A speed event can be summarised as a timed competition on tarmac surfaces, with cars running one at a time.
Typically, the course is between 1 and 2 miles long, and you'll have 2 or 3 timed practice runs in the morning, followed by 2 or 3 to count for the results.
Sprints and hillclimbs both fit this description, but in the South of England, hillclimb venues are scarce, whereas quite a few racing circuits, airfields, and other military sites are used for sprints. The Abingdon CARnival sprint, jointly organised by FDMC and Sutton and Cheam MC, runs two separate courses on the same day - two events in one!
The classes let you compete against cars of similar potential. FDMC's sprints include 3 classes for completely standard cars, based on engine size, although for 2005, these classes have unfortunately been deleted from regional sprint/speed championships. With competitors using the same cars that they drive every day, these popular classes offer very affordable motor sport.
FDMC normally runs three sprints during the year, our Event Reports section includes some pictorial reports, and for more information, see the Contact Us page.
This picture of Keith Wood's, taken at our 2004 Sprint Royale, captures some of the atmosphere of club level sprinting, with an Austin 7 special leaving the start line, on a sunny day at Rushmoor arena.
