Classic Nostalgia returned to Shelsley Walsh on 18 and 19 July with another memorable celebration of historic motorsport. Blessed with warm sunshine, the famous Worcestershire hill climb welcomed thousands of visitors eager to experience one of Britain’s best-loved classic racing events.

Every corner of the venue offered something special. Formula One cars, World Rally Championship heroes, NASCAR racers and rare competition machines all came together for a weekend filled with speed, history and entertainment.

Meanwhile, the relaxed atmosphere made the event equally appealing for families, photographers and classic car enthusiasts. Thanks to the open paddock, visitors enjoyed close-up access to many of the remarkable machines and the people who keep them running.

Why Classic Nostalgia Continues to Stand Out

Classic Nostalgia has built its reputation by offering far more than hill climb competition. Instead of watching from a distance, visitors become part of the experience.

Throughout the weekend, they could:

Walk freely around the open paddock.

Speak with owners, mechanics and drivers.

Watch rare racing cars prepare for competition.

Enjoy live music and family entertainment.

Browse a busy trade village.

Visit more than 20 classic car club displays.

Explore the Exhibition of Speed motorsport art gallery.

As a result, the event delivered a welcoming atmosphere that appealed to enthusiasts of every age.

Historic Aircraft Added Another Spectacular Touch

The excitement extended beyond the hill itself.

On both Saturday and Sunday, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane performed dramatic flypasts above Shelsley Walsh. The displays celebrated Britain’s aviation heritage while providing one of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

The combination of classic aircraft and historic racing cars created an unforgettable backdrop for the festival.

A Hill Climb Grid Full of Character

Competition remained at the heart of Classic Nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh.

The entry list featured an impressive variety of machinery, proving once again that Shelsley Walsh welcomes almost every era of motorsport.

Among the standout competitors were:

Historic Allards.

Classic McLarens.

The Depster Ensign LNF3.

Hepworth’s famous Guyson Sandblaster.

The remarkable Mannic Beattie jet-powered hill climb car.

One of the biggest crowd favourites was the 600bhp Mannic Beattie. Built in a garden shed, the extraordinary machine continues to fascinate spectators decades after it first appeared.

Meanwhile, Hepworth’s Guyson Sandblaster made an emotional return to the venue where it became a legend.

Ralli22 Delivers One of the Largest Rally Displays

Rally fans had plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend.

The hugely popular Ralli22 feature returned with more than 25 iconic rally cars representing Group B, Group A and the World Rally Championship.

The collection included some of the sport’s most recognisable competition cars, many of which tackled the famous hill during demonstration runs.

Consequently, spectators enjoyed one of the largest rally gatherings ever assembled at Shelsley Walsh.

New Live Stage Becomes an Instant Success

One of the biggest additions for Classic Nostalgia 2026 proved to be one of the most successful.

The Historic Racing News Live Stage attracted large audiences across both days with interviews, question-and-answer sessions and autograph opportunities included within the standard admission ticket.

Visitors heard stories from some of motorsport’s best-known names, including:

Richard Attwood.

John Fitzpatrick.

Anthony Reid.

Howden Ganley.

Mike Wilds.

Stuart Graham.

Les Thacker.

Lorina McLoughlin.

Their conversations covered Formula One, Le Mans, touring cars, rallying and historic racing. As the sessions continued throughout the weekend, standing-room-only crowds quickly became the norm.

Richard Burns Tribute Provides an Emotional Centrepiece

One of the most touching moments at Classic Nostalgia celebrated 25 years since Richard Burns and Robert Reid secured the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship.

At the centre of the tribute stood the legendary X20 SRT Subaru Impreza WRC, the very car that carried the pair to world championship success.

Tom Williams, Richard Burns’ godson, drove the Subaru during a special parade. His father, David Williams, had played an important role as one of Burns’ early mentors and closest friends.

The occasion became even more meaningful with the attendance of Jo Burns, Richard’s sister, alongside former Prodrive team members, friends and colleagues.

Together, they reunited for a commemorative photograph before sharing memories during an exclusive Historic Racing News Live Stage interview.

Formula One Icons Share the Spotlight

The demonstration programme showcased competition cars spanning more than 50 years of racing history.

Several legendary Formula One machines attracted constant attention, including:

The 1976 Surtees TS19 in its famous Durex colours.

Michael Schumacher’s 1992 Benetton B192.

Rubens Barrichello’s 1997 Stewart SF1.

Patrick Tambay’s Haas Lola THL1B.

Each demonstration reminded spectators how dramatically Grand Prix engineering has evolved over the decades.

More Racing Legends Filled the Programme

Formula One was only part of the attraction.

Visitors also watched:

Roy Lane’s McLaren M10B Formula 5000.

The World’s Fastest Jensen fresh from Bonneville Speed Week.

Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust’s Group 44 E-Type.

Popular NASCAR racers.

Several Can-Am cars.

A Chaparral.

The Andy Rouse-liveried Dolomite Sprint.

Mike Wilds driving the spectacular BDG-powered Ford Escort Mk1.

Mike Wilds once again praised Classic Nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh as one of the highlights of his racing calendar, reflecting the event’s popularity among both competitors and spectators.

Concours Celebrates Outstanding Classic Cars

Away from the competition, the Classic & Sports Car Concours attracted almost 100 pre-1985 vehicles.

Judging was led by respected motoring journalist Simon Taylor, joined by John Mayhead from Hagerty and Ryan Standen of Classic & Sports Car magazine.

This year’s major awards went to:

Best in Show: David Whyley’s 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic.

Judges’ Choice: Nishit Khambhaita’s 1971 Datsun 510.

Spirit of the Show: Timothy Crossland’s beautifully preserved 1968 Morris Traveller.

In addition, Lockton presented the Best Presented Car Club Award to the Morgan Sports Car Club after its impressive rally from Yorkshire to Shelsley Walsh.

Strong Performances Earn Special Recognition

Several competitors also received individual honours during the weekend.

Laura Elliott claimed the Joy Rainey Perpetual Trophy as the Fastest Lady of the Meeting following an excellent performance in her Porsche 911 Carrera.

Former Le Mans winner Richard Attwood presented the award, adding another memorable moment to an already successful event.

Why Shelsley Walsh Remains a Favourite Destination

Few venues can match the atmosphere of Shelsley Walsh.

As the world’s oldest motorsport venue still using its original course, it offers visitors an authentic connection to racing history. At the same time, Classic Nostalgia continues to refresh the programme with new attractions, demonstrations and guest appearances.

That balance between heritage and entertainment keeps enthusiasts returning year after year.

A Weekend That Celebrated Every Era of Motorsport

Classic Nostalgia once again demonstrated why it has become one of Britain’s leading historic motorsport festivals.

From emotional tributes and legendary Formula One cars to rally icons and concours-winning classics, the event offered something for every enthusiast. Combined with packed grandstands, an open paddock and beautiful summer weather, it delivered another outstanding weekend at Shelsley Walsh.

If this year’s event is any indication, Classic Nostalgia will remain firmly on the calendars of classic motorsport fans for many years to come.

Join the Conversation

Which car would have been your first stop in the paddock?

Did the Richard Burns tribute stand out as the weekend’s most memorable moment, or was another demonstration your highlight?

If you attended Classic Nostalgia 2026 at Shelsley Walsh, share your favourite memories in the comments below. We’d love to hear which cars, drivers or displays made the biggest impression.

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