Big bangs raise big bucks Silverstone charity track-day was a triumph

The annual Veloce charity track-day raised a huge £188,500 on its first outing at Silverstone on 31 August, bringing the total raised over five events to more than £700,000. Previously run at Goodwood, the event is now set to return to the home of British F1 in future years, starting with 13 September 2023.

The special event, conceived by collector Peter Neumark and V Management’s Chris Bucknall, hosted just 100 guests and each was treated to a range of passenger laps in iconic cars with legendary drivers.

The 2022 roster included Derek Bell, who drove the famous Harrods-liveried McLaren F1, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill, who piloted both the F1 two-seater and Jaguar XKSS, Richard Attwood (Ecurie Ecosse C-type), Dr Jonathan Palmer (Le Mans XK140) and Ross Brawn (Eagle E-type).

Other cars from the astonishing 28-strong selection that could be sampled from the passenger seat by attendees included 1925 Bentley Le Mans team car, Alfa Romeo 8C Monza, Invicta S-Type, Jagermeister E9 3.0 CSL Batmobile, Lindner-Nocker Low Drag Lightweight E-type, a brace of Jaguar D-types, a Ferrari 275 GTB and a Bugatti Veyron.

Paul Stoddart supplied his F1 two-seaters, run by Mark Parish, on which guests had bid for three-lap sessions via Collecting Cars prior to the event. Damon Hill drove the first session, with ex-Minardi and Jordan driver Zsolt Baumgartner taking over for the rest. The event was sponsored by HFMC Wealth, Lockton, Aviva, Boodles, SNG Barratt and Classic Motor Cars, and the money raised will benefit Hope for Tomorrow, Halow Project, Ty Gobaith/Hope House, Different Strokes and Kim Inspire.

Clockwise, from left Octane columnist Derek Bell at the helm of the Harrods McLaren F1; 1996 world champ Damon Hill; Alfa and Jaguar out on the track.