After a very damp beginning on Friday afternoon the weather rapidly improved and the weekend was set fair for the MGOC National Event at Brands Hatch. Holding the event in conjunction with the csma grants our members access to a spectacular and very full weekend of classic motor racing and classic motor bike racing. Thousands of members made their way into Brands Hatch over the two days. On arrival member’s cars were ably marshalled into the dedicated MG car park by the Epsom area MGOC.

Supporting the motoring activities were a miriad of attractions from aerobatic displays, RAF Falcon parachute display and Royal Marine mock helicopter assaults to fair ground attractions to win the children a cuddly toy. The number of youngsters seen struggling along with a cuddly lion or tiger that was twice their size was both entertaining and impressive with regard to the tenacity of these youngsters.

MG specialist traders brought an amazing range of new and used spares to Brands Hatch

The MGOC National Event combined with the csma Classic Festival at Brands Hatch was bound to draw the crowds

The MGOC Pavilion housed all the usual attractions with MGOC Technical Advice, Travel, Insurance and a huge range of MG books and items for sale. The main part of the Pavilion was taken up with a display of MGs. This year’s theme was eighty years of MGs on road and track and we were very priviledged to be able display so many ex-works MG competition cars. The line-up included the 1955 Mille Miglia MGA, the 1965 Le Mans MGB, the 1967 Sebring MGB GT, an MGC GTS as well as a 1967 historic MG Midget race car and many other immaculate MGs. The early MG Society provided two Tigress 18/100 models, an 18/80 Saloon, Tourer and even a special Carbodies two seat 18/80 Mk 2.

Outside the Pavilion we were fortunate to be able to display for the second year the latest version of the MG X-Power SV-R Supercar, which also led the MGOC race series competitors on their parade lap immediately before their race event on Sunday.

MG specialists and engineering companies had a selection of stalls and displays set up near the pavilion from MG spare parts to five speed gearboxes and independent suspension conversions.

Overall the Classic Festival weekend had something for everyone and provided great family entertainment.

Roger Parker was on hand to offer technical advice

MG X-Power SV-R

Excellent display of early MGs

Line-up of distinguished MG competition cars, Mille Miglia MGA, Le Mans MGB, Historic MG Midget, Sebring MGB GT and MGC GTS Sebring

The layout of the track at Brands Hatch provides an excellent view of the progress of each race

Immaculate MG Midget 1500

Classic bikes provided exciting racing

Sir Jack Brabham signs a copy of his book for Tim King of MG Sport and Racing. Sir Jack’s son David is seated next to him on the right of the picture

‘It says here that it’s an 18/100 Mk 3 Tigress and there are only two surviving examples and only five were ever built’

The RAF Falcons free fall parachute team

Octagon Car Club with parts and manuals for 1956 MGs

Race action all weekend

Ultimate deterrent for inconsiderate parking

Many MG specialists were at Brands including Sussex Classic Car Parts

MGs for Sale outside the main entrance

Rover’s jet propelled JET 1 was on display and put in a few laps on the circuit

MGOC items for sale were in demand all weekend