FEATURE
The Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit were set to host the penultimate and final rounds of the 2025 season, a move which would have seen the series expand into the UAE for the first time, though these events have since been cancelled due to unforeseen logistical challenges. Despite this setback, the series is still expected to pursue expansion into the Middle East in future seasons. Masters Racing Club will still close the 2025 season with a spectacular finale at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. The series has also since turned its attention to the 2026 season, promising a global tour that will include some of the world’ s most iconic circuits.
Alongside this geographical expansion, the series has gradually broadened its racing categories, leading to an observed shift in its culture. Financial investment has played a significant role in this transformation, with Andrew noting,“ In the last eight or nine years, it’ s changed because of the amount of money that is coming in. The cultural attitude has changed a lot from all being essentially enthusiasts, to people racing because they choose to, and they can throw a lot of money at it.”
Masters Racing Club has also seen a shift from amateur racers to professional drivers, as historic racing increasingly becomes a career stepping stone.
“ When we started out, it was predominantly old racing drivers,” notes Andrew.“ But now you have got professional drivers in there too.”
This has changed the motivations of many participants, with some prioritising competition over passion for the cars themselves.“ You have got one or two people who are really passionate about cars and they race a lot,” Andrew explains,“ then there are some other people racing there because they want to go racing, and they want to win, and they are far less concerned about the cars, or the nature, and the history.”
This professionalisation has led to an‘ arms race’ in both racing technology and finance. Mark recalls how their own experience has been shaped by this shift:“ The progression over the last five years meant that our car became pretty much uncompetitive, because every single car that was then coming out was a custom-built £ 150,000 Cortina.” Andrew adds:“ The Elan is another example. People are paying £ 140- 150,000 pounds for a‘ new’ Elan.”
The Elva competing at the 2025 Goodwood Members’ Meeting
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Revolution- October 2025