ferrari 488 Challenge, the 2017 FIFA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Ferrari 488 GTE, and finally the exclusive Ferrari FXX-K Evo, will all be on display for us to appreciate and admire.
Credit: Ferrari
Roborace
Autosport International 2018 has only yesterday confirmed that it will be hosting Roborace, the world’s first driverless electric car racing competition. From Friday onwards, visitors will be able to feast their eyes on the intelligently designed and futuristic looking ‘Robocar’. Roborace promotes the merging of two worlds, motorsports and advanced AI technology, and hopes to educate the public about the future of advanced technology on our roads.
Credit: Formula E
Motor1
Motor1 has recently confirmed that it will be displaying some true road monsters this year. One particular motor that is guaranteed to make an appearance at the show is the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR 2.0 litre track-only racecar. Visitors will have the opportunity to drool over a range of attractive and powerful motors from the likes of Jaguar, Porsche, McLaren and Volkswagen.
Credit: Volkswagen and Jaguar
Appearances
This year, race car enthusiasts will be able to meet a true British racing legend, Nigel Mansell. The 1992 Formula 1 champion will be attending the show on Saturday 13th January and Sunday 14th January 2018. Visitors and fans will be able to meet the legend in person at a signing session, and listen to Mansell discuss his past career and highlights on the Autosport stage at some point throughout the weekend.
Credit: Autosport International and Pinterest
Other brands and feature displays
The Autosport Stage
Over the four-day event, famous motorsport racers and personalities will appear on stage to answer all of your questions about their past performances, recent developments in the motoring world and expectations for the New Year. If you enjoy being kept in the loop about all things motorsports, past, present and future, the Autosport stage is for you.
Credit: Autosport International 2017
Dunlop MSA BTCC Display
What was a popular feature at last years Autosport International (and is expected to be again in 2018) was the BTCC Display. The enchanted public will be able to get up close and personal to a number of motorsport cars and drivers, and learn more about the past season from the current BTCC champion himself, Ashley Sutton.
Credit: Autosport International
Coys Auction
The internationally renowned ‘Coys’ auction house will also be holding their annual ‘iconic and historic road and race cars’ auction on Saturday 13th January 2018. Whether you want to join in and bid on some stunning classic motors, or simply want to sit back and admire the selection of cars up for sale, Coys auction is guaranteed to be a sensational part of the weekend.
Credit: Autosport International
Activities and Action
Live Action Arena
Your Autosport International ticket includes free entry into the live action area, so there are no excuses if you miss the spectacular display of speed and skill on offer. The live shows will take place on two consecutive days, Saturday 13th January and Sunday 14th January. For the specific live action times, click here.
Credit: Autosport International
Karting Area
Almost every racecar driver in history started his or her career by karting at a young age. This year Autosport International has teamed up with Teesside Karting UK, to bring its thousands of visitors a fun and exhilarating experience. The public will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and ‘arrive-and-drive’, as well as purchase a variety of racing paraphernalia at the ‘Adrenaline zone’ located in Hall 4.
Credit: Autosports International
We haven’t been able to include everything we wanted to in this post, since there are just too many features, displays, showcases and activities to discuss! However, if you want to find out more about what and who will be making an appearance then click here, and if you have yet to book tickets then have no fear, there is still time. Click here to book now!
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