The cancellation of last years event, coming on top of the return from CoVid was a real blow to the Race Retro and could have threatened its future. However I am delighted to say that it is back with a bang. Combining exhibition displays with an outdoor rally stage makes for a very worthwhile day out.
The indoor exhibition featured displays by product manufacturers, car clubs and event organisers. For me, the best display was by Rallying with Group B. A huge collection of iconic rally cars from the Group B era which you could get up close and personal with.
There were a number companies offering 60’s style sports cars featuring the Mazda MX5 as a donor car. To me the perfect combination of style and reliability (bearing in mind that I have both a Mazda MX5 and Lotus Elan). Other stand holders included Demon Tweeks and salesman offering magic cream to polish up your car. Despite the 23,229 attendees (an increase in 2023) it never felt overcrowded.
The Hall of Fame hosted epic displays including the Legends of Formula 1 which features eight F1 cars from various eras, starting with the Penske PC3 and going up to the 2019 Racing Point which is believed to be the youngest F1 car in private ownership.
Fans were delighted to see a fantastic mix of vehicles on display that covered all motorsport disciplines including hill climbs, Formula Ford, circuit racing and even NASCAR.
At the heart of the displays was the Talk Motorsport stage where visitors enjoyed lively interviews with the likes of F1 driver turned pundit Anthony Davidson, who was also reunited with the Honda BAR 006 which he test drove for Jenson Button. BTCC stars Jason Plato and Matt Neal shared stories of their epic battles – both on and off the track, while rally legends Rauno AAltonen, Nicky Grist and Dai Llewelin recounted their careers.
The Pride of the Paddock final saw 19 competition cars vying for the visitors’ votes but it was James Williams’ modified 1976 Hillman Imp that took first place. Jim Angliss’ 1963 Ford Anglia 105E came second with Dave Eaton and John Hartland coming in third with the Icon 917K.
Rallying with Group B created its own Hall of Fame with one of the greatest showcases of rally cars ever seen as a tribute to founder Steve Davies, including the Opel Manta 400, Audi Quattro, Ford RS2000 and Metro 6R4 to name a few. Meanwhile outside, another 120 rally cars thrilled the crowds with high octane action on the bespoke Live Stage, with all decades of rally history represented from a 1964 Mini Cooper S through to the Vauxhall Nova.
2025 also saw the return of the popular indoor autojumble, with a full hall dedicated to the treasure trove of motorsport parts, spares and artefacts, and Iconic Auctioneers Competition and Collector Car sales with the hammer coming down on lots including a Pikes Peak Audi and an ex-works Metro 6R4.
Race Retro 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park from 20 to 22 February 2026. For the latest updates and to subscribe to the event newsletters, visit www.raceretro.com.
