When In Romeo, Do As The Romeons Do

You couldn’t ask for a better weekend: great racing, a family gathering and sunshine.

- Phil McNamara

SUMMER SUN, FAMILY, classic racing and a 2017 Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio: it was one of those days that leaves you blissfully satisfied, like simultaneously devouring a box set and a box of Lindor Milk Truffles. Castle Combe wasn’t just hostingthe West Country Cracker Race Meeting, but also a gathering of my motorsport-bred inlaws, including the introduction of two-month-old nephew Ioan and my daughters to motorsport.

The Oakhams welcomed the Giulia into the fold. ‘This is the first car of yours I’ve liked,’ said father-in-law Chris, creakily lowering himself into the subterranean driver’s seat and fiddling with paddles that combine a tactile springiness and a percussive click. Then, laden with camping chairs and children, we left the Alfa in the Castle Combe car park/field and headed for the action, leaving a gathering of Wiltshire Alfisti to snap selfies while decoding the QV’s air vents and carbonfibre details.