Recognising the increasing popularity of Group 1 Touring Cars of the 1970s and early ’80s with today’s generations of racers and spectators, Automobiles Historiques is co-promoting an exciting new race for the machines at Castle Combe’s Autumn Classic on 24 September.
It will run alongside a fifth appearance of the Royal Automobile Club Historic Award-winning GT & Sports Car Cup series which has built its reputation for the finest of racing, sportsmanship and hospitality since 2007.
Focused on the cars of the British Saloon Car Championship’s Pre-1983 era, the Group 1 race will carry the Vince Woodman Trophy title in memory of the local hero, who won 12 races in the era, driving Equipe Esso Ford Capris.
“We are privileged to have Dad honoured in this way at Castle Combe. He would be so proud that his name will be remembered in this way at the circuit he loved above all others,” said son James Woodman.
The 45-minute pit-stop race – giving the option of solo or double-driver teams – is intended to preview a proposed four to five event invitation series for the charismatically-liveried crowd-pleasers from 2023.
It also cements Automobiles Historiques’ ongoing bond with the evolving Castle Combe Racing Club, which hosted the GTSCC for the first time in 2017.