The Brighton Speed Trials is considered to be the longest running motor sport event in the world as it first ran way back in July 1905, and is currently run by the Brighton & Hove Motor Club, who kindly invite the Sprint Section of the VMCC to run the bikes.
The VMCC Sprint Section has been running the bikes at Brighton since the section was formed in the early 1980s, however the section’s founders were running the bikes from the very early 1970’s, namely Len Cole and Phil Manzano followed by Paul, Pat & Jayne Standing.
2021 saw only the cars, as the ACU motorcycle permit was refused due to the track/venue not meeting required standards, basically due to Madeira Drive alterations.
It was hoped the required standards could be met and signed off for 2022, allowing the motorcycles to join the cars in this historic event.
On Sunday 3rd July 2022, the Sprint Section’s facebook page posted information stating that
motorcycles will not be running in 2022.https://www.facebook.com/vmccsprint/The statement reads as follows:
“The Sprint Section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club have no option but to announce the cancellation of the motorcycle entry at this iconic and historic event. At a meeting held on December 2nd 2021 at which representatives from Brighton and Hove Motor Club, VMCC Sprint Section, Motorsport UK, Auto Cycle Union and Brighton and Hove City Council were present to discuss the road layout and paint markings on Madeira Drive and to look for a way forward to allow the motorcycles to participate. It was agreed that Brighton Council would provide the ACU with the specification of the road marking paint used so that the ACU could make an informed decision as to the safety of said paint in the incidence of a bike transiting from tarmac to paint under power. It is our belief that this is not an unreasonable request. The representatives of Brighton and Hove City Council happily agreed to do this and contact details were exchanged. To date, no such information has been forthcoming from Brighton and Hove City Council. They have been prompted and reminded but have simply failed to respond in any way shape or form. It is with deep regret that we have no option, due entirely by the council's behavior, that the motorcycles will not be present at this year's Speed Trials.”
VMCC Sprint Section website -
http://www.vmccsprint.co.ukVMCC Sprint Section facebook
https://www.facebook.com/vmccsprint/Brighton & Hove Motor Club website -
http://www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk
