A RECORD-BREAKING 58 FIA MGBs WILL COMPETE IN THE OFFICIAL MGB50 CELEBRATION RACE AT MGLive! ON SATURDAY 23 JUNE

A RECORD-BREAKING 58 FIA MGBs WILL COMPETE IN THE OFFICIAL MGB50 CELEBRATION RACE AT MGLive! ON SATURDAY 23 JUNE

The MG Car Club's 62nd successive Silverstone meeting has attracted a mouth-watering grid of the world's best MGBs; competitors will contest for honours on the full GP circuit.

Supported by British Motor Heritage, the prestigious 50-minute race is for FIA-spec MGBs running on Dunlop Historic Tyres and includes a mandatory pit stop.

MGLive! is the world's largest MG event and attracts 20,000 enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. The MG Car Club's award-winning weekend begins a trilogy of high-profile MGB50 events in 2012; celebrations are set to continue at the Silverstone Classic (July) and at Blenheim Palace (September).

Off track, the MGLive! MGB50 street party will assume centre stage: thousands of examples of Abingdon's most famous export are anticipated to descend on Silverstone.

Notable cars competing in the MGLive! MGB50 celebration race include ex-works cars 6DBL, BRX854B, DRX256C, DRX255C, 2GLL and LBL591E, along with other historic period MGBs, including HGT576C, 665FXF, the WSM MGB and a Jacques Coune MGB Berlinette.

In another exciting development, former MG works driver Paddy Hopkirk will be on hand to present awards to the overall and category winners of the MGB50 Celebration Race. Later that evening, the popular Irishman will be Guest of Honour at the MG Car Club's annual Silverstone dinner in the Jimmy Brown Suite, where a host of former MG works drivers will also be in attendance.

Aside from the MGB50 celebration race, the MGCC's usual comprehensive programme of track action will be taking place.

Dave Saunders, Motorsport Director of the MG Car Club said: "The worldwide response to the official MGB50 race has been overwhelming. The MG Car Club's annual Silverstone event has tremendous pedigree and competitors were applying to enter the celebration race as early as December last year.

"Watching a rolling start with 58 FIA MGBs roaring into Copse really will be spectacular and the whole race will act as a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest sports cars. The MG Car Club is proud to be staging the official MGB50 celebration race and our organisation continues to be at the forefront of the worldwide MG movement."

John Yea from British Motor Heritage said: "British Motor Heritage is proud to be supporting this fantastic race. I am delighted that our products have enabled so many of these great sports cars to continue to be enjoyed 50 years after they were launched."

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For more information or high-res images, please contact:

Chris Seaward

MG Car Club

Tel: 01235 849731

Mob: 07788 991473

Email: chris@mgcc.co.uk

Website: www.mgcc.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS

:: The MG Car Club is the original enthusiasts' organisation for MG owners. Formed in conjunction with the MG factory in 1930, the MGCC is a not-for-profit organisation which provides top-quality support to ALL MG drivers. With over 80 years of experience, the Club is uniquely placed to help you get the most from your MG. The MG Car Club headquarters are based a stone's throw from the original MG assembly line in Abingdon and - while we actively embrace the marque's illustrious past - we are focussed on continuing MG's high standards into the future.

:: Organised by the MG Car Club, MGLive! is the world's largest MG event and annually attracts 20,000 enthusiasts from right across the world. MGLive! is the event where the whole family gets together to celebrate everything that's great about MG cars and MG people. A big draw of the event is the vast array of family entertainment on offer. Displays of the very best MGs, amazing driving skills, Lifestyle marquee, a fantastic race programme and much more! MGLive! - www.mglive.com