Silverstone Classic Honours RS500
Remarkably, it's now 25 years since Ford's iconic Sierra Cosworth RS500 fell into the hands of the world's motorists, which included many racing and rally teams. It is therefore Appropriate that this year's Silverstone Classic will pay homage to the winged megacar. The RS500's silver anniversary being marked with two special touring car races plus a large display dedicated to both competition and showroom derivatives.
It was back in 1985 that Ford shocked the world by launching the original Sierra Cosworth - a turbocharged version of its basic family hatchback, complete with a 'whale-tail' rear spoiler and ample performance to embarrass many a supercar.
Once 5000 of these 'standard' 150mph 'Cossies' had been produced, international Group 'A' competition rules allowed Ford to develop an even hotter evolution version of which only 500 were needed to meet the homologation regulations, hence the introduction of the flame-spitting RS500 in August 1987. Talking in multiples of 500; racing versions of the RS500 could develop more than 500bhp and were quick to make their mark in national and international motorsport.
Twenty five years on, those remarkable achievements will be showcased in two momentous Fuji Film Touring Car Trophy races to be staged at the Silverstone Classic. Marking the occasion, no fewer than five RS500s will head an impressive entry list that includes close to 50 of the world's finest touring cars from 1975-1999.
Whatever you motorsport persuasion, the Silverstone Classic is the place to be 20th-22nd July and the event is now firmly established as the world's biggest classic motor racing festival, the spectacular three-day event staged at the famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire. The classic festival features the very best of historic racing covering more than eight decades of motor sport.
The Silverstone Classic Festival is promoted and organised by Goose Communications and has the AA as its main event partner this year and further support from Silverstone Auctions, BMW, Planet Rock, Daily Telegraph and Classic & Sportscar magazine.
Ticket details & event timetable from: www.silverstoneclassic.com
12th July, 2012