CLASSIC car drivers from Huddersfield are gearing up to take part in an event at one of the world’s most famous race circuits.

They will join vintage vehicle racers from all over the country for the special day at Silverstone, home to the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.

But instead of racing each other along the world-famous track, they will be working to take the sport of classic car racing to a wider audience.

The one-off event, which takes place on March 19, has been organised by the Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) to promote the start of its new race series.

Local drivers taking part include Ian Kellett, who owns Jackson Bridge-based company IK Classics, which restores classic motors for racing and leisure.

Four cars restored by the company will be on show at the event, which have all previously raced at the legendary Goodwood circuit.

The enthusiasts will be demonstrating and taking a spin in vintage models including a 1951 Standard Vanguard, a 1949 Morris Minor Low Light and a 1958 Rover 105S.

Motoring journalists from around the world have been invited to the press event.

The HRDC is an independent organisation catering for the needs of historic racing drivers.

It aims to keep race entry fees at a realistic level, maintain high standards of competitive driving and encourage camaraderie among drivers.

Member Ian said the event will be a good way of highlighting what the group is all about.

He said: “Porsche has allowed us to use their facilities for the day. The drivers won’t be racing each other around the track, but we will be taking journalists round for a few laps.

“We will be talking to people about how to get involved as well as giving demonstrations to show what we are capable of.

“The idea is to give people the chance to come and see what we’re all about.

“All the drivers are friends and we’ve raced against each other for years.

“Historic motor racing is getting very expensive but as a group we’re trying to get back to the grassroots and running it how it used to be run, with everyone looking after their own cars.

“People follow the race series throughout the year so hopefully this will create a lot of interest – we’re champing at the bit to get going.”

Four drivers from the Huddersfield area will be showing off some of the 12 cars attending the event – Ian, his wife Nicola, Victoria Beever and Mike Haigh.

They will be competing in the club’s Touring Greats race series, which kicks off at Brands Hatch circuit in April.