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The Silverstone Experience opens to the public

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silverstone experience

The Silverstone Experience has officially opened at Silverstone in Northamptonshire. The £20 million family attraction is dedicated to motorsport with a focus on STEM. It was originally set to open in July.

Visitors will embark on an interactive 2.5-hour journey, celebrating the past, present and future of British motor racing and Silverstone.

Grand Prix legend John Watson and three-times Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti visited the attraction ahead of its opening.

“For me it’s a walk down memory lane, but if you look to the future generations it’s about education and inspiration,” said Watson.

Refurbished WW2 RAF hangar features at Silverstone

“I first visited Silverstone as a spectator in 1966 and 53 years later it’s mind-blowing to see the growth and evolution.”

Franchitti added: “To see the cars, the race suits, helmets and paperwork is brilliant. I think this is going to inspire a new generation to really get involved in racing.”

Stories of human endeavour, sporting rivalries and engineering innovation are told using interactive displays and iconic film and imagery.

Celebrating Silverstone and British motor racing

silverstone experience

Located at the main entrance of Silverstone Circuit, the project involved refurbishing a Second World War RAF hangar.

Highlights include the archive of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), an immersive pre-show, a recreated village pub, and cars, bikes and objects.

The charity behind the initiative, Silverstone Heritage Ltd, was awarded a grant of £9.1 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Silverstone Experience is an interactive 2.5-hour journey

silverstone experience

Sally Reynolds, CEO of Silverstone Heritage Ltd, said: “My favourite part of the exhibition is the Tech Lab, where we have got lots of interactive exhibits that explain how to design a world-beating racing car or motorcycle.

“It explains how gears and engines work, what you need to do to make the fastest car and keep it safe – we even have our own wind tunnel!”

The building restoration and design was led by award-winning architect Jane Lock-Smith, managing director of Cube Design.

Interactive displays, exhibits, iconic film and imagery

silverstone experience

“It’s been a real team effort – we’ve worked together through thick and thin – and the result is so impressive,” said Lock-Smith.

“I have a real passion for motorsport and to see the content really makes me smile.”

Images: The Silverstone Experience

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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