The first street race to be held on the British mainland took fifteen years to plan but lasted just five. Racing had been banned on the island until parliament passed the Birmingham Road Race Bill in 1985. A round of the FIA Formula 3000 series was secured and the event generated a unique atmosphere of noise, accidents, unglamorous surroundings and sometimes-chaotic race schedules. But for all its shortcomings, Birmingham was one of the great British race experiences. The circuit was quick, with average speeds of over 100 mph in dry conditions. The dual carriageway to and from Halfords Corner, a roundabout-turned-hairpin with a pronounced bump on entry, was the quickest part of the track. The pits were placed by the start in the forecourt of Bristol Street Motors and the paddock was in a multi-story car park. The first Birmingham Super Prix was marred by torrential rain. A year later Stefano Modena won conclusively although the star was Roberto Moreno, who finished second from the back of the grid. Plans to lengthen the circuit in 1991 to comply with FIA demands were shelved after the local council withdrew support and the much-publicised event slipped quietly from the racing calendar.
