Optimus Prime is without doubt the most famous movie truck of all time, with the Transformers franchise dating back to the 1980s as a cartoon and comic series before hitting the big screen in 2007 with a series of films by Michael Bay.

The official Peterbilt movie truck is housed at a secret location in North Lincolnshire on behalf of Hasbro by Transformers super fan, and classic American truck specialist Andy Graves.

The closing scene of the 2018 film Bumblebee signalled a return to the original Freightliner G1 form of the Autobots Leader, Optimus Prime, and ahead of this summer’s release of ‘Rise of the Beasts’, the race is on to rebuild this super rare GL86 cab so Prime can steal the show at the UK premiere of the film.

Retro is king in Rise of the Beasts, which is set to feature a selection of the original cars which featured as comic strip heroes and iconic toys in the 1980s, as the Transformers franchise goes back to its roots following a glorious Hollywood makeover by director, Michael Bay starting in 2007.

Fans of Optimus Prime can look forward to seeing both the Peterbilt, and Freightliner movie trucks in action at various events around the UK in 2023, as Hasbro and Paramount ramp up Transformers promotions ahead of what is surely set to be one of THE films of the year.

Paul Woodford visited the hangar housing both trucks, in the first part of a series of films documenting this spectacular movie truck build…

2023 will see Paul back with Special Stage for live coverage of every round of the MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series

As the BTRDA Rally Championship marks its 70th year of touring the UK’s most iconic rally special stages, Special Stage marks an important milestone of its own; celebrating 15 years of providing coverage of events on this prestigious motorsport calendar.

Paul announced in January that he was stepping back from his role as Head of Operations at Championship Football Club, Hull City to focus on a number of personal and professional projects:

“Football has been an incredible adventure, and a thrilling, horizon-broadening experience, following a similar role in a very different sport.

It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a year and a half since I left Cadwell Park to come home to Hull, but in that time I’ve achieved some big things, with some talented and dedicated people.

I am going to be focusing on some personal and professional projects for the time being, one of which being to throw myself back into motorsport, and in particular rally TV presenting.

2023 marks 15 years of presenting rally coverage, and in that time I’ve been lucky to present coverage for events in the World, British, British Historic and the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championships, as well as one-off events like the unique and exciting RAC Rally.

But I’m proudest of my long-standing association with the BTRDA Rally Series, which in some ways – personally and professionally – has shaped who I am and what I’m most passionate about.

In truth, I can’t attend football matches and rallies at the same time – I’ve tried cutting myself in half and it doesn’t work, not really.

So among the new places you’ll find me in 2023, will be stage-side presenting live coverage of every single round of the BTRDA Rally Championship on Special Stage Rally Video.”

The 2023 BTRDA Rally Championship action kicks off on 11th March with the Malcolm Wilson Stages Rally, with 7 further rounds across England, Wales and Scotland. Live coverage will be available to watch across the Championship and Special Stage social media throughout the season.

It’s been almost two years since I filmed the original BMW M5 for this channel. I have of course filmed a couple of documentaries in that time, but I’m delighted to be able to share a new classic car feature with you.

The AE86 is a rally car I’ve always revered, since reading Motoring News as a kid and seeing countless Corollas sideways in the lanes or exploding out of a water splash on a night road rally.

Former Welsh Rally Champion, Alex Allingham entrusted his glorious 1986 example of this iconic Japanese performance car for this latest feature.

As well as the film itself, I have produced a comic strip video telling the story of a road race between a Corolla AE86 and a Mk1 Escort RS1600, the car said to have inspired the Corolla back in the early eighties.

I hope you can join me for the film, and that the comic strip raises a smile. The question is…what will I film next?

AE86 // LEGACY

AE86 // THE RACE

February 27th, 2022 sees the very first stage rally take place on the closed public roads of East Yorkshire, and I’m very proud to say I’ll be joining organising club, Beverley and District Motor Club as the commentator for the spectator special stage.

However, it is with mixed emotions that I accept the role of commentator for the event, as it was originally going to be well-known rally commentator Bob Milloy entertaining the crowds in Hull. Bob very sadly passed away earlier this week at the age of 72, so I’ve been asked to step in.

While I’m delighted to be involved with the rally, I will very much be doing so in tribute to Bob, who I have known and worked with for many years; not only in my various rally media roles, but also in my capacity of Circuit Manager of MSV’s Cadwell Park, where Bob often joined us as a commentator.

My earliest rally memories are of standing in Hull City Centre watching the stars of the rallying world, including Roger Clark flagged off on events like the North Humberside Stages. The thought of rally cars returning to Hull and East Yorkshire, especially on closed public roads is spine-tingling.

The spectator special stage is based on the roads around the beautiful Burton Constable Hall, taking in the roads around the stately home venue, and will no doubt rekindle the magic of the stately home stages of rallies like the Lombard RAC Rally, of which a stately home dash was one of the staples.

My thoughts on the day will be with Bob Milloy, his friends and family. I hope to see as many of you as possible out to enjoy the action, and support the organisers by enjoying this historic event.

For spectator information and timings, click HERE.

See you on the stages!

I’m delighted to share the news with you that I’ll once again be joining the presenter line-up for American Speedfest at Brands Hatch, headlined by the dramatic Whelen Euro NASCAR series.

Since first presenting at American Speedfest in 2018, when I worked for MotorSport Vision as Circuit Manager of Brands Hatch sister circuit Cadwell Park, I have openly claimed this to be the most exciting motorsport event in the UK.

I love Speedfest for not only its racing action, but its varied and vibrant selection of displays and off-track entertainment, which in turn attracts a glorious mix of people. Hardened race fans rub shoulders with star-struck families, and it’s incredible to be in the middle of it all with a microphone.

Anyone who has seen me ‘in action’ will know that I prefer to be among the action and the people, as opposed to being confined to a commentary box or studio, so to be back as a roaming presenter, bringing the crowd a flavour of the off-track entertainment and helping to put narrative to the pre-race build-up on the grid is fantastic.

I had five fun, interesting and character-building years working for MSV, and I’m grateful to be continuing that relationship with the company at what promises to be a real highlight in the UK Motorsport calendar.

If you’re remotely interested in motor racing, movie cars, American culture or generally enjoy a family weekend away with a difference, I’d thoroughly recommend joining me and my fellow presenters, when the muscle cars descend on Brands Hatch in June.

For ticket details, click HERE.

See you in Victory Lane!

Now seems like a good time to tell you that football is very definitely coming home in the Woodford house.

I’m really excited to let you know that my new job will be Marketing and Communications Manager at Hull City Football Club.

I’m joining the talented commercial team at Hull City at an exciting time for the Tigers. I’ve seen first hand growing up and working in East Yorkshire, what an incredible impact the success of our football team can have on the local area, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.

In almost five years as Circuit Manager of Cadwell Park, I’ve worked with some of the best people I’ve ever met, and we’ve achieved things I never imagined I’d achieve in my life.

I will watch on with fondness and pride from the grandstands, cheering on the best team in the business as they build on these successes, and go from strength-to-strength.

It seemed fitting to share a photo of my beautiful family, from the day Vikki and I visited the MKM Stadium recently to share the news with the boys. We embark on these adventures together, and I’m so grateful for all their support and passion.

Motorsport will always be a huge part of my life. Very soon football will be too, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!

I’m coming home, HULL! 🐯🧡🖤

I was privileged to be invited to the official opening of a fascinating new classic car museum experience in Derbyshire this week, ahead of its public opening at the weekend.

The Great British Car Journey, in Ambergate aims to bring the story of the British motor industry to life, through a collection of stunning classic cars, some clever technology and an extremely well thought out narrative.

I was joined by some famous faces from the world of classic motoring, including the Gadget Show’s Jon Bentley and Sarah Crabtree from classic car auction TV show Bangers & Cash.

It seemed like the perfect excuse to give the Clan Crusader its first long journey since I brought it back to Lincolnshire, putting to the test all the work I’ve done to improve the mechanical aspects of the car.

Join me for a blog-style video – different to my usual style – complete with a cameo from Ms Crabtree, who was wearing her Clan Crusader t-shirt with style!

The Clan Crusader documentary, “Blades of Glory” and a newly produced short film about classic British getaway cars, starring the Mk2 Jaguar have been submitted to two prestigious International Film Festivals.

Blades of Glory tells the story of the charismatic Whitley Bay tailor, Johnny Blades and his Northern Mod Sports title-winning season of 1973 in the works racing Clan Crusader. The film has received positive feedback from all corners of classic motoring and motorsport.

The film has been submitted for two awards – ‘Best Documentary Feature’ and ‘Best Independent Film’ in the prestigious International Motor Film Awards, judged by a high profile panel which includes former Top Gear and Fifth Gear Presenter Tiff Needell, and Gumball 3000’s Maximillion Cooper.

Flawed Hero is a short story which visually depicts the plight of the archetypal 1960s movie getaway car, the Mk2 Jaguar and cars like it. The film has been entered in the Depict! short film festival for short films of 90 seconds and less. Telling any story in a film this short is a challenge enough, but Flawed Hero also attempts to tell this story without words or dialogue.

Ahead of both festivals, you can watch both films here…

Blades of Glory

Flawed Hero

Following the success of the Clan Crusader range of t-shirt designs, and by popular demand, I’m testing the water with some Group B rally designs, starting with the Metro 6R4.

This is a re-imagined team shirt from when Marc Duez competed on the 1986 Lombard RAC Rally in what I consider to be one of the most stunning liveries from the Group B era.

This exclusive t-shirt design is a stylish way for you to throwback to rallying’s golden Group B era, and celebrate an iconic rally car.

CLICK HERE for more information and to order.