The May Bank Holiday weekend brought two action-packed days of track-based driving, community engagement, and celebration to our home at Bicester Motion, transforming the site into a vibrant hub of activity for enthusiasts, competitors, and visitors alike.
Friday kickstarted the weekend into life with an open track day that was supported by a range of activities across the site. Alongside the on-track action, guests enjoyed an engaging and insightful presentation of the Hagerty Bull Market list presented by Hagerty UK’s Richard Salmons, offering a fascinating look at emerging trends and future stars within the classic car market.
Elsewhere, Paddock Speedshop gave visitors an exclusive preview of their upcoming television series, Paddock Speedshop: Racing Diaries, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their action-packed journey within the classic and historic motorsport world. Meanwhile, Harry Fraser Vehicle Upholstery hosted a hugely popular hands-on masterclass, where guests had the opportunity to create their own embossed coin wallets, combining traditional craftsmanship with creativity in a way that perfectly reflected the spirit of the event.
Visitors could also dive deeper into the remarkable history of Bicester Motion itself through guided tours led by Derek Bacon, whose deep knowledge and irrepressible enthusiasm always brings the site’s rich heritage vividly to life.
Saturday shifted gears towards friendly competition as the Morgan Sports Car Club hosted an AutoSolo event featuring eight participating clubs. The atmosphere throughout the day was welcoming, supportive, and full of a ‘gentle’ competitive enthusiasm (there were a few screeching tyres!), capturing everything that makes grassroots motorsport so special. Competitors praised the course layout, expertly designed by Charles Neal of the Morgan Sports Car Club, which struck the perfect balance between challenge, precision, and enjoyment for drivers of all abilities.
Events like these simply would not be possible without the continued support of Bicester Motion who provide access to its demonstration track. Their generosity to the charity allows opportunities like this to involve a wide range of participants, all of whom are keen to help StarterMotor deliver on its mission of assisting the next generation to find work experience and jobs in the sector.
Across both days, the weekend truly celebrated the power of community that defines the classic car world. Whether visitors were competing on track, enjoying the relaxed open track sessions, learning new skills, or simply soaking up the sun-soaked atmosphere, there was a genuine sense of shared passion. Importantly, the event also helped support an important charitable cause, giving the weekend an even greater sense of purpose.
A huge thank you must also go to our Ambassadors and volunteers, whose energy and commitment behind the scenes helped make the event such a success. From timekeepers to photographers capturing the excitement and spirit of the weekend, their dedication ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
Images by Imogen Haddon
Photography by Tom Dearden