The inaugural BRDC Classic proved the perfect summer tonic for British racing ace Darren Turner, who not only claimed victory but also made multiple trips to the podium after climbing back behind the wheel of two beautifully prepared historic Aston Martins at Silverstone last weekend.
A new event for 2026, promoted by Motor Racing Legends, the BRDC Classic celebrates everything that makes the historic racing scene so special, combining world-class machinery with close competition and an atmosphere designed to ensure both competitors and spectators have an unforgettable weekend. Having enjoyed success across the event, Turner was able to experience that first-hand.
“What’s not to like about racing Aston Martins in the sunshine at Silverstone?” said the multiple British sportscar champion and current British GT Championship GT4 Pro-Am Class contender. “It felt like more than just another race meeting, there was a fantastic atmosphere, and it was great to be a part of it.”
Turner was once again invited to share driving duties in Jonathan Lupton's pre-war Aston Martin LM4. Restored and prepared by Ecurie Bertelli, the lightweight 1.5-litre Irish Grand Prix-winning machine proved as nimble as ever, with the pairing enjoying another competitive weekend in the two Pre-War Sports Cars races.
"Jonathan has come on enormously since we last raced together around the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit," said Turner. "You could really see this weekend how much his confidence and understanding of the LM4 has grown. He was carrying more speed, looked completely at ease in the car and put together some really strong laps.
"The little LM4 is a known quantity for us now, and I love climbing back into it. It always takes a lap or two to reset your frame of reference for a pre-war car – braking distances, corner entry speeds and the way you have to drive it are completely different to anything modern. But once you've recalibrated, it's an incredibly rewarding car to drive and enormous fun."
Lupton’s strong form, combined with Turner’s experience behind the wheel, enabled the pairing to overcome several more powerful rivals and secure victory in the PW1 class in the second of the two 30-minute races, having finished third in class in Saturday's opening encounter.
Turner also shared driving duties with Lupton in his Aston Martin DB2/4 for the two Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy races.
"Over the years we've seen a huge improvement in the LM4 as we've developed it, and now we're on that same journey with the DB2," said Turner. "It's still teaching us a few things, but that's all part of the enjoyment. Cars of this era have so much character, they move around, roll a little and never feel completely tied down, but that's exactly what makes them so rewarding to drive. The DB2 is a lovely car and there's still plenty more performance to unlock."
The pair finished second in the WT3 class in both 40-minute races, while also bringing the beautifully prepared Aston Martin home unscathed; an important achievement given its busy schedule of appearances throughout the summer.
"It was a 10 out of 10 weekend," added Turner. "The racing was fantastic, the atmosphere was brilliant and Motor Racing Legends have created something really special with the BRDC Classic. I genuinely think it has a fantastic future. To be part of the inaugural event and to race two such iconic Aston Martins made it even more memorable. I can't wait to come back next year."
Turner's next outing comes in the British GT Championship at Snetterton on 15-16 August, where he will return to modern machinery with Grange Racing by FSR in the Aston Martin Vantage GT4.
