2015 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power
It’s difficult to believe that another year has passed since we last enjoyed the delights of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power.
Now in its eighth year, this three-day event takes place in the glorious grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire (pronounced Chumley for those like me who haven't a clue). The Pageant, as it says on the tin, combines the best of historic and contemporary automotive power from land, water and air.
Air displays included the RAF Typhoon display team, Red Bull Matadors, BAC Strikemaster and on Sunday we were treated to the glorious Vulcan bomber. On the track, well, there’s supercars and bikes from the past and present all competing for the best lap time around the 3.2 mile circuit that sits within the park grounds, it’s a busy weekend.
Have I mentioned the music? There was a Tina Turner tribute ‘Simply the Best’, all female rock band JOANovARC, rock and pop cover entertainers, the RPJ Band and former X-Factor contestants, and Tenors of Rock also entertained the crowds with their powerful performances.
However, as the weekend clashed with another event, Muddy Madam and I only managed to visit CPoP on the Sunday, which meant instead of our usual sauntering we were on a mission to try and catch everything.
From the press office we headed towards the paddock, passing the Toyota Hi-Lux that Top Gear used on their Arctic Adventure and a half finished Morgan sports car. The latter was part of the Morgan club display which included their Aero 8 model that divided opinions between MM ’n’ me, she liked it, me not so much.
A bit further along was Ian Cook from www.popbangcolour.com who’s unusual talent is creating motoring prints using remote control cars, seriously you gotta seem them, they’re really good!
We then parted company as MM went to watch the classic scramblers and I quick marched towards the circuit for some track-side action. Stood near the end of the course there’s a sharp right hand turn and small bridge, it’s always a good place to snap the faster cars, and bikes as they’re often airborne!
Wandering back to MM who was still being entertained by the classic scramblers from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. There are big twin cylinder machines from Triumph, and big singles from BSA to the lightweight two strokes from CZ, Greeves and Bultaco.
It really is great fun to watch with much camaraderie. Unfortunately during a classic sidecar race there was an incident in which a rider required medical support. I never did find out the outcome, but I hope he’s up and walking by now. The atmosphere became very solemn as a sobering reminder that no matter how experienced you are, motorsport can be dangerous.
Meanwhile, at the concours event that’s hosted by Cheshire Classic Cars, we celebrated eighties supercars. Immaculate examples taking part included the usual selection of 80’s pin-ups, from the Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach LP500S, Porsche 911 (930) Turbo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Lotus Esprit Turbo. it was the 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP500S, owned by Adrian Marshall that took the highest accolade and was named best overall concours entrant. personally I would have gone for the Aston, but that’s just me.
Back at the start line, Dougie Lampkin kept us entertained with his showcase of incredible bike control skills, including jumping and hopping his bike around commentator Andy Kershaw as well as over hay bales surrounding the track itself, and after a short trip on a RIB he proceeded to show off his skills on a pontoon obstacle course on the lake, very impressive.
Just beyond the car club stands on the other side of the track, Land Rover Experience was on hand to take customers around a small wooded off road course. It was nothing too demanding, but for uninitiated it was exciting.
Nestled amongst the many stands, Cheshire Constabulary were also present, and not just for keeping us unruly classic car enthusiasts in line, but also showing off their kit and warning everyone about the dangers of reckless driving.
Wandering back to the start line I got myself all excited watching the 1974 Cologne Capri, Cosworth GAA. Apparently, it produces 510BHP at 9000RPM, and weighing in at 1150kg it has a top speed of 175mph. However, on the short tyre warming section there was a loud bang and it coasted gently to a stop. Transmission failure didn’t ruin the day though, it came back later with a vengeance!
As quick as the 2015 CPoP had arrived from last year, it was over for another, and according to those in charge, 2015 was the best-ever, recording its biggest gate of over 65,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.
So if you like fast cars, fast bikes, fast boats and fast planes from all eras, you’ll enjoy CPoP. Next years event will be held on the 10th, 11th and 12th of June, and if you’re luck you might bump into Mrs Muddy ’n’ me. Oh, and bring a brolly, the weather is always mixed!