Racing enthusiasts will have to be quick off the line if they want to take part in a historic seafront drag race.

Entry forms have gone live for this year’s Brighton Speed Trials – it’s first come, first served for the 200-plus spaces for car drivers and bikers.

Organisers Brighton and Hove Motor Club are promising participants and spectators alike an “exhilarating day” for an event which made a triumphant comeback to the seafront last September after a two-year absence.

Madeira Drive will echo to the roar of engines on Saturday, September 5, when the speed trials return.

Fans turned out in their droves along Madeira Drive to welcome the return of the event last September. It was cancelled in 2013 following the tragic death of motorbike sidecar passenger Charlotte Tagg a year earlier.

The future of the speed trials, which date all the way back to 1905, were shrouded in uncertainty for some time following the incident.

But after a huge outpouring of support which saw leading figures from the motorsport industry join thousands of fans calling for its retention, the event has now been reinstated to the city’s tourism calendar.

Last year’s speed trials passed off without incident with 151 cars and 55 motorbikes roaring down the quarter-mile run in under ten seconds in front of more than 2,500 paying guests watching from the paddock and an additional 2,000 watching on from Marine Parade.

Tony Watts, of the Brighton and Hove Motor Club, said: “It is an exhilarating day for participants and spectators alike.

“It is our most popular event so don’t leave it until the last minute to complete your entry form.

“There are strict safety rules and entry criteria, so do check the regulations which are available on our website.”

Forms to enter are now live to download at brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk.

Participants will need a competition licence to enter, with the level of licence dictating the class that entrants will run in.

Racers will also need a compliant fireproof race suit, helmet and gloves – the motor club has teamed up with a race gear retailer to arrange for a 10% discount offer from the website.

More details are also available at facebook.com/groups/132802935106