Palmer's 956 reunion

Palmer said: "The 956 is the car I had my greatest successes in, and also my biggest shunts, so it's going to be a poignant day. I'm not a great one for nostalgia but this is certainly a big exception. I'm thrilled to be driving the car again, especially on the circuit where we enjoyed our greatest success."

"It was one of those magical weekends when everything went right. It was the first win for the team and everyone was absolutely delirious. In my last stint I drove without seatbelts, which is unimaginable today!"

Palmer will be joined by a number of the original team, including boss Richard Lloyd, who still owns the car, and HSCC president Graeme White, who was then team manager for Lloyd.

Palmer, who is unlikely to approach his 1984 pole-winning time of 1m17.32s said: "I shall definitely be in gentleman cruise mode. I don't think I'll do 200mph, and Richard Lloyd will probably be even more anxious watching it go round than he was then."

The HSCC Superprix, now in its 15th year, features a round of the burgeoning Group C/GTP Championship for the iconic Group C sportscars, of which the 956 is a defining example. Also on the bill are races for a myriad of international single-seater machinery, including Formula 1 and F5000 cars in the Derek Bell Trophy, held on both days.

Palmer said: "It's going to be a great event. We've got some great cars, the HSCC has put together an excellent line-up and we are certainly in for some lovely racing. It's full paddock access for everyone, so all the spectators can wander around and speak to people, and get a good look at the cars."