We are happy to report that one of the world’s longest running automotive events has been saved from death by politician. The Brighton Speed Trials which started at the dawn of the automotive age in 1905 to pit the then numerous makes and models of cars together against each other in a racing format will live on. Over the years the race has stopped for wars and other interferences but the most potentially crippling of all was the politically based stoppage the group just got lifted.

There was a fatal accident on the course a couple of years back and the local government in Brighton was basically going to deny the group that puts on the speed trials a permit to use the public road that has served as the “track” for decades and decades. The Brighton Speed Trials are a British “sprint” meaning that  the cars are run down the course with a set distance between start and end. The races are run in a straight line and even through you may see two cars side by side, they are only racing the clock. Over the years there have been guys who’ve run down in the 8s with wild  race cars. We’re not talking drag race cars, we’re talking prototype level road racing iron.

We’d like to congratulate the people behind the lobbying effort. online petition, and organizing side of helping to keep the Brighton Speed Trials alive. Your hard work has turned the tide in the direction of fans, enthusiasts, and racers. It is a rare day when you can actually help get city hall to change its mind no matter which side of the pond you live on. You all did it and should be very proud!

READ THE FULL RELEASE HERE –

VICTORY FOR THE BRIGHTON SPEED TRIALS

 Council unanimously votes to give Brighton Speed Trials the go-ahead

 www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk

Brighton, 24 January 2014: The Brighton Speed Trials has been saved following a major campaign by event organisers, The Brighton and Hove Motor Club. After the council initially declined an application to run the event in 2014, its Economic Development and Culture Committee voted unanimously last night to allow the event to continue. It will be held this year on 6^th September.

The Speed Trials has been running in Brighton since 1905 and the initial council refusal caused outcry among Brighton residents, the motorsport industry and the many fans of the event around the UK and abroad. A Save the Brighton Speed Trials campaign was immediately launched by the motor club to save this historic event.

In just one month the Save the Brighton Speed Trials campaign generated over 12,400 names on a petition, over 7,000 likes on the campaign’s FaceBook page, hundreds of online forum discussions as well as dozens of articles in the local and national press, on TV and radio. Among the supporters were Sir Stirling Moss, local bestselling author Peter James, Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd and Top Gear’s The Stig.

Tony Watts of the Brighton and Hove Motor Club said: “This is a major victory not just for the club but for the heritage of Brighton, its residents and businesses and the history of motorsport. We couldn’t have achieved this without the overwhelming support we have received and want to thank everyone who has helped by signing the petition, spreading the word online and writing letters to the council and the local paper.”

“The council has listened to its constituents and acted in the best democratic interest of the City of Brighton and Hove. We are thrilled to be able to now start the planning of the 2014 Brighton Speed Trial and the subsequent two years events. With the support we have had this year promises to be the best Speed Trials yet. ”

For further information about the Speed Trials visit: www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk