Ever since the second decade of the 20th Century, the Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club (as it was originally called) has been serving the interests of motorsport enthusiasts in the Bristol area. You can read about the evolution of the club on the History page.
But what do we do these days? The Club is, of course, registered with the Motor Sports Association, which governs all UK Motor Sport, and is also a member of the Association of South West Motor Clubs (ASWMC). We have a close working relationship with the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club and the SW Centre of the MG Car Club. As a result of all these associations we receive invitations to a wide range of motor sport events not only in the Bristol area but also throughout the South West region.
Amongst the club membership are a number of licensed officials who have extensive experience of competing and organising at all levels of the sport. For example, Club Chairman Paul Parker is a member of the MSA Sprint and Hillclimbs sub-committee and is Co-ordinator of the British Sprint Championship. He is a licensed Clerk of the Course, as are Tony Streeting, Simon Mayo, Mark Chater, and David Potts .
Without wanting to make an intentional pun, we have an impressive track record when it comes to organising motor sport. We organised the UK’s first post-war Speed Event in 1945, and in 1950 we organised the first ever race meeting at Castle Combe. Although most of those responsible for these initiatives are no longer with us, they have passed on their enthusiasm, dedication and experience to their successors, together with a pride in doing the job well.
Sprints |
Although motor racing at the circuit has developed beyond the level that we as a club can sustain, our annual Castle Combe Sprint in July is always over-subscribed, such is its popularity. We co-promote two sprints at Colerne airfield each year, and this course is seen by the British Sprint Championship as one of the premier venues in the country. In 2002, we embarked, with Bristol Pegasus MC, on a new venture in organising a sprint at Llandow Circuit, near Cardiff. This has now become an annual event. |
Hillclimbs |
We have a long association with Wiscombe Park, the hillclimb venue situated between Honiton and Seaton in East Devon. Each year in September we co-promote a weekend of hillclimbing with four other South-West clubs. |
Trials |
To keep the momentum up, we promote two major trials through the winter months; The Roy Fedden Sporting Trial and The Allen Classic Trial. The Fedden is a round of the BTRDA and MSA national Sporting Trial Championships, and is now held at Sands Farm, Dyrham Wood, thought to be one of the best sporting trial venues in the country. The Allen Classic Trial is one of the longest-running events of this type in the country, and has won the Trial of the Year award on several occasions. (You can read more about The Allen in the History and Reference sections.) |
Autotests |
In June each year we run a round of the ASWMC Autotest Championship. For several years this was held in the car park at the Brunel Centre of the City of Bristol College; then in 2002 we began using the car park of the old Aust Services by the original Severn Bridge. Unfortunately, due to a change in ownership of the land, we were no longer able to use this venue and for several years we have been unable to hold this event. However, we have now gained access to Weston Airfield and we will be running a Championship Autotest in July 2007. |
AutoSolo |
After a long gap our access to Weston Airfield also means we are now able to run Solos again. Two events are planned for 2007, first one in February, second in August. (Further information on the Getting Started and Reference pages) |
Others |
As organisers and venues allow, we also organise a couple of Production Car Trials and 12-Car Navigational Rallies through the year. |
Binding all this motorsport activity together is our Social Schedule. Apart from the all-important monthly Club Night and the Annual Awards Presentation in February/March, we try to have a different social activity for members every month. Past activities have included a visit to Smiles Brewery, a trip on The Matthew, visits to F1 Test Days at Silverstone, a Karting Endurance Race each year, Canal Boat dinner cruise, Treasure Hunts, and 10-pin Bowling, to name a few.
Please browse the website at your leisure. If you have any questions, please email the Webmaster, Allen Harris, and I will try to give you an answer, or find someone else who can. If you like what you see, then why not Join Us!
Whatever your interest, thank you for visiting the Bristol Motor Club.