17.6.10

The city of Liverpool, has a rich and diverse motorsport history….. home to the Grand National steeplechase, Aintree also staged the British Grand Prix 5 times from the ‘50s into the ‘60s, whilst the nearby New Brighton promenade, is best known as one of the fastest “sprint” and “single stage rally”  venues in the UK.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the city centre “Liverpool One” development, owner, Grosvenor Estates combined with the organisers of the forthcoming Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (CPOP), to present the Liverpool Pagent of Power – a celebration of endeavour on 2 and 4 wheels, in the air over the River Mersey and in the nearby Clarendon Dock, with Formula 1 and 2 inshore powerboats.

With barriers in place and traffic restricted along a 1km section of the Strand waterfront, Jerseyman James Walker in the Liverpool FC, sponsored Superleague Formula car (powered by a 4.2, 750 bhp V8) performed a series of donuts, right outside the Merseyside Constabulary’s front door!

Perennial crowd pleaser Chris Williams and his Bentley Napier left some of the longest tyre marks of the evening, whilst undoubtedly quickest was Justin Law in the ’88 Le Mans winning Jaguar XJR9. CPOP sponsor, Bentley Motors, also brought another winner of the French classic, its 2003 EXP8, whilst local dealers Bentley and Lamborghini Manchester provided a cross section of their current ranges, supported by a Ferrari Enzo, Crispin Harris’s Lister Jaguar and Jason Minshaw in Dad Alan’s, ex BTCC BMW3.

FOC member and former historic racer Vic Norman, has long operated a Boeing Stearman acrobatic team and with new sponsorship for 2010 and 11 from CPOP partner, Breitling watches, the wing-walking team made me dizzy…and I was on the ground!

The inaugural event was a considerable success, with over 25,000 people lining the course in the early evening sunshine - lets hope many of them find there way to the Cheshire countryside for this years CPOP, on July 17th and 18th.

Me, I’m heading south - to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Alfa Romeo will continue it’s centenary celebrations, Mikka Hakkinen will make his second appearance and ZZ Top’s, Billy Gibbons ’ 23 foot CadZZilla will be the star of “Cars, Stars and Guitars”…. see you there!