Take part

There are three ways to be part of the day rather than watch it. Run your machine, show it in the courtyard, or join the team that makes the whole thing happen.

Compete or display?

Compete

Your pre-1939 car or motorcycle runs on the castle drive, three times across the day. Entry is selective and places are limited.

£70 per entry, includes a driver ticket and a spectator ticket.

Display

Your pre-1939 car or motorcycle is parked in the Vanbrugh Courtyard in front of the castle for the day, admired but not driven. No track access.

Free to apply. Everyone attending, including drivers and passengers, must buy a ticket.

Please complete the form below to enter your vehicle in the 2027 Speed Trials. Do have your insurance certificate and a recent photograph to hand.

Compete In The

Speed trials

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

Cars and motorcycles built before 1939 run singly, over roughly a quarter of a mile of the castle’s main drive — from the start line in front of the house to the finish. Three runs each across the day, classes running in turn.

At least three runs across the day.

What it costs

How to enter

Complete the entry form below, including recent photographs of your vehicle.

We review entries in batches. Places are awarded on the merit of the vehicle and, where several of the same make and model apply, on a first-come basis.

Successful entrants are notified by email. Instructions and car passes will be sent by email, closer to the event. Entry wristbands will be sent by post. Please ensure you include your email address and full postal address on your application form.

Terms of entry

Vehicles must be pre-1939. Each entry is considered individually.
Entries close on 1st March 2027, or earlier if all places are filled.
Recent photographs must be submitted with your application.
Your entry is not confirmed until you receive an email from us saying so.

Show Off

Your pre-war vehicle

Display your pre-war car or motorcycle in the beautiful Vanbrugh Courtyard, in front of Grimsthorpe Castle itself — a prestigious exhibition slot, and one of the best-photographed spots on the estate.

Spaces are limited and priority goes to vehicles built before 1939. Where space allows, other vehicles will be considered.

Before you apply

This is for display only. It does not include access to the track — if you would like to run, see Compete above.
Everyone attending must buy a ticket, including drivers and passengers of display vehicles.
All display vehicles must be in place by 9:30am. Once the track goes live we have no access to the display area, so late arrivals cannot be admitted to the courtyard.
You are expected to display for the full day. If you must leave early, speak to a marshal, who will advise and help.
Successful applicants are confirmed by email, and a car pass and instructions are posted out. We will ask for your postal address at that stage.
Coming in a classic but not displaying? There is forward parking in the public car park. No application, no pass — just turn up.

Tell us about your vehicle. Please include a recent photograph — it helps us plan the courtyard.

Fill in the form and we will be in touch with times and details.

Join The Team

Volunteer with us

Vintage Speed Trials runs on goodwill. Come and lend a hand for the day and you will see the event from the inside — closer to the machinery, part of the team, and with the best stories to take home.

What you get

What we need

No experience necessary and no long commitment — one day, and we will tell you everything you need to know on the morning. We need marshals, gate and car park stewards, courtyard hosts and general helpers. We will need you to sign on at 7am, and all marshals and volunteers are expected to stay after the event to take down the structure. We usually finish by 7pm. If you have a particular skill, tell us in the form and we will find a use for it.

Not sure which is right for you?

Email Mel at mel@speedtrials.co.uk and she will point you in the right direction.