A MAYORAL candidate for the West Midlands has welcomed new laws which will support his vision for a revival of the Birmingham Superprix.
Andy Street, who is standing for the post of Mayor of the West Midlands for the Conservatives in the May 4 election, has highlighted the idea of a new version of the Superprix focused on the new generation of electric vehicles.
The new laws, which came into effect last week, allow motor racing events to take place on closed public roads in England.
The Motor Sports Association which governs motor sports in the UK and Auto Cycle Union which regulates motorcycle racing will be authorised to issue permits for the races.
They must consult the council, police and other local bodies and be fully satisfied that the event will be safe.
Local authorities have the final say over whether a race can go ahead, and may require additional safety measures before, during or after the event as a condition of allowing a race to take place.
The original Birmingham Superprix ran from 1986 to 1990 – and took place on the A38 and A4540 roads.
Mr Street said the new law will make it much easier to overcome some obstacles which surround putting events on.
He added: “I have committed to making the West Midlands a global centre for electric and driverless vehicles, building on our existing strengths in advanced manufacturing.
“A revival of the Superprix – which is fondly remembered by West Midlanders – focused towards racing in new technologies would demonstrate our growing confidence as a region.
“It would of course be a tourism draw, bringing motorsports fans from all over the world.
“I shouldn’t be stopping there.
“I’ve also outlined proposals for IPL matches at Edgbaston and winning the bids for the Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture.
“An electric Superprix would be another huge statement.”
