End of an era as Brighton Speed Trials cancelled for ‘foreseeable future’

Organisers have called time on Brighton Speed Trials, the world’s longest running motorsport event.

The VMCC Sprint Section Committee announced “with great sadness” that the Brighton Speed Trials will not run again for the foreseeable future. “The VMCC Sprint Section had the honour of providing the motorcycle entry for the Brighton Speed Trails for over 40 years and while we take in the sadness of the news, our thoughts are with Brighton & Hove Motor Club, who had to make the tough decision to ‘call it a day’ on this iconic and historic event,” read the announcement.

The announcement cites costs as a key factor in the decision, saying that “despite Brighton & Hove Council’s help, the new road layouts, the closing of the terraces (viewing area above the arches), and the enormous cost involved in providing required safety measures, additional security and many other costs, B&HMC had to make the heartbreaking decision that 2023’s event was the last one…”

The committee said that B&HMC had been running the event at a loss for a number of years but could not continue to do so.

“Ultimately the track has to meet the high standards required of both MS UK for the cars and the ACU for the motorcycles and three wheelers.”

The VMCC Sprint Section Committee shared its “sincere thanks for the memories to members of Brighton & Hove Motor Club, MS UK, the ACU, the various officers who assisted each event (including Clerks of the Course, track and paddock Marshals, Medics, Fire and Breakdown crews), Timekeepers, Announcers, Photographers and Members of the public who supported the event for well over 100 years. Thanks too to Brighton and Hove City Council and Frosts Cars who continued to support this historic, one-of-a-kind event over many years.”

The first race of the Brighton Speed Trials was held in July of 1905, and the race is commonly said to be the world’s oldest running motor race.

The VMCC Sprint Section Committee concluded its announcement as follows: “Brighton today may be a lesser place for the loss of this unique and culturally significant event, but in the formidable words of Dr Seuss “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened“.