The inaugural event was run over the weekend of August 9/10 in the grounds of the 7,500 acre Cholmondley (pronounced Chumley) Estate on the Cheshire/Shropshire border. Headline sponsor was the nearby Crewe based Bentley Motors, who have committed to the event for three years and fittingly displayed an original 'Blower', alongside two EXP8s, including the ‘03 Le Mans winner. Bentley’s sporting ambassador and five-times Le Mans winner, Derek Bell was very visible over the weekend as was the winner of the 1970 Targa Florio, ex-pat Lancastrian Brian Redman, at the wheel of Speedmaster’s Sunbeam TT. With 80 cars and 40 bikes taking to the 1.2 mile track, there were plenty of runs for all over the weekend and although it was about demonstration rather than competition, Kingsley Ingram achieved FTD in his immaculately prepared Ford RS 200, with FOC classic racer Steve Tandy runner up in his Lola T70C. The backbone of the entry was provided by enthusiastic members of the VSCC and HGPCA, supported by the collections of local residents Peter Neumark and Alan Minshaw, as well as cars provided by Sir Anthony Bamford, John Hanson and Steve Tandy. The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust brought the unique quad cam XJ13 for a run and thanks to Tom Wheatcroft, father & son ace race preparers Rick and Rob Hall demonstrated the sole raceworthy Alfa Bimotore which was built to compete against the pre war GP Auto Unions and Mercedes. Only two were made, with P3 engines fore and aft developing 570bhp between them - the problem being tyres. They also demonstrated another Wheatcroft car, a rare and rarely seen Vanwall, this one VW7 in short nose Monaco GP trim. Ferraris included Sir Anthony Bamford’s 1958 250TR driven by Willie Green, Steve Tandy’s ex Bryant Daytona Competition upgrade plus his F40 and event patrons H&H Auctions' Simon Hope's Dino. Incidents were thankfully minimal and with informed commentary from Neville Hay and Sky Sports' Martin Haven, the crowd were kept well entertained. For those more marine minded, there were rounds of the British Inshore Powerboat Championships and a demonstration of super quick hydroplanes on the adjacent 25 acre lake, whilst in the air a 1956 Bell Huey helicopter lead the aviation display. The brainchild of local resident Peter Rickett, (who was once linked with the acquisition of nearby Oulton Park), the first POP should be considered an overwhelming success. With continued support from amongst others: Bentley, H and H Classic Auctions and Breitling, the event has a firm foundation and with attention to the car club display area, an enlargened entry and enhanced spectator walkways, will no doubt enjoy a very bright future. Roll on 2009, when we hope the Ferrari Owners' Club will be fully represented. Meanwhile, will Jaguar EX2A become the most expensive “leaping cat” ever built? Or will the sale of the Williamson Bugatti collection help Goodings to a record auction in Monterey California? I’m off to count my greenbacks….see you there!
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