Lotus Circuit Car Launch

In the build up to the Shelsley Walsh Centenary Celebration, excitement mounts as Lotus prepares the world launch of its greatly anticipated new "Circuit Car".

The "Circuit Car", which is based on the Lotus Elise Aluminium chassis, has been designed and engineered exclusively for Track Day and Club Racing. Reaching 100 mph in an amazing 9.0 seconds, the lightweight, open-topped circuit car will be revealed at the oldest racing track in the world – the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb.

In contrast to the Lotus "Circuit Car", which is the face of 21st century motor sport, visitors to the three-day event that runs from the 19th to 21st August will also be able to see the Darracq. The 10 litre, four cylinder racing car broke the Land Speed record in 1905, the year the first Shelsley event took place.

Coinciding with Shelsley's Centenary, the launch of the "Circuit Car" will take place on day two of the celebrations, Saturday 20th August. Making its racing debut on Sunday 21st August, Tony Shute, head of product at Lotus Cars, will take to the driving seat and put the Lotus through its paces on the track. Tony commented, "The Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb Centenary Festival Meeting provides an excellent platform on which to give our exciting new car its first outing. I look forward to driving on a track which carries such rich motor-sport history and to participate in an event which brings together examples of some of the world's finest racing vehicles."

Paul Matthews, managing director at Footman James and Shelsley Walsh sponsor, said, "As a key supporter of Club Lotus and insurance broker to many classic Lotus owners, we're really looking forward to the unveiling of the new "Circuit Car" at Shelsley."

James Brearley, managing director of Pendragon Premier Ltd who are also sponsors of the event added, "Not only are we proud to be associated with this centenary event but we are thrilled to see a new Lotus launched, especially as we own five Lotus dealerships under our Stratstone brand."

There will be a variety of cars competing at the event. One of the most famous will be the 1939 V12 D Type Auto Union, originally driven by Tazio Nuvolari successfully during the 1939 European Grand Prix season. Also at Shelsley will be the Twin Cam Supercharged Austin single seater, which has not been seen since 1939.

The Shelsley Walsh Centenary Celebration is taking place from 19th – 21st August 2005. From a practice day on the Friday to the British Hill Climb Championship on the Saturday, culminating in the Celebration Day on the Sunday, a great weekend is promised.

To find out more about what there is to do and see at the Centenary celebration, visit www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk

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