Pre-war racing is returning to the Oulton Park Gold Cup in 2026 with the revival of the Seaman Trophy. The race is being organised in conjunction with the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) and historic car specialist Tom Hardman Ltd and will take place across the Gold Cup weekend of 29-31 August.
Entries have already been received from across the UK and Europe, with expected marques including Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Maserati, Frazer Nash and ERA. Highlights include ERA GP1 and GP2 appearing together for the first time since GP2’s restoration.
Organisers are also hopeful that R14B – the final ERA B-Type constructed – will make its public post-restoration debut and that the ex-Dick Seaman R1B will line up in the race that bears its former owner’s name.
‘As a boy, Oulton Park made a huge impression on me,’ said Tom Hardman, founder of Tom Hardman Ltd. ‘With the Seaman Trophy returning, the aim is to create an event that showcases these cars in the way they were intended to be experienced.’
Oulton Park’s fast, flowing layout and undulating topography have established it as a favourite among pre-war competitors. Le Mans and Can-Am veteran Brian Redman is no exception and recalls how witnessing ERA machinery compete at the Cheshire venue in 1960 left a lasting impression:
‘In 1960, I sat in line in my Mini 848cc. Ahead of me sat Jim Berry’s ERA R4D, wheels in the air as the engine warmed through. Rap, rap, rap went the exhaust, with the smell of methanol and Castrol R filling the air. I was mesmerised by the sight and sound of this giant killer from another age.’
The Oulton Park Gold Cup takes place from 29-31 August 2026. Drivers and owners of eligible vehicles can register interest at [email protected].
