AN estimated record 130,000 visitors flocked to Coventry’s ring road and city centre for the two-day Motofest last weekend, organisers say.
They claim it topped last year’s 125,000 figure for what has become ‘the UK’s largest free urban motorsports festival’.
And plans are already being made for the 2018 event, confirmed for June 2 and 3.
James Noble, Coventry Motofest festival director, said: “Coventry Motofest 2017 has proved to be our biggest and best ever event to date with an overwhelmingly positive response to the festival.
“We estimate visitor numbers being up on last year by around 5,000, retailers and businesses are reporting fantastic trade throughout the weekend and as organisers we have received a host of positive comments from visitors both in person and across our social media channels.
“The event just gets bigger and better each year and we look forward to putting on an ever more exciting and expanded show in 2018 that once again showcases Coventry’s motoring heritage.“
Organisers say that among the festival highlights in 2017 was Coventry Motofest’s tribute to the late Sir Roger Moore, with the original Aston Martin DBS he drove in The Persuaders TV series on display at Coventry Cathedral.
On the track, star cars and bikes past and present entertained the crowds.
A Coventry Motofest spokesman added: “The Jaguar Heritage Trust ran the rare XJ13, the multi-million pound prototype racing car built in the 1960s and the only one of its kind in the world, with the 1938 SS Jaguar 100, the 1973 Jaguar E-type S3 V12, -the last E-type to be made – and the Bloodhound F-TYPE Rapid Response vehicle ensuring a large Jaguar presence on track.
“The Aston Martin Owners Club were well represented with an Aston Martin V8 saloon and Aston Martin Vanquish – a fast lap on the ring road circuit recorded and uploaded onto YouTube has attracted 250,000 global views – among the headline cars on show.
“… For two wheel fans one of the most awesome sights of the weekend saw the ex-Loris
Capirossi factory Desmosidici Moto GP bike roar around the Bennetts Sprint circuit during
the Saturday session.”
A range of automotive activities took place from pop-up and demonstration events to static displays and fringe events with Motofest.
