2022 Show Highlight

Returning for 2022 saw the Luke Fox Wall of Death with a breathtaking display of precision riding not to be missed. Motorcycle stunt rider Kerri kicked off the show with a solo set riding high on the wall, whilst switching from hands free to side saddle, still hands free and then legs over the handlebars, and yes still hands free with arms aloft. The skill and precision shown is absolutely outstanding. As Kerri finished her set, Luke took to four wheels with a kart riding high on the safety line. With each pass only inches away from where you stand, you are drawn further into the experience as you hear the engines note increase and feel its heartbeat rumble within your chest, as the 32 foot diameter wooden wall flexes right in front of you!!! If you haven’t seen this show and get the chance, don’t miss it. Its something to be remembered!  The shows finale then saw all three riders take to the wall in their most dangerous manoeuvre of the show as they all ride three abreast handlebar to handlebar around the wall. Well done to you all, great show!!!  

On the racing runway Nick Crocker’s 1984 Ex Bobby Rahal Indy car brought an impressive sight and sound to the track. Displayed in its Red Roof Inn team sponsors livery this March chassis’d Indy car was raced in the ‘84‘ Indy car series by future champion and team owner Bobby Rahal and was the car he took to the first of his four consecutive wins at Laguna Seca. As Nick completed his demonstration run and returned to the paddock, Patrick Morgan fired up his beautiful race winning Penske PC23 Indy 500 race car. I’ve spoken and written in detail about this race car for websites and magazines before, but to sum it up in a nutshell…“This race cars nut and bolt restoration and attention to detail is nothing short of staggering”. In its familiar Marlboro livery, Patrick performed some fabulous demonstration runs proving why this most legendary and iconic race car is nicknamed “The Beast”. 

To the air the “The Great War Display Team” re-created an impressive World War 1 dogfight with Sopwith and Fokker triplanes, BE2, SE5’s and a Junkers CL1 complete with airborne flash bangs and pyrotechnic attention getters. 

Over in the ‘Scarf & Goggles’ marquee the “Houndogs” Rockabilly Band performed in their unique style with the highlight of the performances being their pyrotechnics and instrument acrobatics. These guys put on a great show and always draw a crowd. 

In Hanger One all those with a few pennies in their pocket and requiring a little retail therapy found the Vintage Village offering goodies ranging from vintage clothes to memorabilia and curios. 

With the 2022 show season easing its way back into existence after a two and a half year extended sabbatical due to an uninvited global gate-crasher, the Kimbolton Country Fayre & Charity Classic bounced back bigger and better than ever. With so many Classics, Kits, Custom and American sportscars in attendance the show ground at Kimbolton Castle was packed.

With glorious sunshine and temperatures nudging 30 degrees attendees were in for a treat as the live arena played host to the Stannage Stunt Team, Horse Displays, Birds of Prey and Beagle Displays. On the live stage the Galaxy Big Band entertained throughout the day with the Lindyhop Dancers loving the opportunity to throw P.P.E to the wind and socialise and jive once again. 

After eight years away from the kit car show scene, the Newark Kit Car Festival made a tentative post pandemic return. Whilst the Stephenson exhibition hall was full with traders, attending manufacturer numbers were lower than previous events, partly due to a number of manufacturers falling by the wayside over recent years. This said, owner driver attendance was strong with some very impressive pandemic builds making their show debut after two years of late nights, blood, sweat and tears in the garage. 

With the 2022 summer sun in full attendance over the weekend and working its magic to attract perspective owners and future kit car builders to the show, hopefully the promoters will draw confidence from these first steps to move forward and build on the event for the 2023 show season. 

In these very uncertain times, small steps would appear to be the key, so lets hope for an annual return of this previously attended by many, former stalwart show for the industry. 

Photos by Chris Howlett

Coupé honour with Chairman's choice

Another glorious sunny Sunday and the Stamford Car Show is back bigger and better than ever. With the town centre meadows booked to capacity weeks before the event, this years show promised to be a crowd pleaser from the get-go. 

On arrival we were greeted by some very well organised Round Table event Marshals and quickly directed to our display area for the day. Whether vehicle exhibitor or walk in visitor this annual event is organised for charity by the Stamford Round Table on a voluntary donation basis and attendees showed appreciation throughout the day by digging deep for the charity buckets.