I’ve entered my car into two Concours events, the first being the London Concours and the second being the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Concours at Burghley House. Having never entered a Concours event before, I need some professional help, so I’ve brought the car to Max Car Care Detailing and Valeting Services to assist in my preparation.

The video is live now and is part 1 of a series of videos which shares how I prepared and what I experienced at both Concours events.

If you’re thinking of entering a Concours yourself, soon or in the future, this may be a useful video for you to watch.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Max Car Care, the detailer I used, follow the link below to their website;

https://www.maxcarcare.co.uk/

To view the video, simply click on the link below and we’ll take you right there!

Just before I attend the London Concours and the AMOC Concours at Burghley House, I drive my car to the infamous Goodwood Motor Circuit, where I display the Vantage in Supercar Sunday - The Breakfast Club. Having never attended this event before, I must say the volume, variety and caliber of cars that attended, was simply amazing!

Subscribe now so you don’t miss the video, which is coming soon!

If you want to find out more about Goodwood Breakfast Club follow the link below;

https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/breakfast-club/

I’ll be attending the opening day of the London Concours, an automotive garden party like no other! Set in the centre of our capital city - in the amazing setting of the Artillery Gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company’s Headquarters, London.

This year is significant if you love Aston Martin, like I do! On 3rd June, they’re celebrating this British icon!

Covering everything from the elegant DB’s from the 50s and 60s, to the V8s of the 70s and 80s and supercharged titans of the 90s, this will be quite a show.

Guess what? My car is going to be one of the Aston Martins on display! I’ll be filming my experience of what its like getting to the venue, what happens once I’m in, the access to exclusive areas, as well as walking around all the amazing cars on display, plus lots more.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it, you’ll be able to watch a YouTube film all about it, so if you’re an Aston Martin fan, like me, subscribe to @fuelthepassion so you don’t miss it!

If you want to find out more about the London Concours event, visit the website below;

https://londonconcours.co.uk/a-british-icon-aston-martin/

Yes, i’ve gone for it, I’ve entered my Vantage into this Concours event. I don’t think I appreciate what I’ve let myself in for! I’ve never entered a concours type event before, and I will be filming my experience, which will appear on @fuelthepassion YouTube channel in the near future. Have you ever wondered what concours is all about, how the judges score the condition of your car? Are you interested in finding out more, or thinking about entering a concours yourself? This will provide a great insight. Consider subscribing so you don’t miss it!

I attend a beautiful barn in Oxfordshire whereby the amazing contents have a significant link to Aston Martin.

Video coming soon. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

I’ll be going out for an evening drive with fellow SC:UK club members. Count on a variety of cars, beautiful scenery and hopefully a lovely sunset as we set out across the Yorkshire Dales, before finishing at the highest pub in the UK. One not to be missed. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

To find out more about SC:UK or if you’re interested in joining, follow the link below to their website;

https://www.supercarowner.co.uk/

This will be my first time attending this event, so I’m interested to see what it’s like. This is Supercar Fests 5th Year, so is now quite well established. Looking at previous years photographs, it looks action packed with lots of supercars and hypercars, so I’ll be getting out the cameras and recording what I see, so I can share with you. Let’s see what this event is all about! Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

To find out more about this event, follow the link below;

https://www.supercarfest.co.uk/the-runway

When the weather improves, don’t you ever feel like you just need to get out and about?! I know I do, so I’ll be hitting the roads, just my Vantage and I, as we explore roads around Snowdonia. I’ll be taking you with me, as it will featue on @fuelthepassion YouTube Channel in the near future, so subscribe so you don’t miss it!

The Fast Lane Club will host this years edition of Yorkshire Elegance at Grantley Hall. This will be an amazing year, with some very rare and exquisite cars on display. Significantly for Aston Martin lovers, of which I am just one! - this year in recognition of the Aston Martin DB6 turning 60 this year, Yorkshire Elegance will showcase all the Aston Martin models built under David Brown between 1947-1972. What an amazing line-up this will be. One not to be missed. Subscribe now, to make sure you don’t!

To find out more about this event, follow the link below:

https://www.yorkshireelegance.com/

This will be the 2nd year of the event at this iconic race circuit, Mallory Park, in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside. This event has continuous action on track, from supercar displays, hypercar displays and much more. This will be my first time attending this event, so lets see what it’s like - video coming to @fuelthepassion channel soon. Subscribe now, so you don’t miss it!

To find out more about this event, follow the link below;

https://www.supercarfest.co.uk/the-track

I’ll be attending the amazing spectacle that is Goodwood Festival of Speed. This year the theme is ‘The Winning Formula - Championship and Challenges’ which will celebrate 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship and 125 years of motorsport history. I’ll be there to try and capture some behind the scenes action. Goodwood cover the event and the drives up the Goodwood Hill on their YouTube channel, so I won’t be covering that, but I will be showing you the stands and what it’s like to be a visitor at this amazing yearly event!

Subscribe to @fuelthepassion so you don’t miss it!

I’ll be attending this amazing event - or that’s what I’ve heard, as I’ve never been, but I’m putting that right this year! I’ll be there with my Vantage D7FTP, where I’ll be filming the coming and goings and to discover why this event is so popular. How many Astons can you get in one place?? We’ll find out later this summer! Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

Yes, I’ll be doing it again! I’ve attended the amazing Revival nearly every year and this year will be no exception. I’ll be attending this three-day festival held each year at Goodwood Circuit, where we’ll see a great selection of historic motor cars and motorbikes, hitting the circuit as they battle it out. Seeing these amazing machines race in this environment is one not to be missed! I’ll be walking around the entire circuit, seeing races from various angles and capturing the shops, stalls pits and atmosphere of what it’s like being a visitor to this great event - the visitor car park is also an amazing place, so I’ll be taking a closer look at what people travel to Goodwood in! One not to be missed!

On 25th May 1935 Aston Martin Owners Club was formed. It has now become one of the oldest, largest owners clubs on the world.

Join me as the Yorkshire Area AMOC group meet up at a Golf Club, then hit the roads to Wentworth House.

There’s a great variety of Aston Martins which attend. Although a very windy day, the weather stayed mainly dry for us!

Not all was positive at this event! Something very unfortunate happened to one of the cars - probably the most expensive car at the event! We couldn’t believe it!

If you want to find out more about Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) click on the link below;

https://www.amoc.org/

Those who have subscribed to Fuel the Passion and who have been watching the video’s for a while, will know that I bought my Aston Martin Vantage in August 2024, from Aston Martin Sevenoaks, which is part of the Stratstone group. Having bought a car from this group, I was automatically enrolled in Club HLS - High Luxury & Supercars. HLS hosted their first northern HLS Club Cars & Coffee Roadshow of 2025 and I was invited! I admired the line-up of Stratstones latest models from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche in the stunning surroundings of Gawsworth Hall.

Click on the link below to watch it now.

If you want to find out more about Club HLS or see the Stratstone range, follow the link below to their website;

https://www.stratstone.com/club-hls/?srsltid=AfmBOooy5n4D_S3iXzeLhvz-Rfyc_ACeL-5_A7M_2fwdMizGIeKHMkpJ

When your local Aston Martin dealership contacts you and invites you to attend the showroom to take a closer look around their new Vanquish Volante, how could I refuse? I'm so pleased I did, as the car is stunning.

Join me as I show you around the car, we hear the amazing Aston Martin 5.2 litre V12 start up and see the roof go up and down, and its such a neat and fast mechanism. We take a good look at the car outside and in. I also show you my dream spec on the Aston Martin configurator.

What would your chosen spec be? Let me know what you think of the new Vanquish Volante and how you would spec it, in the comments section of the video.

Before I leave, I notice a Vantage F1 Edition, so we take a look around that too.

If you want to look at what cars are in Aston Martin, Leeds current Timeless range, check out the link below; https://www.jct600.co.uk/brands/aston...

This event is testament to the gladiator effort over the years of the organiser Chris Crossley, with support from family, who are sports car fans and got fed up with all the main car events happening down south, so they decided to plan their own! The first meeting took place on 18th April 2004 after Chris approached Bolton Abbey and he put a note on a forum and ‘boom!’ the seed was sown. Events similar to this have now been going for a number of years - sports & supercars with a stately home in stunning settings - what’s not to like?!

I attended with my Aston Martin Vantage D7FTP and filmed my experience. Video is out now on the @fuelthepassion YouTube Channel.

To find out more, visit the sportscarsinthepark website;

https://www.sportscarsinthepark.co.uk/

I just had to share this with you, as this model was only announced by Aston Martin on 30th April. Having dropped off my Vantage to have a replacement Cooler Sensor fitted under warranty, I found this lovely DBX 'S' in the showroom. It wasn't there when I dropped my car off in the morning. I grabbed my camera and had a quick look around this upgraded, enhanced DBX. It's now got even more power, it's lighter and has a number of enhancements from the Valhalla supercar. Wow! As you can see for yourself, the interior is stunning and the outside isn't bad either! You also get to hear the engine as it's moved outside. It's a short and brief video.

If you want to find out more about the DBX S, follow the link below to Aston Martins excellent website; https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/mod...

Video is out now, follow the link below to watch.

Join me as I have an overnight stay in the Brecon Beacons, not only do I hit the stunning roads in this part of the world, but I show you around the place I stayed overnight, which was absolutely stunning. I also visit what I think is probably the smallest Pizza Restaurant in the UK!

If you like what you see and fancy trying out the menu yourself, visit the Perfect Pizza company in Brecon at: https://properpizzas.co.uk/

If you’re interested to find out more or wish to book the Lodge, [called Swn Y Nant Holiday Lodge, Aberyscir, Brecon LD3 9NP] that's featured in this video, you can book it via the link below; https://www.cottages.com/cottages/swn...

When you watch this, you’ll want to book a place to stay, maybe even the place I stayed and get exploring in the stunningly beautiful Brecon Beacons.

Video is out now, follow the link below to watch.

The rear tyres on my Aston Martin Vantage have worn down to an extent that they need to be changed. Problem? Where do you take a performance, sports, supercar to get your tyres changed? I wanted somewhere I could trust, that will take care of my car and protect the wheels during the change process. After some research and asking around, I settled on Harwood Tyres in Harworth, South Yorkshire. Plus, in this video, there’s a sneaky preview as to what’s coming up in my next video.

If you want to know more about Harworth Tyres or want to check out their services, follow the link below;

https://www.harworthtyres.co.uk/

After a warning light appears on my Vantage dashboard, I pop into Aston Martin, Leeds and whilst I leave them to investigate the issue, I take a good look around at the latest models and thought I would film it and share via YouTube.

Do you wish you could physically spend some time to look around the latest Aston Martin models - taking in the various specifications, styles and colours? What would you choose? Are you currently in the market for a new Aston? Well, sit back and relax, as I bring some offerings to your screens. As always, there were some lovely cars in the showroom. ‘Time well spent’ is out now. …and I now know what the issue was with the warning light on the dash. Part has been ordered - all will be revealed in the video.

To find out more about the current stock at Aston Martin Leeds, follow the link below;

https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/dealers/aston-martin-leeds

Thanks to SC:UK and the DMB Collection for hosting a number of car enthusiasts in the spring of 2025, where we got a chance to browse the impressive stock and admire the location, being Leeds East Airport. This is well worth a visit, not only to admire the cars but to also see the occasional Spitfire and other planes take off and land, which is right next to the showroom. There’s a separate cafe on site for refreshments.

To find out more and see what amazing stock they have, follow the link below;

https://www.dmbcollection.co.uk/

This is a stunning location, which, on a clear day, provides some lovey views out to the North Sea. A great selection of wildlife can also be seen here, ranging from numerous seabirds and if you’re lucky the occasional dolphin and seals. I manage to catch dozens of seals in the video linked below. There is also a cafe so you can purchase some refreshments whilst there!

During a spring drive, organised by Stratestone Ferrari Manchester and SC:UK, across some stunning roads and some quaint little Welsh villages, we concluded the drive here at Pale Hall, which is a stunning venue. It’s situated in the tranquil Dee Valley and is a historic, high Victorian Mansion which has idylilic woodland gardens rolling down to the banks of the river, all with the spectacular Snowdonia National Park on the doorstep. Well worth a visit. The afternoon tea is also very tasty!

If you want to find out more, visit the hotel website via the link below;

https://www.palehall.co.uk/

As part of an Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Spring Drive out and overnight stay to the Lake District, many of us concluded our trip by visiting the Lakeland Motor Museum. The Museum announced AMOCs attendance on their website and as you’ll see if you watch the YouTube video (link below), a number of Astons and their drivers attended, so we put on a good show for attendees. The Museum is a great place to visit, it’s jam packed with exhibits, again my video will give you a good idea of what’s on show, but I only scratch the surface, there’s so much more to see! I definitely recommend you visit this Museum, if you’re planning a trip to the Lake District.

The reservoir is a beautiful location to visit, or simply drive passed whilst taking in the stunning views, especially on a clear day.

Dovestone Reservoir can be found on the Holmfirth Road, or A635 between Holmfirth and Oldham.

I join the Aston Martin Owners Club, for a spring drive and overnight stay in the stunning Lake District. We stay at the Inn on the Lake Hotel, which overlooks the stunning Ullswater Lake and as you will see if you watch the video via the link below, the views from the rooms are amazing. You won’t be disappointed!

If you want to find out more, visit the hotels website via the link below;

https://www.lakedistricthotels.net/innonthelake/

A great hub for car and bike enthusiasts, this venue has year-round meets, great food and refreshments, a great motor themed shop and loads of space for the main exhibits - the visitors cars! Check out their website for themed meet ups and gatherings!

If you want to find out more, visit the link below;

https://www.themotorist.com/

I visited this lovely Museum during the Spring of 2025 in my Video titled ‘72 Hours’. Brooklands is the birthplace of British Motorsport and aviation. Part of the historic curved banks of the first purpose-built racing circuit in the world, is still there - the history in this place is amazing and it’s well worth a visit.

If you want to find out more, visit the website via the link below;

https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/

I attended this venue at the same time that the Aston Martin Heritage Trust organised an Aston Martin event at the Museum. More of this can be seen on the video, just click on the button below to view.

This museum, located in Gaydon, Warwickshire, holds a large collection of historic British cars, with over 300 on display. If you want to find out more, follow the link below to their website;

https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/

I visited two Caffeine & Machine venues during my video ‘72 Hours’ click on the button below if you wish to view.

It was my first visit to these venues, and I found them welcoming, and the food tasty. I would definitely recommend, especially if you like anything that moves, from cars, to motorbikes, hypercars to trucks - whatever vehicle you have or are interested in, you’ll be made welcome. They also organise themed days and evenings. Loads to check out - look at their website for more details.

To find out more and visit their website, follow the link below;

https://caffeineandmachine.com/

I attended Allerton Castle as part of SC:UK Spring Season Opener in early 2025. In the video, I show not only the cars that attended, but some footage of some of the rooms inside. The castle and grounds are well worth a visit. To find out more, visit the website, details below;

https://www.allertoncastle.co.uk/

What can I say about this event and place? - WOW! If you ever get a chance, put on some period fashion and pay the Revival a visit at least once in your life. If you manage to go once, you’ll more than likely visit it again! It’s the worlds best historic motorsport event and is an immersive celebration of iconic cars and fashion. Add it to the bucket list! I’ve been going for years and will be going again this year, so stay tuned, as the video will drop in September. I’ll be particularly focusing on a walk around of the entire circuit, whilst watching a range of racing; I’ll be looking at the shops and stalls and will be taking a closer look at the amazing cars owners bring each year - the car park can be just as amazing as the Goodwood Garages!

If you want to book tickets or find out more, visit the link below;

https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-revival/

Check out my video, via the button below, as I take a closer look at numerous cars on show at the 2024 Classic Motor Show. I’ll be returning in years to come!

To book tickets or to find out more, follow the link below;

https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/

This place is amazing and reminds me of Cheddar Gorge in the South of the UK. This one is in the North. Winnats Pass is a hill pass and limestone gorge in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. The road winds through a cleft, surrounded by high limestone ridges. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Also close by is Castleton, a lovely and picturesque village - both areas are featured in my video below. Take a look!

This stunningly beautiful high moorland is situated on the border between the Holme Valley district of Kirklees in West Yorkshire and the High Peak district of Derbyshire in England. Many Car Magazines and YouTube channels have used this and the surrounding area as part of their testing ground, when they review the latest cars, or an iconic car of the past, due to it’s outstanding views and beauty. I’m lucky, as this is not too far from where I live, so I enjoy the road and views on a regular basis. You don’t have to drive fast to enjoy this ascent and descent, in fact I advise that you don’t drive quickly, as the road surface, especially on the side going towards Manchester, is very bumpy!

If you’re in the area - I absolutely recommend you include this as a place to visit. Stop off in the car park by the transmitting station and take in the views!

Video Coming Later in 2025!

I’m driving across Europe later this year to celebrate Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) 90th Anniversary, and will be stopping at Motorworld Hotel for a night whilst on route. Of course I will be filming the experience and will hopefully have enough time to explore the Motorworld exhibits and cars whilst I’m there!

SUBSCRIBE to @fuethepassion on YouTube so you don’t miss it!

If you like Aston Martins, my advice is to subscribe to @fuelthepassion YouTube Channel as you won’t want to miss this! I was lucky enough to join Sam & Tony from the YouTube Automotive Podcast ‘Behind the Glass’ last year, when my son and I joined them and a number of other car nuts, for their first year hosting roadtrips. That one was across europe, where I produced some of my first YouTube Videos for the channel. This year I’m doing it alone, but will be coming across numerous Aston Martins on route and when I’m down in Austria, where I will feature some amazing sights of how Aston Martin Owners from all over the world meet up and celebrate this milestone event! This is one not to be missed!

The circuit Reims-Gueux was a motor racing circuit made up of rural public roads, located in Gueux, 8km west of Reims in the Champagne region of north-eastern France. Established in 1926 as the second venue of the Grand Prix de la Mame.

This place is special and is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. I’ll no doubt be going back again, maybe in 2025, when I hit the European roads again whilst on route to Austria. Walking around exploring the historic buildings was a great experience, I could just imagine the atmosphere back in the day. The last year Formula 1 went to Reims was 1966, whilst final sports car competitions were held in 1969 and motorcycle racing continued for another 3 years. In 1972, Reims-Gueux closed permanently due to financial difficulties. A must visit for any car/racing enthusiast! (at least once!)

What an experience driving up and down this epic mountain! It’s one that I will never forget. I filmed a couple of videos whilst on this mountain, one filming the entire descent, with hardly any other vehicles or people seen. If you’re thinking of going, check out my videos on @fuelthepassion YouTube Channel, it gives a great insight as to what it’s like driving up and down Austria’s highest mountain, which reaches an elevation of 3,798 meters/12,460 feet.

My son and I stayed here once we descended the Grossglockner, Austria, September 2024. This was our overnight stay prior to waking up extremely early the following day and driving all the way from Liechtenstein to Calais to catch a ferry back to the UK and home. What an epic little flat with an amazing, as described ‘Million Dollar View’. As with any Airbnb, we’re not sure how long this will remain available for, but it’s a great little stop over with lovely hosts.

To stay in this venue, cut/paste or click on the link below:

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32945297?adults=1&search_mode=regular_search&check_in=2025-06-11&check_out=2025-06-13&source_impression_id=p3_1737647035_P3uxWdaz_2wNJssj&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=3945b363-aaca-458d-96d7-beb2cc5e497b

As part of the Behind the Glass (BTG) European Tour 2024, I attended Motorworld in Cologne, Germany, where an amazing Michael Schumacher Private Collection was on show. I actually found it quite emotional, seeing all the cars, outfits, helmets, gloves and trophies that had once been handled, worn, driven, by this F1 Legend and multiple World Champion. Take a look at the video, which gives you an idea of what you’re missing if you’ve never been - it’s well worth a visit!

As part of the Behind the Glass European Tour, we not only had a go of some go-karts on a bespoke karting track, nestled within the grounds of the circuit, we also attended on a day when numerous classic racing cars arrived, as they were preparing for racing in days to come. Although we didn’t see any racing cars out on track, we still had the opportunity of getting up close to many of the cars whilst being prepared.

This is a stunning hotel, and the picture shown was the view from my hotel room! My son and I stayed at this hotel as part of the Behind the Glass European Tour 2024, on the same day we ascended and descended the Grossglockner, High Alpine Road, Austria. What a trip and this hotel helped make it such a memorable experience.

If you would like to find out more about this hotel I stayed in, during the Behind the Glass (BTG) European Tour in 2024, follow the link below;

https://www.tauernspakaprun.com/en

Experience the history of Porsche up close, as you walk through the history of this hugely successful and well recognised global brand. They have numerous cars on show, all of which are presented in pristine conditions. I was lucky to visit this Museum during the Behind the Glass European Tour 2024. Check out my video to give you an idea what’s displayed.

If you’re interested in visiting the Porsche Museum, as I did whilst on the Behind the Glass (BTG) European Tour 2024, visit the link below;

https://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porschemuseum/