Latest from Duxford Flying Legends 2007

RARE SURVIVOR OF PEARL HARBOR TO MAKE ITS UK AIR SHOW DEBUT AT FLYING LEGENDS

The Flying Legends Air Show this weekend – Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July, will see a very rare and lucky survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 make its UK air show debut.

The aircraft in question is a P-40B Warhawk and this particular example is the oldest airworthy P-40B in the world and the only airworthy example of an early Warhawk outside the USA. This aircraft owes its survival during the attack to the fact that it was undergoing maintenance work in a hangar, having suffered a wheels up landing some weeks before, rather than out on the airfield.

The Warhawk is just part of a stunning line up of legendary piston-engined aircraft from all over Europe which will be taking part in the Flying Legends Air Show. In a highly choreographed and exciting tribute to the exceptional talents of the designers and developers of these wonderful machines, the show will see some of the world’s rarest and most historic aircraft display for the delight of the crowds.

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to meet veteran pilots and crew, as well as browse a wide variety of trade stands. They’ll also be able to study the display aircraft at close quarters on the Flight Line Walk (subject to a small additional charge) and, of course, settle down to watch some three hours of superb flying. The crowds won’t be disappointed as aircraft scheduled to appear include 9 Spitfires in a Spitfire Scramble, 6 P-51 Mustangs, several Hurricanes, a tribute section to the late Supermarine Chief Test Pilot Alex Henshaw MBE and the Junkers 52.

Also scheduled to fly are The Fighter Collection’s impressive stable of aircraft including the Bearcat, Wildcat and Hellcat.

The whole of the Museum will also be open for visitors to enjoy with plenty to see including partial access to the stunning new AirSpace exhibition hangar as it nears final completion , Concorde, evocative Battle of Britain and Forgotten War exhibitions, conservation work in progress and the stunning American Air Museum.
Gates open at 8.00 am and the flying begins at 1.45 pm. Tickets – Adults £29.95, Senior Citizens/Concessions £24.95, Children £9.95 and disabled/carer £9.95. For more information about tickets or the flying programme visit flyduxford.org.

See Red 2007 - Club Discounts

Car Club Discounts for SeeRed

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Car Clubs can benefit from significantly discounted tickets for this year’s VSCC SeeRed 2007, the vintage and historic racing event at Donington Park on 15-16 September 2007. Clubs can be issued with a booking code allowing them access to discounted tickets and an infield parking area once officials have registered their details. Any car club is invited to participate in the scheme and it does not matter if just a few members attend or the whole club; all will be made welcome.

VSCC SeeRed 2007 showcases the cream of Pre-war motor racing. Edwardian racing cars, Pre-World War Two Grand Prix and Sports-Cars will be alongside other popular historic racing attractions like the wonderful 1980s Group C/IMSA Endurance Racers, 1950s Sports Racing cars, Lansdowne Series 50s and 60s Motor Cycles, Formula Junior and the 50s and 60s Grand Prix cars of the Historic Grand Prix Car Association (HGPCA). Off track there will be many activities to enjoy such as a Vintage and Historic Car Concours, air displays and trade stands.

Clubs will be able to make the most of the infield grass parking area at Donington Park where members can park together and enjoy the racing in a relaxed environment and perhaps enjoy a club barbeque or picnic. If a large number of members are anticipated, an area can be reserved by the organisers. To register, contact Gillian Carr at The Vintage Sports-Car Club by email, gillian.carr@vscc.co.uk or telephone 01608 644777
ext 3.

Tickets are most sensibly priced for the event. Registered club members need only pay £12 for an advanced Saturday ticket (saving £3 of the normal advanced ticket price, and £8 off the price on the day ), and £15 for an advanced Sunday ticket (saving £5 off the normal advanced ticket price and £10 off the price on the day ). An advanced weekend ticket is available for £27 per person. Advanced admission includes free access to the paddock, free infield parking and a 2 for 1 entry deal for The Donington Grand Prix Collection, what’s more children under 16 have free admission! Tickets can be booked via the website, www.see-red.uk.com or from the 24-hour credit card hotline, 01608 644999, just quote your club's ticket booking code.

RIAT 2007

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2007

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This years Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is due to be held again this year at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 14th - 15th July. ALWAYS a great event and highlight to the year, this years airshow promises to be even bigger and better than before.
It is now widely acknowledged as being the largest military airshow in Europe and is certainly unrivaled in terms of the numbers and variety of aicraft and airforces taking part. Amongst the many highlights scheduled for this years event is the participation of the American USAF display team The Thunderbirds. They last appeared in this country 6 years ago and have never before appeared at the RIAT. It will be their only UK display and will form part of the USAF 60th anniversary celebrations.

To get an idea of what you will see look back at our coverage of last years event including dozens of photos by going to http://www.birmingham101.com/RIAT2006-gallery/

Nearer the event we will post more on this superb event, but to get the very latest information and to purchase your advance tickets online go to http://www.airtattoo.com/

Rockingham video clip from 2004

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Here's an old video clip we took at the end of the last race in the ASCAR series at Rockingham in 2004. It shows the drivers celebrating and "showing off" in their cars as a bit of a finale.

Hope this video works as it something a bit new for us using this particular player, but if it does and their is any interest shown we have loads more video that we will post.

Duxford Spring Air Show review and photos

Duxford Spring Air Show review and photos

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Another great show was put on by the IWM Duxford and we've got some great photos taken on the day. The event was the first major commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War and a great many representative aircraft, particularly helicopters were on display.
CLICK HERE to see over 80 photos of the show PLUS some video.
Don't forget to check out the Duxford web site and to put the Flying Legends air display on 7 & 8th July in your calenders

GPlive at Donington Park

GPlive-The Ultimate Grand Prix Experience

Donington Park

18th -20th May 2007

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The GPlive event is a unique celebration of the pinnacle of motor racing action, bringing iconic Grand Prix racing cars of all eras to Donington Park racing circuit, Derby, on the weekend of 18-20 May 2007. More than that, the event is specifically designed to allow race fans unprecedented access to the fastest cars and the greatest stars.

We've currently got a competition running to win some tickets to this great event. To find out more about this event and to see how to enter the very simple and free competion click here to go to the feature.

Duxford Air Show

Duxford Spring Air Show
Date: 20 May 2007
Time: All Day
Location: IWM Duxford

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Duxford’s season of legendary air shows will take off in May with a spectacular display of aircraft, ranging from historic and iconic warbirds, such as the Spitfire, to contemporary military jets.

There will be over three hours of aerial displays at this event, which also includes a special ground and air-based salute to Falklands 25 – the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands by British troops.

The gates will open at 8am and the flying display is expected to start at 2pm and finish at 5.15pm.

For prices & payment go to the Air Show Prices and Payment page.

Master class with Vicki Butler-Henderson

Master class with Vicki Butler-Henderson

If you’ve ever bought a car only to find the engine stuffed with sawdust, this competition is for you. To celebrate the launch of www.motors.co.uk the first website to history check the 200,000 used cars for sale on its site, we are giving away tickets for you and a friend at a top motoring event in Birmingham. The lucky winners will spend the day with Channel 5’s Fifth Gear presenter and motoring expert Vicki Butler-Henderson at a special master class. Here you will learn all the inside tips to buying and selling cars and how to get the best deals. The best car dealer on the day will also win a fantastic driving experience package!

For full details go to www.birmingham101.com/101masterclass.htm

Duxford Celebrates Concorde

DUXFORD CELEBRATES CONCORDE

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To mark the 30th anniversary of the arrival of Concorde at Imperial War Museum Duxford, the Museum will be hosting a very special day of celebration on Sunday 22 April from 10.00 am.Duxford's Concorde, number 101, was the second British prototype of the Anglo-French supersonic airliner and was used for test purposes before Concorde went into full production.

This special day will give visitors the opportunity to meet various people associated with Concorde, including Concorde Test Pilot Peter Baker and pilot David Leney, hear fascinating talks on this iconic aircraft, see additional Concorde related items such as the test suits worn by the pilots and take a walk through the aircraft.The aircraft itself now sits in Duxford's new AirSpace exhibition and will be open for visitors to view - providing an opportunity to see the 12 tonnes of test equipment that Duxford's Concorde carried during its rigorous programme of tests which lasted over five years.

Says Duxford's Marketing and PR Manager Tracey Woods: "We're proud to have such a landmark aircraft here as part of the outstanding collection at Duxford. The Museum's Concorde is unique and during its 30 years here an estimated 6 million people have walked through this iconic aircraft, marvelled at the size and scale of it and had their photograph taken on the aircraft steps". The whole of the Museum will be open on the day for visitors to enjoy, with plenty to see including Duxford's dramatic new £25 million AirSpace exhibition. In AirSpace, visitors can experience the fun, interactive displays on the mezzanine gallery to find out about aircraft, how they fly and how they are made, as well as marvel at the rare and treasured aircraft on display and discover the personal stories and experiences of the people who designed, built and flew aircraft.

Duxford is open daily from 10 am and is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Ample free parking is available. Admission is FREE for Children under 16, £14.95 for Adults, £11.50 for Senior Citizens and Concessions and £8.50 for Young Persons. Group rates are available. For more details on these activities or for any other information please visit www.flyduxford.org.

Birmingham Speedway returns

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We went along to the pre season Press & Preview session on Wednesday to check out the preparations for the "Brummies" new Speedway team which has its first meeting on March 21st 2007.
It marks a return of Speedway back to Perry Barr after an absence of over 20 years, and if Wednesdays preview is anything to go by it deserves to be a huge success. It's a new track and a new team so no one can be sure how they will perform but Wednesday certainly demonstrated the massive enthusiasm that there is throughout the team and the organisers and the hugely exciting spectacle of these riders once again racing at Perry Barr is one not to be missed!

For loads more pictures see http://www.birmingham101.com/101-birmingham-speedway.htm
For more information go to http://www.birminghamspeedway.co.uk/

JAGUAR XJ IS VOTED LUXURY CAR OF THE YEAR

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The Jaguar XJ has been named ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ for the second consecutive year at the BusinessCar Awards 2006. Voted solely by BusinessCar readers, the Jaguar XJ was first choice over competition from BMW, Audi and Lexus.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK said: “We are delighted to win this award for the second year running, particularly as it was voted for exclusively by BusinessCar readers. This recognition reinforces the growing sales success of XJ in the UK market demonstrated by a 23% increase in 2006, compared with 2005. With the introduction of the diesel engine in 2005, the XJ has become a much more competitive vehicle in both the fleet and retail market.”

Tristan Young, Editor-in-Chief at BusinessCar said: “Despite the launch of a new Mercedes S-Class in the past year, Jaguar’s XJ still took the honours in this class.There may not be many cars that qualify under the ‘luxury car’ heading, but that doesn’t mean the competition isn’t tough. In fact, at this level competition is arguably tougher than many other segments. For luxury car buyers things have to be just about perfect and the XJ has been voted most perfect.”
In the UK, the Jaguar XJ boasts just over 20% share of the large luxury segment and has historically outsold all of its major competitors since launch in 2002.

Additionally, with the recent introduction of the 2.7 litre diesel engine into the XJ Long Wheelbase, Jaguar has now become a strong competitor in the UK’s ever expanding chauffeur market. In fact, Jaguar will shortly be launching a dedicated programme targeting chauffeuring companies in the UK.

In London alone, over £36 million was spent last year on chauffeur vehicles making it one of the strongest sectors of the luxury car market. The petrol-powered XJ Long Wheelbase costs significantly less than its nearest competitor, so with the addition of Jaguar’s economical diesel engine in the lightweight aluminium XJ, it becomes an even more attractive proposition.

Jaguar dealers have also been praised by corporate customers in the seventh annual Sewells Fleet Operator Attitude Survey. The Jaguar dealer network was rated highest among customers recording a 74% satisfaction rating against an industry average of 67%. Jaguar dealers came out on top when considering initial expression of interest, vehicle delivery and aftersales service.

Other notable awards for the Jaguar XJ include ‘Best Luxury Car’ at the 2006 Fleet World Honours, ‘Diesel Car of the Year’ at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2005 and ‘Best Large Executive Car’ at the Auto Express Used Car Honours for 2006.

"Get On It" at BikeFestUK @ Donington

The ride of your life
‘Get on it’ at BikeFestUK,

PLUS Free competion for tickets

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The days of static motorcycle shows where visitors can look but not ride are over as an event set to revolutionise the motorbike scene is confirmed for Donington Park later this year.

Thousands of motorbike enthusiasts will be flocking to Leicestershire on Saturday 26th May for BikeFestUK a phenomenal event that will kick-start the 2007 bike season in a haze of noise, speed, and adrenaline.

BikeFestUK is the UK’s most interactive motorcycle event, celebrating all that is great about motorcycling, and giving visitors the chance to ride both on track, off road, and on road, on a variety of 2007 model bikes.

Steve Foster, Future’s Event Manager said: “ It’s all about getting on bikes and riding, and everyone who comes along will be encouraged to take part and celebrate what makes motorcycling so exhilarating, whether it's on or off road.”

Visitors can ride their own bikes (or selected manufacturers’) on the world-famous Donington Park circuit, view manufacturers' displays, meet race stars, go on demonstrator rideouts, watch stunt displays, ride off-road bikes, and buy everything bike-related from clothing and accessories to a new or used bike.

The event will be an action-packed day out for all the family and everyone is encouraged to come along whether they are seasoned bikers or complete novices – there’ll be plenty to get involved with for visitors of all ages and abilities.

BikeFestUK is organised by special-interest media company Future, home of Fast Bikes magazine, and popular car mags Fast Car and Redline. Every year tens of thousands of car fans visit Future’s action packed car shows including Trax and Japfest, and BikeFestUK is set to follow in their tracks.

WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE SHOW !!

Birmingham101 is offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets to BikeFestUK. For a chance to win and for loads more information CLICK HERE

WIN TICKETS to the National Boat and Caravan Show

WIN TICKETS TO THE NATIONAL BOAT CARAVAN & OUTDOOR SHOW

The National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show

17 – 25 February 2007 The NEC, Birmingham

The National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show- the biggest and most dynamic exhibition in the industry calendar - will unlock the excitement and variety of the outdoors from 17 – 25 February 2007 at The NEC, Birmingham, and we have 5 pairs of tickets to give away.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Mercedes SLK Road Test

Mercedes SLK Road Test

Thought you might be interested in this road test we did last summer. CLICK HERE for the review and photos.

Photos from Autosport 2007 Birmingham NEC

PHOTO'S FROM AUTOSPORT 2007

We've just uploaded a whole load of photos from the Autosport International show at the NEC in the form of a photo gallery. There are over 150 images !! CLICK HERE to go to the page and then click on the individual pictures to see the larger versions. There are also "navigation" buttons that you can use for next, previous and home, and if you click on the enlarged picture it should automatically fit to your screen. Try it out and see. Hopefully this should be a good reminder if you went to the show, or if you missed it you can see a lot of what was there.

The new MINI One & MINI Cooper D

The new MINI One and MINI Cooper D

Brand new MINI range boosted by introduction of the frugal, but fun MINI One and first ever MINI Cooper D

The new MINI hatch line-up will soon be complete, when the new MINI One and MINI Cooper D models are unveiled to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. The entry-level One features a perky 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant.

A Cooper-badged MINI diesel hints at the sporty nature of the new model. MINI fans will be equally excited at the prospect of the Cooper D promising to be the most fuel-efficient and cleanest MINI ever built. In comparison to the outgoing MINI One D’s combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg, the Cooper D is capable of 64.2mpg. A CO2 figure of just 118 g/km puts the car in tax band B.

MINI One also benefits from a significant improvement in both fuel consumption and emissions over the outgoing model. 49.6mpg is achievable from the One’s new 1.4-litre unit, compared to 41.5mpg from its predecessor. CO2 emissions are now 138g/km, against 164g/km produced by the previous model.


The MINI One will cost £11,595 on the road, and the MINI Cooper D will be £14,190. Both models will be on sale from April 2007.
Both models feature the new body shape already seen on the recently launched MINI Cooper and Cooper S models. Interior quality enhancements and unique design features remain key characteristics of the One and Cooper D. However, several individual highlights set the cars apart.

MINI One: Technology highlights
The 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine in the MINI One is derived from the 1.6-litre unit that features in the current Cooper model. Smooth power delivery and maximum efficiency are achieved using fully variable valve control, through a system based on BMW%2

Land Rover What Car? Awards win

DOUBLE WIN FOR LAND ROVER AT THE 2007 WHAT CAR? CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Land Rover was awarded two prestigious accolades at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards ceremony in London last night, beating tough competition to win Best Compact 4x4 and Best Large 4x4.
The all-new Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 GS fought off opposition from the new Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail in what is one of the most hotly contested sectors to win Best Compact 4x4, while the Discovery 3 TDV6 SE auto beat its rivals again to be named Best Large 4x4 for an impressive third year running.
What Car? group editor, Steve Fowler, said: “Land Rover really has got the 4x4 market sewn up. The new Freelander brings new levels of ability, comfort, refinement and cool to the compact 4x4 segment, just as the Discovery has done in the large 4x4 market. Both are worthy What Car? Award winners.”
Land Rover’s managing director, Phil Popham, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these prestigious awards from What Car? for both the Freelander 2 and the Discovery 3, off the back of our second successive record sales year.”
Popham continued: “The Freelander 2 is our most fuel-efficient model to date and has been launched to widespread acclaim from both the media and customers –
who now offset the carbon dioxide for the first 45,000 miles’ use through our industry leading programme with Climate Care. This award is recognition of Freelander 2’s outstanding breadth of capability and gives us a good start as we look forward to the year ahead.
“Achieving the Best Large 4x4 award for three consecutive years for the Discovery 3 TDV6 is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package.”
The Freelander 2 is on-sale now at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK, priced from £20,935 to £33,990, including the contribution to offset carbon dioxide emissions. It has already sold nearly 1,500 units in the UK, since going on sale in December.
The biggest selling model in the UK and in Europe is expected to be the TD4 manual with a combined fuel economy figure of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km.
The Discovery 3 has sold nearly 30,000 units in the UK and 115,000 units globally since launch in 2004, and continues to collect critical accolades the world over with 94 international awards to date.