A major campaign has been launched to save the Brighton Speed Trials following threats from the council to shut down the long-running event.
The Speed Trials have taken place on the historic seafront from more than 100 years and organiser the Brighton and Hove Motor Club fears that long tradition could end if the local council blocks its application to run the trials in 2014 at a meeting of its Economic Development and Culture Committee on 23 January.
Having started in 1905, the event now attracts some 200 classics, racers and motorbikes to the time shoot-outs on Madeira Drive. The top six run-off at the end of the day offers a dramatic conclusion to the Speed Trials.
Two petitions have been started to secure the event's future and are already attracting loads of support from concerned enthusiasts. You can sign them here and here.
You can also follow the campaign on Twitter @SaveBST and Facebook.
Ruth Reynolds of the 300-strong Brighton and Hove Motor Club said: "We urgently need the help of all motor sport fans and anyone interested in a fun family day out at the seaside to save the Brighton Speed Trials. The Speed Trials has been running in Brighton for over 100 years and the council is trying to block this historic event.
"Please support us by letting people know they can join the major campaign that is underway. We started a petition at the week end, it already has over 2,400 signatures – but we need more. The FaceBook page has gathered 2,700 likes in the same time frame. The council will make a decision on 23 January so we need to act fast."
