What is Sprinting?

Sprinting is one of the oldest forms of British motor sport and can be traced back to the early 1900's. Today’s sprints take place on metalled surfaces and are traditionally in a straight line although there are also twisty sprints.  The aim is to complete the course from a standing start against the clock in the shortest possible time.

Generally sprints are a 1/4-mile, but may sometimes be 1/8-mile, depending on the venue. Some events incorporate a ‘flying kilo’ (that’s 1000 metres on the end of the 1/4-mile so you go through the ‘start-lights’ at high speed to begin with!).  Some events will run dual lane instead of the normal one.

One of the most famous sprints still running is the annual Brighton Speed Trials held on the second Saturday of September.

The Sprint: Straight or Twisty?

Today's sprints use sophisticated timing equipment and tend to run a straight-line 1/4 or 1/8 mile on a runway or similar. Flat out start to finish!!

There are also twisty-sprints where the rider has to deal with the odd corner or three as well as a bit of a blast on a short straight. (The use of the brakes can be a distinct advantage!)

For those who want to have a go at a gradient, the NHCA run Hill climbs  which are similar to twisty sprints. It's not uncommon to see VMCC members at NHCA events too.

The Bikes

The type of machines that are used are solely down to the rider, you can have a concourse lightweight single with girder forks or a twin-engined supercharged nitro-burner, a (ex) circuit-racer or your road-going hack, there's a category that you'll fit into. Some events are fortunate to have NO noise regs!!!

Please note that machines have to pass ACU scrutineering.

The Riders

You can start from the tender age of 11 (but this does limit the machine type you can use!), and we have competitors well into their 80's still thrashing their bike on a Sunday afternoon!

Where are Sprints held?

Anywhere that has a suitable riding surface and braking area.  Typically ex RAF runways or similar. Certain events are unsilenced, so the noise impact on the local environment will be taken into account when choosing a venue. Competitors are informed if the event is ‘silenced’ beforehand.

How do I start Sprinting?

Quiet easily really!  You’ll need:

1. • A suitable bike and the owner’s permission to use it!! (see below).
   

2. • Some racing numbers.
   

3. • A competition licence, bought annually from the ACU or a one event licence bought on the day of the event.
   

4. • Your entry fee paid.
   

5. • Membership of the VMCC, this can be done on a daily basis at the event or as a member of an invited club
   

6. • One-piece or zip together two-piece leathers, suitable helmet, gloves and boots.
   

7. • To pass the Technical Verification, scruitineering to you and I, for both machine and clothing.
   

8. • A sense of adventure!
   

What sort of bike should I use?

Well that’s really up to you.  We cater for almost any bike from concours to circuit-racer, small 2 stroke single to double-engined supercharged nitro burners, girder forked to teles, factory made to home made.  So long as it passes the technical verification, it’s OK.  Although we’re a ‘Vintage’ club we cater for ‘modern’ machinery too.

How much is all this going to cost me?

Hopefully it won’t break the bank! Annual VMCC membership is £28.00. A year’s licence from the ACU costs £43.00.

Alternatively, a one-event licence costs £10.00, and day membership about £3.00.

The entry fee has to cover hire of the venue, relevant insurance’s, the paramedic and ambulance for the day and upkeep of the timing equipment, and is usually around £35.00 - £50.00.

Basic info’ on safety and technical verification.

For the safety of all, machines are required to conform to certain standards as prescribed by the ACU (details are in the ACU handbook issued free to those purchasing a yearly licence). The ACU has the handbook on line, so CLICK HERE to check that your machine is up to spec. regarding information like ball end’s on all levers, details of foot rests, catch tanks etc etc.

Each machine is technical verified by a qualified person prior to being allowed to compete to ensure it falls within certain criteria.  For example, the throttle self closes the wheel bearings and tyre conditions are suitable, the brakes function correctly.

Riders’ clothing is also checked.

An ambulance and crew plus a paramedic are at each event. The event will not run without them.

The Clerk of the Course takes responsibility for the safe running of the event (again one of the unpaid VMCC members who does it for the sport).

Want More Info?

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