Sprint

What is Sprint?

In UK motorsport, a Sprint is a high-speed, precision driving discipline where competitors race against the clock, rather than directly against other cars on the track at the same time. Think of it like a time trial.

Here’s a breakdown for a newcomer:

  • The Goal: The aim is to complete a point-to-point course (often on a disused airfield or a dedicated track) in the fastest possible time.
  • One Car at a Time (Mostly): Unlike traditional circuit racing where multiple cars are on track simultaneously, in a sprint, usually only one car is on the same part of the course at a time. This means you’re competing against your own best time and the times of others in your class. Sometimes there might be two or more cars on different parts of the circuit, but they won’t be wheel-to-wheel racing.
  • Practice and Timed Runs: Typically, an event will involve one or more practice runs in the morning to allow drivers to learn the course and get up to speed. In the afternoon (and sometimes to morning too), there will be two or more “timed runs,” and your best time from these will determine your result.
  • Classes for Fair Competition: Cars are grouped into different “classes” based on their type, engine size, and level of modification. This ensures that a standard road car isn’t competing directly against a highly modified specialist sprint car. There are classes for everything from everyday road cars to powerful single-seaters.
  • Where it Happens: Sprints are held at various venues across the UK, including purpose-built race circuits, disused airfields, and even some closed public roads.
  • Getting Started:
    • Licence: You’ll need a competition licence from Motorsport UK (the governing body for motorsport in the UK). A “RS Inter Club Competition Licence” is usually the starting point, although some events run an “Intro” class where an RS Clubman licence is acceptable.
    • Club Membership: Join a local club that organises sprints you want to enter. They’ll organise events and provide information on how to get involved.
    • Car: You can often start with your own road car, with minimal safety modifications required. For more modified or specialist cars, additional safety equipment like roll cages may be necessary.
    • Safety Gear: As a minimum, you’ll need a crash helmet and, for Road Cars, flame-resistant overalls and, for Modified Cars, gloves and Hans.
  • Why it’s Popular:
    • Accessibility: It’s a relatively affordable way to get into competitive motorsport compared to full circuit racing.
    • Variety: You get to drive at different venues and experience various track layouts.
    • Skill Focus: It’s all about precision, car control, and finding the perfect line, providing a great challenge and helping drivers hone their skills.
    • Individual Challenge: It’s just you against the clock, which can be very satisfying when you put together a perfect run.

In essence, a Sprint is about raw speed and precision driving in a controlled environment, making it a fantastic entry point into the exciting world of UK motorsport.

What’s on in Sprint?

BMMC Midland region Sprint August

Portreath Sprint

Snetterton ‘100’ Sprint - National

  • Date: 2025-08-23
  • Location: Snetterton Circuit, NR16 2JU
  • Organiser: BARC Midlands Centre
  • More Info: www.barc-midlands.co.uk

Snetterton ‘100’ Sprint - Interclub

  • Date: 2025-08-23
  • Location: Snetterton Circuit, NR16 2JU
  • Organiser: BARC Midlands Centre
  • More Info: www.barc-midlands.co.uk

NI Championship Sprint

  • Date: 2025-08-23
  • Location: Kirkistown Racing Circuit, BT22 1AU
  • Organiser: Larne Motor Club Ltd
  • More Info: larnemotorclub.co.uk

2025 Curborough August Sprint Double lap

  • Date: 2025-08-24
  • Location: Curborough Sprint Circuit, WS13 8EJ
  • Organiser: Caterham & Lotus 7 Club
  • Find Club: Caterham & Lotus 7 Club

AC Owners Club Sprint Castle Combe 2025

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Aintree Autumn Sprint

  • Date: 2025-09-06
  • Location: Aintree Motor Racing Circuit, L10 8LF
  • Organiser: Liverpool Motor Club Ltd
  • More Info: www.liverpoolmotorclub.com/

BARC Wales Autumn Sprint 2025

  • Date: 2025-09-06
  • Location: Pembrey Circuit, SA16 0HZ
  • Organiser: BARC Wales Centre
  • More Info: barcwales.com/

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BARC Wales Autumn Sprint BS 2025

  • Date: 2025-09-06
  • Location: Pembrey Circuit, SA16 0HZ
  • Organiser: BARC Wales Centre
  • Find Club: BARC Wales Centre

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Single Lap Sprint

Late Summer Sprint

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Lotus Hethel Sprint

Ford Corbletts Sprint

  • Date: 2025-09-11
  • Location: Fort Corblets, Alderney, GY9 3YJ
  • Organiser: Guernsey Kart & Motor Club LBG
  • More Info: www.gkmc.gg

Southport Revival Sprint 2025

  • Date: 2025-09-13
  • Location: Southport Marine Drive Speed Course, Coastal Road, SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom, PR8 1RX
  • Organiser: Aintree Circuit Club
  • More Info: www.southportclassicandspeed.com

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Golspie Sprint September 2025

  • Date: 2025-09-13
  • Location: Littleferry, KW10 6UB
  • Organiser: Caithness Car Club Ltd
  • Find Club: Caithness Car Club Ltd

Curborough Sprint

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Watergate Bay Sprint 2025

2025 Sandown Sprint

  • Date: 2025-09-20
  • Location: Sandown, Culver Parade, PO36 8AT
  • Organiser: Isle Of Wight Car Club Ltd
  • More Info: www.iowcc.co.uk

Goodwood Sprint

  • Date: 2025-09-27
  • Location: Goodwood Motor Circuit, PO18 0PH
  • Organiser: Tunbridge Wells Motor Club
  • More Info: www.twmc.org.uk

Roger Carrington Memorial Blyton Park Sprint Weekend

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Curborough

Mutley Mayhem Sprint 2025

  • Date: 2025-09-28
  • Location: Clay Pigeon Raceway, DT2 9PW
  • Organiser: Bournemouth & District Car Club Ltd
  • More Info: bdcc.org.uk

easyStorage Debden Sprint

  • Date: 2025-09-28
  • Location: Debden Airfield, CB10 2YA
  • Organiser: Herts County Auto & Aero Club
  • More Info: www.hertscountyaac.co.uk

Margaret Malcolm Memorial Sprints

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Margaret Malcolm Memorial Sprints (British Sprint Championship)

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HSA Curborough Sprint Weekend 2025

  • Date: 2025-10-04
  • Location: Curborough Sprint Circuit, WS13 8EJ
  • Organiser: THE HILLCLIMB & SPRINT ASSOCIATION LTD
  • More Info: www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/

XBC October Kames Sprint Weekend

  • Date: 2025-10-04
  • Location: Kames Motorsport Complex, KA18 3QQ
  • Organiser: East Ayrshire Car Club Ltd
  • More Info: www.crossborderspeed.co.uk/

Sprint Royale

  • Date: 2025-10-05
  • Location: Eelmoor Driver Training Area, GU11 2HL
  • Organiser: Farnborough District Motor Club
  • More Info: www.FDMC.org.uk

Sprint

Great Western Sprint (National)

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Great Western Sprint (Interclub)

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