Motor racing fans at the Silverstone Classic 2013 will be able to experience a bird’s eye view of the famous circuit as hot air balloon rides are on offer for the first time.
Virgin Balloon Flights has been announced as the official balloon ride supplier and will be taking people skywards on all three days of the event (July 26-28), weather permitting.
Hot air balloons have been a feature of the Silverstone Classic - the World’s biggest classic racing festival - for years, but this is the first time commercial balloon flights have been available.
Lucky passengers will enjoy around an hour’s balloon flight over the Towcester circuit and countryside beyond then a traditional Champagne toast after landing. The balloon rides will take place on Friday evening, early morning and evening on Saturday and early Sunday morning.
We took a shiny new balloon basket along to the Silverstone Classic Media Day at the Silverstone Wing on May 8 where we rubbed shoulders with greats of the racing world such as F1’s David Coulthard and TV personality and former racing driver Tiff Needell.
This year’s event will include 24 action-packed races including historic Formula 1, a Le Mans revival, a tribute to racing legend Jim Clark, a 90s Super Touring Car comeback, plus a massive 50th anniversary parade of Porsche 911s. Headliners of the music programme will be sixties chart-toppers The Hollies supported by top tribute bands.
Virgin Balloon Flights’ pilot Mark Shemilt said: “We take people flying from sites all around the UK, but this rare opportunity to fly from the Silverstone Classic and to see the world-famous racing circuit from above is very special. We’re delighted to be taking part in such a prestigious event and the views from the basket will be spectacular.”
Hot air balloon flight spaces are very limited and a Silverstone Classic ticket for the corresponding day is required and are available from £35pp + booking fee for adults.
Balloon flights are £169 per person + booking fee and can be booked online at www.silverstoneclassic.com/VirginBalloons where full details and terms are also available.