Crusade saves Brighton Speed Trials

THE BRIGHTON Speed Trials, thought to be the longest-running motorsport event in the UK, has been saved following a crusade backed by thousands of people.

Since 1905, the annual event has gained international acclaim for showcasing top-class cars and motorbikes racing over a quarter of a mile at Madeira Drive on Brighton's seafront.

Organisers launched a campaign amid fears the event could be scrapped because Green-led Brighton and Hove City Council had not accepted an application to host it this year.

But following a public outcry approval was granted during a meeting of the authority's economic development and culture committee for the event to run in September and the following two years.

Tony Watts, of organisers 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."

In a month, more than 12,400 people backed a petition by the Save the Brighton Speed Trials campaign and more than 7,000 people "liked" the campaign's Facebook page.

Supporters included Sir Stirling Moss, local bestselling author Peter James, Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd and Top Gear's The Stig.

Last year's events was cancelled following the death in 2012 of competitor Charlotte Tagg, 38, when the sidecar she was in hit a wall. An accidental death verdict was returned at a jury inquest last year.

The idea for a speed event in Brighton was first mooted in 1902, but it was not until 1905 that local man Sir Harry Preston persuaded the authorities to lay a racing track.

The first event, on July 19, 1905, attracted more than 400 entries, and saw three world records broken, two by French motorcyclist Henri Cissac.

Mr Watts said: "We are thrilled to be able to now start the planning of the 2014 Brighton Speed Trials and the subsequent two years' events."

By Tom Pugh, Press Association