Vintage Speed Trials under starter’s orders

The Grimsthorpe Castle estate will once again provide the backdrop for this fun-fuelled day, evoking the nostalgia of pre-war automobiles and motor racing.

The date for your diary is Saturday 5th July and tickets are now on sale through the Vintage Speed Trials website. Organisers Mel Hart, Colin Faulkner and Ian Bancroft have already received their full allocation of entries for motorbikes and motor cars for the trials but there are still spaces for vintage exhibitors with pre-war vehicles in the majestic setting of the Vanburgh Courtyard. These spaces can be booked through the website too, or people wishing to come along on the day in their classic cars (pre-1970) can join the display of classic vehicles in the Forward area of the car park.

“We have over 100 entries, including 60 cars and 40 motorbikes which will be trailing along the estate’s half-mile-long stretch of roadway,” said Mel. “Grimsthorpe Castle is a magnificent backdrop to the event and its main approach, which will form the track for the day, is slightly elevated and offers an unrivalled view of the action.”

There will be plenty of familiar faces among the entries, who come back to soak up the pre-war atmosphere of the day, but new ones are expected too. Among the more unusual will be a 1920s Amilcar C6 and an ERA which originates from Bourne, less than five miles from Grimsthorpe, which has its own rich automobile history as the home of racing driver Raymond Mays and his motor companies. Spectators will also be able to admire three Bugattis, including a Type 51 and a 35, a 1913 Lincoln Elk, Velocettes and a Scott Flying Squirrel.

The Syston Park Speed Trials were first held in 2016 and relocated to Grimsthorpe in 2019. The late Richard Powell was the event organiser at the time and the 2023 Trials were held in his memory. Richard put in place iconic features, from the marshals in their brown duster coats to the vintage commentary caravan, which resonated with the rich motoring heritage of Grimsthorpe, where the first time trials for the Lincolnshire Automobile Club were hosted in 1903.

Mel, when not dealing with the administration of the day, enjoys her turn on the track. In 2023 she drove an Austin 7 owned by Ian Bancroft. This year she will be driving her own Austin 7 Ulster. “It has been a dream of mine to own a vintage vehicle and this has been made possible by my father, Peter Shaw, who built a car for me over the past two years. An Austin 7 was the first car he built as a young man and he has put that knowledge into building a car for me. I am so excited to drive it for its first trial at Grimsthorpe.”

Sebastian Miller and the Grimsthorpe Estate continue to give their support to the event, which reflects the castle’s history as host to Lincolnshire Automobile Club. In 1903, Sir Hickman Bacon, the founder of the club, and his fellow pioneering Edwardian car and motorbike enthusiasts met for the first time to test their vehicles. These ‘Reliability Trials’ continued until 1911 and gave owners the chance to compete against the clock, as well as fellow club members.

Visitors to the Vintage Speed Trials will also be able to tour the castle and see its unique interiors, historic collections and elegant gardens. The ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland offers plenty of space for visitors to enjoy picnics but there will also be locally based food companies offering Lincolnshire produce of their own. The Cheesy Pig will be offering burgers and pulled pork baps, treat yourself to an ice cream from Lulabelles Vintage Van, sip a freshly brewed tea or coffee from Boxed Drinks, while Mac & Cheese will be the speciality from The Food Box. Browse books and posters, vintage automobilia and vintage clothing, or simply indulge in some tea and cake or grab a pint at the bar. While you enjoy refreshments or your own picnic, you can sit back and enjoy music from a jazz band, who will be playing throughout the day.

The organisers are very appreciative of the support they receive from their sponsors including classic vehicle specialists H&H Auctioneers, Witham Oil and J&L Ball Interiors, who are all sponsoring the Trials
Grimsthorpe Castle Vintage Speed Trials promises a memorable spectacle of these magnificent racing machines against the backdrop of one of the county’s finest stately homes. Mark the date in your diary, dust off your vintage dress or blazer and come and join this celebration of classic British Motoring.

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