A stellar array of stars - including the actor Jeremy Irons, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and US chat show host Jay Leno - will be behind the wheels of Jaguar Heritage Racing’s cars taking place in this year’s Mille Miglia.
Jaguar Heritage Racing is to field ten of the marque’s most celebrated 1950s models in the eagerly-awaited Italian event from May 15-8, including XKs, C-types and one D-type
A line-up of top-name drivers will travel more than 1,000 miles from Brescia to Rome and back to Brescia in ten classic cars.
Jay Leno will drive the famous ex-Sir James Scott-Douglas 1951 Jaguar XK 120 roadster, raced as part of the Ecurie Ecosse team.
Another well-known 1951 XK 120 roadster – the ex-Duncan Hamilton racer registered LXF 731 – will be shared by husband and wife team, Elliot and Erin Gleave. Elliot is better known as British musician Example.
Other Jaguar XK models on the Mille Miglia will include the ex-Jim Swift racing XK120 roadster, which will be driven by Jeremy Irons.
Author David Blakeley and model-turned-TV presenter Jodie Kidd will share a Jaguar XK120.
Jaguar Heritage Racing is also entering three famous C-type racing cars, being driven by celebrities including Brian Johnson.
Two motor racing greats – ex-Jaguar Le Mans and World Sports Prototype Championship winner, Formula 1 driver and SKY F1 TV pundit Martin Brundle, plus ex-Formula 1 racer Bruno Senna – will share the famous ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type.
A number of new Jaguar F-Type Coupés will support the Jaguar Heritage Racing team, following the full Mille Miglia route through Italy with broadcast crews and VIP guests.
Mr Brundle said: “As some people know, I’m a fan and owner of the E-type – but this D-type is phenomenal car. I can only imagine how brave my racing driver predecessors were to pilot it at 190mph-plus down the Mulsanne Straight.
“Bruno and I will make sure we do this legendary British racing car justice. We have discussed our strategy for the Mille Miglia and feel quietly confident. We haven’t raced together before but we share a huge amount of enthusiasm for this amazing rally.”
