It's on the cards again. It is the the UK's only street circuit. Officially designated by the Birmingham Street Racing ACT 1985. First time round it took 20 years of planning and ran for 4 years. After the FIA designated that formula 3000 required an additional practice day.

Plans are now afoot for the resurrection of the Birmingham Super Prix with a new improved track.

The Birmingham Evening Mail reported on Saturday that it was coming back to the city although the details regarding the type of cars that shall be racing are still to be verified.

I think this'll be a winner as the citynow has a track record in holding large scale events and is exactly what the city needs. One this one the city council have got it spot on.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Superprix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Superprix)

http://www.etracksonline.co.uk/Europe/United_Kingdom/birmingham86-90.html

Did anyone see the article? Does anyone have any memories of this?

Well although I don't recall direcly remembering the Superprix as I was very young back then looking at those websites and also YouTube where there are some clips of footage it looked like a really interesting concept that should definately come back. As for a route surely they should change it so that it should takes in more attractions such as Selfridges and the Holloway Circus Tower. Also it should surely help to revitalise shabbier parts of the route in Digbeth and especially Paradise Circus. In my opinion the route should go somewhere along the following with the route shown running clockwise in red and the pits being in blue:

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5742/birminghamsuperprixmapou2.jpg

Whilst probably unrealistic to expect F1 whatabout encouraging SuperBikes to run on the route or maybe even making a round of the RAC Rally as a race along this track (as that should really move back to being a UK wide event as opposed to Wales only at present where it seems to feel much a less high profile event) Does anyone know if this had extensive national and international media coverage? Also found this link with loads of stuff on the race: http://www.forix.com/8w/bsp.html

I remember this from being very young. Thought it was brilliant! Remember seeing it once and thinking how it blew most F1 circuits away then never seeing it again and being sad lol. Would love to see it back.

A revived Super Prix would have to show off Birmingham's transformed city centre to the maximum! How about this for a circuit (read quickly in a Murray Walker voice)...

1) "The grid is streached out along the bottom floor of the Bull Ring: the start will be signalled by the automatic doors opening onto the square opposite St Martin's. Go, Go, Go!"
2) "Then right down Edgbaston St past Debenhams at 90mph",
3) "through the Chinese Quarter past the Hippodrome. Now a left, right, right, left combination of tight corners",
4) "onto Smallbrook, round the Holloway Circus past Beetham onto Suffolk St, and on the accelerator once again".
5) (This next bit is really exciting) - "through the 'Ferodo' and 'Dunlop' tunnels (fleeting glimps of Snow Hill towers under construction) and OVER the Lancaster Circus flyover! 190mph, 6th gear, and the drivers are battling for position approaching the elevated section".
6) (A contrived route would bring them back into the city centre by Thinktank and City Park) "the new pitlane has attractive water features but they're only a blur at 150mph! Past Masshouse now, across Moor St Queensway and up to Priory",
7) "a left down Corporation St, onto Bull St and High St, passing Martineau Galleries, the Rotunda and the bronze Bull - the drivers are now heading between the Bull Ring and streaming down the ramp to start a new lap".

What do people think?!

Although it will never host F1 cause the city council will stop it, any chances the only legal street GP in Briton (by Parlimentary Act) be resurrected? Especially as the Night race on Singapore City circuit was a massive success and Monaco is still going too

I've never heard of this event, but it would be amazing.

Birmingham council really must give it their full backing. I suppose the only drawback could be that F3000 really isn't that big a draw, especially television wise, so would the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of closing off the city centre (and presumably the shops?) for a day or two?

I to, have never heard of this event but it sounds fantastic! It would be great for Brum to do this!

Legendary :)

http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/video/rs500.wmv

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TtzRC1j8dn4&feature=related

Eddie Jordan is throwing his weight behind it. If only he'd throw some money :)






Former Formula One boss calls for re-launch of Birmingham’s Super Prix
Jun 17 2009

FORMER Formula One boss Eddie Jordan has called for Birmingham’s Super Prix to be re-launched in a bid to bring motor racing back to the city’s streets.

The former Team Jordan boss, who launched the careers of drivers including Michael Schumacher, urged Birmingham City Council to give the event the green light and boost the region’s economy.

A council spokesman today did not rule out the return of the event, which ran for five years between 1986 and 1990, but said it would need a major financial backer.

The Birmingham Super Prix attracted crowds of around 60,000 to watch Formula 3000 cars speeding at 120 mph around the city.

Mr Jordan said: “I wish the powers that be at Birmingham City Council would get together and re-consider launching Birmingham’s Super Prix again.

“It was a fantastic event for the city where people from all walks of life and ethnic communities united together and came out onto the streets of Birmingham to watch and support motor sport at its best.”

The Birmingham Super Prix was first staged in 1986, after a bill giving the city permission to stage street motor racing was passed through Parliament in the same year.

The event saw tens of thousands of motoring fans gathering in the city centre to watch the cars race their way down Bristol Street, up Belgrave Middleway and round past the markets.

But it was ultimately scrapped after public losses amounted to nearly £5 million.

Safety equipment, bought by the city council for £2.4 million, was sold off in 1998 for just £45,000.

A city council spokesman said today: “If a major financial backer emerged for the return of the Birmingham Super Prix then of course we would be happy to discuss the possibility.”

Rumours of a possible return of the Birmingham Super Prix have persisted and in 2007 the organisers of the British Rally Championship said they were keen to bring motor sport back to the city.

And in 2003 local businessman Robert Houghton sought backing from politicians and big business to get the event back on the road.

Mr Jordan, who was in the region to launch the Monarchy Live music festival, added that the Midlands had “always been at the heart” of motoring.

“Bringing the event back to the UK’s second capital would provide a huge boost to the struggling motor manufacturing and engineering industries in the current economic climate.

“Birmingham has always been associated with motor sport events such as the Motor Show and the city has some of the finest motor manufacturing, engineering and technology in the world. The recent trauma in the motoring industry that’s hit the area with LDV, Land Rover and Jaguar demonstrates the need for us to preserve and support the Midlands motor heritage.

“A prestigious event such as the Super Prix showcases what a world beating city Birmingham really is to the rest of the UK and, indeed, the world. The council should get behind the idea and help put Birmingham back on the map with Formula One in the city.”

I like Eddie Jordan.

And I think it is a great idea :)

BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7216/superprix.jpg

..

Fuck this. Bring it to Liverpool where there is actually a decent backdrop!

What sound logic you have. The Birmingham superprix belongs in Liverpool.
:nuts:

Liverpool may have the backdrop but it certainly does not have the maze of roads like Brum has, Birmingham is the perfect city in the UK to hold such an event, so get your hands off Liverpool.:bash:

Fuck this. Bring it to Liverpool where there is actually a decent backdrop!

Unless David Cameron becomes an honorary Scouse, I don't see an Act of Parliament bringing that about :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
:tongue4::laugh::rofl::laugh::tongue4:

If this is revived, I do think the track will need to be modified.
-Maybe by taking the circuit from Belgrave Middleway, up Highgate Middleway onto Camp Hill and straight up Digbeth near to the Bullring before rejoining the old circuit via a Moat Lane/Barford St chicane.
-Possibly also cut-out Bristol street and run it straight up Sherlock street back to Belgrave Middleway. Although this would miss out the narrow roads, this will give the opportunity to then extend the City-section around Moor Street (like the right-part of the first map above) to give it features like the Singapore Street Circuit. It would also then have a great back-drop!!!!
-I am still hopeful given the upturn that the race will be revived, its too good a financial opportunity not to.

Fuck this. Bring it to Liverpool where there is actually a decent backdrop!

Aintree held the GP for around 15 years. Far better than another course in the country fro facilities and transport infrastructure.

Start of the 1961 British Grand Prix at Aintree won by Count Wolfgang von Trips - Ferrari 156. The 3rd Ferrari, white helmet far right.
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9471/aintreegrandprixcw8.jpg

Fangio and Stirling Moss discuss tactics before the start of the 1955 Grand Prix. Manager Alfred Neubauer organising the Mercedes mechanics.
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/7759/aintreegrandprix1zg0.jpg

Liverpool is a great City (looks far better than ManX and Leeds!) -have nothing against the city
But what is it with certain forum members facination with racing and moving it all to Liverpool/Aintree?????

Liverpool previously hosted a proper circuit Formula 1 Grand Prix, NOT a Street circuit like the Birmingham Super Prix! The Super Prix is nowhere near Formula 1 standards, it would need a multi-million pound investment upgrade, but it would need a hell of a lot more to do the same to redevelop Aintree.

It seems like quite a few threads like Donnington and Silverstone, have had certain members try to hijack ...move that track to Aintree.... which often is unrealistic or not comparable.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=590514&page=2
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=782742&page=2
...

If you're that passionate create another thread! or move it to:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1071931&highlight=aintree
or http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=444578&highlight=aintree
or http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=604652&highlight=aintree
or http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=928618&highlight=aintree

Not members. Member. A prick called John who will also go by several other names after his frequent bannings.

This seems rather cool! What kind of vehicles are we talking about in this race?

The logical thing would surely be for the British Touring Cars to run around the streets of Birmingham, would be fantastic, like many of the World Touring Car races that go through the streets of Marrakech, Porto etc. www.btcc.net

I think it would be good to see single seaters around the streets of Birmingham. There is little chance of GP2 as this usually supports F1 in Europe so how about Formula 3? F3 has street races at Pau, Monaco and Macau so why not Birmingham?

The support races could be touring cars and GTs, something that is loud and exciting to watch. Say have a 4-hour GT race, a bit like a mini-Le Mans, then we could potentially see a Jag winning on its home streets! :)

I think it would be good to see single seaters around the streets of Birmingham. There is little chance of GP2 as this usually supports F1 in Europe so how about Formula 3? F3 has street races at Pau, Monaco and Macau so why not Birmingham?

The support races could be touring cars and GTs, something that is loud and exciting to watch. Say have a 4-hour GT race, a bit like a mini-Le Mans, then we could potentially see a Jag winning on its home streets! :)

That would be great, but Digby is like Brown -refusing to go and refusing to positively work with everyone, I'm sure its genetic!

Lets hope the private sector can dangle a big enough carrot, especially given the revenues this would pull

Fuck this. Bring it to Liverpool where there is actually a decent backdrop!

Liverpool?!

All the cars will be nicked before the race has even started, never mind the hubcaps.

Liverpool?!

All the cars will be nicked before the race has even started, never mind the hubcaps.


I'll bet you the crime rate is worse where you are? do people still laugh at 30 year old jokes where you are? On second thoughts,knowing this country the answers yes.

calm down calm down sheesh,it must be a laugh in your local.:ohno:

Sure Liverpool's not a bad city, it's got some nice architecture and a good waterfront in places but the Superprix belongs to Birmingham. What's wrong with Liverpool putting in a bid for something they thought of themselves?

I remember going to the Superprix as a kid and loving it, it's what got me interested in motor racing so it would be awesome to see it back on the streets of Brum. Birminghams central location means it's not too far to travel for a lot of people and it's the largest conurbation in the country outside of London guarenteeing a lot of spectators.
I think Formula 3 would be good to see but the track would need some serious updating to be good for GT racing, also the pit/paddock area would need to be bigger and have more accessability for the teams.

In reality I think a fair bit of work needs to be done but as the city is undergoing several major redevelopment projects at the moment it's an ideal time to get the facilities in place, all we need is a major corporate backer to entice the council...

Birminghams central location means it's not too far to travel for a lot of people and it's the largest conurbation in the country outside of London guarenteeing a lot of spectators..

I think Glasgow & Manchester can tell Brum how to handle large crowds better?

Is the expense worth it for a meaningless, unwatched (globally) car race?

I think Glasgow & Manchester can tell Brum how to handle large crowds better?

Is the expense worth it for a meaningless, unwatched (globally) car race?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7401814.stm you sure about that... im just saying not having a dig

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7401814.stm you sure about that... im just saying not having a dig

Case in point. Doesn't matter how good your security or crowd control methods are, if something's going to happen it will happen.

It's not about "handling crowds" anyway, it's about people coming to watch a sport in a city.

Any event like this has meaning; it's there to entertain people and for those taking part it's their job. Saying it's meaningless is like telling football fans that sitting in a stadium for a couple of hours watching 22 men kick a bit of leather around is meaningless. They do it because they enjoy it and who's to tell them they're doing something that's not worthwhile.

As for being unwatched; the Superprix was never a global event and I don't think that was ever the intention. A motorsport event like this is a regional thing and I remember when I went to see it the streets were packed!
Where else in the UK is there a street racing event like this? It would be novel and I think a lot of motorsport fans would come and watch it, sure it doesn't have the pull or financial backing of F1 or GP2 but that's not the point. You have to invest and have a little faith in something to watch it grow and succeed.

Where else in the UK is there a street racing event like this?

No where... that was kind of the point. Organised motor sport on public roads is and has been illegal for a long time in the UK. It took a special act of Parliament back in 1984/85 to allow the Super Prix to go ahead. Birmingham remains the only place in the UK where such a race could take place. However the new Govt has stated they will review this situation and consider repeeling the law banning motor sport on public roads. So Brum could lose it's position of advantage in a year or two, which would be a shame. It would be somehwat bitter to see an inner-city motor race somewhere other than Birmingham.

Yeah totally! There are some pictures posted elswhere on this forum of the early days, no crash barriers or anything seperating the spectators from the track, just like the rally.
Health and Safety would have a field day!
It would be in London of course, there has already been talk of looking at the feasibility of maybe having F1 on the streets of London but I doubt it will ever come to anything. The very fact that the idea has been floated though bodes ill for us here.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4184702