Description

BACKFIRE Promotions created the unique in the UK…Race The Waves Weekend following our successful one day event in September 2018 as part of The Bridlington Weekend of Motoring.

A Retro-Style Motoring extravaganza which takes influences from the early years of Motoring Speed Events on the Yorkshire Sands & the Post War 1950s Hot-Rodders. Retro Style allows for the inclusion of later constructions to be involved, especially custom builds. Period correct vehicles from the earlier years are most welcome but not in a stock form (unless produced for racing)

‘The Race the Waves Weekend’ comprises a ‘Retro Theatre of Auto-motion’ on the South Shore beach in Bridlington and is supported with a STEAMPUNK Emporium inside ‘The Royal Hall within Bridlington’s Spa. We have engaged around 60 Purveyors of the finest Steampunk, Alternative, Lifestyle and Goth, together with Live Entertainment – Tearooms’- Bars all interspersed with displays of Classic Motorcycles & Scooters. The Royal Hall Emporium is organised by our associates ‘WSW Official Events’ who are the creators of the successful Whitby Steampunk Weekends.

We collectively create the best possible family oriented FREE TO ATTEND ‘Retro Weekend Festival Experience’ for our seaside visitors with…

Race the Waves featuring:- vehicles running in pairs along the firm Yorkshire sand from a ‘flagged away start’ supported by an eclectic display of American Custom, Rat-Rods, Hot-Rod Cars and Motorcycles placed along the South Shore Promenade.

Thousands of people once again lined the Bridlington foreshore in June 2019 to enjoy this unique to the UK Spectacle and it was supported with an International attendance too.

The Race the Waves ethos is about being inclusive and the taking part, where everyone involved from the audience to the entrants gives of themselves to create an engaging atmosphere.


The BACKFIRE Promotions invitation to run vehicles along the Bridlington Sands is indeed a privilege and not bestowed lightly to those we wish to engage. The various departments of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council have been most helpful and supportive, from assisting with licensing to supporting with security, medical requirements and the use of Bridlington’s Spa.


Everyone who takes part with the extravaganza on the beach is a winner, as they all have made the huge effort and contribution to be with us and have to conquer the playing field which Mother Nature has served us for our abuse, until she retrieves it beneath her briny veil.


RULES: there are no rules, in favour of a Respect and Gentlemanly conduct to all, which is paramount with our BACKFIRE events. Race the Waves at Bridlington is a phenomenon within the UK motoring events.

Our greatest wish is to welcome the next generation to become involved by our offer to run some youngsters’ classes on the Sunday for their ‘Tot-Rods’. This element gives families a chance to encourage youngsters to be creative and take part. Preference for inclusion will be offered to those who have actively constructed or adapted their vehicle.

Attire….Ladies and Gentlemen we value our event visuals and the resulting photography, therefore Retro Attire is of paramount importance for the beach engagement. Our audience are also encouraged towards a Retro dress code too.

BACKFIRE Race the Waves is entering its 3rd year in 2020 and is supported by endless passion with unquantifiable enthusiasm.

More information: Event website