Download the Pentillie Festival of Speed map.

Book before the end of May to take advantage of reduced prices.BOOK ONLINE HERE.

30 people braved the early start and were rewarded with a fine spring morning and the smell of fresh coffee and bacon sandwiches. An eclectic range of cars were on display from the likes of a Model T-Ford through to the more modern, like the Nissan GT-R. Visitors had the chance to walk the hill as well as engaging in some lively petrol-fuelled chat.

Some drivers enjoyed a spirited drive through the countryside too, meeting at Sourton on the A30 and driving via Holsworthy, Launceston and Callington to the Castle.

Further events are planned during the run-up to the Festival of Speed, so stay tuned for more updates.

You can follow @DawnRefuelling or @PentillieFoS on twitter. For @PetrolBlog’s review of the ‘Run to the Castle’, visit PetrolBlog.com.

With thanks to Greenwood Studio Photography and Andrew Jinman for the photography.

The South West’s first ever Festival of Speed, which will take place within the riverside grounds of Cornwall’s Pentillie Castle on the 25^th and 26^th August, now boasts regional car dealer Vospers as a main sponsor and popular online magazine, Retro-Speed, as its media partner.

Vospers’ involvement means visitors can expect an exciting mix of petrolhead cars, from manufacturers such as Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Mazda, Peugeot and Renault, as well as cutting-edge, next generation electrical vehicles. The ultra compact and modern Renault Twizy will be on display, as well as the popular Nissan Leaf, Renault Fluence and Fiat 500 TwinAir.

Vospers will also be providing a number of cars and their own Motor Sports Association (MSA) licensed drivers to allow selected visitors the chance to have a high speed ride on the one mile hillclimb.

Abarth UK, the performance arm of the Fiat brand, will be in attendance throughout the event and will be wowing the crowds with impressive aerobatic displays in its renowned stunt plane – flown by pilot Mark Jeffries.

The two-day event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday, guarantees an action packed weekend with adrenalin-fuelled hillclimbs, classic and performance car displays, 4×4 Land Rover experience drives, F1 simulators, a giant Scalextric track and quality West Country food and drink.

With so much planned, online magazine Retro-Speed was keen to be involved and has signed up as an official partner of the event, promoting the weekend via its popular website and social media channels.

Ted Coryton, owner of Pentillie Castle, said: “We are delighted to have both Vospers and Retro-Speed magazine on board for this fantastic event. Visitors are guaranteed an exciting display of vehicles by Vospers and we are particularly delighted to see the range of electrical vehicles, as well as classic and super cars.

“There have been a number of exciting developments in recent weeks which we hope to be able to release soon. 2012 will mark the inaugural Pentillie Festival of Speed but we certainly look forward to making this an annual event.”

John Hutchinson, Abarth Franchise Manager said: “The South West has waited a long time for a motor sport event of this calibre. The striking grounds of Pentillie Castle provide the perfect backdrop and, as the premier new and used car dealership in Devon and Cornwall, we are incredibly excited to be a part of it.”

Visit www.pentilliefestivalofspeed.co.uk  to find out more, or to sign-up for the MSA-regulated hillclimbs.

ENDS

18/04/12

Notes to Editors:
The Pentillie Festival of Speed will take place within the Castle’s striking riverside grounds in St Mellion, Cornwall. The event runs over the August Bank Holiday weekend (25^th and 26^th August) and includes MSA regulated hillclimbs on both days, as well as extensive classic and super car displays, F1 and rally simulators, Land Rover 4×4 experience drives and a giant Scalextric track.

Food is to be provided by Chandler’s bistro.

www.pentilliefestivalofspeed.co.uk

Twitter – @PentillieFOS

Facebook – Pentillie Festival of Speed

Pentillie Castle
Pentillie Castle is an award winning bed and breakfast establishment, offering nine luxurious en suite bedrooms in a breathtaking setting, overlooking the River Tamar and Dartmoor. The estate covers 2000 acres in total, lining the bank of the River Tamar for almost two miles.

Pentillie Castle has just been named a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.

Vospers
Premier new and used car dealership in Devon and Cornwall for Ford, Peugeot, Renault, Nissan, Fiat, Mazda, Alfa Romeo and Abarth.

www.vospers.com

Retro-Speed
Online magazine providing daily updates and images from the world of classic cars and historic motor sport.

www.retro-speed.co.uk

And for those who fancy an even earlier start, our friends at PetrolBlog are organising a ‘Run to the Castle’. They’re meeting at 7am at Sourton Down services just off the A30 near Okehampton. We’re assured a good driving route to the Castle will be chosen!

For more details on Dawn Refuelling, visit the site here.

Either way, we hope to see you and your car on Saturday morning.

The brilliant Abarth stunt plane will be at the Pentillie Festival of Speed on Saturday 25th August. Piloted by Mark Jeffries, the aerobatic display will be sure to please the crowds.

To whet your appetite, check out this footage of Mark last year.

Vospers will be bringing a selection of new cars from across its stable of marques, which includes:

• Ford
• Peugeot
• Renault
• Nissan
• Fiat
• Abarth
• Mazda
• Alfa Romeo

Whether you’re turned on by the smell of petrol or your interest is sparked by the new range of electric cars, there will sure to be a car for you.

Vospers has also promised to bring one or two surprises to the event, including a couple of very special cars. More on this soon!

In the meantime, welcome Vospers and thanks for the support.

The first open day is this Sunday 25th March, 11am – 4pm, and the next one on Sunday 15^th April.

Not only do you get to walk the hill, but also to enjoy the wonderful spring display of Rhododendrons, Camellias and Daffodils. Entry is £6pp. Light lunch and refreshments are available in the castle.

Most of us have only ever raced on two lane tracks, so this will be a new experience for us.

We’ve also confirmed the booking for an F1 simulator, along with two linked chassis simulators and two Moto GP simulators, which will allow for you and a friend to race head-to-head. Sadly we can’t guarantee Jenson Button will be here, not least because he’ll probably be preparing for the Belgian F1 grand prix at Spa! Shame.

They are promising great excitement, with the six latest models on show and available for 4×4 demonstrations through the Pentillie Estate and woods!

More information and booking details are on their way – keep watching the site,or click the red button above to sign up for the newsletter. We will keep you posted.