A celebration of pre-war motorsport, set within the historic Grimsthorpe Castle estate

A celebration of pre-war motorsport, set within the historic Grimsthorpe Castle estate

At Vintage Speed Trials, we are devoted to reviving the spirit of pre-war speed trialling. We aim to uphold Grimsthorpe’s rich legacy of motorsport, which began in 1903 with the first timed runs in the old deer park, hosted by the Lincolnshire Automobile Club.

Over a century later, our annual Speed Trials event evokes the nostalgia of these early gatherings. Curated as a celebration of the charm of prewar cars and motorcycles, we transport our guests back in time to the
pioneering days of British motorsport.

The Main Event

An annual ode to authentic pre-war motorsport, the Speed Trials experience is bursting with action.

Be immersed in a community of experts

Be immersed in a community of experts

Whether you’re an entrant or a visitor, meet like-minded enthusiasts with a passion for pre-war motorsports. Get up close to their vehicles and admire rare machinery.

Compete in the speed trials

Compete in the speed trials

With the crowds looking on, blow the cobwebs off your pre-war machine and get that engine humming!

Show off your pre-war vehicle

Show off your pre-war vehicle

Do you own a motorcycle or car made before 1939? We would love to hear from you. Head over to our Entry Form page for details on how to get involved in our Speed Trials. On the day, your cars will be allocated a prestigious exhibition slot in Grimsthorpe courtyard.

Own a classic car? You’re invited, too!

Own a classic car? You’re invited, too!

While competing in our Speed Trials is for pre-war vehicles exclusively, we allocate exhibition space in Grimsthorpe courtyard for your beloved post-1939 cars and motorcycles, too.

Dress to the nines

Dress to the nines

With many of our visitors opting to wear period clothing on the day, you’ll feel truly transported to the pre-war era.

Relax in a gala atmosphere

Relax in a gala atmosphere

Pitch your picnic track-side and watch the action unfold, framed by the picturesque grounds of Grimsthorpe. Or enjoy lunch from one of our numerous food vendor stalls!

On the day, the cars and motorcycles will be tested three times on the main drive of the estate, from the start line in front of the castle to the finish line.

The timetable for the day is as follows:

8am: Gates open
10am: TRACK OPENS
12.30pm: Track closes for lunch
1.30pm: TRACK REOPENS
4pm: Track closes

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Vintage Speed Trials

Grimsthorpe Castle Estate

The beautiful 3000 acre estate of Grimsthorpe Castle has been home to Vintage Speed Trials since 2018. The red deer park, the large natural lake and the castle itself compose a stunning backdrop for the event.

The market town of Bourne was once the manufacturing base for the world-renowned English Racing Automobiles (ERA) racing car, England’s unique challenger to the mighty Bugatti and Alfa Romeo, during the pre-war period. The father of Raymond Mays, the founder of ERA, raced at Grimsthorpe in 1904.

Our visitors will have the opportunity to visit the castle, as well as admire the stunning Capability Brown gardens.

Our Story

Classic car line-up

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