Southport Classic and Speed took place over the weekend with two days of events for people to enjoy.
The event, organised by Aintree Circuit Club, built on the growing success of previous shows in 2021 and 2022.
Saturday saw the Ocean Sprint Revival taking place, sponsored by Ocean Plaza Leisure, with spectators lining up on the seawall to watch this competitive, timed, high-speed event along a half-mile / 820m section of Marine Drive.
Southport Classic and Speed, with event organiser Michael Ashcroft (centre). Photo by Dave Brown Photography
It recognised the 120th anniversary of the first Southport Speed Trials, which were held along the Promenade in 1903.
This year is also the 60th anniversary of the last Southport Speed Trial, which took place along The Esplanade and Marine Drive in 1963.
Cars were waved off by Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns.
Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns waves off cars at he Ocean Sprint Revival
One car was driven by 15-year-old Junior Driver, Lewis Collier, who had to sit alongside his Dad, tyre development engineer, Ray, for three practice runs before going out on his own.
It brought back memories of the historic sprint course that used parts of Marine Drive up until the early 1960s prior to the establishment of the Coastal Road.
This ran under a Motor Race Order and Speed Permit, issued by Motorsport UK, providing delegated powers to Sefton Council to suspend the Road Traffic Act for the duration of the event.
Southport Classic and Speed. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
Sunday saw the popular Southport Classic and Speed show taking place at Victoria Park, the home of Southport Flower Show, between 10am and 3pm.
Admission was once again free, with scores of eye-catching vehicles to admire from the past 120 years of motoring from 1903 to the modern day.
There were marque and car club displays, plus food and drinks outlets and a shopping village.
Southport Classic and Speed. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
People throughout the town were then able to watch the annual Grand Parade, which began at 3.30pm from Rotten Row next to the park before making its way down towards Lord Street and through Southport town centre. .
Southport Classic and Speed was presented by Cataclean.
Southport Classic and Speed. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
Event organiser Michael Ashcroft said: “Not only were we honouring an incredible 120 years since the famous speed trials were held in Southport in 1903.
“We were also recognising 60 years since the last speed trial which was held in the town in 1963.
“Southport has an amazing motoring history that not many people know about and we are trying to put it very much back on the map.”
Southport Classic and Speed. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
Speaking on the Southport Classic and Speed Facebook page, Ian Metcalf said: “Thanks everyone, we had a great time, which, without all the marshalls and volunteers, just wouldn’t be possible.
“See you all next year!”
Mark Watkinson said: “Well done everyone for the weekend, can’t wait for 2024.”
- For more details about Southport Classic and Speed, or to get involved next year, please visit: www.southportclassicandspeed.com
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