Throttle
The Vintage Hot Rod Association are going back to Bicester Heritage on Sunday 25th May 2025 for the second running of Throttle.
This exciting event sees traditional hot rods and customs taking to Bicester Heritage's Experience and Demonstration Track, which at just under 1km in length, has six technical turns and a long straight to test cars to the full. The track is increasingly becoming known as an iconic testing and filming location, so it's the perfect place for the VHRA to host such an exhilarating event.
Last year saw the track passes sell out in just ten days, with spectator passes selling out too, so don't delay if you want to be part of the action.
Whilst track time at Throttle is exclusively for members of the VHRA and their VHRA eligible vehicles, spectating is open to all, including access to the pits. We encourage you to come along in your own historic vehicles; hot rods, customs, Yanks, motorbikes, classics and vintage, they're all welcome to attend Throttle. Numbers on all tickets are limited, it is strictly pre-entry, and there will be no tickets available on the gate, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Gates open at 9.30am to the public, then at 10am the first of the hot rods will take to the track. From there, we'll be running all day through to 4pm, with just a short stop for lunch. There will be hot food and drink available on site throughout the day. For more info and to book tickets, click HERE.
Event Merchandise
T-shirts designed by Jacqueline Davies will be available for purchase at the event.
Bicester Heritage - Launton, Bicester OX26 5HA
The former RAF Bicester site on which Bicester Heritage is now based is of national historic importance. Neglected for the best part of 40 years, it was added to Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’ in 2008 and designated the most ‘at risk’ of all Defence Estates in the UK. Since Bicester Heritage’s tenure, over 95% of the buildings have been delicately restored or re-activated for modern business use, with the site now held as a national exemplar of constructive conservation by Historic England. The time-warp base is truly unmatched in evocative character, with even the paint colours being correct to 1930s British Standards. An active airfield and test track complete its dynamic operation. Bicester Heritage is all about driving the future of the past.
Accommodation and More
Throttle is a one day event so there is no camping available on site. However, if you want to make a weekend away of it, there are a number of hotels in the local area, for which Google will be your friend to help you find something suitable. Just a short drive from the venue is Bicester Village, a designer outlet shopping centre on the outskirts of town. Bizarrely, it is the second most visited location in the United Kingdom by Chinese tourists, after Buckingham Palace, and is home to a multitude of designer brands and quality eateries.
Press
Beyond our own official press we are not issuing press passes for this event. Members of the press are welcome to attend but they must purchase a general admission ticket to do so. Please note that any form of recording or photography for commercial purposes requires the formal consent of the VHRA for which there may be a fee payable.
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Booking Conditions
Throttle is open to all to attend, however track time is limited to VHRA members and their VHRA eligible cars. Tickets are sold on a pre-entry basis only and there will be no tickets available on the day. Bookings can be made online below. If you book a track pass, you get as much track time as can be squeezed in, and you can share the driving with others. Only cars that are booked for the track will have access to the pits, but spectators can enter on foot. Historic vehicles will have allocated parking elsewhere. All vehicles outside of this criteria will have to be parked in the car park. No refunds on any tickets. If VHRA membership is allowed to lapse before the event, track passes will become invalid. Dogs on leads are welcome. This is a single day event and camping is not available. Strictly no trailers or car transporters as space is at a premium. Full details of entry and rules & regulations are on this page.
VHRA Member's Track Passes - pre-entry only
Track passes are £55, which includes admission for the car and driver , as well as time on the track and are limited to one per member/booking. All passengers, additional drivers or those arriving in a different car must book a General Admission Ticket, or Children's Ticket if under 16. Pre-entry for track passes closes midday 16th May 2025, there will be no tickets available on the day. Early booking is advised as there are limited places on the track available and they sold out quickly last year. There will be a reserve list once all Track Passes are sold.
General Admission Tickets - pre-entry only
General entry is £15 per person for those 16 and up. This is required for all spectators, passengers and additional drivers. Pre-entry closes midday 24th May 2025, there will be no tickets available on the day. Early booking is advised as there are limited places available.
Children's Tickets - pre-entry only
Children under-16 are £5 each. ID may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-entry closes midday 24th May 2025, there will be no tickets available on the day. Early booking is advised as there are limited places available.
Participating Car Details
Vehicular access to the pits and the track is only available to VHRA members and their VHRA eligible vehicles that have booked track time. Only one car per member is allowed. Cars may be subject to a safety inspection. This is no more than a casual inspection of the blatantly obvious. The inspector may inspect condition of tyres, suspension, steering, brakes, fuel system, modifications, seating, gears, including reverse lockout, controls and complete a visual inspection of the car. Please note that runs will not be timed and this is a test track, not a race track, so driving must be in accordance with Bicester Heritage's instructions. Front seat passengers are allowed and do not need to be a member of the VHRA. No rear seat passengers are to be carried. No passengers under 16 years of age. Helmets are required for all drivers and passengers. Seat belts to be worn by all in closed cars and those with rollover protection. A decibel meter will be in place and cars exceeding 100db will not be allowed to run. Tyre squeal should not be excessive and cars must be under driver's full control at all times. Any number of drivers are allowed per vehicle. Only one track pass required per vehicle, additional drivers must purchase an Admission ticket. All drivers must hold a valid driving licence. All drivers and passengers, must complete an IOPD waiver before being allowed on the track and pre-track briefing must be attended. Please do not bring your car on a trailer or car transporter as space is at a premium. Track Passes cannot be transferred to another member of your choice, those on the reserve list come first. Change of vehicle must be notified to the VHRA not less than one week before the event. Entry to the event for participating cars is from 8.30am and the track will be open from 10am to 4pm, with a break for lunch. Full details of signing on will be emailed to entrants nearer the event.
Site rules
All visitors must follow stewards instructions and park in designated areas only. Site speed limit of 20 mph must be observed at all times. Entrances and exits must be kept clear.
