Following on from the previous post, I spent a pleasant Saturday at a sunny but chilly Silverstone with the VSCC snapping the Pomeroy Trophy.

The first Pomeroy Trophy was held in 1952. It was instigated by Laurence Pomeroy (1908–1966) who was an English motoring journalist, technical editor for The Motor magazine, and author. 

The idea was to find the best touring car and to do this a series of tests were devised, one of which required the car to accommodate two “club” sized suitcases. Cars were also required to carry out braking and acceleration tests, steering tests and ultimately, drive from Silverstone to Cheltenham without breaking down!

Points appear to have been calculated using a slide rule, the time of day and copious amounts of claret!

This year the “Pom” celebrated its 70th edition and in keeping with its tradition, it included an eclectic mix of machinery. From the “Edwardian” Monarch GP of Les Searle, to the Group 2 BMW 3.0 CSI of Patrick Blakeney-Edrwards, via such delights as the Citroen CX of Jonathan Fenning.

These days unlike the early versions which took three days, the tests are held in the morning and the afternoon comprises three 40 minute high speed tests around the Silverstone GP circuit.

In keeping with the history of the event and with credit to Microsoft Copilot, we present the Awards Ceremony in the manner of the late Mr Pomeroy.

The 70th Pomeroy Trophy Awards Ceremony

Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you a warm welcome to the 2026 Pomeroy Trophy Awards. This evening heralds the 70^th anniversary of a competition that has long stood as a beacon for motoring enthusiasts everywhere. Each year, both the automotive press and manufacturers await the results with eager anticipation; as the adage goes, triumph on Saturday sets the tone for success on Monday.

Tonight, we have the privilege of bestowing four distinguished trophies. First, the Pomeroy Trophy, awarded to the overall champion; then the Densham Trophy, honoring the finest Road Legal Pre-War automobile; followed by the Gordon Spice Cup, reserved for the top competition car; and lastly, the Pomeroy Edwardian Trophy for the outstanding Edwardian vehicle. Each award speaks to a unique facet of motoring excellence.

Permit me a brief reminiscence: the inaugural “Pom” unfolded in 1952 at Silverstone, where entrants navigated barrels in a figure-of-eight formation, then faced acceleration and braking trials. The journey continued to Cheltenham, where, according to records, “some members [of the club] had a drink. Being a convivial soul, I joined them for a few tipples.” How curious it seems today that sporting competition once mingled so freely with a fine claret, yet such camaraderie is the very soul of our event.

Now, with great pleasure, I present the winners:

The overall laurels and the Pomeroy Trophy for Road Legal Cars go to Mr. Theodore Hunt, piloting his Frazer Nash TT Replica, a triumph marking his second overall victory.

The Densham Trophy is awarded to Andrew Smith, whose Frazer Nash Super Sports exemplifies the spirit and engineering prowess of its era.

For the category of non-Road Legal Cars, the Gordon Spice Cup finds a worthy recipient in Patrick Blakeney-Edwards and his BMW 3.0CSI, whose performance commands respect.

It is with heartfelt satisfaction that I confer the Pomeroy Edwardian Trophy upon Andrew Howe-Davies for his Straker-Squire TT Racer, an ode to motoring’s pioneering age.

My congratulations to each category champion; but let me also extend sincere gratitude to every entrant. Without your dedication and gusto, the spirit of this competition would not endure. Thank you all.

So, thank you to Laurence Pomeroy and of course to Ben Crosby and the Vintage Sports Car Club team for providing a brilliantly entertaining start to the 2026 circuit racing season.

Feel free to share this post.

All comments welcome.