ANDOVER based racing driver Martin Bloss returns to action at Thruxton’s 50th anniversary meeting over this weekend.

The super fast Hampshire circuit is expecting a bumper crowd for a weekend of celebrations which will see a cavalcade of stand-out motor racing machinery from the worlds of Formula 1, GT and Sportscars, top-tier motorcycling, with Williams’ unique FW08B the latest star to join the fold.

Bloss, a former Formula Renault racer will be driving multiple champion Ian Pearson’s Van Diemen RF83 Formula Ford 2000 in the two Jochen Rindt Memorial Trophy races over the course of the weekend

The long time Thruxton Race School instructor said: “This will be a hugely important event for the circuit, with the opening of the new Thruxton Hospitality centre and a full grid of historic racing cars, this iconic circuit will enjoy a trip back in time to when it all began in 1968.

"I am really looking forward to getting to grips with Ian’s Car which will be very competitive and hopefully come away with some good results.

"This is an event I wanted to be involved in since it was first conceived and with the offer of the car from Ian it all fell into place.

He added: "The circuit staff have worked tremendously hard to bring the circuit facilities up to date while still retaining its original layout and character, this is no mean feat and as this circuit is still run by racers for racers only confirms the commitment involved and long may continue”

The weekend’s first-class competitive action comes courtesy of 13 races from the Historic Sports Car Club with the Historic Touring Car Challenge, the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy, HSCC Guards Trophy and Historic Formula Ford all highlights. More spectacular historic racing you will not see.

Also in action will be the ground-breaking six-wheeler Williams, designed by Patrick Head and Frank Dernie, was created by Frank Williams’ outfit with the intention of running during the 1983 Formula 1 campaign.

In addition over the 50th Anniversary Celebration weekend, The Thruxton Centre, the Thruxton Circuit’s new, £2 million state-of-the-art hospitality facility will be officially opened at noon on Sunday June 3.

This will be by 31-time Grand Prix-winner and 1992 Formula 1 World Champion, Nigel Mansell CBE alongside his lifelong friend legendary motorsport commentator and journalist, Murray Walker OBE.