Lewis Hamilton's first race car to be displayed in Stevenage

The Stevenage-born Formula One ace made his name in British motorsport in the early 2000s and, in 2003, he won the Formula Renault driver's championship for Manor Motorsports.

This car took Hamilton to his first ever championship in racing. (Image: Lee Cunningham)

Two years ago, Alex Thornton from Pit Lane Spares Ltd purchased Hamilton's car from that competition after tracking it for a number of years, and thanks to help from Nick Edginton Racing, it has undergone what he describes as a "labour of love" restoration back to track condition.

The Manor machine had not been driven on the track since Hamilton last drove the car in his title winning season but, after more than 20 years, it hit the tarmac once again for a test in May.

READ MORE

• Stevenage High Street pub reopens after refurb and change of management
• Best and worst rated GP receptionists in Stevenage and North Herts

The car will now be taken to events and exhibitions, with Alex hoping it can inspire motorsports next generation, with a stop at Stevenage Museum's Stevenage On Wheels exhibition set for Saturday, August 3.

Alex Thornton (left) and Nick Edginton with Lewis Hamilton's 2003 Manor car. (Image: Lee Cunningham)

"Getting the car back to Lewis' home town was something I really wanted to do. Stevenage Museum seem really excited to have it as part of the Stevenage On Wheels exhibition," he said.

Lewis Hamilton has one seven Formula One world championships in his career to date. (Image: Lee Cunningham)

"We had some logistical issues about getting the car into the building, so it will be displayed outside the building."

You can see Hamilton's car on the forecourt outside St Andrew & St George Church in Stevenage between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, August 3. The engine will be switched on at 11am and 2pm.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said:

“Restoring the car has been a long process, but it’s finally over the finish line and we’re lucky to have an important piece of racing history on display here in Stevenage.

“Come along to Stevenage Museum to see (and hear!) the car, and who knows – maybe it will inspire the next generation of young people to get into racing and mean we have another record holder from Stevenage!”

Alex Thornton said: “Ever since the restoration started, we have been wanting to display the car in Stevenage.

"Lewis Hamilton has been a huge inspiration to so many - myself included. I am so happy to finally be able to bring his first championship winning car to the place it all began in the hope that it may help to inspire the next generation.”

The Stevenage on Wheels exhibition is at Stevenage Museum until August 31. Entry is free.

The museum is open from 10am until 4.30pm from Wednesday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.