Vintage and Seaman Trophies at the Gold Cup, Oulton Park
29–31 August 2026 | August Bank Holiday Weekend
In conjunction with the Vintage Sports-Car Club, we are proud presents the Vintage and Seaman Trophies grid at the Oulton Park Gold Cup in 2026.
We are assembling a rare grid of original pre-war Grand Prix cars for competitive racing at one of Britain’s great circuits. This is not an exhibition. It is a committed, entry-limited grid of authentic Grand Prix machinery brought together for proper racing at a circuit that rewards commitment and exposes hesitation. We are targeting thirty-two drivers, with cars that are rarely seen together and in some cases have not raced in the UK for many years.
The idea began in conversation at Prescott in 2025 between myself and Ben Fidler, centred on a simple point: Oulton Park has been without a true pre-war Grand Prix grid for too long. That view was echoed at Goodwood Revival, where the response from the paddock was immediate — this should exist.
From there, it became action. With the support of the Vintage Sports-Car Club and strong driver engagement in the UK and abroad, we are now assembling a 30-car entry of significant pre-war Grand Prix cars, hopefully including some not seen racing in the UK for years.
Oulton Park remains one of the few circuits in the country that truly suits these machines. It flows like a road, rewards bravery, and demands commitment. That is exactly why this grid belongs there.
This is not nostalgia. It is proper racing, in proper cars, at a proper circuit.
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The Event Format and Entry Information
Across the Bank Holiday weekend:
- Practice session (Saturday)
- One race each day (Sunday, Monday)
- 20-minute sessions per race
- Two trophies contested:
- Vintage Seaman Trophy (Vintage cars)
- Historic Seaman Trophy (1931–1940 cars)
This format is designed to keep the racing close, frequent, and engaging across the full weekend.
Entry is strictly limited to 30 cars.
Eligible cars include original pre-war Grand Prix and Voiturette machinery, such as:
- ERA
- Bugatti
- Maserati
- Alfa Romeo
- Aston Martin
- Frazer Nash
- Talbot-Lago
- Other period Grand Prix marques of significance
Requirements:
- Original period-built cars only
- Genuine provenance required
- Replicas and recreations are not eligible
- VSCC membership and FIA papers not required
Early interest is already strong from both UK and international entrants.
Register Interest
To enquire about entry or discuss eligibility, please call Tom directly on 01200 538 866, email your details to ask@tomhardman.com, or contact the VSCC directly.
Please Note – Entries will be sent out by invitation only.
Spectators & Hospitality
We are hoping to present this as a family-friendly, open and accessible weekend, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere as much as competition.
Oulton Park provides a natural amphitheatre for historic racing, and this grid is intended to make full use of that setting.
Hospitality options and additional social programming will be announced in the coming months, but the intention is clear: a welcoming paddock, strong spectator access, and a weekend that feels as engaging off-track as it does on it.
We are particularly keen that this becomes a well-attended and genuinely shared experience. There is strong expectation of high spectator turnout, and a real sense that this is a grid people will want to see in person.
For spectators, this is a rare chance to potentially see a full field of pre-war Grand Prix cars racing together—cars that represent the foundation of international motorsport.
Oulton Park’s flowing, technical layout makes it one of the most rewarding circuits in the UK for this type of machinery, and the north of England has a long and proud association with historic racing venues such as Oulton and Cadwell Park.
This weekend hopes to bring that heritage back into focus with a grid that has not been assembled in this form for many years, and one which we hope will be remembered for many years to come too.
Motorsport Safety and Event Disclaimer
Motor racing is inherently dangerous. By entering, participating in, or attending this event, all parties accept the risks of injury, serious harm, or death.
Competitors are responsible for ensuring their vehicle, licence, and safety equipment meet the required standards. Participation is entirely at the individual’s own risk.
This event is organised in conjunction with the Vintage Sports-Car Club. All entries, grid composition, and vehicle eligibility remain subject to organiser approval and final confirmation. Tom Hardman Limited is not responsible for the selection or participation of specific cars or drivers.
Event details may change without notice. Liability is excluded except where required by law.
