In the late Douglas Adams’ book “The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, a super computer known as “Deep Thought” takes eons to work out the answer to life, the universe and everything. In fact it takes so long to calculate that the computer forgets the question. I suspect Douglas based his story on the VSCC’s annual competition for the Pomeroy Trophy, which sets out by way of a number of criteria based on; the size of the car; and, whether it can stop in time; and, accelerate quickly; and, avoid cones; and, meet a handicappped lap time around Silverstone’s GP Circuit, to find the best touring car. Oh, and it must be able to accommodate two suitcases 60cmx40cmx20cm! That’s one more than you can get on a Ryanair flight!

The event attracts an eclectic entry, with cars from the Edwardian era through to modern day, it is also a great way to start the season and thus there’s always a number of novices getting their first signature. The 2024 event was no exception and, as I had never been before, I took my cameras and spent a day wandering the paddock and standing on the banking. I decided to avoid Luffield on this occasion and so I was restricted to panning shots from inside Copse and a couple of other places on the Wellington Straight.

I was restricted to panning shots from inside Copse and a couple of other places on the Wellignton Straight.

The most prolific marque was that of Frazer Nash. I’ve been fond of these pre war sports cars since I read their history in “From Chain Drive to Turbocharger” by Denis Jenkinson. But it wasn’t all pre war cars there was also a post war Frazer Nash Targa Florio and a Le Mans Replica. Among others there were MGBs, BMWs, a Corvette and a particularly pretty Alfa Romeo Zagato, believed to have once been owned by the late Jo Bonnier.

And while I was having a drink , Pomeroy, who I think may have been having a drink too…………….

The first “Pom” was held in 1952, it started at Silverstone with a test requiring the cars to negotiate a series of barrels in a figure of eight, followed by an accelleration test and a braking test. The cars then headed to Cheltenham where, according to the contemporary report included in the event programme, “some members [of the club] had a drink. And while I [the author] was having a drink , Pomeroy, who I think may have been having a drink too……………..” so what followed appears to be somewhat clouded by conviviality.

There were three classes; Vintage; Non-Vintage; and, Edwardian.

Ultimately the winner was determined by use of a slide rule and a set of criteria, some of which, may or may not have been invented during the previous evening’s festivities. Nonetheless the first “Pom” was won by P.J. Binns in a 1924 Vauxhall 30/98.

This year there were 8 classes; 1A Pre War; 1BA Post War Road Legal Pre 1962; 1BB Post War Road Legal Series Production; 1BC Post War Road Legal Modified Cars; 1BD Post War Road Legal Sports Libre Cars; 2A Non-Road Legal Cars; 2B Non-Road Legal Modified Cars; and, 2C Non-Road Legal Sports Libre Cars. Last year’s winner was J. Felsted in a 2004 Subaru Imprezza.

Weatherwise it was somewhat damp and cloudy which led to some entertaining driving from the Frazer Nash drivers when they first encountered Copse in the High Speed Trial.

There were 99 entries listed in the programme but I think there were some additions. Not being an accredited photgrapher I was restricted to the area best described as inside the “Club Circuit”, thus I was unable to catch the tests which were held on parts of the track where us spectators were not allowed. So, the morning was spent wandering the paddock and drinking coffee. The cafe advertised a “mystery sausage bun” which, it turned out , was a vegan sausage and best avoided.

There were three High Speed Trials, so I headed to the Copse/Maggotts straight. As a challenge I stuck with my 70-200mm lens rather than using the 100-400mm alternative. Irrespective of lens choice the sad thing is that Silverstone simply provides a background resembling a building site!

Ultimately the event provides an interesting start to the UK motorsport season. It also provides a great opportunity for novices to get some non-pressure track time before entering their various championships.

I can’t tell you who this year’s winner was because it takes time to run the calculations, even if there was no drinking, but I came home with lots of photos which you can find here: https://peter-mallett.smugmug.com/VSCC-Pomeroy-Trophy-2024 and a smile.