The countdown has begun for Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 January 2006, the only motorsport show to bring top celebrities headed by David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Allan McNish, Eddie Irvine and Jodie Kidd, to name just a few, a host of top flight cars from classic through to today's racing machines, and an all-action Live Arena under one roof. Add in Justin Wilson, Jason Plato, James Pickford, Nick Mason, Mark Blundell, Louise Goodman and Andy Priaulx and a host of names from Rallying and Touring Cars and this is a show not to miss.

More than one million square feet will be filled with all things motorsport including a unique F1 Racing Car Gallery with the entire grid displayed in steel cradles at 90 degrees including the first public appearance of the Red Bull F1 car, presented in the interim test car livery.

Motorsport fans looking for a dose of high-octane adrenalin to kick-start the 2005 season should head to the Live Action Arena. The one-hour extravaganza, in association with Fulda Tyres and British Eurosport, is hosted by Supermodel Jodie Kidd and Motors TV presenter Paul Musselle and promises to be one of the highlights of Europe's largest motorsport show.

Some of the biggest names on four wheels will be demonstrating their skills and entertaining visitors to the specially constructed 5000-seater auditorium at the NEC. Rally fanatics will be treated to the sight of 1984 World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist burning rubber in his stunning 1983 Audi Quattro whilst Mark Higgins will be revealing the talent that has made him one of Britain's top rally stars behind the wheel of the 1999 Ford Focus World Rally Car. Two-times British champion Jonny Milner will also be shaking down the 2002 Toyota Corolla whilst the glamorous pit stop girls cheer him on.

The action-packed programme includes six races against the clock featuring some of the most exciting series from the world motorsport stage from grass roots to World Championship level: World Rally Cars, BRISCA F1 cars, MGs and even race-prepared pickups will be getting in on the act and entertaining the crowds.

Altogether the show features over 60 cars and climaxes with a grand finale that will take the breath away. It is definitely an event not to be missed.

The A1 GP Championship will be making its mark at Autosport International as it is the first time the British public will see the car in action in the Live Action Arena. The President and Chief Executive of A1 GP, HH Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum will be flying in from Dubai, hopefully with final details of the calendar.

British A1 GP Team Chairman UK, John Surtees, will also be on their stand to discuss the one-make racing championship which will feature an A1 GP car, powered by 520bhp bespoke 3.4-litre 90-degree V8 engine.

The new Historic Hall also promises to delight visitors with an array of beautiful cars on display together with sought-after memorabilia, paintings and models from halcyon racing days gone past. Features include 100 years of motorsport with two cars from every decade since 1905, along with a Classic Car Auction.

Building on the success of last year, the Autocar Supercar Paddock, in association with Autoglym, will provide a mouth-watering selection of cars, some never seen before in the UK. Already confirmed are the Dodge SRT-10 (aka Viper), Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari 550 LM, New Porsche 911, Maserati GranSport and Aston Martin Vanquish S. You'll also see the launch of the new Ascari A10, along with launches from top manufacturers Mitsubishi, SEAT, Nissan and Ford.

For the first time, there are a limited number of AAA passes with exclusive access to the autograph area to meet top drivers and personalities, as well as Page 3 girls, Michelle Marsh and Lucy Pinder along with VIP seats in the Live Action Arena. The number of AAA passes costing £30.00 is limited so you need to pre-book by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 902 0444 or book on-line at www.autosport-international.com.

Ticket prices with access to both the show and the Live Action Arena are available at £25 for adults and £17.50 for children. Entry to the show only is £18 for adults and £10 for children.

Syd Wall - 10 Jan 2006