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Pendine Sands
Hot Rod Races

The VHRA Hot Rod Races is a land speed event dedicated to traditional hot rods and customs. It is held annually on the historic Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, which was known as “The Fastest Place on Earth” when Sir Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry Thomas vied for the outright land speed record back in the 1920s. 

 

From humble beginnings in 2013, this incredible, award-winning event has become the most important date on the VHRA calendar. Drawing its inspiration from the pre and post-war events at Muroc, El Mirage and Bonneville, this is the world’s fastest and most exciting hot rod beach racing competition. All vehicles run on a course with a 1/2 mile run up, followed by a timed flying 1/16th of a mile, which is where these antique vehicles can hit speeds nearing 140 mph. Racing is only open to members of the Vintage Hot Rod Association and their pre-1949 speed machines, so it’s guaranteed old-time action all the way.

 

Time, space and logistics dictates limited numbers in the pits, so entry is reserved for racers and their teams, but you are welcome to come and watch from outside free of charge. We will be starting, tide dependent, at around 10.30 am each day and racing for around five to six hours. ​​Due to the beach setting and limited set-up time, there is no PA system, and you will need to return to the headland for toilet facilities and refreshments. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Race and Pit Passes

Passes can only be purchased by members of the VHRA. ​See our Racing Rule Book for entry requirements. Members can book HERE.

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Free Spectating 

No ticket is required so there's no need to get in touch. You will not be permitted to enter the pits, but you can view the cars going down the beach, and there will be an opportunity to get up close to the cars when racing comes to a close.

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Parking

Parking on the beach is available for a small fee payable in cash to the council. Pendine 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.  

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Drones

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

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Event Merchandise

Available Friday during scrutineering, and on the beach once we are set up until around 1pm on race days. Designs are by Jacqueline Davies.

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Press

Press passes are limited and will only be made available once members needs are met. Send applications to info@vhra.co.uk , including links to your website, social media, published work, and details of whom you will be representing. Any form of recording or photography requires the formal consent of the VHRA for which there may be a fee payable. Applications close one month before the event, at which time we will contact those that have been successful. Due to high demand, we may not respond to all applicants.

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2026 Rained Off

Sponsors

Please click on the logos below to find out a little more about our wonderful sponsors.

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Food, Accommodation and More

There are some fantastic places 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 ongoing support.

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Parkdean Caravan Park

Hafan Y Mor Motorhome Park

Caban Hotel

Staying - Discover Carmarthenshire

Museum of Land Speed

2025 Results

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King of the Beach - Sponsored by the VHRA x Hometown Jersey and Royal Kustoms.

Winner: 113 L8/R - Steve Read - 135.40 mph

Runner Up: 500 L8/R - Marcus Bennett - 124.53 mph

Third Place: 610 V8BF/S - Jamie Williams - 122.51 mph

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Fastest Vintage Engined Vehicle - Sponsored by Stromberg Carburetor

610 V8BF/S - Jamie Williams - 122.51 mph

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Fastest Vintage Four Cylinder Flathead - Sponsored by Down To Earth Auto Electrics 

599 V4F/R - Mark Lewis - 86.70 mph 

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Tony Cardy Memorial Trophy for Fastest Naturally Aspirated Street Flathead - Sponsored by East Coast Sidewinders

57 V8F/C - Clark Devey - 108.75 mph

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New Class Record Holders - Sponsored by Men's File Magazine

57 V8F/C - Clark Devey - 108.75 mph

610 V8BF/S - Jamie Williams - 122.51 mph

664 L4/M - Andy Jones - 93.45 mph

775 V8/R - Nic Rossano - 94.48 mph

791 V8B/C - Rob Firth - 94.98 mph

801 V4BF/R - Anthony Jones - 65.31 mph

826 V6F/R - Anders Toft - 101.80 mph

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New 100 MPH Club Inductees - Sponsored by Juarez Fabrication

57 V8F/C - Clark Devey - 108.75 mph

90 L8/K  - Simon Jones - 101.71 mph

505 L8/R - Marty Jones - 113.20 mph

610 V8BF/S - Jamie Williams - 122.51 mph

678 L8/C - Dan Patman - 100.11 mph

826 V6F/R - Anders Toft - 101.80 mph

853 L8/C - Sean Doyle - 117.04 mph

861 L8/C - Darrell Hancox - 102.93 mph

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Racer's Raffle - Sponsored by the Hot Rod Hayride

664 L4/R - Andy Jones

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