Top Gear star The Stig drives fans crazy at Beaulieu Supercar Weekend

MORE than 20,000 motoring enthusiasts including the Stig descended on Beaulieu for its Supercar Weekend.

Cheering spectators lined Chestnut Avenue to see the helmeted TV star test a Shelby Cobra’s acceleration and braking in one of the weekend’s many demonstration runs.

There were displays of every kind of sports car, from Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis and McLarens, to Porsches, TVRs, Lotuses and Aston Martins.

A Beaulieu spokesperson said: “A Shelby Cobra was among the remarkable line-up of supercars taking part in the demonstration runs, and the machine was put through its paces on both days by special guest the Stig.

“He showed off some impressive driving skills, while the lucky winners of a recent prize draw were able to enjoy a ride in the passenger seat across both days. Top Gear fans were also able to enjoy a free meet and greet with the Stig throughout the weekend.”

Another display that drew crowds was the Supercar Sound-Off, in which a variety of cars competed for the loudest cheer by revving their powerful engines. The winner of the Sound-Off trophy for Saturday was a Lamborghini Huracán STO, while on Sunday it was a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

The lawns of Beaulieu’s Palace House hosted an exclusive display of prestige and hypercars, among them a Koenigsegg Agera S ‘Green Goblin’, one of only five in existence, a Lexus LFA, a Ferrari Enzo and a McLaren Senna, alongside classic vehicles such as the Aston Martin DB5 and the Lamborghini Miura.

Long-time event supporter Brookspeed showcased a line-up of supercars and their racing counterparts in the From Road to Race display. The collection included McLaren and Porsche, and even a Daytona Cobra.

Brookspeed also took part in daily question and answer sessions, discussing its involvement in motorsport through the years as well as work on the National Motor Museum Trust’s restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp. Young driver Oscar Stockley-King joined the discussion, sharing his experience of how to get into motorsport from a young age.