Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races

Pendine Sands
Hot Rod Races

We are pleased to announce that the eleventh running of the Hot Rod Races will be happening on Pendine Sands over the weekend of 22nd & 23rd June 2024. 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 10am 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.

This incredible, award winning event has fast 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 for racers and their teams only, but you can spectate for free from outside. You’ll find more details on that down the page.

Race and Pit Passes - VHRA Members Only - Click HERE to apply. ***ALL PASSES SOLD OUT***

Race and Pit Passes can only be purchased by members of the VHRA, with priority going to those that had membership in place when the event was announced to members on 6th October 2023. All competing vehicles must be be VHRA eligible and meet the criteria defined in our Racing Rules & Regulations. Only pass holders will be allowed access to the pits. Ticket sales go live at 7pm 20th October.

Race Classes

V - Vintage - Pre 54 engines, inclusive of all Ford flathead V8’s

L - Late - 1954 and later engines, includes Burtz & Donovan Model A engines

4 - 4 Cylinder

6 - 6 Cylinder

8 - 8 Cylinder

U - Unlimited Cylinders

B - Blown - Supercharger or Turbo

F - Flathead - ALL valves in block, no OHV conversions

R - Roadster - Open top factory cars. Roof chops allowed, top must be down.

C - Closed Car - Fixed roof factory cars. Roof chops allowed.

M - Modified - Open top special & shortened bodies, including non-factory bodies.

S - Streamliner - Closed car special & shortened bodies, including belly tanks and non-factory bodies.

K - Full Body - Factory cars post 1934. All body styles, roof chops allowed.

Free Spectating - No Pass Required

Outside of the pits it’s free to spectate. No pre-entry or ticket is required, you do not need to be a member and there is no limit on numbers. This will not permit you to enter the pit or race areas, but there is the opportunity to get up close to the cars either side of racing. Parking is available at a fee of £5 per car, payable to the council on the day, which will allow you to park on the beach in your car. Please be aware this is a tidal beach and access may be limited for some visitors. Dogs on leads are welcome. Strictly no drones, Pendine Sands is a no-fly zone.

Press

Space is limited in the pits and we put members needs ahead of all others, so only issue press passes to a few select applicants that we feel will best represent the VHRA. Applications must be made in writing by email to info@vhra.co.uk. When applying, include a link to your website, social media, details of publications featuring your work and who 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 on 19th April 2024, at which time we will make our final selection. Due to the number of requests received we may not respond to all applicants.

Accommodation

For those wishing to stay nearby there are a number of options. 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 the seven mile stretch of beach and neighbours the fabulous Museum of Land Speed. There are also other hotels and B&B’s in the area, just search on Google for more details. Alternatively, contact Carmarthenshire visitor information on 01267 231557, or by email to carmarthentic@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.