Welcome to the new look Retro-Speed Magazine: Historic motorsport on the move

Spa Classic: Organised by our friends over at Peter Auto, what we have here is three days of top class historic motorsport around and about the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit hidden away in the Ardenne area of Belgium. By car from Calais it takes about three and a half hours. And believe me, there is no other easy way of getting there. Anyway. Back to the racing. Expect to see plenty of variety, with cars competing from all eras of the sport. And because it's mainland Europe there will be more than a sprinkling of BMW CSLs etc. Spectators are well catered for, as well as the paddock being open to all a long walk will also be well rewarded. A great view can be enjoyed looking down from the grandstand at the top of Eau Rouge, or on the other side, at the entry to what I call the Bus Stop complex leading to the finish line. Accommodation is still available and there are lots of bars and restaurants. All in all, a good excuse for a long weekend on the continent at the wheel of your classic car.

VSCC Donington: 23 May 2026. This, the busiest club in the UK, returns to the Donington circuit this Saturday with a full day of vintage racing. Lots of Bugattis having fun, before going on to Prescott Speed Hillclimb on Sunday.

Prescott Historique. Two days of hillclimbing, devoted to the cars from yesteryear. Always fun with some drivers having their work cut out just to reach the top. At least the weather on Sunday is forecast hot and sunny. Retro-Speed will be attending Prescott and Donington. 

Organised by our friends at a rejuvenated Motor Racing Legends, this year's Donington Historic Festival kept its promise as an action packed three days that included everything from GT3 Legends through Under 2.0 Litre Touring Cars, to Pre-War Sports Cars, Pre-63 GT, and on Sunday three grids in the popular HRDC Series. Classic car clubs supplied the apt backdrop whilst as usual trade stalls and parades added even more colour to the day. All in all, great racing and a great family day out. (See separate report).

A Spectacular Monaco Historic Grand Prix 

24-26 April 2026

For fans of historic F1 racing Monaco was the only place to be last weekend. Just imagine: three days of wailing multi-cylinder engines and exhausts so loud it had those of a certain age crying in their beer or champagne. Famous cars and famous drivers everywhere. The format of Friday practice (free entry) Saturday qualifying, and racing Sunday worked well, allowing plenty of downtime for spectators and teams alike, to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Team Lotus and Ferrari seemed to dominate the paddock, while on track GB's Michael Lyons and Stuart Hall became permanent podium fixtures. On Sunday, as a tribute to William Grover, winner of the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, Albert 11, Prince of Monaco even did a lap as passenger in the front seat of a Bugatti Royale. How impressive was that? If you missed it better put 21-23 April 2028 in your diary before it's too late.

Four years ago, give or take, the editor of this very magazine was looking for a club level form of motorsport and chose hill climbing. I've not looked back. It's friendly, relaxed, and you can use any car you want, so it doesn't break the bank. Even better, my 1954 Daimler Conquest, being an older car, is allowed to run pretty well standard, although yours truly has to wear recommended overalls, gloves, and helmet. The plus points keep coming. Because I enter against handicap in theory I stand the same chance of returning home with a prize as everybody else. And, without boasting, it's been so far, so good, and if an old codger like me can do it, so can you. To take the first step why not contact those friendly people at the wonderful Prescott Speed Hillclimb

Phone: 01242673136

Email:www.prescotthillclimb.co.uk

Sadly, it's time to leave Spain, jump on a plane and head back to the cloud and the rain. But it was a great three days of historic motorsport, thanks to the guys and gals at Peter Auto. The weather helped, blue skies and 100% sunshine. But it was the racing, close, but good clean fun, that made the weekend. It's easy to understand why so many British teams head for Circuit Barcelona- Catalunya. And without doubt the Spanish approach is more laid back and certainly less regimented than in the UK. Media are made really welcome. So all in all, ten out of ten and can't wait to go back. PB

UP AND COMING