Start your ignition! The countdown is nearly over for this year’s Ignition Festival of Motoring. Over the course of our Road to Ignition articles we’ve shown the most exciting and best vehicles to look out for. Happening this weekend, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th of August, Ignition is set to kick off, opening its doors to the public for the first time. Each day starts at 10am, with Friday finishing at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday finishing at 6pm. We recommend you get there early, not only to beat the queues, but also to be one of the first to experience this brand-new car festival. In this article we’ll tell you about the events and highlights that can’t be missed!
Ignition highlights
Top Gear Performance Grid
The Top Gear stunt team at the Ignition Festival preview back in March
The Top Gear Performance Grid gives spectators the chance to see some of the most impressive supercars from recent years, allowing them to hear the crackles and pops of each engine. Top Gear’s racing driver, The Stig, will also be there to put the cars through their paces with hotlaps around the exclusive SECC street track. This one is not to be missed!
Live Action Zone
For the motoring enthusiast who needs more than a Lamborghini to get them excited, the Live Action Zone is sure to do the job. With constant stunts and performances from the likes of the JCB Dancing Diggers and the 2Bros Motorbike Stunt Team, there’s something available to make everyone’s jaw drop.
Manufacturer and Dealers’ Exhibition
MINI John Cooper Works
The Dealers’ Exhibition allows dealers and manufacturers to showcase their finest and most exclusive cars. We’re delighted to be attending the festival, bringing some of our best cars to exhibit. With a line-up including the BMW i8, the MINI John Cooper Works and the Alpha Romeo 4C, it’s quite an impressive list. Come visit Arnold Clark at stands 4D40, 4E30, OS11 and Harry Fairbairn at stand 4F80.
Alfa Romeo 4C
Special Guests
Over the course of the weekend, Ignition will be providing its fair share of motoring superstars. From Formula 1 giants to touring car and drifting legends, there really will be something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the guests you could bump into.
Mark Webber
The nine-time Grand Prix winner and 2015 World Endurance Champion Mark Webber will be attending the event on Friday 5th of August. He will be showing us how it’s done on the Ignition street circuit, designed to run between the SECC and Hydro. For a glimpse of Mark on the track, look out for him at 11.30am and 4.00pm!
David Coulthard
David, alongside the Red Bull Racing team, will be bringing Formula 1 to the streets of Glasgow as he takes to the track in the Red Bull Racing RB7. Giving spectators the unique chance to hear and see a Formula 1 car, the show will definitely not disappoint. Be sure to look out for David and his team on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August.
Shane Lynch
Popstar turned pro drifter Shane Lynch started his motoring career at the age of fifteen, and following the success of his well-known boy band, went on to race in the British GT Championships. Ten years ago he took up drifting, and performs with one of the biggest drifting teams in Europe, Japspeed. Japspeed will be performing along with Shane over all three days of the Ignition Festival.
Travel to Ignition
By train
Travelling by train is potentially the best option when deciding how to get to the SECC. With six trains an hour, running nearly every ten minutes from Central Station, there is no shortage of transport. Just get the train from Platform 17 on the lower level and you’ll be there in no time!
By car
The SECC is situated just off Junction 19 on the M8 motorway, making it extremely easy to access. It’s just five minutes from the city centre and fifteen minutes from Glasgow International Airport. However, we still recommend leaving in plenty of time, as it may be busy.
Parking Once at the event, parking is available in the new multi-storey car park. Though, if possible, we recommend public transport to save time and to beat the queues!
It’s shaping up to be an action-packed weekend with activities available for all ages and groups. Come visit our stand outside the Hydro to collect your free goodie bag – see you all there!