The year was 1986. I was still a young child and the world of motorsport had not yet captured my attention but a revolution in British motorsport got underway. Thanks to a new act of Parliament, Superprix was born.
It was a typical August bank holiday in Birmingham, torrential rain and a bumpy circuit around closed city centre roads meant F3000 racing was difficult and dangerous. Crashes on almost every corner and the tricky weather conditions meant the race was cut short and only half points awarded but even so the crowd enjoyed the experience and although the organisers made a loss the event would return again.
The following years brought the crowds to Birmingham seeking the thrill of close and personal street racing. Then the NIMBY's had their say. Led by MP Clare Short, the act of Parliament was opposed and 5 years after it's creation Superprix would just become a memory.
Fast-forward to 2014 and due to recent events such as London 2012 & the Tour De France Grand Depart public opinon has changed. In a bid to keep the mob happy David Cameron has announced a change in the law to be considered in the upcoming deregulation bill. This change in the law would allow such events like the Superprix to return to our roads. It would also allow events like the recent Jim Clark rally and other historic racing such as the London to Brighton Race to be competitive once more instead of being limited by current speed limits.
A London Grand Prix unfortunately would still be a pipe dream as the closure of the capitals roads for any period of time would be be incredibly expensive and crippling to the already crowded streets of the capital. This clip from a well known console game shows the potential of street racing though.
As many as 20 races per year could be allowed on closed roads around the country. Would you be happy about having street racing on your local roads? And where would you want to see racing take place?
With the advanced journey planning that google earth and other programs provide it is now possible to map out circuits with ease so post your designs and your thoughts on what is possible if this legislation is passed.
It was a typical August bank holiday in Birmingham, torrential rain and a bumpy circuit around closed city centre roads meant F3000 racing was difficult and dangerous. Crashes on almost every corner and the tricky weather conditions meant the race was cut short and only half points awarded but even so the crowd enjoyed the experience and although the organisers made a loss the event would return again.
The following years brought the crowds to Birmingham seeking the thrill of close and personal street racing. Then the NIMBY's had their say. Led by MP Clare Short, the act of Parliament was opposed and 5 years after it's creation Superprix would just become a memory.
Fast-forward to 2014 and due to recent events such as London 2012 & the Tour De France Grand Depart public opinon has changed. In a bid to keep the mob happy David Cameron has announced a change in the law to be considered in the upcoming deregulation bill. This change in the law would allow such events like the Superprix to return to our roads. It would also allow events like the recent Jim Clark rally and other historic racing such as the London to Brighton Race to be competitive once more instead of being limited by current speed limits.
A London Grand Prix unfortunately would still be a pipe dream as the closure of the capitals roads for any period of time would be be incredibly expensive and crippling to the already crowded streets of the capital. This clip from a well known console game shows the potential of street racing though.
As many as 20 races per year could be allowed on closed roads around the country. Would you be happy about having street racing on your local roads? And where would you want to see racing take place?
With the advanced journey planning that google earth and other programs provide it is now possible to map out circuits with ease so post your designs and your thoughts on what is possible if this legislation is passed.