The contemporary manifestation of the "vintage beach race" originates back to the early 1920s, a pivotal period in history when the booming industrial revolution was propelling the limits of engineering capabilities in machinery. Originating in Europe and America, predominantly on expansive sandy stretches and deserted terrains, enthusiasts began pushing the boundaries by attempting speed records and organizing public races that welcomed anyone daring enough to take the wheel.

Today, this historical legacy endures in several global locations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Denmark. These events have become an annual spectacle, attracting a staggering 100,000 spectators from around the globe. The races not only serve as a testament to the enduring allure of vintage motoring culture but also as a vibrant celebration of the audacity and thrill that accompanies the pursuit of speed on these historic racing grounds.

The "SPEED IS MY RELIGION" project aims to showcase the unique personalities of ordinary men and women who participate in vintage motoring events. Through this project, the aim is to provide an in-depth look at the individuals who are passionate about vintage cars, and bikes, and who compete in races, rallies, and other events. It is an effort to explore their motivations, their experiences, and the challenges they face as they pursue their love for retro motoring. By showcasing the human side of these events, the project hopes to inspire others to get involved in the vintage motoring community and experience the joy and excitement of these events firsthand.

For one weekend in the year, the small coastal town of Bridlington offers its firm tidal sand to folk from across Europe and the UK, who gather and test their vehicles in the challenging elements which only Mother Nature can provide. Bridlington lies on the coastal boundary of the East Riding of Yorkshire and is only a 30 minutes drive south from Filey, which hosted the first UK Land Speed Trials in 1905 on the three mile stretch of beach. Until relatively recent times, Filey was also within the East Riding. In 1906 the UK Land Speed Record attempts were relocated further north to Saltburn By The Sea, where the distance was improved by having five miles of hard and firm tidal sand.

BACKFIRE's Race the Waves at Bridlington, is a unique 'Theatre of Auto-Motion' where the Yorkshire Coast motor sport heritage is combined with the influences from the American street races of the post-war era.

"The intention from the beginning of the Race the Waves journey in 2018, is to pay tribute to the historical motor sport usage of our Yorkshire beaches, by creating a mobile and exciting exhibition with automobiles."

Paul Garbutt

Avril Jones

59 years old / United Kingdom / racing number 78

FB: Avril Jones

My name is Avril Jones, and I am 59 years old.
I am working as a food safety auditor for the NHS (The National Health Service is the publicly funded healthcare system in England)

I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years and have always been involved with older machines. I attended RTW as a spectator 3 years ago and was immediately drawn to the machines, the people and the atmosphere. I would like to think I can share my experience with other female riders and encourage them to attend, get involved and race.

This is now my 2nd year as a rider in the event and I can say it's a feeling like no other, it's an " assault " on so many senses. The excitement of being involved, a tinge of nervousness, a rush of adrenaline as the flag drops and all that time the sights the sounds and the vibration in the air.

This year I rode my 1964 Norton Navigator 350 cc twin with a few tweaks to make it beach capable.

Chris McGregor

52 years old / United States of America / racing number 1188

IG: cmgrgr

I am Chris Mc Gregor - 52 years old.
I service, repair and customize recreational and commercial buses.
My machine is a 1942 Harley Davidson WLA -first issued to the U.S. Army.

Wild Bill Hickock died while playing poker with aces and eights in his hand. Since then aces and eights is a dead man's hand. #1188
In your hand are you holding the cards you want to end with? We are all holding a dead man's hand. Is it time to get rid of some cards and hope for better? Take the chance, risk happy. You never know when your hand is called. Wild Bill's hand wasn't the best or worst but seemed to suit him. Do your cards. Suit you?

I race 1188 that's the meaning of my number. It's a dead man's
hand. I like the cards I hold I have taken the risk travelled across the oceans to race on distant shores and find amazing people. “Go fast don't die” has been on board for a while and it really supports this idea.

There is nothing we haven't modified, tweaked or changed. We look and pray for every ounce of speed we can find.

Brendan Finlon

57 years old (Feel older… but act younger around cars!) / United Kingdom

FB: Brendan Finlon

My name is Brendan Finlon - 57 years old.
I am a Managing Director of our small, family building firm.

Reason for being here…? Well, to race the waves!!! To be part of a great event racing one of my old motors down the beach surrounded by all kinds of cool cars and bikes. Great sounds, great sights, great smells! And also great people with the same love of vehicles.

From the second I get to Race the Waves, I’m smiling like a kid in a sweet shop! After a short while, I realise my face aches from smiling so much! It makes me forget about the months of working outside in the cold and the rain, and it recharges my batteries. It makes me feel younger and gives me energy. The adrenaline is pumping constantly! If only I could bottle it…

The car is a 1948 Plymouth Coupe 6.5L - fat wheels, noisy V8 and a bit of a beast! I imported it from California in the early part of 2015. When I first bought it, the car had a chainsaw blade spot-welded through the middle, from front to back. In the description in the sale, the owner called it a “chainsaw Mohican”! After opening the boot a couple of times and slicing my knuckles (the blade was rusty but the tips were razor-sharp), I wisely decided to cut the chain off!

After a few years, my son put pressure on me to sell it to him and I reluctantly gave in. As he drove the car off my drive, I knew I’d made a mistake. Two years ago, I convinced him to lend it to me for Race the Waves 2022 and when I sent him a photo with sand and water over it, he was none too pleased. So I did a role-reversal and put the pressure back on him until he sold the car to me again!

The car now is forever a keeper. He can have it back when I’m in my box!!

Nigel Gibbs

60 years old / United Kingdom

FB: Nigel Gibbs

My name is Nigel Gibbs - 60 years old.
I own and manage a grounds maintenance company.

The main reason for being here is that I love having fun on the beach. Nothing can compare with the need for speed feel.

One of my vehicles ( the one I am racing today ) is a FORD (Britain) Model Y with International engine.

The Ōarai Sun Beach is a sandy haven in Japan that overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean. Its breathtaking scenery is the perfect backdrop for motoring enthusiasts from various countries, making it a go-to destination for beach race organisers. This is an event that attracts the finest vintage bikes and hot rods from all over Japan, so it's a great experience not only for those participating but also for those watching.

The cultural and heritage exchange between America and Japan is a fascinating phenomenon that has resulted in some truly intriguing outcomes. In many cases, the Japanese have taken the core tenets of American culture and elevated them to new heights, creating a unique blend of the two cultures that is both captivating and enriching. This process of cultural re-creation is a testament to the Japanese ability to see beyond the surface level of American culture and understand its underlying values and principles.

It's amazing to witness the level of attention to detail and care that goes into this process, resulting in a refined and improved version of the American culture.

The SAND FLAT'S is such an example of something that in many aspects can compete with the American edition of the modern iteration of the "beach race".

Ms. Mana Saito / 齋藤真奈

49 years old / Japan /racing number 308

IG: bluerose.308_official

私の名前は齋藤真奈
My name is Mana Saito.

年齢は49歳です。
I am 49 years old.

職業はアパレルブランド ”Blue Rose.308 “でプリントデザイン商品などの販売をしています。
I own an apparel business called “Blue Rose 308” that designs and merchandises a range of products, printed with digital images.

"Blue Rose" の花言葉は可能性や夢叶う
According to the language of flowers, “Blue Rose” means “possibility” and “making dreams come true”.

"308" は私の誕生日３月８日と国連が定めた国際女性デーが同日なので、何歳になっても前向きに強く逞しく生きてる事が少しでも皆さんの勇気などに繋がり、幸せに生きていって欲しいという願いでブランドを立ち上げました。
March 8th (308) is my birthday and, coincidentally, it is also United Nations International Women's Day. As a woman, my ambition is to be strong and forward-thinking irrespective of age. I believe this positive attitude might help women to be courageous and lead happier lives. My brand, “Blue Rose 308”, was founded on these principles.

レースに出て練習不足を痛感しましたが、無事に完走できて良かったです。
It was absolutely wonderful to be able to complete the race although I felt I could have built up more strength through training.

バイクは Harley Davidson 37UL です。
The model I own and ride is Harley-Davidson 37UL.

Ms. Fubuki Okada / 岡田吹雪

42 years old / Japan /racing number 17

IG: fubuki_triumph

名前　岡田吹雪
My name is Fubuki Okada

年齢 42歳
I am 42 years old.

職業　会社員（損害保険代理店勤務）
I work as an agent for an insurance company.

2021年の千里浜サンドフラッツを観戦して、私も出たいと思いバイクを作ってもらった経緯があります。そして2022年の千里浜サンドフラッツに出場して、昨年2023年の大洗にも出ました。昨年は派手に転んでしまう失敗をしたので、今年はそのリベンジと転んだトラウマを払拭するために来ました。
I had a major accident during the Oharau ’23 race. It was quite a shock. My motivation for entering this race is to overcome that traumatic experience and turn it around into something positive. I have been an enthusiastic rider since watching Chirihama Sandflats ’21. It inspired me to commission a bespoke model. I then entered the race at Sandflats ’22 followed by Oarai 2023.

どう感じたか
スタート直前までめちゃくちゃ緊張と怖さがありました。
でも仲間がずっと付き添ってくれて、緊張をほぐし楽しむ気持ちが出てきました。
予選レースの隣がフラットトラック仲間だったおかげでテンション上げていけました。
スタート後はアクセル全開でめちゃくちゃ気持ちよく走れました。
最高に楽しかったです！
How did I feel?
Absolutely fantastic!
Acceleration has been excellent from the start and it felt wonderful.
Having said that, prior to starting the race, I was insanely frightened and nervous but the people around me at the track were really supportive. They helped me to stay strong and composed. I performed much better as a result.

私のバイク Triumph 1966年 T120ボンネビル
My model: Triumph 1966 T120 Bonneville

Mr. Atsushi Yasui

Japan /racing number 6x

IG: sushi_thefreewheeler

My name is Atsushi Yasui.

The USA guys is saying “Sushi”. My nickname is “Sushi”. This is because Atsushi is very difficult. “Sushi” is very easy.

My job is a clothing designer ( president ) in my clothing company. All made in japan – fabric, sewing...the entire production is made in Japan.

The company name is THE FREEWHEELERS (IG: freewheelers_and_company)

It’s all about speed and the trill.

I became champion in the 45 and 80 class last year here. I hope this year to became champion in both class again. And I also hope to be champion with my car in V8 with my car.

The last year the sand was a bit soft. But this year is also good. The cost is a bit short – only 1/10th of a mile, unfortunately.

This is 1946 HARLEY DAVIDSON (FL) KNUCCKELHEAD and my second one is HARLEY DAVIDSON (WL) 1942

My bike is a little bit change / tuned. Engine and carburettors are tuned.

I am here with my friend Yoshi who also bring a knucklehead and WL Borth bikes are very fast.

P.S. During the 2023 SPEED WEEK racing event at Bonneville, Mr. Asui broke 3 world records riding a heavily customised 1946 Harley Davidson FL -"THE MONSTER" as follows:

CLASS: A-VF1650 / 143.746 mph

CLASS: A-VG1650 / 143.721 mph

CLASS: APS-VG1650 / 145.131mph

Source: ROLLER Magazine #49

Mr. Yoshiharu Sakamoto / ヨシ·サカモト

Japan /racing number 4

IG: ystat2

ヨシ·サカモト
My name is Yoshi Sakamoto

タトゥー·アーティス
I am a motorcycle engineer, as well as a tattoo artist.

Iレースが好きだから.
really love watching those races,

最高の気分
I’m feeling fabulous being here. It’s a great feeling.

私のバイク:
1941 knucklehead, Harley-Davidson
1942 WLA, Harley-Davidson

My bikes are:
1941 knucklehead, Harley-Davidson
1942 WLA, Harley-Davidson

P.S. During the 2023 SPEED WEEK racing event at Bonneville, Mr. Sakamoto broke 1 world records riding a heavily customised 1947 Harley Davidson FL -"THE GRYPHON" as follows:

CLASS: M-VF1350 / 133.602 mph

Source: ROLLER Magazine #49