THE Northam Motor Sport Festival is back this year on Sunday, April 26 and will ignite the atmosphere with the sound of engines as vintage cars roll into the streets for a series of races.

Classic racing cars will take over the streets of Northam, competing in regularity time trials along a purpose-built street circuit.

Regularity rallies are car competitions where drivers follow a set course and try to drive at exactly the right speed and is a battle of precision.

Whoever finishes the circuit closest to the target time wins.

The event will feature the Northam Flying 50 regularity rally on Wednesday and a hillclimb race up Mount Ommanney on Monday.

Other event activities and attractions on the day include the Northam Boulevard Arcade Alley, face painting, a bouncy castle, Harley Davidson stunt riders, and live music by the band Another Fine Mess.

Carnival rides, food trucks, markets, local shops and eateries make up for the paid entertainment and attractions.

Every year, the Shire of Northam and the Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia collaborate to celebrate the joy of racing.

As one of the only remaining around-the-town style events in Australia, the festival offers a unique opportunity for families and petrol-heads alike to see classic cars in action.

Visitors will be taking part in a long-held Northam tradition that makes up its identity associated with vintage racing.

According to the shire’s website, Northam has a long history with horsepower both mechanical and biological.

In 1863, thoroughbred horse racing began in Northam and almost a century later, the first round the houses motor racing event was held in Northam in 1952.

The tradition lasted until the late 1950s when the original street racing era was phased out but returned just before the turn of the millennium in 1999, officially revived as the Northam Flying 50.

From there, the tradition continued on to present day where each March or April typically heralded the two-day event’s return, drawing crowds of more than 5000 enthusiasts and families.

Some roads will be closed during the events.

To find out which roads are affected, check Northam’s road report page.