THE world’s oldest running motor race roared its way back onto the seafront today.

The Brighton Speed Trials saw cars and bikes of all shapes and sizes burn some rubber along Madeira Drive.

The annual event has been running since 1905 when Sir Harry Preston persuaded the city’s council to tarmac the beach side road so it could hold motoring events.

Those taking part try to complete the quarter of a mile long stretch in the quickest time possible, with the current course record being held by Roger Simmons.

He finished the straight in just 8.73 seconds, riding a Suzuki Hayabusa Turbo motorbike in 2001.

This year’s event was popular as ever with hundreds of people lining Madeira Drive and the elevated Marine Parade to catch a glimpse of the turbo-charged vehicles.

Tyre smoke billowed from the road and the sound of roaring engines filled the air as classic cars, modern modified vehicles and even one or two super-powered mobility scooters took on the challenge.

It is believed more than 200 cars and motorbikes took part in the event across several categories such as road cars, race cars and bikes.

To finish the day, the top six vehicles in each section squared off against one another in a series of “run-offs” which decided the fastest cars and bikes on the day.