It’s that time of year when garages and workshops the length and breadth of the country reverberate to the sound of historic racers coughing into life after the winter hibernation. The cars that is.

And with the new season almost upon us news arrives that one of the most successful historic racing series organisers has added more championships to its roster. Motor Racing Legends has announced an expanded portfolio for 2019 after it took over responsibility for the Pre ’63 GT and U2TC (under two-litre touring cars) series, both of which were previously promoted by Carol Spagg’s Historic Motor Racing News Organisation.

News of the expansion came at MRL’s annual prize giving, held at the Royal Automobile Club on London’s Pall Mall.

Several well-known drivers collected awards for their racing successes during the 2018 season, including Steve Soper and Patrick Watts (Ford Capri, Tony Dron Trophy), while Spa Six Hours organiser Vincent Collard received the Motor Racing Legends Trophy for services to historic motor sport.

Winter car covers will be removed at MRLs season opener at the Donington Historic Festival (May 3-5).