THE countdown has begun for Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham, on Saturday and Sunday, January 15 and 16.

It's the only motor sport show to bring top celebrities headed by David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Allan McNish, Eddie Irvine and Jodie Kidd, to name just a few, a host of top flight cars from classic through to today's machines, and an all-action Live Arena.

Add in Justin Wilson, Jason Plato, James Pickford, Nick Mason, Mark Blundell, Louise Goodman and Andy Priaulx and a host of names from Rallying and Touring car and this is a show not to miss.

Motor sport fans looking for a dose of high-octane adrenalin to kick-start the 2005 season should head to the Live Action Arena.

The one-hour extravaganza, in association with Fulda Tyres and British Eurosport, is hosted by Supermodel Jodie Kidd and Motors TV presenter Paul Musselle and promises to be one of the highlights of the event.

Some of the biggest names on four wheels will be demonstrating their skills and entertaining visitors to the specially constructed 5000-seater auditorium at the NEC.

Rally fanatics will be treated to the sight of 1984 World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist burning rubber in his stunning 1983 Audi Quattro whilst Mark Higgins will be revealing the talent that has made him one of Britain's top rally stars behind the wheel of the 1999 Ford Focus World Rally Car.

Two-times British champion Jonny Milner will also be shaking-up the 2002 Toyota Corolla whilst the glamorous pit stop girls cheer him on.

Altogether the show features more than 60 cars and climaxes with a grand finale that will take the breath away. It is definitely an event not to be missed.

The new Historic Hall also promises to delight visitors with an array of beautiful cars on display together with sought-after memorabilia, paintings and models from days gone past.

For the first time, there are a limited number of AAA passes with exclusive access to the autograph area. The number of passes costing £30 is limited so you need to pre-book by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 902 0444 or book on-line at www.autosport-international.com

To pre-book regular tickets and avoid the queues, call the ticket hotline on 0870 902 0444 or book on-line at www.autosport-international.com

Ticket prices with access to both the show and the Live Action Arena in association with Fulda Tyres and British Eurosport are available at £25 for adults and £17.50 for children. Entry to the show only is £18 for adults and £10 for children.