2011, I reckon, is going to be a vintage year for one reason in particular. The sight and sound of Astons and Ferraris burning rubber on Ormskirk's one way system!If I'd said a year ago that for one sunny Sunday this August the market town's notorious one-way system, best known for cramming most of West Lancashire's traffic into a surprisingly confined space, would be put to better use as a parade route for some mouthwatering motors, you would have laughed. But it's going to happen, and it's got the borough council's backing!
Most of you will already know the venue, because you'll have sat in it in your car on a Friday evening, idling in neutral and desperate to get home. Whether I'm visiting the town itself or passing through it, I don't particularly enjoy having to be part of the traffic problem and - judging by the amount of letters we get on the subject - those of you who actually live in Ormskirk don't particularly like it either. It is, I reckon, a necessary evil of the region's road network.
But even though it snakes around the town centre in a roughley circular route, I've never thought of it as an impromptu circuit in the way Monaco or Spa might be, so my hat goes off to whoever did. It's brilliant: close the roads off for a couple of hours, use it show off some Jags, MGs and old F1 cars, and give the local economy a bit of a boost at the same time.
Ormskirk Motorfest is the one event I'm really looking forward to because it's got all the right ingredients, blending the organisational know-how of the Aintree Circuit Club, the full support of the local authority, the potential for it to be held on one of Britain's four sunny days each summer, and - best of all - a supporting cast of scores of classic cars.
Get it down in your diary for Sunday, August 28 and make sure that old classic in the garage is actually finished in time for the big event, because I reckon it'll be a full-throttle event to remember.
I, for one, can't wait.
UPDATE, Friday January 7th:
We at The Champion were innundated with requests from classic car fans for more information on the upcoming Ormskirk Motorfest after it was featured in this week's edition.
The Life On Cars column featured details of the the inaugural classic car parade and show, set to take place in Ormskirk town centre on Sunday, August 28, and following the many responses from readers The Champion is happy to provide more details of how to get in touch to get your car or club involved in the event.
For more information on the event contact John Bailie, the event coordinator of Aintree Circuit Club, on 07860 255485 or get in touch with him by email on jb@aintree.org.uk
If you're getting in touch why not drop a line to The Champion and tell us about it? Let us know by sending an email to david.simister@champnews.com or by calling 01794 392404. Alternatively, leave a comment on the blog.
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