TWO OR FOUR WHEELS, THE COUNTDOWN TO RACE RETRO 2010 BEGINS

The final countdown to this year's Race Retro has begun, with just over a week until the doors open at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry - and whether you like your historic motor sport on two wheels or four - there's something for every motoring enthusiast.

Starting on Friday 12 March, 2010, and lasting three days, the exhibition halls and rally stage will bring historic motor sport to life through the cars, bikes and competitors who made their names in the past, but are still highly regarded today.

Race Retro is celebrating 100 years of Alfa Romeo, and a delectable line-up of competition models down the decades will demonstrate just why this highly- successful manufacturer's cars are still competing today, despite their age.

Outside, there's an action-packed tribute to a later classic model - Audi's all-conquering quattro - with numerous models being put through their paces in the hands of the real Stig - acclaimed driver Stig Blomqvist.

Meanwhile, fans of 1970s and 1980s rallying are in for a treat, as Russell Brookes gets behind the wheel of the "Andrews Heat for Hire"-sponsored cars, including the Talbot Sunbeam.

The rally stage is always a big draw at Race Retro and - while many people will be waiting to see several Group B cars - for those who like their cars from an earlier period, Brian Culcheth is back behind the wheel of a Triumph 2.5PI, proving that four-door saloons can be just as much fun as any two- door.

Bringing the action right up to date is reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin, who will be at the wheel of the mighty Aston Martin V8 Rally GT, trying to beat the legends at their own game!

But for enthusiasts who like their motorsport in quarter- mile, straight-line style, Race Retro welcomes the UK's first dragster, which was constructed by Sydney Allard. Built to run in its home country, but mimicking Stateside dragsters, the Chrysler Hemi-engined car is currently being fully restored to its former glory.

There's more 1970s V8 action, courtesy of the Super Saloon Association, which will have a Chevrolet V8- powered VW Beetle and a Buick V8-powered DAF55 Coupe on its stand.

Meanwhile, a record-breaking Austin-Healey 100 will be showing Race Retro visitors that records can still be broken, even if it takes around 50 years! The Dennis Welch Motorsport Healey covered 612 miles in just over four hours - an average speed of 148.22mph, and on the way posted an outright speed of 153.44mph.

Reunited with the cars which bore his name is Brian Lister, the Cambridge-based builder of beautiful yet functional big-banger sports models. Brian is on hand to mark the publication of a new book covering his car company's history, right up to the 1990s Jaguar- powered model which ran at Le Mans.

Race Retro isn't just about cars - there are plenty of motorcycles to keep two-wheeler enthusiasts happy There's a replica of the bike which George Formby rode in the film "No Limit" and - like the one used in the film - it is based on an Ariel.

This year is also the 60th anniversary of the Norton Featherbed Manx frame's introduction; several Manx models will be shown on the Norton Owners' Club stand, alongside some John Player Commando Twins.

Look out also for the Jim Lee Racing Collection - a selection of bikes built by master framemaker Jim back in the 1960s and 1970s. Among them is the JL Yamaha ridden by Mick Grant, which posted 15 consecutive victories.

And there's plenty of motorcycle action, old-school style. The Ken Fox Troupe's mighty Wall of Death is back at Race Retro, with Indian and early Honda twins literally climbing the wall!

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and £15 for Saturday and Sunday when booking in advance, or upgrade to a VIP ticket with fantastic hospitality and a chance to meet our special guests. Children's tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is free throughout.

The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

To book tickets and for the latest updates, please visit http://www.raceretro.com.