A grid of 54 500cc Formula 3 cars is planned to race at this year’s Silverstone Festival as part of the circuit’s celebration of 75 years since hosting the very first Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix – which if it goes to plan will be a world record. With 64 entries received, 54 of these pint-sized post-war single-seaters will line up on Sunday for a special anniversary race – the largest gathering of the type ever assembled.
The category was the only support race to the inaugural World Championship round at Silverstone in 1950, and returns to the forefront this summer with drivers from ten nations and cars from 24 manufacturers. Among the marques represented are Emeryson, JBS and Kieft, as well as rarities such as the Larkens, Petty, ‘Flash Special’, Jason and the only surviving Mackson.
Cooper, the dominant force of the era, will be out in full strength with every version from Mk IV to Mk XIII entered. A restored Cooper T12, which became the first rear-engined car to start an F1 race when modified and entered for the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, will also appear. Back in 1950, a young Stirling Moss was part of the support race grid in a Cooper, narrowly losing out to Wing-Commander Frank Aikens in an Iota P1. Two Iotas will return to the track this August to commemorate that race.
Nigel Challis, Chairman of the 500 Club, said: ‘We had a feeling that this very special 75th anniversary commemoration race would be well received, but the response has been absolutely incredible.’ Silverstone Festival Director Nick Wigley added: ‘This extraordinary gathering will not just be a remarkable world record but also a huge highlight for many of those attending.’
The 500cc race joins an already packed schedule, which includes Masters Racing Legends for DFV-era F1 cars and the return of Group C. The weekend will also feature the debut of the World Champions Collection, with a unique gathering of cars driven by all 34 F1 Drivers’ World Champions.
Silverstone Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Visit silverstone.co.uk for more details, and to book tickets.
