This week, by popular demand, we’re proud to release a true piece of British motocross history: the first ever Weston Beach Race programme from 1983. To mark the occasion, Gareth looks back at how the event began, the people who made it happen, and his own memories from that unforgettable first year.

The Weston Beach Race didn’t begin as a grand, fully formed spectacle. Like many great events, it started with an idea, a lot of determination, and a small group of passionate people who believed it could work.

At the heart of it all were George, Jack, and Eddie Chandler. They were the original driving force behind the race, the ones who saw the potential of Weston’s vast stretch of sand and imagined motocross taken to a completely different stage. Eddie’s connection to the race still runs strong today – his son Richard Chandler continues to race every year on a sidecar, a living link between the very first event and the modern race we know now.

Early on, they also brought in Dave Smith, a rider agent with strong connections across the motocross world. Dave knew the top solo and sidecar riders of the time, and his involvement proved crucial. Thanks to those relationships, the Weston Beach Race attracted top-tier motocross talent right from the start, immediately establishing itself as a serious and well-respected event rather than just a novelty race on sand.

Of course, ambition alone isn’t enough to run a major motocross event. To make it official, they needed an ACU-affiliated club to provide the officials, equipment, organisational knowledge, and manpower required to run a race of this scale safely and professionally.

That’s where the Frome Club came in.

At the time, Frome was the biggest local club and already highly experienced, having hosted World Championship motocross events. They understood exactly what was involved in running a major race and were perfectly placed to support something as bold as the Weston Beach Race. Their involvement gave the event instant credibility and ensured it was built on solid foundations from day one.

For me personally, the Frome Club is where it all began.

Steve Jones grew up in Frome, and his dad was heavily involved in the club, so motocross was part of his life from an early age. That’s where his interest in the sport comes from, and it’s why he was involved with the Weston Beach Race from day one. Being part of that first event in 1983 is something he will always be proud of.

Within the Frome Club, a huge amount of credit must go to Jim and Vee Webb. They were central figures in the club and played an important role behind the scenes. Their dedication, experience, and commitment helped make the race possible, and their names absolutely deserve to be remembered as part of Weston’s story.

Looking back at the 1983 programme, it’s remarkable to see just how much was achieved with passion, hard work, and belief. None of us could have predicted how iconic the Weston Beach Race would become, but the foundations were all there from the very beginning: the right people, the right support, and a shared vision to create something special.

Releasing this first-ever programme isn’t just about nostalgia-it’s about celebrating the origins of an event that has become legendary in British motorsport It’s a tribute to everyone who helped make it happen in 1983, and to the generations of riders, organisers, and fans who have kept the spirit of Weston alive ever since.

A big thank you to Steve Jones for his help and for providing valuable information for this article.

Can’t see the programme? Click here to view