When exotic British cars come roaring into town in two weeks, organizers hope they will bring thousands of visitors with them to eat in local restaurants and browse local shops.

While the center of action is in Colt State Park, far from the downtown business district, shuttle busses will bring visitors into the town, where they can grab a bite, peruse museums or just stroll through the town’s historic district. Local businesses can help themselves get a piece of the action during the British Motorcar Festival by advertising — for free — in gift packs handed out to visitors, according to Jane Lavender, from Explore Bristol, who is looking for businesses to donate a flier, menu, free sample, business card, or anything else that would help with promotion.

“I’m sure people will not want to be in Colt State Park all day and will want to go into town,” Ms. Lavender said. “Visitors will get a bag on the bus. Businesses can provide a brochure, menu … we’ll take anything from anywhere to give people a sense of what Bristol is about. We’re more than happy to take what they have and spread the word.”

Organizers are hoping to attract more than 2,500 people to Bristol when the motorcar festival rolls into town June 11-12, beginning at 9 a.m. each day, when the show field opens to attendees. There is also a free, public street party planned at Independence Park on Thames Street Friday, June 10, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Festival tickets are $15 and are good for both days. They are available at the gate. There is also a $5 parking fee, which will be donated to local charities.

Shuttle busses will be running from Colt State Park to three locations downtown and a fourth stop at the Herreshoff Marine Museum from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day of the festival. Any Bristol business interested in submitting something for the guest promotional packs can contact Jane Lavender at janelavender@verizon.net.

“We’re here to support merchants,” Lavender said. “We want to bring visitors into the town.”