The summer season gets off to roaring start at Silverstone Museum, which is geared up to welcome a record number of visitors during July.
The award-winning museum will open its doors to tens of thousands of motorsport fans this month as it celebrates 75 years of F1® with exciting new additions to its exclusive exhibition, and as Silverstone circuit hosts the British Grand Prix.
And, as hundreds of thousands of F1® fans flock to Silverstone for the motorsport event, the world-famous racetrack announced the upcoming opening of its new international karting circuit, which will inspire future racing stars.
Rob Jaina, Head of Learning and Engagement at Silverstone Museum, who has worked as a marshal at multiple Grand Prix events over the years, said the museum, located trackside at the iconic Silverstone circuit, is the perfect pit stop for an anticipated adrenalin-fuelled summer.
He said: “The run-up to, and the actual weekend of, the British Grand Prix is always an extremely busy time for Silverstone Museum where we welcome in the region of around 4,000 visitors a day.
“Museum entry is free to anyone who visits the circuit for the Grand Prix across the weekend. In the run-up to race day, the Thursday tends to be one of our busiest because of the number of people on site. As there is no on-track activity that day, that tends to be when lots of people like to come and look around the museum.
“We are proud to be part of the Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, it is such a prestigious British sporting event and to play our small part in it is fantastic.”
Motorsport fans visiting the museum will see the latest incarnation of its spectacular new exhibition celebrating 75 Years of Formula 1® which now includes the latest addition to its legendary line-up, Lando Norris’s McLaren F1® car.
Rob added: “We are delighted to showcase in our exclusive exhibition Lando Norris’ first British Grand Prix car. It is amazing to have this incredible car on display and it will be joined during July by the stunning Ferrari 156 ‘Sharknose’ from 1961.
“These cars are the latest iconic additions to our exciting, ever- evolving exhibition and both will remain on display at the museum until the end of September. The Sharknose Ferrari will also be taking to the track at the Silverstone Festival in August.
“These big banner cars are another must-see and ensure there is always something new and exciting for our visitors.”
Silverstone is also shifting into top gear as it prepares to open its new international karting circuit.
Visitors to Silverstone Museum will be able to book their hot seat to kart at the home of the British Grand Prix at the new world-class outdoor karting track, which opens this autumn.
Phil Lawrie, CEO at Silverstone Museum, said: “Visitors to Silverstone Museum are in for an exciting, exhilarating experience this summer and beyond.
“Fans at the British Grand Prix will be able to visit the fantastic display of cars and memorabilia celebrating 75 years of F1®, which will continue to be updated while it is in situ until the end of September. We are also thrilled that everyone who visits the museum this autumn also has the opportunity to try their hand at karting.”
Backed by a major investment from the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), Kart Silverstone is designed to rival the very best karting circuits in the world. Blending cutting-edge track design with accessibility for all ages, it will be an unmissable experience for anyone with a passion for speed and adrenaline.
The 1,377-metre track boasts six different configurations, allowing for everything from elite-level race meetings to casual sessions for families and children from the age of six.
More than just a track, Kart Silverstone will add a thrilling new dimension to the venue’s growing experience offer. It will play host to corporate events, team-building days and group activities, giving businesses and guests a unique way to make their visit an unforgettable one.
The track has been designed with input from BRDC legends including Anthony Davidson and President David Coulthard, the British Grand Prix winner whose 2000 McLaren MP4/15 is one of the iconic cars featured in the latest exhibition. The track will be fully licensed to host FIA international kart events and is expected to welcome over 160,000 visitors a year, giving a further boost to tourism for the region.
Following a sneak preview of the development at Silverstone, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1® Team Driver and three-time Grand Prix winner, George Russell said: “The BRDC has played an integral role in my career, supporting and guiding me on my journey to F1®. This latest project underscores their continued commitment to nurturing and developing young talent, along with bringing a wider audience to our amazing sport. Seeing the investment they and Silverstone have made make me incredibly proud to be a member of the BRDC and represent them on the world stage.
“I visited Silverstone recently and had the chance to tour the future karting circuit. It’s incredibly impressive – I am confident it will become one of the premier karting facilities in the world, and a venue that all of British motorsport can be truly proud of. I am excited to get out on the track once it is open and support the next generation of young racers just starting out and chasing their motorsport dreams, just as the BRDC has done for me.”
As part of its latest exhibition Silverstone Museum also has on display a racing kart driven by seven-time World Championship winner Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Anthony Davidson, whose former kart and racing suit are also on display at Silverstone Museum, began his career in karting in 1987. He said: “Karting is where every racing journey begins. To see Silverstone and the BRDC invest in something of this quality is truly exciting. I’ve no doubt it will inspire the next generation and maybe even lead some drivers to the F1® circuit that surrounds it.”
Book tickets to Silverstone Museum here.
For more information about Kart Silverstone visit their website.
