Motorsport fans are reaching fever-pitch as the 2008 Autosport International Show (ASI) approaches with star attractions including appearances from Formula 1’s Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Mark Webber, as well as a host of exciting exhibitions and cars.

A record 90,000 visitors are now expected at the Birmingham NEC across the two-day event, possibly down to the “Lewis Hamilton” effect, whose meteoric career will be illustrated in a dedicated exhibition with all the cars and karts he has raced over the years.

Visitors and motorsport devotees will again be able to get up close to their favourite F1 cars on the F1 Racing Grid, which will feature cars from every 2007 team as well as regular Q&A sessions with drivers. The Autosport Stage will also host driver interviews throughout the weekend as well as an array of other activities including major launches and competitions.

The centrepiece of this year’s Historics Hall will be a 50 Years of British Touring Cars feature, with a display of more than 20 cars including Alain Menu’s 2000 Ford Mondeo and the Dolomite Sprint. For rally fans, Colin McRae will be honoured with a stand displaying many of his former cars including his 1995 championship-winning Subaru Impreza.

Another big crowd-draw will be the first-ever Pistonheads Performance Car Show, which will run parallel to ASI. More than 25,000 sports car fans are expected to attend for features including a concept car gallery, supercar paddock, track day cars, performance tuned cars and car market. 

But for those who want to see what makes the cars so popular, the Live Action Arena will definitely be the place to head for. The UK’s largest indoor race track will host live races including rally cars, single-seaters and drift cars as well as supercar demonstrations, audience competitions and much more, commentated on by F1’s Louise Goodman.

ASI marks the start of the new season for most enthusiasts and sees teams, drivers, manufacturers and championships host stands, make announcements and meet the fans at the prestigious event.

Autosport International will run from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 January. Adult tickets start at £28 per day with children’s tickets costing £18.50. To book, visit www.autosport-international.com or call 0870 040 0396.