CASTLE COMBE AUTUMN CLASSIC WINS ‘COMPETITIVE EVENT’ ACCOLADE AT ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB’S HISTORIC AWARDS

Castle Combe Circuit’s Autumn Classic historic race meeting has clinched the Competitive Event title at the 2023 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards.

The news was announced at the club’s prestigious headquarters in Pall Mall, London, on the evening of Thursday, 23 November, with members of both Castle Combe Circuit and Castle Combe Racing Club in attendance to receive the trophy.

The Autumn Classic took place at the Wiltshire venue on Saturday, 23 September this year, boasting non-stop historic racing action out on the 1.85-mile race track, as well as a wide range of period automotive entertainment in the scenic paddock areas – all under scorching autumn sun from start to finish. A fine central Lotus 75th birthday feature helped to attract a record attendance, packing the paddocks and spectator banks.

With the event growing year-on-year, the news comes as the venue recently announced that the Autumn Classic would return as a two-day festival in 2024, due to descend on Castle Combe’s grounds on 21-22 September – more news and ticket information are set to be released about this highly anticipated show soon.

Catherine Dall’Occo, Castle Combe Racing Club’s Manager, commented on the news from the awards night:

“It was a truly unforgettable experience to be surrounded by individuals who share the same passion for motorsport and have made significant contributions to the industry.

“Being recognised for the hard work and dedication put into organising the Autumn Classic event is a testament to the team’s commitment and expertise. It is a validation of the countless hours spent planning, coordinating, and ensuring that every aspect of the event was executed flawlessly.

“Receiving an award at the Royal Automobile Club London is a prestigious achievement that we will cherish for years to come. It serves as a reminder of the impact our event has had on the motorsport community and the recognition we have received from esteemed individuals within the industry.

“We are grateful to the Royal Automobile Club London for this honour and to all the members of the motorsport community who have supported us throughout our journey. This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of the motorsport industry.”

George Marshallsay, Castle Combe Circuit’s Sales and Marketing Manager, also commented:

“A fantastic evening and a very proud moment to win such a prestigious award. The Autumn Classic event was founded by Rodney Gooch 11 years ago and it grows every year. The racing was fantastic this year with some excellent vehicles on and off the grid. A big thank you to Joe Cox and Richard Perry for organising the special display marque. Looking forward to next the year now as we grow the business with our team.”

– The Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards evening celebrated historic motoring in the United Kingdom for another year, with a wide array of awards handed out. To see the full list of winners, please visit www.royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk

– Introduced in 2012 and a stand-alone event since 2013, the Castle Combe Autumn Classic has always been a favourite with competitors and strongly supported by the classic car club fraternity. The show is due to return in 2024 as a two-day event on 21-22 September. To find out more, please visit www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk

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