Flying Surtees teams up with Scalextric and Barber

Formula BMW Scholarship winner and Carlin driver Henry Surtees took to the track in his liveried 2007 race car for the first time today and set the fastest time of the day. 16 year-old Henry, son of Motorcycle and F1 World Champion John Surtees, participated in the first official FBMW test of the season, at the Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire. Decked in the traditional BMW colours of blue and white, Henry’s car will also carry the logo of two personal sponsors, Scalextric and the Barber Motorsports Park and Museum.

Scalextric is a name synonymous with motorsport and car fans throughout the world. Now owned by Hornby, the most famous slot car racing game in the world is 50 years old this year. A company as relevant today as it was in 1957, Scalextric is celebrating the company’s history as well as its future, in this its anniversary year. Scalextric chose to sponsor Henry Surtees as a promising young driver representing the future of British motorsport.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Barber Motorsports Park and Museum is also a valuable sponsor. The Barber Museum, established by George Barber and opened in September 2003, now holds over 1000 vintage and modern motorcycles as well as a substantial collection of Lotus and other race cars. Among the collection is one of John Surtees’ championship winning motorcycles, the 500cc MV Agusta together with the 1964 Ferrari 158. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Barber Motorsport Park, the site also contains one of America’s premium racing facilities. The two sponsors fit perfectly with the Surtees’ philosophy of appreciating the history of motorsport while embracing and promoting its future.

Commenting on the package, John Surtees said, “I’m delighted to have both Scalextric and the Barber Motorsports Park and Museum on board for Henry’s 2007 programme. Together with the Carlin team, we have a package which represents a strong history but also a bright future. Obviously it is important to celebrate past achievements, but is essential to develop and invest in the future."