Celebrating 100 Years of the Hereford Speed Trials

The Hereford City Council invites residents and visitors to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Hereford Speed Trials, one of the last speed trials to take place on public roads in England. This special event will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025, at 10 AM outside Hereford Town Hall and Hereford Swimming Pool.

What to Expect

Attendees will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular line-up of 30 vintage Morgan sports cars, paying homage to the original trials held between 1923 and 1925. The historic Fromes Hill Trophy will be on display, accompanied by two uniformed stave bearers. This event will celebrate Hereford’s rich motorsport heritage, highlighting the legacy of motorcycles, three-wheelers, and Bugattis that once took part in these thrilling trials.

A Look Back in Time

The Hereford Speed Trials were originally held on Rotherwas Road (now the Straight Mile) and Whitecross Road, culminating in the final race on April 4th, 1925. Despite a national ban on public road racing, the trials proceeded due to the "good sporting instincts" of the Hereford authorities.

At the 1925 event, I.P. Riddoch set the fastest recorded time at 19.0 seconds on a 988cc Zenith motorcycle. Meanwhile, the fastest car, a Bugatti driven by F. Taylor, completed the course in 25.6 seconds.

Learn More

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Hereford Speed Trials, resources such as Hereford Speed Trials - The Celebration Booklet by Stephen Kay and the July 1980 edition of Motor Sport Magazine provide valuable insights.

More information can be found at: Motor Sport Magazine.

This event offers a unique opportunity to relive the excitement of the race and celebrate a century of motorsport history in Hereford. The Hereford City Council encourages everyone to join in and be part of this historic occasion.