The Heritage Sprint 2026: Round I

The Heritage Sprint is a two-wheeled festival and drag race held at Betteshanger Park in Kent. The founders, who’ve been hosting motorcycle-focused shows in the area for more than a decade, created the event in the wake of the pandemic.

“After Covid we established The Heritage Sprint as an event that offers a great chance to see some amazing machinery on track and in action, have a look at the work of some skilled restorers and customizers, grab some great food, listen to some top music and even try out some new bikes!”

Our buddy Vic Shield on his ’72 T500 “Project Cobra“

The 2026 Heritage Sprint was held on August 8-9, and featured more than 150 racers signed up to sprint down the 1/8-mile track. In addition, there were more than 300 bikes on display, including everything from classic road racing machinery to vintage classics to modern customs.

You don’t see a Vincent on the drag strip too often!

In addition to the exhibition bikes and the racing itself, there were all kinds of other activities: free rides on classic bikes courtesy of the Vintage Motorcycle Club, displays from the Kent Youth Trials Club (KYTC), observed rides with the East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists, an on-track Moped Challenge, British MotoGP showing live on the big screen, and a Saturday night party with live music. More than 30 motorcycle clubs made the ride to the event, and attendees under 16 enjoyed free admission.

A member of the Kent Youth Trials Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!

The racing took place on a 1/8-mile stretch of the 3.5-km tarmac road race/time trial cycle circuit on the grounds of Betteshanger Park, which is built on the old slag heap of one of the UK’s largest collieries. One of the best things about The Heritage Sprint is that the paddock is open, allowing event-goers to get up close and personal with the competitors and their machines.

“Hear their stories, learn about their bikes, and be inspired by their passion and dedication. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the people who make the Heritage Sprint such a special event.”

Our friend and photographer Roberto Garagarza (@roga______) was in attendance, and he returned with nearly 900 images of the action. Today we have round one of coverage from The Heritage Sprint 2026, including some of our favorite drag bikes, on-track action, and moments in the paddock.

Triumph “Conquest I”

Built by Stormin’ Dennis Norman, a member of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Twin 650cc Triumph engines, supercharged and fuel-injected. Ran a 9.53-second quarter-mile.

Norton Twin-Engine Racer

Triumph “Little Conquer”

Sports a blown (supercharged) 350cc Triumph engine, campaigned and ridden by Matthew Owens. It regularly participates in historic sprint and drag racing exhibitions such as the National Sprint Association (NSA) Bike Shootout at Santa Pod Raceway during events like Dragstalgia.

Suzuki GSX1100ET Nostalgia Pro Stock Dragbike

Built by Claire Rule, owned and ridden by Alan Ward.

3-2-1: Action!

Bikes of all kinds hit the track in old-school, flag-drop drag-racing heats. It’s not often you’ll see classic Triumphs, Vincents, and Nortons on the same track as vintage superbikes, purpose-built dragbikes, and vintage Japanese four-strokes and smokers of every stripe!