Kirkbride back in action
The semi-permanent quarter mile drag strip in Cumbria at Kirkbride Airfield is all set to make a single event comeback in May 2026.
Situated near the Solway-Firth, Kirkbride Airfield was opened in May 1939 as a storage and maintenance site to keep aircraft safe after being built at various factories before going onto be delivered to a front line.
In later years after the war the airfield was used as a giant storage area for unwanted airframes. The last aircraft to leave was a Gloster Meteor before the airfield was closed by the RAF in 1960.
The first recorded motorsports event to be run at Kirkbride was run by the 750 Motor Club in 1962 to 1963 as a twisty sprint where fastest timed driver was Tom Adir at the wheel of his Cooper-Jap single seater. The first drag and sprint under the Straightliners promotion took place in August 2008 until 2018. Big league Tractor Pulling had also seen several years of competition as part of the British Championships.
Looking back at previous records Phil ‘Woody’ Wood still owns a couple for the Kirkbride quarter mile; 8.86s in Top Bike, 8.90s for Superstreet and 8.97 in the 2000 Racing class.
Today many of the old hangers are used by local farmers or for industrial storage but the old control tower and its single runway (08/26) is operated by Solway Aviation to light non-commercial traffic.
Solway Raceway sees a return meeting on 16th/17th May and, for the moment, will be run as a full quarter mile RWYB weekend If successful, it is expected that further dates will be added in due course.
Run What Ya Brung and Championship at Solway Aviation, Kirkbride, Cumbria with Straightliners!
Push your car or bike to its limits Solway Raceway with Straightliners – this is your chance to experience the thrill of 1/4 mile straight-line speed 🚀
Driver/Rider Entry:
This event is open to all drivers/riders looking to test their vehicle’s performance on the track. Just pure adrenaline! Enter your car/bike below.
Spectator Information:
Want to watch the action? Grab your spectator ticket and enjoy an electrifying day at the strip.
👉 All crew and spectators must also purchase an admission ticket.
Onsite facilities include Toilets and Catering.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
Online entries close Thursday before the event. Prices change Sunday before the event. All tickets available on the day – Prices may change.
Please ensure you have read our rules here before entering.
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