Car enthusiasts flock to Brighton for return of Speed Trials

The high-octane event saw over 200 cars race down Madeira Drive to record the fastest time on the quarter-mile track.

Petrolheads packed out a section of the road to watch as the vehicles raced by, while dozens of others lined Marine Parade to see the cars from a higher vantage point.

Onlookers were treated to a variety of modern and vintage cars on display as they competed in a range of categories.

William Frost, chairman of Frosts Cars - the main sponsor of the speed trials, welcomed visitors to the event and thanked the Brighton and Hove Motor Club for organising the event.

He said: “For over 100 years, the Brighton Speed Trials welcomes a huge variety of cars to participate in the sprint along the gorgeous seafront in Brighton.

“It’s thrilling to watch the variety of cars sprint up the seafront.”

Hundreds gathered along Madeira Drive to watch the Speed Trials (Image: The Argus)

Madeira Drive has hosted the speed trials, billed as the world’s longest-running motoring event, since 1905 after resident Sir Harry Preston convinced the town council to tarmac the road for motoring events.

Tributes were paid at this year’s event to former chairman of the Brighton and Hove Motor Club Len Wooller, who died from a short illness earlier this year.

A spokesman for the club said: “Len was a long-standing member of the club and chairman for eight years and, with his passionate love of all things motoring and wonderful skills, he pulled us all together into the family we are today.”

A date for next year’s event has already been announced, with car enthusiasts expected to return to Brighton seafront on September 7, 2024.