Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races

Pendine Sands
Hot Rod Races

We are pleased to announce that the thirteenth running of the Hot Rod Races will be happening on Pendine Sands over the weekend of 12th & 13th September 2026. Once again there will be two days of non-stop racing action on the historic beach in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. We will be starting around 10.30 am each day and racing for around five to six hours, with high speed thrills from start to finish. Everything is determined by the tide so times can’t be set in stone.

From humble beginnings in 2013, this incredible, award winning event has become the most important date on the UK hot rod calendar, with participants coming from all over the globe to take part in the world’s fastest and most exciting beach racing competition available to traditional hot rods and customs. Racing is only open to members of the Vintage Hot Rod Association and their pre-1949 hot rods and customs, so it’s guaranteed old time action all the way.

There are classes for all types of vehicles and engines, with cars being built just to break class records. All vehicles run on a course with a 1/2 mile run up, followed by a time flying 1/16th of a mile, which is where these antique hot rods can hit speeds in excess of 130 mph.

Entry to the pits is private and reserved for racers and their teams only, but we invite you to spectate for free from outside. See below for more information.

Race and Pit Passes - VHRA Members Only - Click HERE to apply.

Race and Pit Passes can only be purchased by members of the VHRA. Competing vehicles must be VHRA eligible and meet the criteria defined in our Racing Rules & Regulations. Only pass holders will be allowed into the pits. Ticket sales go live at 7pm 31st October 2025. ***ALL PASSES SOLD OUT***

Free Spectating - No Ticket Required

Whilst entry to the pits is restricted, it’s free to spectate from outside. No pre-entry or ticket is required, you do not need to be a member and there is no limit on numbers, so there's no need to get in touch. This will not permit you to enter the pit or race areas, but there is the opportunity to get up close to the cars when racing comes to a close. Parking on the beach is available for a small fee payable to the council on the day. Please be aware this is a tidal beach and access may be limited for some visitors, to assist on this front the Caban has beach wheelchairs that can hired free of charge. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Event Merchandise

Event T-shirts, stickers, race cards and other merchandise will be available for purchase at the event. The shop is opens Friday during scrutineering, then from when the event starts until around 1pm on race days.

Drones

Strictly no drones, this is by order of both the MOD and CAA. Pendine Sands and the surrounding area is a no-fly zone.

Sponsors

As well as the VHRA presenting a one-off Hometown Jersey to the King of the Beach, we have a number of other sponsors and contributors to thank for their support. Royal Kustoms for the King of the Beach trophy, garland and bottle of Champagne. Stromberg Carburetor are sponsoring the fastest Vintage engined car with a custom trophy. Down To Earth are donating a prize for the fastest flathead four banger. There will be books from Men’s File for new record holders and there's 100mph Club T-Shirts sponsored by Juarez Fabrication. The Sidewinders will be on hand all weekend, as well as presenting the Tony Candy Memorial Trophy to the fastest road-going naturally aspirated flathead. The team at the Hot Rod Hayride are offering up a pair of tickets in a prize draw for the racers. As always, Jacqueline Davies Art is responsible for the artwork including the T shirt design. Finally, the girls working at the event and on the start line will be kitted out by Freddies of Pinewood. We urge you to click on the logos below to find out a little more about our wonderful sponsors.

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Press

Space is limited in the pits and we put VHRA member's needs ahead of all others. Press passes will only be made available once we are certain those needs are met. Applications should be made by email to info@vhra.co.uk, and include a link to your website, social media, publications (print or digital) featuring your work, and details of whom you will be representing. If a pass is issued, it will not allow access to the race track. Any form of recording or photography for commercial purposes requires the formal consent of the VHRA for which there may be a fee payable. Press applications come to a close at midday on 1st August 2025, at which time we will contact successful applicants. Due to the number of requests we receive, we may not respond to all applicants.

Accommodation and More

If you're quick then Parkdean Caravan Park across the road from the beach has become the place to stay for racers, with hot rods dotted around the campsite all weekend. There's also the Caban hotel which overlooks the seven mile stretch of beach and neighbours the fabulous Museum of Land Speed. There are other hotels and B&B’s in the area, visit Staying - Discover Carmarthenshire or search on Google for more details. When it comes to food and drink, there are a number of fantastic places to choose from in the village, from cakes and coffee to full blown dining, so you won't go hungry. If you want to hang out with the racers in the evening, the Springwell Inn is where we'll be. Our thanks to Pendine Community Council and the people of Pendine for their support of the event.