Competitor applications are now open for the Sandown Sprint, the Isle of Wight’s new motor racing event to be held on 28th/29th March 2020.
The total entry is restricted to 100 race cars for this inaugural sprint race and demand is expected to be high.
Promoter, Tim Addison says:
“Opening the Sandown Sprint to competitors is a real milestone. Local support has been amazing and the hard work of the Isle of Wight Car Club and others including IW Council and Island Roads, is now paying off. It will be one of the first new motorsport events to take place on UK roads so it’s terrific that’s it’s happening here on the Isle of Wight.”
Organisers of the Sprint are Newport-based Solent and the Isle of Wight Car Club, which are working in partnership. The ambition for this first event is to ensure that competitors and spectators have a safe and enjoyable time, it will also be a qualifying round of the ACSMC Speed Championship.
Tim adds:
“It’s unprecedented for a new motorsport event to be adopted by an established championship, which is a real boost. It’s really a testament to the quality of work that has been achieved by everyone involved, we are particularly grateful to the Farnborough and District Motor Club which has lent its years of experience to support the event.”
The Isle of Wight has a hidden motorsport heritage which the organisers are keen to revive. From the car rallies of the 50s and 60s, preserved in Pathe Newsreels of the period, to the offroad stage rallies of the 70s and 80s. More recently events such as the motocross Maxxis British Championship have also made their mark upon the Island.
Sandown Bay provides a stunning venue for the Sprint. With the track extending from The Bandstand to the Grand Hotel along Culver parade, against the spectacular backdrop of Bembridge Down, with sweeping views across the English Channel.
Tim adds:
“We’re grateful for the assistance of the many businesses and residents that will be impacted by the weekend road closure. But overwhelmingly, we have received genuine enthusiasm. It’s purposely being held well outside of the tourism season so that it can add some value at what is normally a very quiet time of the year.”
Creating the track was a major task, as it requires significant infrastructure including barriers and fencing. John Peck Construction, based in Rookley, has been instrumental in meeting this challenge.
John Peck enthused:
“I’ve been a regular competitor in motor racing events up and down the country. It was great news to hear about what the car club here were proposing and I was happy to help make the event a reality.”
The Sandown Sprint will be the first competitive event of the Isle of Wight Speed Trials and will be taking place on the 28th/29th of March 2020. To find out more about taking part in the Isle of Wight Speed Trials, visit the website isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk where you can apply the enter. There is also information about becoming a volunteer marshall as well as how you are able to visit and spectate.
Island Echo is the official digital media partner for Isle of Wight Speed Trials. Keep an eye on Island Echo for all the latest news on this event!
Superb news! I wish the event and its organisers every success, although I’m not sure Joe’s sliders and motor sport are the best mix….
If you need any stewards message me many thanks
Not to mention the National Autograss finals in 1991
Awesome idea. Can’t wait. Hopefully it will lead to an IOW TT race and one day a round of the ABB Formula E as well! Very cool. Wishing the organisers (and all tourist businesses hoping to benefit too) every success!!