Cars from the Epic Group C era back on the Silverstone Festival Bill

The legendary icons of Le Mans return for Saturday’s sunset spectacular
The exciting new series revives crowd-pleasing prototypes from the 1980s
Racing icons Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes renew old rivalries
Tickets are on sale at Super Early Bird prices

Back by popular demand, Masters Historic Racing is bringing back the spectacular Group C sports cars racing into the sunset at next summer’s Silverstone Festival (August 22-24). It will be a huge year as the event will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1.

It will be a very welcome return for these 200+ mph endurance prototypes from the 1980s, which were a much-loved treasure in the event’s busy schedule until 2017, when grid numbers unfortunately began to dwindle.

Partially filling the gap, a stunning collection of iconic Group C cars has been assembled at Silverstone in 2022 to mark 40 years since the category first competed at the circuit. It was an impressive gathering – led by five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE – that attracted huge crowds, widespread praise and fueled demand to see these icons racing again… o wish that will come true next summer!

Making dreams come true, Masters Historic Racing has introduced the wonderful new Masters Le Mans 80+ Series to give these Group C titans a much-awaited revival. Only three European rounds (plus two in the Middle East) will be held, all on circuits where the cars can unleash their full power: Paul Ricard in France; Germany’s Nürburgring and of course Silverstone.

“Group C has always been a huge crowd pleaser at the Festival and as soon as the Masters announced this super exciting new grid we knew we had to get it on board,” said Event Director Nick Wigley. .

“Apart from possibly Le Mans, there can be no better place to watch the Group C cars in full action than on the entire Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, where they have excelled for the period. With this race adding to our special celebrations to honor 75 years of Formula 1, next year’s Festival is looking ever better. Not to be missed!”

Providing a protective grid, the Masters Le Mans 80+ will feature the Group C plus IMSA GTP cars, as they have competed so successfully in the USA, racing into the sunset on Saturday evening at the 2025 Festival.

“For the 2025 season, we are delighted to bring the new Masters Le Mans 80s+ grid to five events, with the Silverstone Festival standing out as a particularly thrilling showcase for these legendary Group C and IMSA GTP cars that have competed at Le Mans since 1982 . until 1993″, confirmed Frederic Fatien, CEO at Masters. “The energy and passion from the passionate fans at Silverstone is always incredible and we look forward to seeing a strong grid take to the track next August for what promises to be another memorable celebration of endurance racing history.”

Fueling the fever and sparking special memories, the famous racers remain in their evocative vintage image so fans can enjoy Silk Cut Jaguars, Rothmans Porsches and Silver Arrows Mercedes renewing their old rivalries at dusk.

Saturday night’s unmissable 40-minute showdown is the latest addition to a racebook packed with the best grids historic motorsport has to offer.

Next year’s festival pays tribute to the birth of the Formula 1 World Championship at Silverstone in 1950, 75 years of Grand Prix cars will take center stage alongside all the golden eras of GTs, sports cars, junior single-seaters and, of course, Touring Cars that disappoints the bumper. Relive the glory days of motorsport over the action-packed August Bank Holiday weekend.

Super Early Bird prices are available until the end of the year with one-day tickets from £50 and the ever-popular three-day weekend ticket priced at £145. Camping options are also available. There is also a special 2 for 1 ticket offer for car club members who book to display their prized classic through one of over 100 registered car clubs.

Celebrating the Festival as a family occasion, accompanied children aged 15 and under can attend for free and all tickets offer access to an incredible range of activities and attractions for the family, including live music concerts from top artists, selected rides fun fair, stunts. shows plus a host of other first class Bank Holiday entertainment for all ages.

More information on Silverstone Festival 2025 and full ticket details are available on the Silverstone Festival website Here.

Silverstone Festival 2025 race schedule*

Historic Junior Formula
HGPCA for pre-’66 Grand Prix cars
Masters Racing Legends (Historic Formula 1)
Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy
Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy and Stirling Moss Trophy
NEW: Le Mans Masters 80+
Masters Endurance Legends
Sports Car Legends Masters
International GT Classic Car Trophy (pre-’66)
GT Masters Trophy
Pre-’66 Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy
The Adrian Flux Trophy for the MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge

*Other grids to be announced