HUNDREDS of speed demons will take part in a historic quarter-mile sprint this weekend.

The much-loved Brighton National Speed Trials return to Madeira Drive tomorrow with more than 260 drivers and motorcycle riders taking part in the run.

Freddie Hunt, son of Formula One World Champion James Hunt, is the latest famous motorsport name to take part in the grand old event following in the tyre marks of Sir Malcolm Campbell, Mike Hawthorn, Sir Stirling Moss and Formula 1 boss Bernie Eccleston.

Spectators will be keeping an eye out for Hunt as he jumps aboard a restored MG Midget 1979 in support of a new Chichester-based apprenticeship.

Other star attractions include the high speed Vuhl05 supercar, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, running its first competitive event and the all electric Tesla saloon participating for the first time.

The resilient speed trials are now 110 years old, making it one of the oldest motorsport events in the UK.

The event was cancelled in 2013 following the tragic death of sidecar passenger Charlotte Tagg in 2012 but roared back to form in 2014.

This year it is proceeding although with a slightly reduced paddock because of the closed-off Madeira Drive arches while high-rise terraces remain closed off limiting the number of spectators.

The first engines will begin revving at around 9am for first practice runs with the first timed runs beginning at 11.30am and going on until 6pm.

Spectators wanting to get close enough to smell the petrol and engine oil in the race paddock will have to pay £15 on the day.

A large TV screen will relay the action to fans further away.