An estimated 25,000 people came to Ormskirk MotorFest to enjoy a fabulous day out at one of the North West’s biggest free family events.
In glorious sunshine the crowds spent time admiring more than 300 cars and motorcycles from all eras of motoring lined up on Moor Street, Aughton Street and in Coronation Park. Many of the vehicles also took part in parade laps around the town centre.
Two Formula 1 cars, a 1978 Williams car and a classic BRM which was raced by Graham Hill at Aintree in the circuit’s last Formula 1 race in 1964, were among the top attractions at this marvellous motoring extravaganza.
Councillor David Griffiths, portfolio holder for town and village centres, said: “The Ormskirk MotorFest was a fantastic success once again and has become one of the biggest free family events in the North West. So many people came to enjoy the day that at the busiest times it looked like the town centre had been flooded by a sea of people.”
This was the fourth Ormskirk MotorFest, which was organised by Aintree Circuit Club, which celebrates its 60th anniversary ths year, and supported by West Lancashire Borough Council.
Mike Ashcroft, Aintree Circuit Club chairman, said: “I am so pleased we were able to bring such a marvellous event to the streets of Ormskirk once again. There were some wonderful vehicles on display and everyone enjoyed the Autosolo Challenge and the parade laps.
“We are very grateful to West Lancashire Borough Council and the police for their support and to our sponsors. We’d also like to say thanks to all the drivers and riders who came from far and wide to display their cars and motorcycles.”
Winner of the Mayor’s Choice Award for best car was a 1948 Allard, built for the 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show, owned by James Yates, while a Kawasaki raced by Dave Thomas in the Isle of Man Grand Prix events from 1968 to 1970, won the Mayor’s Choice Award for best motorcycle. Dave stills owns the vehicle and brought it to be in display at the MotorFest. The Mayor of West Lancashire, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, presented awards to the winners. Best club display award went to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
Visitors enjoyed watching professional drivers competing in the exciting MotorFest Autosolo Challenge. Those taking part included 2013 Autosolo Challenge winner Ryan Burns and his father David, both successful rally drivers, and 19-year-old Declan Jones, who in 2013 become the youngest British winner of a round in the British GT Championship. After an enthralling competition Ryan Burns was declared the winner with Declan Jones a close second.
Some generous MotorFest fans even enjoyed a ride in a competition car around the Autosolo Challenge course. GoMotorsport organised this very special treat which raised funds for the North West Air Ambulance.
Lancashire Police had vehicles on static display, and motoring clubs had their own area on the Churchfields area of Coronation Park for fun-themed exhibitions which were very popular with visitors. There was also music in Coronation Park with Skelmersdale Brass Band giving a performance.