Exclusive media preview gives a thrilling taster of one of the UK’s top motoring weekends + Laps in a Lancia Stratos at Castle Combe
Some invitations you simply can’t ignore. An Aston Martin race car worth £14 million? Hot laps in a Lancia Stratos replica? Castle Combe Circuit on a glorious Thursday? Yes please. This was the exclusive media preview for the 2025 Masters of Motoring, and what a mouth-watering amuse-bouche it turned out to be.
Hosted at the iconic Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire, this lunchtime event gave a sneak peek at what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends on the UK’s motoring calendar. From full-throttle track day action on Saturday 7th June to a super-posh concours-style garden party at Bowood House on Sunday 8th, the Masters of Motoring is levelling up again for 2025 – and I was there to get the inside scoop.
Masters of Motoring: Past, Present, and the Fast Lane to the Future
Kicking off the event was a passionate presentation by Steve Bishop, the man behind the Masters. Now in its third year, the event has evolved from a one-day affair at Bowood into a full-blown weekend experience for petrolheads, collectors and supercar snobs alike.
Steve spoke of preserving motoring heritage while embracing the future – including electric vehicles, modern engineering, and how to bring fresh blood into motorsport. That includes a new partnership with Formula Woman, and initiatives aimed at younger audiences and newcomers to the racing world.
I Got a Ride in a Lancia Stratos – And It Was Glorious
Let’s talk about the showstopper: the Lancia Stratos. Not just on display – no, I got strapped into it and taken on a flying lap of Castle Combe by John Rutter, who hand-built this replica three decades ago using a kit from Hot Cars. It’s powered by an Alfa V6 and has taken part in everything from circuit racing to rally demos and hill climbs. And let me tell you – it moves.
We hurtled through sweeping bends, clinging to the tarmac on skinny road tyres while the Alfa Buso engine howled behind us. I’m not exaggerating when I say I couldn’t stop smiling. Bucket list moment? Tick.
Fantastic Roads and the ZR-1 That’s Done It All
Also on hand was Alan Lewis, founder of Fantastic Roads, a bespoke driving tour company that takes enthusiasts across Europe and the US on epic journeys. We’re talking chateaux, champagne, mountain passes and even Route 66. No two tours are the same, and Alan has personally driven every route he offers – proper dedication.
And if that wasn’t enough, Alan also brought along his incredible 1995 Corvette ZR-1, which he’s owned from new and racked up over 91,000 miles in – including European tours and a full U.S. road trip. It’s a genuine unicorn of a car, and he drives it like it’s meant to be used. Respect.
Save the Dates – This One’s Worth the Drive
So, if you’re into motors, road trips, or simply want to see some astonishing machinery up close – mark your calendar for the 7–8 June 2025.
- Saturday 7th June – Castle Combe Circuit: Live track action, static displays, and exclusive track sessions from clubs and manufacturers.
- Sunday 8th June – Bowood House & Gardens: A luxury garden party-style car show on the estate’s immaculate lawns, with VIP areas, concours judging and the vibe of an art installation curated with chrome and horsepower.
This is motoring lifestyle at its finest – not just another car show, but a celebration of automotive culture in all its forms.
👉 Find out more and get tickets here
Let me know in the comments — would you drive a Lancia Stratos on skinny tyres around Castle Combe? Or are you more the Corvette road trip type?
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