Motoring enthusiasts from across the UK descended on Shelsley Walsh – the world’s oldest motorsport venue still in use – for the 2026 edition of Classic Nostalgia on 18-19 July.
Now in its 15th year, Classic Nostalgia saw the Worcestershire venue welcome everything from Grand Prix machinery and Group B rally icons to thunderous NASCARs, Can-Am racers and even a home-built gas turbine-powered special.
For many, the highlight of the weekend was the presence of the Subaru Impreza WRC – X20 SRT – in which Richard Burns and co-driver Robert Reid claimed the 2001 World Rally Championship title.
X20 SRT was joined by Burns’ 2000 Safari Rally-winning Impreza and the Talbot Sunbeam in which a teenage Burns used to compete in club rallies during the late 1980s. All three were brought along by British motorsport engineering giant Prodrive, which ran works Subarus for the likes of Burns, Colin McRae and Petter Solberg in period.
Burns’ Subarus were driven up the 1000-yard course to mark the 25th anniversary of Burns and Reid’s WRC triumph. Fittingly, X20 SRT was in the hands of Burns’ godson Tom Williams, whose father David had been an early mentor and close friend to the late champion. A rally driver himself, Williams currently competes in the American Rally Association National Championship and harbours ambitions of following his godfather into the WRC.
Jo Burns, Richard’s sister, joined friends and former Prodrive team members – including technical director David Lapworth – for a startline photograph, before the reunion continued on Classic Nostalgia’s new Historic Racing News Live Stage with an interview recalling that world-title-winning season.
Rally fans were further spoiled by the Ralli22 contingent, which fielded more than 30 Group B, Group A and WRC cars. Highlights included no fewer than three Audi quattros, a Lancia Stratos and an MG Metro 6R4, along with an ex-Carlos Sainz Ford Escort RS Cosworth and ex-Colin McRae machinery including a Subaru Impreza and a Ford Focus WRC.
Beyond the rally contingent, the hill welcomed more than five decades of racing machinery. Formula 1 was represented by the controversial Durex-liveried 1976 Surtees TS19, Rubens Barrichello’s 1997 Stewart SF1 and Michael Schumacher’s Benetton B192, the latter driven by British Women Racing Drivers’ Club president Lorina McLaughlin.
Other fan favourites included the Jensen CV8 known as ‘The World’s Fastest Jensen’, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust’s Group 44 E-type, Chaparral 2 and Lola T160 Can-Am cars, whose deafening engines were rivalled only by the visiting NASCARs.
The unique sound of the gas turbine-powered Mannic Beattie Sports Libre consistently drew big crowds and there was an emotional homecoming for the four-wheel drive Hepworth FF, in which David Hepworth became the first to break Shelsley’s 30-second barrier in 1971.
Open to pre-1985 vehicles, Sunday’s Classic & Sports Car Concours saw nearly 100 entries bidding for Best of Show. After plenty of deliberation, the judging panel led by motoring journalist Simon Taylor, market expert John Mayhead and Classic and Sports Car editor Ryan Standen crowned David Whyley’s 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic as the overall winner. The Judges’ Choice and Spirit of the Show prizes went to a 1971 Datsun 510 and a 1968 Morris Traveller respectively.
The Best Presented Car Club contest proved to be just as competitive. Judged independently by Lockton it was the Morgan Sports Car Club – whose display featured a number of cars that had travelled from Yorkshire to Worcestershire to take part – that emerged victorious.
Away from the cars, the Historic Racing New Live Stage proved a popular addition, with big crowds attending for interviews and autograph sessions. Speakers included Le Mans legend Richard Attwood, John Fitzpatrick, Howden Ganely and former F1 driver Mike Wilds.
Classic Nostalgia will return to Shelsley Walsh in summer 2027 with dates TBC.
