The Complete Guide to Silverstone Classic 2022

29th Jul 2022

By Daniel Hitchman

What you need to know about The Classic Silverstone

Spanning over three days during the August bank holiday weekend, Silverstone Classic showcases an array of incredible vehicles, live music and a programme packed with entertainment.

In this essential guide, we highlight everything you need to know about the Silverstone Classic festival, and what you can expect throughout the weekend. In this guide, we cover:

What is on

Classic racing cars queueing in the pit lane at Silverstone

There is a huge amount going on throughout the weekend, with a number of showcases, sessions and displays taking place on each day.

Car Displays

Silverstone hosts over 120 car clubs every year during The Classic, which provides an incredible mix of displays for visitors to enjoy.

Owners are given the opportunity to print off information about their car, giving you a real insight into that specific vehicle's story. Ranging from modern classics, through to retro legends, this display is guaranteed to appeal to enthusiasts of all ages.

Track Action

With twenty races taking place using cars from ten different decades, there is a wide variety of motorsport on display for everyone to enjoy.

Sports cars, GT and Touring cars, Formula 1 and pre-war sports cars. If you can think of a category of racing car, then chances are you will be able to witness it tackle the likes of Stowe and Copse during the bank holiday weekend.

So you know what to expect, we have highlighted the on-track action timetable further down the article.

Sir Lewis Hamilton World Exclusive

This year, Silverstone Classic is celebrating the career of legendary Formula 1 driver, Sir Lewis Hamilton.

In tribute to Sir Lewis, there will be a showcase of the seven cars he drove during his title-winning seasons. If you are a fan of Formula 1, Sir Lewis Hamilton, or both, then this exhibition will no doubt appeal.

Family Fun

Silverstone Classic visitors enjoying one of the rides

The Classic is not just for enthusiasts, but for families who want an enjoyable day out. Included in the price of the tickets, you and the family will be able to enjoy:

  • Free funfair rides
  • Crazy golf
  • Football coaching (courtesy of Yokohama)
  • A large shopping village with over 100 retailers

Music

Adding to the festivities is live music across each of the three nights, allowing visitors camping or staying nearby to make the most of their weekend. Highlight performers include:

  • Friday 26th August - The Cuban Brothers
  • Saturday 27th August - Gabrielle
  • Sunday 28th August - Rick Astley

Food fest

Silverstone Classic visitors queueing at one of the food vendors

The choice of food and drink at The Classic is going to be as broad as the vehicles that will be showcased. Ranging from tacos and gourmet burgers, through to bars and crepes, you will be able to choose from some of Britain's finest caterers.

Celebrity chefs will be in attendance and displaying their skills. Plus, a tasting tent will be open, so visitors can sample some of their favourite tipples. Fans of the Amazon Prime show, 'Clarkson's Farm', will be happy to know that Diddly Squat Farm Shop will be at The Classic.

Stunts

If you want to get away from the on-track action, or general festivities, then you can make the most of the Shift and Drift Zone, where you will be able to witness an exhibition of jaw-dropping stunts, as well as demo runs from a collection of rally legends.

In addition, you will be able to explore the Adrenaline Zone, where you can try your hand at skateboarding and riding a BMX. Alternatively, you can witness the pros put on a good show.

Sessions and Driving Experiences

An Aston Martin Vantage and Ferrari 458 at Silverstone Classic

Enhancing the weekend for enthusiasts and young drivers are a selection of experiences.

For those with a need for speed, a selection of simulators will be available. Alternatively, you can check out your response times on the Batak Wall, or even take part in a pit-stop challenge.

Young Driver is making a return, and is aimed at children and teens aged between 10 and 17 years old. During their 10-minute session - at a cost of £10 - the drivers will learn essential skills, such as corner control, moving off, braking, and reversing.

Auction

Silverstone Classic Auctions is returning for 2022, and bringing a host of historical vehicles and racing memorabilia with it.

Whether you are in the market to buy or sell, or you simply want to see some incredible vehicles passing through the auction, there is guaranteed to be something that catches the eye of enthusiasts.

Fun Run

The Fun Run is a charity fundraising event that allows entrants to run around the circuit, with all proceeds going towards the UK's leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer's Research UK.

Taking place on Friday 26th August, this is a great opportunity to tackle one of the world's most iconic race circuits, whilst raising money for a good cause. The track is 5.14km long, and you will need to be able to complete the run in less than 50 minutes.

You can register for the run on Silverstone's website, and there is a suggested donation of £5.

Silverstone Classic Timetable

Historic F1 cars racing down Silverstone straight

Visitors will be greeted with plentiful track action throughout the weekend, with races and demonstrations taking place on each day. We have outlined the provisional action for each day below.

Friday Qualifying

Morning

  • Historic Formula Junior
  • Tony Dron Memorial for MRL Historic Touring Cars
  • MRL Pre-War Sports Cars 'BRDC 500'
  • HSCC Historic Formula 2
  • MRL Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy and Stirling Moss Trophy
  • Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy (MRL Pre '63 GT)

Afternoon

  • Masters Racing Legends
  • Masters GT4 Classic Silverstone Challenge
  • Ignition GP 90s F1 (demonstration)
  • Masters Endurance Legends
  • HSCC Thundersports
  • International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre '66)
  • HGPCA Pre '66 Grand Prix Cars
  • Adrian Flux Trophy For Transatlantic Pre '66 Touring Cars
  • Yokohama Trophy for Masters Sports Car Legends

Saturday Races

Morning

  • Historic Formula Junior
  • HSCC Historic Formula 2
  • MRL Pre-War Sports Cars 'BRDC 500'
  • Tony Dron Memorial Trophy for MRL Historic Touring Cars

Afternoon

  • Masters Racing Legends
  • Masters GT4 Classic Silverstone Challenge
  • Ignition GP 90s F1 (demonstration)
  • HGPCA Pre '66 Grand Prix Cars
  • International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre '66)
  • 40th Anniversary of Group C (demonstration)
  • Masters Endurance Legends
  • Yokohama Trophy for Masters Sports Car Legends

Sunday Races

Morning

  • Historic Formula Junior
  • MRL Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy
  • HSCC Historic Formula 2
  • Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy (MRL Pre '63 GT)

Afternoon

  • Masters Racing Legends
  • HGPCA Pre '66 Grand Prix Cars
  • Masters Endurance Legends
  • Ignition GP 90s F1 (demonstration)
  • HSCC Thundersports
  • Masters GT4 Classic Silverstone Challenge
  • 40th Anniversary of Group C (demonstration)
  • Adrian Flux Trophy For Transatlantic Pre '66 Touring Cars

Ticket Information

Blue racing car in the pitlane at Silverstone

Tickets are available for any of the days you would like to attend, with package deals on offer for anyone who wants to enjoy the full weekend.

Available to purchase through Silverstone's website, you can expect to pay from £59 for a Friday ticket if you have not bought one already. Saturday will be the most popular day, which reflects in a ticket price that starts from £84, while anyone visiting on Sunday will pay from £45.

If you plan on going for the whole weekend, then general admission starts from £133, which is a respectable saving compared to individual tickets. Children under 16 get to go for free.

Where can you access with your tickets?

A more relevant question would be: 'Where can you not access with your tickets?'. Even with general admission, you will have access to the following:

  • The racing paddocks (get close to the cars and talk to the drivers)
  • Grandstand access
  • Family activities (as highlighted further up)
  • Live music events
  • Foodie festival

Facilities, Camping and Parking

Historic cars racing down one of the straights at Silverstone

Silverstone is no stranger when it comes to hosting large events. As such, there is always a wide range of facilities available, as well as ample space for camping and parking.

Facilities

In addition to the large shopping village with over 100 retailers, the Silverstone shops will be open. From them, you will be able to buy any merchandise that takes your fancy, or purchase essential items; such as sun creams.

There will be large screens dotted around the track, showcasing the action, so you never miss an unforgettable moment.

Whilst some retailers will have debit and credit card machines, there is no guarantee all of them will, which would be due to issues with signal. Cash machines are available on-site, but charges may apply, so we would recommend taking this into account before visiting.

Camping

Having partnered with Silverstone Golf Club, you will be able to camp throughout the weekend. You will need to pay extra when purchasing your event ticket, and specify how large your tent pitch is during the process.

The campsite is a five-minute walk away from The Classic, whilst The Clubhouse will be open throughout the weekend, so you can use the toilets, showers and changing facilities.

You will be able to arrive on the Thursday and leave on the Monday, allowing you to make the most of the weekend. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs.

Parking

Parking is free for The Classic, and will be signposted on the day. You will not be able to park overnight, and gates will open up to half an hour before circuit gate opening times.

Your guide courtesy of Stratstone

The Silverstone Classic promises to be an incredible weekend for anyone who attends, and this handy guide should enable you to plan ahead and make the most of it.

With some incredible cars being showcased, do not be surprised if you see some of the brands we represent attending, including the likes of Aston Martin and Porsche.

For more useful guides, or general tips, please head over to our blog section, which is regularly updated with fresh content.