Welcome to the Birmingham University Motor Club website

Birmingham University Motor Club is one of the oldest of the many student motor clubs in the UK; being formed in 1904, this year marks the centenary of BUMC, making BUMC one of the oldest motor clubs in the UK (not to say the world).

The entry from the Student’s Handbook for 1904 -1905 states:

“The Club was formed during last term, and some club runs were held. It is intended to continue these during next term, also to arrange for some papers and demonstrations on subjects of interest to motorists. The objects of the club also include organising reliability and other trials. The subscription at present is 1s., and any past or present students are invited to attend the runs.”

We know that the Club was active in organising events, even in those early years. A report from The Royal Automobile Club Journal of March 1910 records:

“The University of Birmingham Motor Club held its opening run on Wednesday, February 23^rd. The meeting took place at 11 o’clock am. The Club then proceeded to Stratford-upon-Avon, lunch being partaken of at the Swan’s Nest Hotel. After lunch the run was continued to Sunrising Hill, several members making very clean ascents; thence to Warwick, where a halt was made, and then home. The roads in parts were in a shocking condition, although the weather was fairly good …”

 From these perhaps humble beginnings, the club has, certainly over the past 50 years, been very active in grassroots motorsport, promoting rallies and autotests; treasure hunts; navigational scatters and economy runs. Other events include karting and ‘blat’s where a local racetrack is hired and club members have the opportunity to put their cars through their paces against the clock.

The club runs a number of championships throughout the year, and trophies are awarded at the Annual Dinner held each February.

The Annual General Meeting of the Club is also held in February each year, when officers of the club are elected for the next year.

As noted, the club runs a variety of events during the year, some of which are closed to club events for members of BUMC, while others have an entry list open to a wider audience. Marshals for events are always welcome, and if this aspect of the sport appeals to you, and you want to help in running an event, please contact the organiser who can be emailed from the events page.

We hope you find this site of interest and welcome feedback, particularly from former members who have lost contact with BUMC. In this, our centenary year, we are particularly eager to re-establish contact with members. Visit us again soon, but in the meantime, any questions can be sent here.