David Coulthard leads host of stars at Autosport International as trade comes to a close

• Autosport International, the world’s premier pre-season motorsport show, wowed crowds on day two of the four-day #Event with a full grid of big name racing drivers
• Dedicated Autosport Engineering trade #Event comes to a close with sell-out show
• Former F1-driver David Coulthard took to the Autosport Stage alongside #esmeehawkey and Sarah Moore to talk about the ground-breaking new W Series
• The stage also played host to BRDC British Rising Star and double amputee racing driver Billy Monger
• Elsewhere the HSCC celebrated the 50th anniversary of F5000 with a raft of stunning historical machines
• Saturday marks the launch of the WRC, with attendance from all of the drivers, co-drivers and team principals competing in 2019

Autosport International has celebrated a spectacular second day at the NEC with an incredible line-up of star drivers taking to the Autosport Stage as the show’s dedicated trade days came to a close.

Autosport Engineering wrapped things up after two highly successful days of trading from some of the world’s leading motorsport, #automotive, technology defence and aerospace companies. The busy area of the show hosted some of the world’s leading component suppliers and manufacturing outlets many of which were bringing the very latest 2019 products to market.

The inaugural Product Showcase Awards recognised the very best from across the engineering business. Categorised into nine categories winners included small, large and new firms from Bosch Motorsport (Energy Efficiency)for its Electric Coolant, Texense (Data & Measurement) for the Texense IRN8-WS4 and Bcomp (Innovation) for its Power Ribs.

Within the main show, former F1 driver #davidcoulthard was present to talk about W Series, the groundbreaking women’s racing series. The ex-McLaren driver revealed that when he started karting, he did so with his younger sister Lindsey, who he – and his mother and father – believed was more naturally talented.

“I was able to go on through the support of my family to reach the highest level that I could in F1. All of the focus and attention as a family went on to me and therefore that focus and attention didn’t go to my sister and a great talent I think was lost from professional motorsport,” he commented.
“With W Series, we have an opportunity to put a spotlight on the talent and give a free to enter championship with a sizeable prize fund for the winner. This isn’t the pinnacle of single seater racing but it’s part of the journey and we want to be a positive part of that journey.”

W Series drivers EsmeeHawkey and Sarah Moore joined Coulthard on stage. Speaking about the series, former Ginetta Junior champion and competitor in the Britcar Endurance Championship in 2018, Sarah Moore, said: "Once I heard about it I just thought it would be a great chance for women to show what they’re capable of because there are plenty of women in motorsport but they don’t essentially get the backing that they need to get to where males are dominating the sport at the moment.”

Esmee Hawkey, who took part in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB in 2018, added:
"It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve had a great year in the Carrera Cup. Hopefully I’ll be back into the Carrera Cup car and will also hopefully be driving the amazing W Series Car this season.”

Talk Shop, a platform for visitors to hear the wisdom from a raft of experts, delivered some insightful tips from industry insiders. Guests included Racelogic’s Julian Thomas, who gave a lecture on maximising corner entry speed, F1 speaker and sponsorship expert Brian Sims who spoke about the topic ‘You don’t have to be Champion to get the sponsorship you need’ and Silverstone Auctions’ Nick Whale who gave a masterclass in car auctions.

Also drawing huge crowds was BRDC British Rising Star and double amputee racing driver, who competed in British Formula 3 in 2018, claiming two pole positions and four podiums. Billy is back in the show’s Live Action Arena, performing for the public across the weekend.

A prominent advocate for equality in sport, Charlie Martin is vying to become the first transgender competitor in Le Mans 24 Hours. On the Autosport stage, she was announced as a Sports Champion by Europe’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, Stonewall. “As someone who nearly left my sport altogether during transition, I know first-hand why it is so important to show that support is there and visible for LGBT competitors and fans alike. I am proud to be part of the Stonewall family and I look forward to continuing our work together and working toward one common goal – acceptance for everyone without exception.”

Elsewhere at the show, the HSCC celebrated the 50th anniversary of F5000 with a raft of stunning historical machines.

Meanwhile, over in the Live Action Arena, this year’s theme is ‘Evolution of Racing’ with high-speed demonstrations of powerful racing machinery and performance cars in a unique celebration. A line-up of leading motorsport categories and competition drivers are offering fans an unrivalled variety of racing action, driving demonstrations, breath-taking stunts in addition to celebrity interviews and appearances.

Every visitor attending across the weekend gets a seat within the 5,000-seater arena included. Hosted by Sky F1 Lead Commentator David Croft alongside popular social media vloggers Shmee150 and Miss Emma Walsh, the hour-long, high-octane show is a must-see for all motorsport fans and car enthusiasts.

As we head into the weekend, the #Event really ramps up. Super Saturday (January 12th) marks the official launch of the World Rally Championship and all of the drivers, co-drivers and team principals from the teams competing in 2019 will be at the show. In addition, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team and M-Sport World Rally Team will all reveal their new liveries to the crowds.

Visitors arriving early to Autosport International on Saturday will be able to see 2019 McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Carlos SainzJr open the show; the two F1 racers will also be appearing on the Autosport Stage.

Autosport International is part of Motorsport Network’s flagship title, Autosport – one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent #automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of #people who love motorsport and cars.

The network also creates key industry Events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.