Damon's in pole position!

Jan 12 2007 By Edward Stephens, Birmingham Mail

THOUSANDS of fans head for the NEC tomorrow for the biggest motor sports show in the world.

Autosport International was officially opened yesterday by Damon Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers Club and Britain's last Formula One world champion.

He was joined by Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport.

The show is dedicated to Britain's best competition models on four wheels, on or off road, and is increasingly the venue for debuts of the latest competition and high-performance models.

More than 300 stands dis-play the best of British expertise alongside the best international exhibitors, and this year the Midlands is well represented.

Birmingham businessman Nic Strong, owner and managing director of a plastic-moulding company, is launching the new Zolfe Orange on Stand No. 6230, fulfilling a dream to build a new generation of British sports car

The Zolfe Orange, which is designed for both track and road, has a light-weight tubular space frame chassis and composite body and is powered by a Suzuki 1.3 litre motorcycle engine which propels it from 0 to 60 mph in a nifty 4.5 seconds.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary in automotive manufacturing, a Coventry company is launching an ultra-light racing car which has the potential to run on biofuel.

GTM Cars has designed and is manufacturing the GTM 40TR two-seater track and race car, which is powered by a 2.0-litre Type R Honda engine which gives it a top speed of more than 150mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of less than four seconds.

The 40TR is expected to cost between £14,000 to £16,000 and will be available for first drives by mid-March. It is the fourth model in GTM's stable.

Yesterday and today the doors were opened for trade and press visitors. The show is open to the public tomorrow and on Sunday.

Avoid the weekend queues by booking on the website www.autosportinternational.com or by phoning 0870 380 2244. Tickets are £26, including entry to the Live Action Arena. Children aged 5-15 cost £18.50.