Today, Rolls-Royce marks the 110th anniversary of the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix in which Silver Ghosts took first and third places – a technical and tactical domination that would set the template for the marque’s legendary triumph at the 1913 Alpenfahrt a few weeks later.

It was a victory built on three foundations: the Silver Ghost’s overwhelmingly superior engineering and performance; deliberate team tactics executed to perfection; and the self-sacrifice of one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and devoted employees.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “Rolls-Royce’s dominance of long-distance trials in the early 20th Century is well-known; but motor racing, especially in continental Europe, was also crucial in securing the marque’s reputation for performance and reliability. Today, we look back on the Silver Ghost’s victory in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on 15 June 1913, which was a triumph not only of Henry Royce’s technology, but also of team spirit and self-sacrifice.”

RACING AHEAD
In the early 20th Century, endurance trials were the principal means for motor manufacturers, including luxury marques like Rolls-Royce, to demonstrate their products’ capabilities. Rolls-Royce had an enviable record in these gruelling tests, having demolished the field in a series of blue riband events including the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Trial in 1907, and the legendary run from London to Edinburgh in 1911, which was completed entirely in top gear.

During the same period, motor-racing was also rapidly growing in both sophistication and popularity. In 1906, France staged its first Grand Prix, under the auspices of the Automobile Club de France, of which the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, a successful motor-racing pioneer himself, had been a member since the age of 18.

As a rule, the company preferred trials to racing; but by 1913, three years after Rolls’ tragic early death, managing director Claude Johnson was keen to boost sales in Europe, and saw Continental racing as another important promotional opportunity.

The company therefore entered two Silver Ghosts in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, to be held on June 15, 1913.

HIGH ENDEAVOURS
The Spanish Grand Prix appealed to Rolls-Royce because it was a test of endurance and reliability – at which the Silver Ghost naturally excelled – not just raw speed.

The 192-mile course comprised three laps and included two formidable passes in the rugged Guadarrama mountains, northwest of Madrid. It was open exclusively to four-seater touring cars, which had to be fitted with mudguards, lamps, hoods and two spare tyres. Bonnets were sealed, and no water could be added to the radiator once the race was under way, despite a shade temperature well above 30°C at the start in La Granja.

Two modified Silver Ghosts were among the 17 starters. The first was owned and (against the company’s express wishes) driven by Don Carlos de Salamanca y Hurtado de Zaldivar, later Marqués of Salamanca, who had recently become Rolls-Royce’s new agent in Madrid.

The second was a company-owned Silver Ghost driven by Eric Platford, one of Rolls-Royce’s most experienced and dedicated engineers, who had been responsible for many of the marque’s previous trials successes.

STRATEGY AND SACRIFICE
Three hours into the race, Platford had built up a commanding lead of more than 20 minutes. But this was a hard-headed commercial undertaking, not just a sporting challenge, and Platford was racing under strict instructions. Setting aside his own personal ambitions, he therefore pulled over and allowed Don Carlos de Salamanca to pass him. The company’s Madrid agent went on to win his home nation’s first-ever Grand Prix race in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 12 seconds, at an average speed of 54mph.

Sadly for Platford, his selfless manoeuvre also opened the door for another rival, the Marqués de Aulencia in a Lorraine-Dietrich, who took second place just three minutes ahead of him ­– a very narrow margin in an age when races could still be won or lost by hours.

JUST REWARDS
Platford’s sacrifice did not go unrewarded, however. After the race, he drove his car to Madrid, where he received a congratulatory telegram from Claude Johnson; he was later awarded a holiday in Venice, partly as a gift and partly to escape the inevitable press attention. He also received two gold watches by way of compensation: one presented by the Rolls-Royce directors ­– and the other by a very grateful Don Carlos de Salamanca.

ON TO THE ALPENFAHRT
The 1913 Spanish Grand Prix victory came just a week before the start of the 1913 Alpenfahrt, the daunting 1,600-mile trial through the Alps. Platford, as team manager, would lead the Rolls-Royce Works Team to a clean sweep of the top four places, sealing the Silver Ghost’s reputation, described in the media as ‘the best car in the world’. In his team spirit, dedication, selflessness, courage and constant pursuit of excellence, he perfectly exemplifies the ethos of Inspiring Greatness, which continues to resonate at the heart of the marque today.

It’s not unusual for manufacturers to spend years rolling out a new visual identity across their model line-up, but true to its innovative approach and famed ‘good thinking’, Dacia pulled it off in only 24 hours!

With the brand’s bold new visual identity ready to transform the look of its vehicles, Dacia switched the design of all its models at its three manufacturing plants in Pitesti (Romania), Tangier and Casablanca (Morocco) to the new style all at the same time. Starting at 9 AM on October 24, 2022, production of the entire model range was seamlessly updated to the new visual identity over a single day – a feat which is unprecedented in the automotive industry.

In total, 3,100 vehicles rolled off the production lines over the course of the day, equating to one every 50 seconds. The manufacturing achievement marked the completion of the roll-out of the brand’s new identity, which began with a change in communications materials in mid-2021, followed by its adoption by Dacia retailers. Beyond a simple shift in design, the new identity embodies commitments for the future and builds on the strongly held values that are behind the Dacia success story.

It took over a year to ensure that such a monumental undertaking went without a hitch and that Dacia’s robust quality was maintained throughout the transition. Meticulous preparation and co-ordination took place across all the brand’s departments, spanning from IT to logistics and training to marketing.

Notably, the logistics team had to handle 190 new components from 57 different suppliers, including the logo, new emblem and new colours. What’s more, this all took place during a spare-parts and raw-material shortage, meaning that the team had to take on the additional challenge of making up for delays and making sure all the parts met the agreed standards.

The 20,000 personnel across the plants played a huge role in the successful transition. In a display of extraordinary teamwork, they negotiated all the possible challenges, moving fast while following the full development and industrial production procedure. Ahead of the switch, operators were trained at the same time as a substantial production plan was rolled out, ensuring that quality was uncompromised from day one.

On the successful transition to the new visual identity, Christophe Dridi, Dacia’s VP of Industry said: “We believe this is the first time an automotive company has revamped its entire range, at three plants, at the same time. It goes to show how flexible and how agile Dacia really is.”

The most famous race car of the modern Bentley era, the 2003 Speed 8, made its return to Le Mans this weekend to take part in the centenary celebrations of the ultimate motorsport marathon – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The dynamic demonstration of the highly popular fan-favourite precedes the return of a new Works Bentley to Le Mans, with a pair of Blower Continuation Series cars to compete at this year’s Le Mans Classic.

The very same car that won the race in 2003 – Speed 8 chassis 004/5 – took to the track on Saturday afternoon as part of a centenary parade. It was piloted by Guy Smith, the same driver who took the chequered flag twenty years ago, as the car turned a wheel at the circuit for the first time since.

After being reunited with the car and completing two laps of the circuit, Guy commented: “This car delivered Bentley’s first Le Mans victory since 1930, and became the springboard for my racing career, and so it’s incredibly special to me. While I’ve driven it a couple of times since 2003, this is the first time it’s been back to Le Mans and driving it here brought back so many memories and emotions. It feels exactly the same as it did when it crossed the line twenty years ago. Bentley is part of Le Mans, and Le Mans is part of Bentley, and it’s been an amazing weekend of celebrations of 100 years of history here.”

Le Mans Classic will then see a Works Bentley race at Le Mans for the first time since the victory in 2003 – as a pair of Blower Continuation Series cars take part in the Grid 1 race. Both the factory-owned Blower Car Zero and a customer car will be racing, with the former building on its recent first test race at Donington Park in the UK. The entries mark not only the first official Bentley entries to a Le Mans race since 2003, but also the return of a Works-supported Blower to the track for the first time since 1930, when the legend of the Bentley Blower was born.

As part of the rejuvenation of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, Speed 8 004/5 has recently undergone a complete rebuild to return it to as-new standard as it was before its most famous victory. The car is one of eight motorsport vehicles in the Heritage Collection, all of which are maintained in running order alongside the 37 road-going members of the fleet, all of which will be road legal by the end of the year.

The Speed 8 now stays at the circuit for the rest of June, on display in the Le Mans Museum until Le Mans Classic at the end of the month, where Bentley will have a significant presence and exhibition alongside the race programme. The Speed 8 will then make a number of other dynamic appearances this summer, before returning to Crewe to be positioned on display with its sister cars from 2001 and 2002, and the rest of the Bentley Heritage Collection, in three new and purpose-built areas that embed the fleet into any visit to Bentley’s campus.

The all-new BMW M2 was launched in India. This compact two-door, four-seater high-performance sports car will be available in the country as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model effective immediately.

The all-new BMW M2 is the ultimate embodiment of driving pleasure for the purist. It excites and delights with the skill set of a classical high-performance sports car – reproduced in highly concentrated form, with fresh intensity and cutting-edge technology. A highly potent inline 6-cylinder engine works alongside superb adaptive M suspension that is designed to maximise road contact and traction in all driving situations.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW M2 embodies an unadulterated racing passion that owners can enjoy day in, day out. It builds on the brand’s tradition of ultra-sporty models with compact dimensions. The expressive looks of the all-new BMW M2 act as a clear signpost to sporty driving pleasure and stem primarily from its extremely powerful proportions. The car melds extraordinary speed with maximum control ensuring a smooth, dynamic drive no matter how far you push the limits.”

The all-new BMW M2 is available in a petrol variant at an ex-showroom price of INR 98,00,000.

The distinct character profile of the all-new BMW M2 is reflected in a visually powerful design that makes no secret of the car’s comfortably segment-leading power, even before it turns a wheel. The M specific features accentuate the performance-led character of the all-new BMW M2. It exudes an aggressive presence with its M frameless kidney grill, showcasing horizontal bars. The elements of the M-typical three-section lower air intake have almost rectangular contours and optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes. The boldly contoured adaptive headlight units are positioned to the outer edges of the front end. The optional M shadow line lights offer a dark tint around the headlamps. Prominently flared side skirts team up with broad, muscular wheel arches to create an appearance that is characteristic of BMW M and inspired by racing cars. This air-directing element adopts a pared-back racing look and incorporates another signature M feature: the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes. The optional M carbon roof is an aerodynamic masterpiece, lowering the car’s centre of gravity, increasing control at every turn. Staggered 19-inch/20-inch wheel configuration allows the all-new BMW M2 to skim the ground with grace. The option to upgrade to 19-inch/20-inch alloys style 930 M jet black is also available. The M Sport brake callipers are painted in blue metallic as standard, with a red finish available as an option.

The interior of the all-new BMW M2 boasts a cockpit with a driver-centric design. When it comes to functionality, control and comfort, the standard equipment features emphasise squarely on focused driving pleasure. The all-new BMW curved display features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central information display – giving an intense focus for peak performance. The standard M Sport seats come with electrical adjustment, including for the height of the head restraints. The newly designed and exclusive seats have much pronounced bolsters and contour lines around the backrest and head restraint in BMW M GmbH colours. They are upholstered in Vernasca leather with perforated surfaces and can be ordered in either black or cognac. The integral head restraints feature an illuminated M logo. Also available are M Seat belts with a woven stripe pattern in BMW M GmbH colours. The easy-entry function slides the front seats forward in a controlled movement when the backrests are folded, making it easier for passengers to access the rear compartment. The contours and integral head restraints of the two rear seats give them an individual-seat character, allowing passengers in the rear to enjoy a sense of sporty driving pleasure as well. The rear backrest has a 40:20:40 split, allowing one or more sections to be folded down as necessary in order to accommodate very long items of luggage. When the backrest is upright, the all-new BMW M2 offers 390 litres of boot space.

The standard M interior trim strips in aluminium rhombicle anthracite inject the cabin with a sporting panache. If the optionally available M interior stripes in carbon fibre are specified, the shift paddles and trim on the M leather steering wheel will have a CFRP finish. The car is equipped with adaptive M-specific suspension, M Sport differential, M high performance compound brakes that guarantee an outstanding driving experience. Exclusive functions such as multi-function for steering wheel, seat heating with lumbar support (driver and front passenger) and automatic anti-dazzle function in all mirrors add a further sporty touch to the interior.

The M twinpower turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine impresses not only with its inimitable performance characteristics but also its clearly superior power. The straight six engine captures the imagination with its hallmark M attributes in the version developed for the all-new BMW M2. Urgent response, a healthy appetite for revs and linear power delivery into the highest reaches of the engine speed range together form an unmistakable skill set that defines the performance experience in the all-new BMW M2. The engine generates maximum output of 453 hp and peak torque of 550 Nm at 2,650 – 5,870. The car can achieve 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 4.1 seconds, when paired with automatic transmission and 4.3 seconds, when paired with the manual transmission. The performance experience is also raised another notch by the inclusion of the M driver’s package, which increases the car’s electronically limited top speed from 250 kmph to 285 kmph.

The all-new BMW M2 comes as standard with an eight-speed M steptronic transmission with drivelogic that offers extremely sporty gear shifts. The broadly spread gears assist efficiency while enabling an intense build-up of power from low road speeds. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups – comfort oriented, sports focused, or track optimized. Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus settings can be engaged to modify the engine’s characteristics, while selecting the Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus chassis mode provides access to the three settings for the electronically controlled dampers.

As an option its six-cylinder in­-line engine can also link up with a six-speed manual gearbox creating a performance experience in the classical mould, rooted in the intense interaction between the driver and car. This is the first time ever that BMW is offering a manual transmission in the Indian market. The gear ratios and gear spread are perfectly matched to the performance characteristics of the engine. A precisely defined shift action enables rapid, easily executed gear changes. Plus, the gear shift assistant uses engagement speed control to ensure slip-free operation when downshifting under braking into corners.

The exhaust system comes with an innovative flap concept. The electrically controlled flaps, positioned just before the rear silencer, minimise exhaust back pressure for optimised efficiency and create a distinctively unmistakable BMW M sound across the entire rev range.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology breaks the innovation barrier and turns the car into an interconnected digital device. Host of connected drive features include BMW ID, BMW app, digital key, emergency call, real-time traffic information, remote services and smartphone parking. BMW Live cockpit professional includes the freestanding BMW curved display with navigation with real-time traffic information and augmented view, a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel, a 14.9-inch control display and BMW head-up display.

The latest BMW iDrive with operating system 8, offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. It is complemented by the BMW intelligent personal assistant system which has a self-learning intelligence that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps. Wireless smartphone integration and regular remote software upgrades ensure that the car is always up to date. My BMW app functions include popular options for keeping an eye on the current vehicle status at all times as well as learning navigation, which offers destination suggestions and traffic information based on the owner’s driving habits. In addition, customers can use the My BMW app to generate the BMW digital key which turns a smartphone into a digital vehicle key. It will enable customers to physically open the doors when unlocking them this way. If the digital key is activated, it’s also possible to perform automated parking manoeuvres.

The spread of driver assistance systems support and relieve the driver, thus increasing comfort and safety. Standard equipment includes functions like cruise control, the attentiveness assistant and reverse assistant. Also, parking assistant professional with surround view camera, drive recorder, remote parking via smartphone are available as options.

The all-new BMW M2 delivers maximum driving pleasure coupled with an outstanding performance and fuel consumption ratio thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics measures such as intelligent lightweight design, brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop function, electric power steering, differential and transfer case with optimised warm-up behaviour and aerodynamics.

For utmost safety, the all-new BMW M2 comes with head and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as head airbags for rear seats as standard. Additional standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), M Dynamic Mode (MDM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dry Braking function and Active M Differential.

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has a strong foundation in the vibrant and fast-growing state of West Bengal and the larger part of Eastern India. The company aims to leverage the region’s booming economic growth, increasing infrastructure projects, and rising demand for commercial vehicles to strengthen its market presence and cater to the specific needs of customers in the region.

Specific to the state of West Bengal, the market here offers exciting business opportunities, a sizable customer base, and a welcoming environment for investments. Recognizing these factors, Ashok Leyland has undertaken several strategic steps to grow significantly in this promising region.

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – M&HCV, Ashok Leyland Ltd, said, “West Bengal and Eastern India at large, has been a key market for us. We have always recognized the potential this region has and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this geography. Like other regions in India, where our focus on customer-centricity and industry leading total cost of ownership has led to leadership positioning in multiple segments, our intent is to bring that focus here as well. We are dedicated to providing exceptional products and services by fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in the state. By bringing our technologically advanced and reliable commercial vehicles to this market, we aim to support the region’s transportation and mobility infrastructure, which in turn will empower the businesses to thrive.”

Ashok Leyland will continue to innovate and leverage new technology to be a leader in CV industry. Ashok Leyland’s robust market share growth across all segments exemplifies the technological leadership of Ashok Leyland, and the company will continue to build competitive products, organizational capabilities and efficiency for future growth. Ashok Leyland’s commitment to technology-driven operational efficiency enables the company to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional results in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the CV space. Its robust network of dealerships and service centres offer a full range of sales, service, and parts support for its entire range of commercial vehicles. The company is confident its range of products and service network will meet the needs of customers in the region and provide them with the best possible experience.

Enigma, a young Make-in-India EV manufacturer from Madhya Pradesh, is excited to announce the launch of its first showroom in Nepal. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Enigma as it fortifies its foothold in the international market, underscoring the company’s unwavering dedication to expanding its global presence and capitalizing on emerging prospects.

Located at Nagpokhri, Naxal, Kathmandu, the Enigma Electric experience centre promises to deliver an immersive and futuristic environment, providing customers with an opportunity to explore Enigma’s electric vehicle offerings. Enigma has partnered with M/s Rising Trading Company Limited, based in Kathmandu, for the distribution of its EVs in Nepal. The tie-up enables Enigma to become an exporter of electric vehicles, with M/s Rising Trading Co Ltd inaugurating their first Enigma Electric experience centre at the aforementioned location, entrusted with the responsibility of establishing Enigma’s presence in Nepal.

“Our partnership with Enigma opens up exciting opportunities for us to expand into the Nepalese market,” expressed Mr. Aziz Shrestha, a Partner at Rising Trading Company Limited. He further added, “Our ambitious aim is to establish a network of up to 15 dealership outlets throughout Nepal, ensuring that customers can directly experience the exceptional performance of Enigma’s high-speed product line.”

“At Enigma, we see this initiative as the inaugural stride towards our global expansion. We are not merely advancing electric mobility; we are instigating a revolutionary shift in transportation. Through our immersive showroom experience and the expertise of our partner, M/s Rising Trading Company Limited, we are paving the way for a network of dealerships that will bring Enigma’s high-speed electric bikes closer to customers across Nepal. With our combined efforts, Nepalese customers can look forward to an exciting future of sustainable transportation options and a brighter tomorrow” said Mr. Anmol Bohre, Managing Director, Enigma.

Enigma’s entire range of high-speed electric bikes will be available at the Nepal showroom. Customers can explore these models, which combine quality craftsmanship, advanced technology, and affordability. The showroom also features an immersive display and offers customers the opportunity to take immediate test rides, allowing them to experience the thrill and performance of Enigma electric bikes. As an exporter, Enigma will be shipping the vehicles as Completely Built Units (CBU) from India to Nepal, ensuring that customers receive the same level of quality and excellence that Enigma stands for.

A new permanent gallery at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu will showcase rarely seen archive photographs from the museum’s collections. The first exhibition will be a special selection depicting the famous Le Mans 24 hour sports car race to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first race.

The ‘In Focus’ gallery creates a space that will have temporary exhibitions of photographs, artwork, motoring objects and memorabilia – drawing from the museum’s collection of over 1.7 million items.

The Le Mans photographs depict the stages of the famous endurance race, from the start line sprint through to the checkered flag.

Gail Stewart-Bye, Senior Curator Objects and Exhibitions says, “This exhibition offers a rare chance to see a selection from our extensive photographic archive. Some of the photographs selected for this exhibition include images which are fine examples of the work of Maxwell Boyd, the renowned motor sports photographer of the 1950s and 60s.”

Le Mans – The Race of the Century will be in the National Motor Museum ‘In Focus Gallery’ from 3 June until the 10 September.

The Le Mans exhibition will be followed in September by The Magic of the Marque – celebrating 100 years of MG.

SPL Volvo, one of Volvo Car India’s esteemed dealerships located in West Bengal, is thrilled to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Since its inception, SPL Volvo has been dedicated to providing exceptional service and premium automobiles to customers in the region. The dealership’s commitment to Volvo’s core values of safety, sustainability, and innovation has contributed to its remarkable success over the past five years.

Volvo Car India’s partnership with SPL Volvo has flourished, delivering outstanding customer experiences and establishing a strong presence in West Bengal’s luxury automotive market.

In achievement of this milestone, Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India said “Kolkata is an important market for us. Luxury car customers in Kolkata, as are those in the rest of West Bengal, are highly evolved and look for the best in cars. We are glad that we have been able to cater to their exacting aspirations through our cars and SPL Volvo has partnered us well in our endeavor”

“It has been a very fruitful five year journey with Volvo Car India and collectively we have introduced the safest luxury cars to the City of Kolkata. As we reach this five year milestone, we remain committed to giving our customers world class service that Volvo Cars have benchmarked globally” said Mr. Nikunj Sanwaria, Dealer Principal, SPL Volvo.

TVS Motor Company with a legacy rooted over 100 years, and backed by four decades of racing pedigree, has consistently built its brand’s foundation on the ethos of experiences around mobility and motor racing. With nurturing talent being at its forefront since 1982, TVS Racing announces its partnership with KidZania to create a racing experience for young enthusiasts and riders. After successfully introducing its experience centre at KidZania, Mumbai, TVS Racing unveiled its TVS Racing zone at KidZania Delhi NCR to open the world of motor racing to the racers of the future.

To further up its ante, TVS Racing has announced the launch of its first virtual championship at KidZania. This two-month long championship will be based on the participation and performance of young riders on the racing simulators, assembly zone and design challenges at the TVS Racing experience centres. Aimed at creating a thrilling feat through simulated experiences, the championship will showcase the motor racing ecosystem at a deeper level.

Backed by over 40 years of racing heritage and pedigree, TVS Racing started One Make Championship in 1994, and has thus expanded the program into four categories in India. This includes a Rookie category which focuses on nurturing talent from 13 – 18 years. TVS Racing has trained over 50+ rookie riders in the country since 2021. Additionally, TVS Racing organised the first ever Asia One Make Championship in 2022.

To introduce and promote racing culture in young minds while breaking myths and stereotypes about motor racing, TVS Racing introduces a tailored and curated experience zone for the new riders aged between 4 & 16 years. The TVS Racing experience zone at KidZania will offer a slew of interactive learning areas, knowledge sharing sessions and a mini track race arena.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Racing has propagated and championed racing in India for over four decades. We are excited to further expand safe yet thrilling racing to customers around the world. Racing and video games offer fun and excitement, and we are delighted to be able to offer a great racing experience to kids through our partnership with KidZania!”

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “ We recently concluded a successful launch of our first experience centre in KidZania Mumbai, and are excited about the launch at the Delhi NCR centre. TVS Racing has always been at the forefront of promoting two-wheeler racing in the country, and we believe this unique experience will not only create a memorable experience for children but will also inspire and cultivate passion for racing in the next generation. Driven by the philosophy that inspiration starts young, and aspiration starts younger, we aim to offer a fun and interactive experience for children to learn and experience the joy of racing in a safe and controlled environment. In line with this, we have launched our first ever TVS Racing virtual championship for these kids, to experience the world of motor racing at KidZania and get the opportunity to explore it in-depth.”

Expressing his enthusiasm at the launch of the experience centre at KidZania Delhi NCR, Rahul Dhamdhere, Chief Marketing Officer – KidZania India said, “We are delighted to partner with TVS Motor in bringing this unique and immersive racing experience to the young riders, in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. This collaboration represents a remarkable synergy between two industry leaders committed to fostering the development of young minds through experiential learning. Through this centre, we aim to inspire a passion for speed, innovation, and sportsmanship while providing a safe and thrilling environment for children to explore. Designed to ignite the imagination and curiosity of all its attendees, the TVS Racing Experience Centre will provide an unparalleled opportunity for budding racers to step into the shoes of a racer. Following the edutainment path of KidZania, visitors at the TVS Racing Experience Centre can look forward to an engaging and educational experience that teaches them the importance of teamwork, strategy, and discipline in the world of racing.”

The TVS Racing Experience Zone will put on offer the following –

· TVS Apache RR 310 Assembly arena

· TVS Apache RR 310 Design Studio to design your bike using cues, understanding the assembly lines, and using kits basis the given guidelines

· TVS Racing Racer including TVS Racing Simulator Experience, and a riding license from the riding school

· TVS Racing Racer Racetrack on an exclusively developed motorcycle

· Riding gear including Helmets, Gloves and riding jackets and merchandise including t-shirts for the young riders and enthusiasts

· TVS Racing Virtual Championship will be a two month contest at KidZania, where 20 performers from each location will compete for top 3 position at the grand finale

· The grand finale will witness the contenders compete in a new set of challenges, including brand-new track simulations, a timed assembly task, and design challenge with a new theme

As a first in India, TVS Motor marks its foray into curating an experience zone at KidZania, with an aim to train and improve the riding skills of young riders, further instilling the maturity of understanding that racing is meant for the tracks. The partnership is an extension of TVS Racing’s commitment of promoting motorsports as a safe and thrilling experience in controlled areas, for passionate enthusiasts and young riders.

On the 27th and 28th May, Hagerty brought together an eclectic mix of enthusiast cars to tackle the historic hill climb course at Shelsley Walsh, a venue that has huge historical importance within UK car culture being the oldest motor sport event to still be held on its original course.

Hagerty caters for all types of vehicle enthusiast and created the Hagerty Hill Climb event to be a relaxed, informal motorsport event for drivers of all abilities, and the event certainly lived up to that. Group B rally cars shared paddock space with chain-driven vintage racers which in term were parked alongside modern classics, restomods and even daily drivers. Non-drivers enjoyed a range of food outlets and additional activities in between watching the action, and drivers gladly talked about their cars to those who wanted to know more.

Timed runs created a competitive element for those who wanted it and provided a bit of additional fun to those who took a more casual approach, and the atmosphere remained relaxed as the paddock basked in the late May sunshine.

Aside from TV personality Paul Cowland, who attended both days to run his own car and chat to the crowds, the star attraction was undoubtedly one of the most impressive collections of Group A and B rally cars ever amassed, allowing guests the rare opportunity to see, and hear, these magnificent cars being used as intended.

The cars, supplied by members of the Ralli 22 Club, comprehensively covered the heyday of rallying and included the legendary Audi Sport Quattro, an amazing Lancia 037, the instantly recognisable Metro 6R4 and the all-conquering Mitsubishi Lancer.

Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, said “What a fabulous weekend. We had great cars, great people, and great weather to make the beautiful Shelsley Walsh even more spectacular than ever. This event encapsulates what Hagerty is all about as we welcomed a wide range of vehicle enthusiasts in a relaxed environment where everyone was able to have fun with their cars. Thanks to all who came along, and we look forward to the Hagerty Hill Climb becoming a regular event on the motoring calendar.”