For classic car enthusiasts worldwide there are few things in life more enjoyable than seeing and hearing their favourite cars race.
These machines were never meant to be parked and the rise in classic meetings is proof that there is a massive appetite for watching vintage cars put to their limits on classic tracks.
2018’s calendar is full of such events, held in the most breathtaking locations across Europe. You can fly to all of these races in VIP style with a charter from Atlas Helicopters. Just call our friendly Operations Team on 0800 328 0432 or use the form at the bottom to get a flight estimate.
We started with five events and have added one more! If you know of another classic meeting we should put on the list use the comment section below!
Spa Classic (18-20 May)
First up is the Spa Classic, on 18-20 May. On the cusp of spring turning into summer, this gorgeous circuit in Belgium’s Ardenne forests bursts into life. Its narrow bends, sweeping curves and continuous rises and falls make it an amazing circuit to race on, and to spectate.
In addition to the race, the paddocks are open all weekend, and over 1500 cars from various clubs all around Europe will be on display, creating a thriving living museum, as well as the line-up of cars for the race itself.
You can even explore the woods beyond the track to find the best view of the track from the hills surrounding the forest, and enjoy the race from wherever you like.
Le Mans Classic (6-8 July)
Next, we have the Le Mans Classic, the world famous biennial event for all car lovers. This takes place over the weekend of 6-8 July, and draws crowds of enthusiasts from all over Europe, resulting in the widest range of classic cars you’ll see anywhere.
Though the races are amazing, and each grid will race three times over the 24 hours, it’s the atmosphere that really makes Le Mans, and that is incredible and irreplaceable. You will not attend another event like it. Between the thousands of spectators, the stalls, booths, exhibitions and displays, your weekend will be jam-packed and unforgettable.
Goodwood Festival Of Speed (13-15 July)
A home classic, the Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place the following weekend, 13-15 July. One of the most diverse classic car events in the world, vehicles are flown in worldwide to appear in the FoS, including some of the most famous competition cars and drivers from past and present.
The Festival is world famous and for good reason; nowhere else will you find quite such an interesting and exceptional range of cars, dating all the way back to the Edwardian era. With many stalls and vendors selling art, literature and automobilia, there is definitely something for everyone at Goodwood.
Silverstone Classic (20-22 July)
The last of the events in ‘classic’ July is the Silverstone Classic, on the 20-22. This is the 28th event of its kind and one of the longest-running classic car events still on the calendar, focused on racing with over 20 races and demonstrations of classic Formula One, GT and Touring Car grids revved up and ready to go.
While the racing happens, there is also a vintage fun fair, shopping village, interactive driving exhibits and live music on the Friday and Saturday nights, which makes it a fantastic outing for the whole family. Definitely not one to miss!
Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort (31 Aug – 2 Sept)
Our second-to-last stop takes place in the Dutch seaside town of Zandvoort on August 31-September 2. The town comes alive with the celebration of the festival, which includes vintage and classic Formula One cars in the FIA Masters Historic Championship, as well as the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car race, featuring competitors dating all the way back to 1962.
There is also a spectacular drivers’ parade through the town itself, and an exhibition of pre-war cars from some of the most famous names still on the market today.
Goodwood Revival (7-9 Sept)
Finally, we head back to Goodwood on 7-9 September for the long-awaited season finale, the Goodwood Revival. This event is truly unique in that everyone goes to extraordinary lengths to make the atmosphere authentic – from the unchanged track to the drivers’ and spectators’ fifties-style get-up, to the fish and chips which is wrapped in period-appropriate newspapers – there’s not a modern car in sight.
It’s easy to forget the outside world and enjoy the experience of an authentic 1950s race track, hidden away in the beautiful Goodwood estate. A fantastic and poignant way to wrap up the historic motor racing year.
Charter A Helicopter To A Classic
So – what are you waiting for? Call our friendly Operations Team on 0800 328 0432 and they can arrange everything for you, or use the form below for an instant flight estimate to the classic race of your choice.
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