12 May 2023
Bentley's First Win on Synthetic Fuel
On Monday 1st May, 21 Vintage Bentleys lined up at the Castle Combe Circuit to fight for the spoils over two 20-minute races. Both race victories were taken by William Medcalf, founder of Vintage Bentley, in a 3 4 ½ Litre consignment car. After setting the fastest time of the day in qualifying, Medcalf crossed the line powered by 100% synthetic fuel, closely followed by three of our clients in their respective W.Os to take the win.
Following in-depth conversations with P1 Performance Fuel, our chosen partner in this field, the initial mission was to complete a series of tests so we could be confident on both performance and validity.
The results of P1 compared to E5 proved successful across the board; test tube product mixing demonstrated zero change or erosion in comparison, whilst diagnostics from a full rolling road dynamometer test and set up indicated both positive and simultaneous performance to torque and air fuel ratio in addition to power runs. Furthermore, we delivered our Generations Track Day at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit powered by synthetic fuel. This was the perfect synergy of our next generation with a renewable solution for pre-war driving.
At Goodwood’s 80th Members’ Meeting we presented the first three Bentleys to ever compete on synthetic fuel, with all three finishing the Trofeo Nuvolari. Securing the win at Castle Combe with P1, completes our certification this is the future! The result of obtaining all podium positions with Bentleys prepared and maintained by our team at Vintage Bentley highlights the consistency and devotion we have to these pre-war cars.
Our journey with P1 Fuel has allowed us to test, compete and win; we are proud to confirm the team at Vintage Bentley take a first for all three stages as the leading specialist in the marque.
This marks an important moment in 100 years of Bentley history, proving beyond doubt that we can use the past to write the future.
As a business we are fully inspired and striving to obtain our carbon neutral accreditation which we are fully committed to achieving within the next 18 months.
William Medcalf, Vintage Bentley: “What a moment! Claiming first position in any race is exceptional, however, to prove these cars can win powered by synthetic fuel is a game changer. Creating significant accolades to Bentley history, particularly the pre-war era, is a great privilege and something that our team at VB can be immensely proud of as we lead the way by using the past to write the future. After all, these cars were built to be driven, raced, and rallied - long may it continue in a sustainable way, which we have proved is possible.”
Benjamin Cuyt, P1 Performance Fuel:"Vintage Bentley's historic victory on P1 Fuels is a testament to their unwavering pursuit of 'Guts and Glory'. By winning with a pre-war Bentley on a 100% carbon-neutral fuel, they have not only exemplified their engineering prowess but also their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Vintage Bentley has proven that true greatness lies not just in achieving victory but in doing so with integrity and purpose. Their success on the racetrack is a reflection of their enduring legacy as pioneers in the historic automotive industry, and a reminder that when we push the boundaries of what is possible, we can create a better and more sustainable classic car world for generations to come."
Photo Credit: Chris Harrison, Inmotion Images, Jayson Fong, © Tim Crisp Photography.
