Autosport International ‘24: Hooper Quinn attends Europe’s biggest international motorsport show
Split into two distinct yet complementary parts, this year’s Autosport International—or A24 as it has been dubbed in a rebrand which gave the show a fresh look and a new layout—appeals to the industry professional and the racing enthusiast in equal measure.
The Motorsport Show brought a dazzling array of racing machinery to the NEC. From historic Formula 1 cars to the latest GT racers, the show floor was a testament to the sport's rich history and vibrant present. And the live-action arena, of course, a perennial favourite, once again hosted the kind of breath-taking stunts and high-speed demonstrations that make the heart tick over a little quicker. The Engineering Show, a hub for the latest technological advancements in the sector and the real draw for Hooper Quinn, showcased a plethora of new and upcoming developments in automotive engineering, with exhibitors from around the world displaying their recent creations, spanning everything from advanced engine components to revolutionary safety gear.
Olly and Steve take Hooper Quinn to this year’s Autosport International show, a melting pot of high-octane motorsport action and cutting-edge engineering marvels.
Though the 2023 Autosport show did an incredible job of revivifying this calendar staple following a lengthy hiatus, the show remains notably smaller than the pre-pandemic events. Perhaps this is not the sole result of the pandemic. Many of the interactions that once took place at these shows have migrated into digital spaces. There’s much to be celebrated about this general trend, of course, which is hardly unique to motorsport or engineering; Hooper Quinn operate remotely, thereby massively reducing our carbon footprint and giving our engineers the space and creative freedom to land upon the most elegant solutions. However, it’s hard to exaggerate the importance of being physically present - not only with the technology, but with the people that create it. Autosport seem to grasp the significance of this requirement, and so for 2024 expanded the engineering hall and extended the engineering trade show from two days to the full four. This is still the biggest show in town, let’s not forget, stretching over five halls of the cavernous NEC.
Alongside talks and seminars offering insights into the latest trends and challenges facing the world of motorsport, the show proved itself to be a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from across the industry and make new acquaintances, underscoring the event as a key networking hub (according to Autosport, 85% of attendees represent key decision-makers in the industry). Numerous innovations caught our attention, and several of Olly and Steve’s discussions with various stalls at the show look to be the beginning of some exciting new partnerships for Hooper Quinn.
It is these interactions and the relationships that are born out of them that will continue to shape the evolving landscape of motorsport technology and its adjacent industries, and the Autosport show continues to be a valuable catalyst for progress in this respect.
In addition to the new A24 look and feel of the show, there were other subtle changes: drivers accompanied their cars on the stage for the first time, notably Le Mans winner James Calado and his Ferrari 499p. (Other notable appearances alongside the Ferrari were the latest offering from Porsche in its 963, while McLaren brought along their Solus GT V10 track car.)
But perhaps what set this year’s event apart from previous ones was a renewed commitment to sustainability. Amidst the displays of power and speed, there was a noticeable emphasis on green technologies. Electric racing series had a strong presence, a sign too perhaps of the industry's drift towards more environmentally friendly practices. We’ll keep a keen eye out for progress on this front and others like it when Hooper Quinn no doubt make their return to the show in 2025.
If you would like to discuss your project with us, reach out to enquiries@hooperquinn.com or fill in our enquiries form
Or learn more about our Motorsport Division and related Services.
To learn more about Autosport International 2024 or review the event programme visit