Amongst the areas of the sport pushing hard to re-gather momentum as the slow return to normality from the COVID 19 pandemic continues is the world of historic racing.
The international aspects of that part of the sport were particularly heavily impacted simply because of the nature of the demographic of participants, private individuals who make their own decisions on the time and budget they will expend on racing.
So whilst domestic events went on, very many international events continued to be postponed or cancelled, with some that did take place seeing significant reductions in grid numbers.
All indications are that is set to change in 2022 with calendars showing real signs of a return to normalcy and insiders reporting strong demand and strong car sales.
DSC caught up with Masters Historic Racing’s Rachel Bailey to hear what is planned for the coming season, in particular, focusing on the Masters Endurance Legends Series
“Masters’ response to the emergence from COVID has been based on a deep understanding of the current and prospective customer base. That will see the 2022 season put increased emphasis on UK races for our Masters Gentlemen Drivers and Masters Pre-66 Touring Car grids, including the relaunch of the Oulton Park Gold Cup.
“Masters Endurance Legends, plus Masters Historic Formula One and Masters Historic Sports Cars and Masters Endurance Legends will continue to tour some fantastic European GP Circuits. Barcelona and the Nürburgring will return to the European calendar, plus Zandvoort, Spa and Portimao, as well as Brand Hatch and the Silverstone Classic. We’re all excited too to be going to the Red Bull Ring for the first time in June 2022.”
As far as interest in the Endurance Legends series is concerned, signs are that the boost seen last year will continue:
“We’re hearing very encouraging noises from some of our current competitors in other Series that are buying MEL-eligible cars, and there have been plenty of enquiries from new potential customers that inevitably will see some of them arriving at some point too.
“We’re very confident that we’ll see the return too of a fair number of cars from the continent to a number of the race meetings. It was great to see such a strong contingent from across the Channel at the Silverstone Classic this year, we know they went home happy and I’m pretty confident they’ll be back, hopefully with their friends!
“On the new car front we’ll see some additions from last year, I know several LMP2 cars have been sold over the winter to drivers hoping to race in 2022, I believe we’ll see another Peugeot 908 added to the grids at some races and I’m hearing that we might see an Audi diesel out next year too.”
2022 Masters Endurance Legends Calendar
- 22 March – Masters Test Day: Donington Park
- 1/3 April – Espiritu de Montjuic: Barcelona
- 28/29 May – Brands Hatch Historic Festival
- 10/12 June – Classic at the Red Bull Ring
- 15/17 July – Historic Grand Prix: Zandvoort
- 12/14 August – Oldtimer Grand Pri: Nurburgring
- 26/28 August – Silverstone Classic
- 30 Sep/2 Oct – Spa 6 Hours
- 28/30 October – Algarve Classic Festival: Portimao
