The Silverstone Classic has a voice: legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker is returning as official ambassador for the summer 2009 historic racing event, 60 years after his debut at the circuit.

It was at Silverstone that Murray went behind the microphone for the first time in 1949, and Silverstone Classic, with its heady mixture of exciting historic races, celebrities and motorsport idols is the perfect background against which to celebrate his long career.

Since the 1970s, and now returning as part of the BBC's coverage team, Murray has lent his individual voice to numerous F1 commentaries. His presence at the Silverstone Classic this year, as last year, will ensure a vociferous and expert opinion on the historic F1 races taking place at the event. He will also be on hand to meet his fans and sign copies of his ‘Murray Walker Scrapbook', a collection of Walker's unique insight into one of the world's best loved media personalities.

"Murray Walker is an extraordinary personality, extremely knowledgeable on many aspects of racing and especially F1. He will be one of the characters who gives the Silverstone Classic its unique appeal," says Ken Prichard Jones, director of Racing at Silverstone Ltd.

The Silverstone Classic takes place from 24 to 26 July 2009, featuring the world's iconic racing cars and marques. Race grids include pre-war sports cars, Grand Prix race cars, Group C Le Mans racers to the stunning pre-'63 GT and sports cars, alongside other crowd favourites such as a celebrity sprint, MINI racing, touring cars, Formula Junior and even Edwardian race cars. Both young and seasoned racers, as well as celebrities and racing heroes will take to the track for three days of atmospheric and thrilling on-track action. Silverstone Classic will host more than 75 car clubs, 4000 cars on display, automobilia sales and a classic car auction, and further entertainment from Harley-Davidson ®stunt bikes to drag racing. Alongside the racing, two nights of concerts will add an additional soundtrack to that of historic engines. History and classic also feature in the aerobatic display and Victorian Fun Fair, making Silverstone Classic both an extraordinary event for classic car and racing enthusiasts, and a unique outing for the family.