Autosport International 2024: Public Show days

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Autosport International 2024, A24, NEC, UK, 13/01/2024, © Matt Hancock Pro-Pix,

Autosport International has an all-new name, A24, and an all-new look for 2024.

On Saturday and Sunday the doors were flung wide open to the general public and it appeared to be a bumper crowd this year. Arguably leading the line-up at this year’s show, was the recently axed Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner. On Saturday Guenther took questions from Sky Sports commentator David Croft, in regards to recent events with HAAS of which apparently took place between Christmas and New Year, but regardless of recent events, he seemed very upbeat and more than happy to talk to the large crowd of motorsport fans that had gathered to see him.

Autosport International 2024, A24, NEC, UK, 13/01/2024, © Matt Hancock Pro-Pix,

 

Perhaps the biggest change for 2024 was that many cars were joined by the stars on the main stage, of which was redesigned. Some of the main attractions were the latest sports-prototype racers from Le Mans legends Ferrari and Porsche.

James Calado, Britain’s newest Le Mans winner, was accompanied by his Ferrari 499P on Saturday. Calado hit a new career pinnacle with an outstanding overall victory at the 24 Hours and this provided a rare opportunity to see him and his Hypercar, given there are currently no World Endurance Championship rounds in the UK.

Autosport International 2024, A24, NEC, UK, 13/01/2024, © Matt Hancock Pro-Pix,

 

The rival Porsche 963 of Hertz Team Jota also made an appearance. Team owner Sam Hignett joined the car on stage and gave an exclusive insight into the privateer team’s first season in the Hypercar category and its ambitions for 2024.

Adding to the selection of Le Mans-related content, MissionH24, a joint venture between H24Project and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, demonstrated the innovative work they are doing to bring hydrogen-powered racing to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a chance for fans to take a look at the pioneering H24 prototype.

Outside of sportscar racing, there were plenty of other machines to see at the NEC. They included M-Sport’s Ford Puma Rally1 contender, and the EuroNASCAR V8, while DTM brought along an example of the ultra-successful Audi R8 GT3.

Autosport International 2024, A24, NEC, UK, 13/01/2024, © Matt Hancock Pro-Pix,
Live Stage

World-class talents from disciplines including rallycross, motorcycles and stock cars were on hand to  entertain the 3000-plus Live Action Arena audience during a 45-minute feast of stars, stunts and action.

Rallycross was one of the highlights of the running in 2023 and made a welcome return again this year, the 2023 GB champion Patrick O’Donovan was out in force along side the likes of Liam Doran and Oli Bennet in his blisteringly fast Mini.

Autosport International 2024, A24, NEC, UK, 13/01/2024, © Matt Hancock Pro-Pix,

VIBE – Performance and Tuning with Live Stage Action

The Popular Performance and Tuning Car Show now branded as VIBE Birmingham, offered unique tuning, modification solutions, and inspiration to the tuning industry.

The cars were front and centre on the new VIBE driveway stage. Designed to bring the performance tuning and modify vehicles to life with a dedicated stage, and interviews around the cars displayed on the big screen to reveal close-up areas for everyone to see.

The RacerViews info

By Matt Hancock

We are passionate, dedicated motorsport professionals.

In 2024 you will see us trackside and stageside with exclusive coverage of

  • The World Endurance Championship
  • The World Rally Championship
  • Belgian Rally Championship
  • British GT
  • British Rallycross
  • and more!

We aim to bring you interviews and photos you won’t see anywhere else. We don’t aim to break the news, rather we aim to bring the voices of the racers to you and the atmosphere of the event to you at home. Our social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube bring you more, a holistic experience. We partner with racers and professionals in the industry and give back where we can. If we can help you or you have a story to share, please contact us.