Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International, has helped raise almost £4,000 for its 2010 nominated charity, Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, which grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Over 85,000 visitors attended Autosport International, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010.

Current Formula One World Champion and Patron of Make-A-Wish, Jenson Button was in attendance, signing autographs for fans along with BBC F1 commentator Martin Brundle and motorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss.

Autosport International commissioned innovative artist Ian Cook, who developed an original piece of artwork for the charity.

The picture – created with remote control cars and Dunlop tyres dipped in paint – depicted nine championship-winning cars from the 2009 season, including the Brawn GP001 driven by Button, Sebastien Loeb’s Citroen World Rally Championship winner and the BMW of British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington.

Throughout the event, motorsport personalities signed the artwork, including Jenson Button, Martin Brundle, David Brabham, Allan McNish, Colin Turkington, Jason Plato, Matt Neal and Tiff Needell, to name but a few.

The painting, auctioned on the Coys stand, raised an outstanding £2,150 for the charity, which – combined with the on-stand donations – took the Make-A-Wish funding to almost £4,000 over the weekend.

"The show was a huge success," said Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish, Neil Jones.

"The stand attracted a lot of positive interest, with visitors making direct debit pledges in addition to the donations we received at the show. Thank you to Autosport International and its visitors, as well as Ian Cook, for helping us raise this money, which will go towards making the wishes of many special young people come true."

Autosport International Show Director, Ian France, said: "Make-A-Wish is an incredible charity, and we’re thrilled to have been able to raise this money, as well as increase awareness of the outstanding work that it does."

Eight-week-old Jenson Sutton met Formula One World Champion Jenson Button at Autosport International. Baby Jenson was introduced to the star driver he was named after at the annual motorsport show at the NEC in Birmingham.

The naming theme doesn’t stop there, as Baby Jenson’s middle name is Lewis, after Button’s new McLaren team mate and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

The proud parents, Trevor and Mandy Sutton, from Wyken in Coventry, were guests at Autosport International to meet their Formula One hero, Jenson Button. Trevor, an avid F1 fan, said that he’d been a follower of Formula One for a long time. “Meeting Jenson Button was an amazing experience and something we will never forget. We will make sure baby Jenson grows up knowing where his name came from and that he met his namesake at the show.”

Button, who was at Autosport International at the NEC on Saturday and Sunday, greeted Baby Jenson and family joking: “He’s got a similar surname to mine too…so he’s not got much pressure on his shoulders, does he?”

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Michael Wilkes, and the Lady Mayoress, Vivienne Wilkes, will open Autosport International to the public on Sunday 16 January at the NEC in Birmingham.

Now in its 20th year, Autosport International, Europe’s largest motorsport show, is playing host to many of the sport’s most famous names, including the 2009 Formula One World Champion, Jenson Button, the legendary Sir Stirling Moss and former Grand Prix driver and BBC TV commentator Martin Brundle.

As well as seeing the stars, visitors will be entertained by exciting shows in the Live Action Arena, the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, and will get the chance to get behind-the-wheel in the Mobil 1 Grand Prix Simulator.

“Autosport International is delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham to open Sunday’s show,” said Show Director Ian France. “The NEC has been Autosport International’s home for the past 20 years, and the show has become an annual fixture on the calendars of visitors both nationally and internationally.”

Jenson Button, the reigning Formula One World Champion, will visit Autosport International, the largest motorsport show in Europe, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham this weekend.

Button will be meeting his fans for the first time as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver, signing autographs, giving interviews and talking about his hopes for the coming season. His 2009 title-winning Brawn GP car will also be at the show, alongside its rivals from last year’s Grand Prix grid.

“I always look forward to attending Autosport International,” said Button. “I’ve been there many times over the years, and it’s become a real date for my diary. It’s an event that fills in the long gap between seasons, and allows thousands of people to enjoy and talk about motorsport during these extremely cold winter months.”

The show, will be opened by the legendary Sir Stirling Moss OBE tomorrow morning, and will welcome other famous motorsport personalities, such as former Grand Prix driver and BBC commentator Martin Brundle, triple FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx, and BTCC aces Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan.

Autosport International features the Live Action Arena, the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, where show-goers will be entertained by wheel-to-wheel racing, stunts and spectacular demonstrations, and visitors can also get behind-the-wheel themselves in the Mobil 1 Grand Prix Simulator.
“We have worked very hard to make sure that show visitors have fun during the weekend,” said Autosport International Show Director Ian France. “We really hope that the public will enjoy the show in preparation for a great 2010 motorsport season.”

The motorsport season got the green light at Autosport International in more ways than one on the show’s opening day at the NEC in Birmingham. In the face of the poor weather and the current economic climate, many exhibitors reported an “optimistic” feeling, and a “positive vibe” as the halls filled.

“I think people have made a lot of effort with their stands; I know we certainly did,” said Robin Evans, UK Sales Executive for K & N Filers Europe. “I was worried that the weather would put people off coming, but I was amazed by the number of people here first thing this morning.”

Skelta Sports Cars made the long trip from Australia to Birmingham for the European debut of its flagship V8 Spyder, and already, after just one day, the long haul has been worth it. “It’s a significant investment for us to come here,” said Guy Beddington, Export Development Manager. “But we feel that Autosport International is where we will get the best exposure. The response to the Spyder has been terrific, much more than we’d hoped for, and not just for sales leads, but people who want to use it in displays or for track days.”

Autosport International, Europe’s largest motorsport trade show, kicked off with the launch of Radical’s innovative and environmentally-friendly SRZero, the company’s first electric car. Porsche also showed its 911 GT3 R racer for the first time. The car, designed to FIA GT 3 regulations, is sure to further Porsche’s illustrious sportscar history. But the story of the day was that everyone was looking forward not only to tomorrow but to 2010.

“There was definitely a strong feeling of optimism in the halls today,” said Autosport International Show Director Ian France. “There were a lot of exhibitors that overcame very difficult circumstances to be here, and some cars only arrived at the show after 7am this morning. The quality of the stands is very impressive, and overall it was an extremely busy and positive day.”

Triple FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx is the latest star to confirm his attendance at Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.

The British driver is making a guest appearance at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Saturday 16 January 2010. Fans will get the chance to hear him discuss his 2009 season and his year ahead, where he will compete for BMW, in both the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and various endurance events.

Priaulx is also competing in David Brabham’s Celebrity Karting Challenge on Friday 15 January, which is raising awareness and funds for its principle charity partner, Malaria No More UK.

“The show is a must-attend for everyone involved in motor racing,” said Priaulx, who received an MBE in 2008 for his services to British motorsport. “When you’re racing it can be hard to get around the paddock and meet everyone, but Autosport International provides the perfect opportunity to kick-off the season by catching up with other drivers, teams and sponsors, as well as meeting the fans.

“It’s great to be able to give something back to all those that have been so supportive during my career, as well as raising funds for such a worthy cause by taking part in the Celebrity Karting Challenge.”

Autosport International Show Director Ian France said: “We’re delighted to have such a strong representation of British motorsport talent at the show. Andy is a firm favourite with the fans and we look forward to seeing him in action both on the Autosport Stage and behind-the-wheel of a kart.”

Other British motorsport personalities confirmed to attend the show are Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, former-F1 driver and BBC commentator Martin Brundle, double 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish and Chevrolet’s WTCC driver Rob Huff.

The excitement of 30 years of the World Rally Championship both on display and live, will be startling attractions at Autosport International, held 14-17 January 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Ten of these spectacular machines are due to appear on the Motorsport News World Rally Feature. Leading the way for the home fans will be two of Prodrive’s Subarus that Britain’s only World Rally champions scored success with. The 1995 title-winner Colin McRae’s Impreza 555 will be there alongside the 2000 Safari Rally Subaru Impreza WRC that 2001 champion Richard Burns took to victory in Kenya.

For those who want to see and hear the cars in their full glory, legendary cars from Audi and Lancia will be running in the infamous Live Action Arena. The stunning Group B Audi Sport Quattro will be in the hands of 1984 World Rally Champion, Stig Blomqvist, while the iconic Lancia Stratos from the early 1970s, still considered by many to be the best looking, and sounding, rally car ever built, will be put through its paces by triple British Rally Champion Mark Higgins.

The World Rally Feature takes show visitors into the ’80s as well, with 1982 champion Walter Rohrl’s Opel Ascona 400 representing the early years of the series. Alongside the Opel will be the spectacular Group B Peugeot 205 T16 that won the 1985 and ’86 championships driven by Timo Salonen and Juha Kannunen respectively.

Other notable machines on the display include the Group A Lancia Delta Integrale, a Mitsubishi Lancer, the Ford Focus WRC, and that perennial rally fan’s favourite, the MG Metro 6R4. Bringing 30 years of modern era world rallying up-to-date will be Sebastien Loeb’s championship-winning Citroen C4.

“This is a fantastic selection of cars from the last 30 years of world rallying,” said Autosport International Show Director Ian France. “Every year the Rally Feature display is one of the most popular aspects of the show, and with some of the sport’s legendary world championship cars running in the Live Action Arena, January’s show really promises to be a wonderful spectacle for every rally fan.”

A new book telling the Italian car manufacturer’s story
Milan/Sant’Agata Bolognese, December 18, 2009 – Automobili Lamborghini, a book about Lamborghini and its history, is launched by Mondadori Multicenter today, Friday 18, in Milan.

The book, edited by Electa and part of its Industry and Design series, illustrates an Italian story of world-wide success using material from the manufacturer’s historical archives.

Lamborghini’s story is described through images and by journalist Decio G.R. Carugati, narrating the past, present and future story of the car manufacturer and its products.
Lamborghini’s legendary super sportscars, born out of genial Italian creativity: the story starts in 1963, thanks to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s passion for race cars. The brand’s uncompromising and extreme character is apparent from the 350 GTV, introduced at the Turin Motor Show that year, through the Diablo to the current Gallardo and Murciélago range.

“Lamborghini explores and pushes automotive boundaries further,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “Every Lamborghini model is inspired by that principle whilst remaining true to its Italian spirit.”

Designated after breeds of fighting bulls, the cars’ names are evocative of their strength and power and thus a dynamic and decisive approach to driving: Lamborghini cars excel in both design and performance.

Since the ‘60s, Lamborghini’s passion for engines and performance, together with the contribution of celebrated car designers, has been supported by investment in research and development. Acquired by Audi in 1998, Lamborghini has continued to uphold its prestigious tradition whilst embracing modern automotive challenges.
The book is on sale now priced 80 Euro; an English version is available for the international markets.

Sixteen-year-old racing driver Sarah Moore was awarded the British Club Driver of the Year award at the highly-prestigious Autosport Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on 6 December 2009. Moore was in good company, as Formula One Champion Jenson Button, World Rally Championship driver Mikko Hirvonen and British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington all received accolades at the event.

Earlier this year, Moore secured the 2009 Ginetta Junior Championship title to become the first-ever female to win a mixed-sex motor racing championship at national level. The North Yorkshire driver raced to five victories during the Ginetta Junior season, which supported the prestigious British Touring Car Championship at tracks across the country, including the world-famous Silverstone circuit.

As one of a host of youngsters looking to excel in the sport, Moore will be kicking off the 2010 season on the Autosport Stage at Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International, on 14-17 January. She will visit the Birmingham-based event to reflect on her breakthrough season and aspirations for the future, as well as giving advice to other young drivers that want to get into the sport.

Also providing information to aspiring drivers will be the Motor Sport Association’s (MSA) Go Motorsport initiative, which will hold a special ‘Under 17 Motorsport’ exhibit at the show. The Go Motorsport stand will provide information on a range of racing disciplines that enable young drivers to take to the wheel well before they are legally allowed to drive on British roads. Different entry routes to the sport include Ginetta Juniors, SaxMax and Formula Renault UK, as well as karting, junior rallying, autotesting and drag racing.

“I started out racing karts, which you can do from about six or seven years old,” said Moore. “It’s really easy to get into as you can hire karts until you get used to it and before committing to buy one. Having this sort of advice available at Autosport International will be really helpful to other young people who want to start racing.”

Not only will information on the Ginetta Junior Championship that Moore contested in be available, but the car that she will compete in next year, the new Zetec-powered G40, will be launched at Autosport International.

The two new Deutsch products which made their debut at last January’s Autosport Engineering have already proved highly successful. The radical System 30 – which won the Best Technical Innovation in Autosport Engineering Award – was demonstrated at the event to Formula One teams and leading harness suppliers. It has since proved its worth as a solution for using 30-gauge wire in areas where it could not survive before and is now about to be used for the first time on a Formula One car.

Equally successful has been Deutsch’s AS co-axial connector, which was designed for RG316 co-axial cable. This was modified from a military specification to fit into a very small space envelope. Since the show, it has been in demand by Formula One teams.

Following this success, Deutsch will once again be launching new connectors at the 2010 Autosport Engineering Show on 14/15 January at the NEC in Birmingham. Deutsch’s motorsport specialist Paul Webb says that his company has a number of new connectors for the 2010 season and which are nearing the end of their test programmes. Details of these have yet to be announced, but at least two of them will be on display for the first time at the show.

Paul Webb states that, despite the tough economic climate, Deutsch has been able to maintain its success, thanks in part to the latest lines exhibited at Autosport Engineering.

“It’s the show that we take our new products to; we had tremendous interest at the 2009 show and we confidently expect the same kind of response this January,” he says.

Deutsch is a supplier of innovative interconnection solutions. In 1993, it became the first company to supply connectors dedicated to motorsport: a selection of its range will be displayed on Stand E553 in Hall 9 at Autosport International.