Motorsport fans were treated to an electrifying weekend as Race Retro made its triumphant return to Stoneleigh Park, delivering its biggest and most thrilling show since the pandemic. After the heartbreak of last year’s cancellation, organizers pulled out all the stops—expanding the event with an additional hall packed full of motorsport history, much to the delight of the 23,229 attendees—a solid increase from 2023.
A Hall of Fame Like No Other
The Legends of Formula 1 display stole the spotlight, showcasing an incredible lineup of eight F1 cars from different eras. From the classic Penske PC3 to the ultra-modern 2019 Racing Point—believed to be the youngest privately owned F1 car—the collection had fans in awe.
But F1 was just the beginning. The show featured an exhilarating mix of machines from hill climbs, Formula Ford, circuit racing, and even NASCAR, ensuring there was something for every motorsport enthusiast.
Epic Stories from Racing Icons
The Talk Motorsport stage became the heart of the event, drawing crowds eager to hear racing legends share their stories. F1 driver turned pundit Anthony Davidson took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reuniting with the Honda BAR 006 he once test drove for Jenson Button. BTCC titans Jason Plato and Matt Neal relived their on-track (and off-track!) rivalries, while rally greats Rauno Aaltonen, Nicky Grist, and Dai Llewellyn captivated audiences with tales from their incredible careers.
Pride of the Paddock – A Battle of Legends
One of the weekend’s biggest highlights was the Pride of the Paddock final, where 19 stunning competition cars fought for visitors’ votes. The top honor went to James Williams’ modified 1976 Hillman Imp, with Jim Angliss’ 1963 Ford Anglia 105E claiming second place and Dave Eaton & John Hartland’s Icon 917K securing third.
Rallying with Group B – A Fitting Tribute
Rallying fans were in for a treat as Group B created its own Hall of Fame in honor of founder Steve Davies, featuring one of the most jaw-dropping collections of rally cars ever assembled. From the Opel Manta 400 and Audi Quattro to the Ford RS2000 and Metro 6R4, this display was nothing short of legendary.
And the action wasn’t just indoors! Over 120 rally cars took to the bespoke Live Stage, delivering high-octane thrills across all eras—from a 1964 Mini Cooper S to the fire-breathing Vauxhall Nova.
A Show to Remember—And More to Come!
Show Director Lee Masters summed up the weekend’s success:
“We are absolutely blown away by the feedback from visitors and traders. Race Retro has faced its challenges since COVID, but seeing the halls buzzing with excitement and these epic cars on display makes it all worthwhile. A huge thank you to everyone who stuck with us—we’re already planning for 2026!”
More to Explore – Autojumble & Auctions
This year also saw the return of the ever-popular indoor autojumble, a treasure trove for collectors hunting for rare motorsport parts and memorabilia. Meanwhile, Iconic Auctioneers made waves with a spectacular Competition and Collector Car sale, featuring gems like a Pikes Peak Audi and an ex-works Metro 6R4.
Race Retro returns to Stoneleigh Park from 20–22 February 2026. Stay up to date and subscribe to the event newsletter at www.raceretro.com!
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
We are passionate, dedicated motorsport professionals.
In 2025 you will see us trackside and stageside with exclusive coverage of
- The World Endurance Championship
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- British GT
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- and more!
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