TO ‘ROAR’ AT CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT OF POWER
He may be 87 years old but veteran motor racing driver Tommy Entwhistle is set to prove at this weekend’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power that age is no barrier to a record-beating time. And he plans to do so in the legendary TVR he’s owned and raced since 1963.
Born in 1921 Tommy was a fighter pilot in World War Two flying Spitfires and Hurricanes. He is the oldest person to hold a competition racing licence in the UK.
His TVR, affectionately known as The Gem, has been raced as far away as Sebring in America and Spa in Belgium as well as throughout the UK. It is now on its third engine currently fitted with a V6 Cosworth unit on triple Weber downdraught carburettors. It is restored and maintained by Tommy’s long time friend and some time co-driver Trevor Farrington.
Tommy is excited to be among the competitors at this inaugural Pageant of Power. “Although I’ve raced all over the world I think this is going to be something special,” he says. “I’ve been going to Cholmondeley Castle as a visitor for years and it did sometimes occur to me that a hill climb or something like that should be organised. But then we racing drivers think that about most places we go to! I never dreamt I’d have the chance to take the old TVR around here in anger.”
On June 11, Tommy, as the oldest MSA International Race Licence holder at 87, was invited to McLaren Cars at Woking to join Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and a host of other motor racing celebrities to celebrate the new Motor Sports Association initiative ‘Go Motorsport’.
Cholmondeley Pageant of Power will feature 40 racing bikes and 80 sports and racing cars – vintage, classic and modern day, competing on the new circuit. In addition there will be motorbikes and vintage cars on display in the grounds.
Inshore powerboat racing will take place on the 25 acre mere and helicopters will be flying in and displayed including the famous MASH bubble cabin helicopter and the original Army helicopter, the Skeeter made from canvas and wood.
There will be a trade village with attractions for all the family - picnics, food and champagne tents, shopping, crafts and a funfair.
Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is priced £25 per adult, per day for pre-booked tickets. Entrance to the event is priced £30 per adult, per day if purchased on the day at the gate. Tickets for the two-day event are priced £40 per adult and can be purchased through their website pageantofpower.com/tickets or by phoning 01264 882200. Entrance to children under 16 is free.
