[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/motor-shows\/autosport-international-2016\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/motor-shows\/autosport-international-2016\/","headline":"AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2016","name":"AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2016","description":"The new year has, as always, rolled around quicker than anyone expected. This may be due to the hectic time that leads up to the Christmas holidays and everyone forgets about the New Year. One thing people don’t forget is the fact that for us petrol-heads, January brings us AutoSport International, one of the first shows of the season and what a way to kick off this year!\u00a0 Down on the ground our photographer Darren was whizzing around the very […]","datePublished":"2016-01-19","dateModified":"2016-08-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/motor-shows\/autosport-international-2016\/","about":["SHOWS"],"wordCount":404,"keywords":["AA","autosport","Autosport International","birmingham","darren skidmore","drifting","Escort","Escort Cosworth","focus rs","ford","formula drift","Grass-Roots","hot rod","lamborghini","Liberty Walk","Mini","Nankang","nissan","radical","RS1800","sr3","sr8","Stock-Car","WRC"],"articleBody":"The new year has, as always, rolled around quicker than anyone expected. This may be due to the hectic time that leads up to the Christmas holidays and everyone forgets about the New Year. One thing people don’t forget is the fact that for us petrol-heads, January brings us AutoSport International, one of the first shows of the season and what a way to kick off this year!\u00a0Down on the ground our photographer Darren was whizzing around the very crowded show trying to capture as much as he could. This was no small task as the Public Day tickets had actually sold out! This has never happened before in the history of AutoSport, but it goes to show how much the community has grown.AutoSport doesn’t show off the higher-end motorsport or high-end car market, they also cater for the more grass-roots racing, such as Stock Car Racing and the ever growing Drift Series.Walking about it was clear to see the quality was everywhere with more global inspired builds making their way to the Birmingham halls. For example, this Mini Cooper S has been treated to a Liberty Walk body kit. Never heard of Liberty Walk? Well, I suggest you go search YouTube and look up what Liberty Walk are all about. The Japanese based company has treated a manor of high-end cars, but have now made a kit for the humble Mini and personally, this thing looks amazingly aggressive.On the other end of the spectrum, found on the Nankang Tires stand was this hot-rod pickup truck. I cannot tell you what this is based off of as I am not clued up on the hot-rod scene, but I think it looks stunning. The attention to detail is meticulous, how many of you spotted the AA Motoring Club plaque on the front grill? The green paint contrasting against the red wheels is a very traditional look that most of us have come to accept with hot-rods.This line up of WRD Ford Rally cars was sensational, to some probably\u00a0nostalgic. RS1800 and Focus RS lurking away behind the probably the most famous (in my opinion) of them all – the Escort Cosworth with the even more famous blue and white livery.As always, we would like to say thank you to Darren for bracing the waves of people and patiently waiting to capture the moments we bring to you! "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Event Coverage","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Motor Shows","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/\/motor-shows\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2016","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/event-coverage\/motor-shows\/autosport-international-2016\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]