Rain didnÂ’t stop play at this yearÂ’s Race Retro as the live outdoor action was well-received despite the miserable conditions.

 

Former rally aces Markku Alen, Bjorn Waldegard and Russell Brookes took to the track to wow the crowds in historic rally cars of yesteryear, including some highly powerful Group B cars. The Wall of Death proved equally popular with audiences young and old.

 

Indoors, the atmosphere was buzzing and displays were plentiful. Ford celebrated its title as the chosen marquee of the show with a huge array of historic performance models including the ex-McRae Focus and a ‘40 years of the Escort’ display. Bonhams also made the highest price for a rally Escort – an ex-Bjorn Waldegard model that won the East African Safari Rally in 2007 for £89,500.

 

The Ace Café and fire engine bar were packed throughout the weekend and also made a top viewing area for the interviews and other indoor events hosted by motoring journalist and author Graham Robson.

 

Visitor figures were down by just under ten per cent compared to the 2007 Race Retro, but this is not to be sniffed at in light of the weekendÂ’s weather and the current exhibition climate.