Next week sees the opening of the inaugural Historic Motorsport International show which resides alongside the London Classic Car Show together both shows go up against the long standing Race Retro show happening in Coventry.

So, if you are heading to London next weekend what should you expect?

One of the unique highlights of the show will be the Historic Motorsport Conference Programme – hosted in the show’s Supagard Theatre by motorsport broadcaster Henry Hope-Frost and with expert opinions from leading names in the historic motorsport world – will debate a wide variety of topics including Scrutineering and Eligibility, Driving Standards and Safety and the Promotion and Marketing of Historic Motorsport.

The Supagard Theatre will also feature interviews with many of the high profile personalities attending the show – these include racing legend Jacky Ickx who will officially open the inaugural HMI at 12 noon on Thursday, 23 February. As well as three other celebrated legends from the epic Le Mans 24 Hours. Derek Bell, Emanuele Pirro and Jürgen Barth and on 23 and 24 February they will be among those sharing their memories, experiences, know-how and wisdom with visitors to the show.

Others appearing include tin-top 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.

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. It all adds up to two days of absorbing discussions and dialogue that no one with even a passing interest in historic motorsport will want to miss.

Who is exhibiting?

Expect to see all the major race organisers Motor Racing Legends, Historic Sports Car Club, Historic Motor Racing News, Peter Auto, Masters and Equipe GTS.

Silverstone Classic and their famous Scarf & Goggles pub – will be taking centre stage, among the cars to be shown are a Ferrari Dino 246, the last front-engined car to win a Grand Prix, an iconic JPS Lotus 87 DFV-powered F1 car from the 3-litre era, a Ross Brawn designed Group C Jaguar XJR-14 and a Pre-War Bentley Sports Car. There will also be a diminutive Austin A35 racer representing the packed one-make grid that will be raced by professionals and celebrities at the Classic.

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.

There will also be a handful of dealers present; Williams I’anson, Duncan Hamilton, Hall & Hall, Taylor Crawley. As well as restoration and recreation specialists Crosthwaite & Gardiner and engine preparation experts Nicholson McLaren Engines.

Bas Bungish, Group Event Director for Historic Motorsport International and the London Classic Car Show, said: “HMI has been a fantastic addition to the London Classic Car Show and the two events complement each other superbly. We’re already in discussions with partners for next year’s events which again will combine at ExCeL London and run from 22 to 25 February, 2018.”

When and where?

Historic Motorsport International will run alongside The London Classic Car Show at ExCeL London, on 23-26 February, with access to both shows included in the entry price. Historic Motorsport International will open its doors at 12.00pm on Thursday 23 February, while the London Classic Car Show will burst into life at 3pm that afternoon.

Tickets to Historic Motorsport International 2017 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).