Richard Hammond to race 1961 automotive at Silverstone pageant

Presenter Richard Hammond will race a basic Sixties sports activities automotive at a motorsport pageant for his new TV present.

The former Top Gear and Grand Tour star will participate within the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy, a part of the Silverstone Festival in Northamptonshire, attributable to be held over the August financial institution vacation weekend.

He will take the wheel of a 1961 Austin Healey 3000, towards different vehicles made earlier than 1963, together with an E-type Jaguar and an AC Cobra.

Hammond will share driving duties with racing driver Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, who stated: “It’s all about taking part rather than winning.”

The 55-year-old’s efforts will probably be featured within the upcoming season of Richard Hammond’s Workshop, on streaming service Discovery+.

He and Mr Blakeney-Edwards have already been to the Silverstone circuit to practise within the automotive.

“He clearly knows how to drive and has done a little racing before,” Mr Blakeney-Edwards stated.

“However, we want him to enjoy himself – and to do that, he needs confidence both in himself and in the car.

“These miles are key to making sure we’ve a enjoyable weekend.”

Nick Wigley, the event’s director, said it was great to have Hammond “enthusiastically concerned within the Silverstone Festival”.

The festival will also have a special celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship.

It will feature performances from Natasha Bedingfield and Craig David presents TS5.

The Silverstone Festival runs from 22 to 24 August.