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History of Festival
2011In 2011 Classic Team Lotus returned with more demonstration runs, including the first appearance for the Lamborghini-powered 102, the only Lotus F1 car to run a V12 engine. Martin Donnelly, who drove one of the cars in the 1990 season, paired up with Gavan Kershaw for his first works drive since then, piloting an Evora to victory in the headline Lotus Cup UK race. Elise Trophy races supported the main action, whilst Group Lotus provided passenger rides in Evora road cars. Clive Chapman drove the Type 79 that won his father's final World Championship titles, joined on track by other classics including the legendary 25 and hugely influential 58.
2010Lotus Festival becomes Classic Team Lotus Festival and the greatest Lotus Motorsport event ever? On 20th June 2010 the Classic Team Lotus Festival at Snetterton probably became the greatest Lotus Motorsport event today, thanks to the generous participation of owners from all over the world, one of every type of Team Lotus Formula One car was gathered together for the first time. More details here: http://www.classicteamlotus.co.uk/content/heritage.aspx In addition to the wonderful sight of so many historic Lotus F1 cars the event was also supported by the Lotus Racing F1 team who obtained special permission from the FIA to run their latest F1 car before heading off for the European GP. With both Heikki Kovalainen & Jarno Trulli present and driving on circuit we also saw team boss Mike Gascoyn take to the circuit. The packed crowd also saw races from both the Elise Trophy and Lotus Cup Europe.        
2009Lotus Festival moves to Snettterton. With the Festival being so popular in the opening 2 years a decision was taken to move to a warmer month and the Lotus World descended on Snetteton just a stones through from Lotus HQ in Hethel mid July. Everything seemed to come together at the same time with Group Lotus and Classic Team Lotus both supporting the event to an even greater level than previously. With Classic F1 cars, Evora’s going side wides and numerous displays and demonstration runs to thrill the huge crowd. We were even privileged to bear witness to the Worlds fastest man – Wing Commander Andy Green OBE taking part in his very first car race when he competed in the Elise Trophy. As if that wasn’t enough Lotus owners pulled together to bring the circuit to a standstill and set a new World record for the largest number of Lotus cars in a parade at 436.        
2008Lotus Festival in the Snow with British Truck Superprix. A year later the Festival returned to Brands Hatch with the Elise Trophy now heading an even bigger event with the huge trucks that form the British Truck championship hurtling around Brands Hatch. This time however, rather than just one grid of Lotus race cars there was two so much had the Elise Trophy grown. Although the snow fell late spirits were never dampened and another fantastic weekend was had by all.        
2007Lotus Festival launches Elise Trophy at Brands Hatch. The Lotus Festival was created in March 2007 to help launch the Elise Trophy, a new one marque race series. The inaugural event was supported by both Group Lotus CEO: Mike Kimberley and Brands Hatch circuit owner Jonathan Palmer. Alongside a full grid of Lotus race cars there was parades provided by Historic Lotus Club, trade stands and even a band (Doctor and the Medics) to thrill a huge Lotus crowd.        
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