Racing heroes from Vauxhall's motorsport history will join the celebrations at the new Vaux Valves event at Brands Hatch on Sunday 21 August. Amongst those attending are British Touring Car Championship legends John Cleland and Jeff Allam, whilst iconic Vauxhall racer Gerry Marshall will be represented by his son Gregor.
Cleland will attend alongside his 1997 Vauxhall Vectra, which he raced in the BTCC during the latter part of the Super Touring period. Cleland was a championship stalwart throughout the era, racing exclusively with Vauxhall.
After winning the title in the multi-class BTCC in 1989 in a Vauxhall Astra, Cleland conquered the international all-star Super Touring era in 1995, claiming the crown in a works Cavalier. After that, Cleland remained a frontrunner in the series until 1999, remaining with the British marque until the end.
Cleland has revisited his Super Touring days in recent years, contesting historic race events in the '97 Vectra, which he will be displaying at Vaux Valves.
Allam is another competitor with a long history of racing Vauxhall machinery, as he raced machines from the manufacturer as he progressed full-time into saloon car racing in the 1970s. Allam later became teammates with Cleland during the Super Touring days of the BTCC, first partnering up with the Scotsman as a factory Cavalier driver in 1991.
Allam continued with Vauxhall throughout the early '90s winning races along the way before stepping back from regular BTCC competition at the end of 1994 - though he did return at Knockhill for a one-off appearance the following year.
Gregor Marshall brings with him memories of his late father Gerry, who was a much loved racer known for his charisma and entertaining driving style. Marshall is best remembered by many for his stints driving cars for Dealer Team Vauxhall during the '70s, including the racing Firenzas 'Old Nail' and 'Baby Bertha'.
These special appearances will accompany Vauxhall displays from both individuals and individual car owners, with support from the Vauxhall, Bedford, Opel Association. The event will also be attended by Vauxhall main dealer, WJ King.
John Cleland said: "I am delighted to say I will be attending this event complete with my 1997 Vauxhall Vectra Super Tourer to celebrate everything Vauxhall. Having spent all of my professional career driving GM products and some even prior to that time I look forward to catching up with some old friends and having a fun day out."
Jeff Allam said: "I can't wait to be back at Brands Hatch, a circuit at which I raced many times as a professional including early in my career. I loved my time racing for Vauxhall in the British Touring Car Championship and I can't wait to meet the enthusiasts and fans at Vaux Valves. It should be a fun day and I'm sure a few good stories will be shared!"
Gregor Marshall said: "Vauxhall played a huge and important part in my late Dad's life, the success he had with DTV was something that he was very proud of and he was always very humbled be the amazing Vauxhall fans out there. Vauxhall still plays a very big part of my life today, with so many memories and great friends linked to Vauxhall and so many supporters to thank for their ongoing support of Dad and my racing also. Vaux Valves looks like it's going to be a great event and with the VBOA and Brands Hatch/MSV involved I can't wait to attend and see the great cars that made Vauxhall such a historic brand in the past"
Tickets for Vaux Valves at Brands Hatch on Sunday 21 August are available from £20 with free entry for under-13s. For more information, please call 0344 225 4422 or click here.