Motoring
by Aspect County

Firle Beacon Revs Up

Firle Beacon is a first-of-its-kind motorsport event launching this summer, 30 and 31 July 2022. Set in the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park in Sussex, the event will be packed with Rally, Sprint and Supercar displays and demonstrations over two unique, challenging courses, access-all-areas meet and greets with the drivers and their cars up close, entertainment, food and drink.

Firle beacon classic car

The exhilarating line-up includes:

For the petrolheads

A must-ticket for any car lover, you can expect:

  • Three paddocks spanning 60s Supercars, 40 Retro and 100 Rally cars, open to all visitors
  • A celebration of 90 years of Rally in the UK, featuring some of the most legendary cars from across the decades including:
  • British Rally Champion, Colin McRae’s iconic 1997 rally-winning Subaru Impreza WRC
  • A special collection of cars driven by Rally Champion, Russell Brookes from the 70s, 80s and 90s – including three Mk2 Escorts, two Opel Mantas, a Sierra Cosworth, Chevette HSR, together with a Group A Astra
  • Some of the fastest, most powerful, and sophisticated vehicles from Retro Rallycross & Group B
  • See Supercars and Retro vehicles take on the Sprint course up to the historic Firle Place – including a tank!
  • Watch 100 Rally cars up close as they speed through the village before taking on the hill
  • Access-all-areas for the public to meet the drivers and cars up close
  • Displays including:
  • Minis – a collection of the earliest Minis including Pickups and Mr. Bean’s!
  • Private Collections – from Open Wheelers to Classics
  • Barn Find Rally Cars – see how rally cars really look when found prior to restoration
  • NASCAR – celebrating stock-car racing

James Harold Retro Rally X

Saturday night at The Ram
Local pub The Ram’s Inn, owned by the Firle Estate, will be transformed for Saturday night entertainment. Expect DJs, drinks, and street food all free to attend after the Saturday show. 

Kids zone

Bring the kids, for a fun family day out, including:

  • Fun Fair rides
  • Historic simulators – where you can imagine you’re driving a spectacular retro vehicle
  • Tank rides
  • Mr Bean’s Mini – one of only two originals working in the UK!

Access all areas viewing
Those wanting to get close to the action can view the challenging Rally course from the Village. See the cars whizz round tight corners before taking on the hill – getting as close as safety will allow. Alternatively, visitors can watch it all from the sprawling lawns on big screens, with all the action captured on drones so you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in this stunning location. 

Firle Beacon Rally Paddock

Locally sourced food and drink
Alongside the high-octane action there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy a quintessentially British countryside day out. Expect great value beer throughout the showground, along with locally sourced food from our on-site catering partners. 

The event is the brainchild of Henry Gage of the Firle Estate, who said: We are currently witnessing a revolution in automotive technology. So where better to see the cars of the future zoom along than on the same route as their forbears – up the stunning hills of the South Downs. Firle Park will provide the setting for a glamourous day out with delicious local foods and drink. The drive up to Firle Place will provide the space to get up close to these speed machines and see how fast they can accelerate. It’s sure to be a fresh and exciting event for the community and car enthusiasts alike.” 

Visit their website for more information and to book tickets.

www​.fir​lebea​con​.com