Historic cars take to race track

Up to 60 cars, totalling some 6,000 horse power, are taking part

A north Wales motor racing circuit is hosting its first competition for vintage and historic cars this weekend.

Around 60 classic but high-powered vehicles are taking part in the event at the Anglesey Circuit, one of only 16 licensed circuits in Britain.

The turnout at the site, known as the former Ty Croes Army Camp, includes six cars from a collection in America.

Organiser Andrew Môn Hughes, said: "I think it's going to get a lot of people more interested in motor sport."

Dean Butler brought his vehicles from America for the event. He said the UK was considered the world centre for racing historic motor cars.

He said: "We've tried to bring some cars that people don't generally see in this part of the world.

Even the oldest racing cars can top 100mph on the straight

"For instance, we've brought three 500 horse power American Cameros that were run in the 1970s in a series called the international race of champions.

"One of the cars we've brought however is very English. It's a 1934 MG that was a works car that ran in all the top races in this country in the 1930s."

He said trials at the circuit had seen his Cameros hitting 140mph on the straight, while the 71-year-old MG topped 100mph.

Veteran driver

But he said the cars were the stars of the weekend, not the drivers.

"Those of us that have the old cars are here in the paddock with the cars, we want the public to come and see them and talk about them.

"They don't ask for our autographs because we're not famous - it's the cars they have come to see.

"What we're doing is what motor racing really was about, until probably getting into the 1970s. Before that it was a sport, it was just guys, going out, and gals, having a lot of fun."

Martin Walford is a veteran driver at vintage racing events. He said word was spreading among historic car owners about the facilities at the circuit, which opened in 1997 .

'Fire people up'

He said: "Once we told people about the circuit and how good the circuit was, lots if people wanted to race here.

"I'm sure this event hopefully we will go from strength to strength."

Mr Hughes added: "To actually see these guys out there racing, I think it's going to fire a lot of people up."