Le Mans winners to share memories at HMI show

Four celebrated epic Le Mans 24 Hour winners are appearing at the first ever Historic Motorsport International conference programme. Between them Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, Emanuele Pirro and Jürgen Barth have won the coveted French endurance classic no fewer than 17 times.

On 23 and 24 February they will be among those sharing their memories, experiences, know-how and wisdom with visitors to the inaugural Historic Motorsport International, London’s new exhibition devoted to all aspects of historic racing and rallying. The show runs from 23-26 February at ExCeL London.

Along with a roster of renowned race car designers, team managers, event organisers and specialist engineers, they will be taking part in the two-day conference programme which takes place in the Supagard Theatre which is free to attend each day.

Others appearing include saloon car father and son racers, Andrew and Mike Jordan – past BTCC champion and race winner respectively – former F1 and World Sportscar designer Tony Southgate and reigning FIA Historic F1 champion Nick Padmore.

The inaugural HMI conference programme also includes panel session discussions on key topics for historic motorsport. Important issues coming under analysis will cover scrutineering and eligibility, driving standards and safety, the landscape of historic rallying and the promotion of historic motorsport.

Among the participants will be distinguished experts including long distance rally organiser Fred Gallagher, series organisers and promoters Carol Spagg (U2TC) and Duncan Wiltshire (Motor Racing Legends) and engineers, drivers and eligibility specialists such as MSA scrutineer John Hopwood and Barry Cannell from the HGPCA.

Other conference programme contributors include prominent historic racer Shaun Lynn, Porsche preparation expert Richard Tuthill, John Pearson from Dunlop Motorsport and well-respected journalist Marcus Pye.

Among the many other attractions at HMI, which runs until Sunday, 26 February, are special displays celebrating 50 years of both Formula Ford and the all-conquering Ford DFV F1 engine and a thrilling presentation underlining the breadth of historic machinery that will be taking part in the Silverstone Classic festival in July.

This year’s exhibition will be officially opened by Jacky Ickx at 12 noon on Thursday, 23 February. Tickets are now available from the show website – historicmotorsportinternational.co.uk – and start at £24 for single adult entry (£27 on the door on the day).