Some people believe that spring is in the air. Hmm, I wasn’t convinced as I downed a coffee and headed out the door for my two-and-a-half hour drive north from Brighton on the south coast of England to Silverstone. Grabbing my wooly hat and wearing layers turned out to be a good call. Spring can’t come quickly enough as the only thing in the air happened to be a light drizzle.
Luckily, arriving at any motor racing circuit is enough to bring warmth to the coldest of days and today marked the start of classic motor sport season here in the UK. The event was the Pomeroy Trophy, affectionately known as ‘The Pom’, and represents the eclectic nature of the Vintage Sports Car Club.
As if to demonstrate this, a quick read through of the entry list shows that today’s expected cars range from a 1906 Bianchi 28/40 through to a 2013 Renault Clio Renaultsport. As I say, eclectic.
The concept was first mooted by John Rowley in 1947, but because of petrol rationing it did not actually take place until 22 March 1952. It was won by Peter Binns in a Vauxhall 30/98. Although not Laurence Pomeroy's idea, it was his formula to calculate the efficiency of GP car engines that was used as the basis for the calculations and he presented the Trophy. An interesting aside is that until the event could take place, the Trophy was awarded for 'Outstanding Service to the Club' and was first won by Cecil 'Sam' Clutton in 1948.
Over the course of the day, competitors will take part in handling, acceleration and braking tests, followed by a High Speed Regularity Time Trial, not forgetting a test to make sure their car can carry two ‘standard’ VSCC size suitcases.
So, not only is this an eclectic set of vehicles, the rules of the game are suitably eccentric too. Unfortunately I was only attending the morning session as I had a few clients and new clients to meet and discuss the years plans with but wanted to at least use a few images to demonstrate the fun celebration announcing that the season is back after the winter break.
Chatting to a few guys taking part while waiting in the scrutineering line, it is clear that many have not been fettling these machines during the winter with one even noting that he had better put some air in the tyres as he hadn’t used it since October. Others were starting the friendly banter with a couple moaning because they had agreed they were going to trailer their cars there and one had driven seemingly at speed. He had only broken down once and had still beaten the other to the paddock.
But the best arrival was met with the best comment of the morning. A 1964 Crossle 5S revved through the gates and skidded to a halt at the back of the line up with use of the handbrake. The Batmobile canopy raised forward and the driver emerged smiling and laughing where he was met by a warm handshake and the comment, ‘Ah, and here he is, the reason why it’s called a cockpit!’
I love this stuff. I hope you enjoy some of the pictures.
We're happy to be introduce Alex Lawrence, a photographer based in Brighton, England. You will fall for his style just as we have. He understands our love for motorsport and capturing it in a way that is just as beautiful as the act of racing itself. Alex lives in Brighton, England, and is working his way toward a career as a commercial photographer. Follow his journal as he takes you on the highs and lows of that journey.
