It was pomp and ceremony and RAF Northolt this morning as competitors took up their places on the start line. 

With Spitfire and Hurricane in attendance, the 'Runners found themselves guests of 'The Royal Flight.' After a 'blat' across the piano keys on the 'Runway, they were summoned by the Station Commander of RAF Northolt for a pilot's breakfast in the World War Two Officer's Mess. Crews were sat where the pilots themselves had been some 81 years earlier. Whilst they dined, a quintet from the RAF Salon Orchestra played contemporary, 1940's and motoring related pieces and a medley of James Bond themes.

The WWII Scramble bell was rung and crews raced to their cars, in the style of the pilots of old in a somewhat alternative 'Le Mans' start. 

Competitors were then directed to the 'Parade Square' and afforded the unusual privilege of being allowed to park on it. Stood to attention where the Queen's Colour Squadron. 146 men gave a regularity drill display, last seen in the Royal Albert Hall the previous Saturday evening. All ranks had voluntarily given their mornings leave up, to give the 'Run a private display. The cars left for France via a guard of honour from the whole of the Queens Colour Squadron and headed South.