Classic Racing Motorcycle Racing

Cadwell Park – Report By David Gowshall DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography 

2^nd – 3^rd July 2022

The regular mid-summer visit to Cadwell Park for the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club Championship is always one meeting I look forward to.

Not only is the racing always competitive but the older bikes, many of which I remember when they originally raced, seem to particularly suit the narrow circuit, tucked away in a scenic valley in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

I have grown up with Cadwell Park, living just over twenty minutes away from the venue, and like all those who have visited it, both as a rider and a spectator, it remains a firm favourite.

It’s also a favourite for me as a photographer, as very little of its length is lined by large safety fences, providing the opportunity for close-up action to be caught on camera easily.

The weekend’s weather forecast was typical of a summer in England. You guessed it, “showers, heavy at times”. 

A prompt start to practice/qualifying at 9.00 am on Saturday morning got the meeting underway, but after just six classes had been given the opportunity to try out the circuit and put their machines to the test, the place took on an eerie silence.

Puzzled spectators sat bemused but word slowly got around, via the trackside marshals, that the circuit had been knocked out by a major power cut. 

Marshals and emergency crews disappeared for an early lunch as word filtered through that it was hoped a re-start to proceedings would take place around 12.15.  12.15 came and went but still there was no sign of any action.  Finally, just after 1.30 the public address system spluttered into life to confirm power had been restored, and the action would re-commence just before 2.00 p.m.

After just over three hours of non-action, riders were encouraged to start their engines.  Practice/qualifying got underway again, but racing, reduced to half of that programmed for the day, did not start until 3.00 p.m. at which point, right on cue, the heavens opened!!!

The three hours spent waiting patiently for bikes to re-appear provided an opportunity for many, including my wife and I, to take an extended stroll around Cadwell Park. It is probably one of the most scenic circuits in the country, situated in the Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which I have been lucky enough to live in throughout my life.

But having stretched our legs around the undulating hills that surround this unique track, taking in views of the circuit I’d not seen before, spectators were happy to find shelter in their cars or under one of the many trees that line the older parts of the circuit.

Photography in the rain is never fun, but at least the heavy rain was falling in showers and the dry interludes gave those armed with DSLR’s the opportunity to catch a few images.

Luckily, trackside parking at Cadwell is well catered for, unlike some other UK circuits, and I headed initially in the car to the high point mid-way between Charlies 1 and Charlies 2, and then the small trackside car park overlooking the Mountain, for some shots with my 150-600mm telephoto lens, nipping in and out the car to dodge the regular downpours. 

Despite the rain and the changing conditions, the riders served up some highly competitive action, pushing as hard as they dare.

The slippery surface proved tricky for some though, including the top riders. Richard Molnar caught out as he slid off half-way up The Mountain after holding the lead briefly, after arch rival Joe Barton had taken a tumble out of the lead earlier on the same lap at The Gooseneck. 

Taking advantage of his two rivals’ misfortune was Mark Cronshaw (#8), who edged his way clear of Mike Cooper (#24) and Mark Taylor (#28) who filled the other podium spots, in a race, which, typical of many others, started in pouring rain, and ended in bright sunshine!!!

The unluckiest class of the day were the sidecars, whose only race of the day was completed throughout its length in pouring rain.  Despite this, they provided some excellent entertainment and close racing right down the field, although the pairing of Kieran Clarke and Andrew Johnson (#9) were in a class apart.

Pistonclick’s adopted “grass roots” rider Mick Pennell, returning to solo action after delving into sidecar racing in 2021, had a frustrating start to the meeting after a mix up by the timekeepers who did not record a time for him in qualifying, meaning he had to start from the back of the grid on his 350 Yamaha. 

Mick had hoped for a good result on his nimble machine amongst the much larger capacity bikes taking part in the race in the wet conditions, and sat at the back of the field slightly aggrieved to find himself at a major disadvantage through no fault of his own. 

The ”red mist” effect saw him climb several places despite heavy rain,  eventually resulting in him claiming a very creditable 8^th place in his class.

His second and final race of his day, on his Yamaha FZ 600 production bike, again played out in wet conditions in which he generally excels, saw him make up lots of places after making an excellent start, eventually finishing 13^th overall. 

Sunday dawned bright with lots of blue sky to greet a much larger crowd than that which had attended the previous day, no doubt encouraged by a drier forecast.

With twenty races, each extended to seven laps, and two parades scheduled it was important racing got underway promptly at 9.00 a.m.

Racing comes thick and fast at CRMC meetings, with very little opportunity for a number of riders, a fair proportion of whom race in more than one category, to take a breather. 

Those familiar with CRMC meetings will be familiar with the top riders, who seem to jump off one bike directly on to another to challenge for multiple championship honours year on year, including Joe Barton (#106), John Dieterman (#18), Scott Carson (#24) and Richard Molnar (#125).

But for the majority of those taking part, whilst keen to get the best result possible, simply enjoying the opportunity to ride these nostalgic machines at speed, meeting friends in the process in what is a very social paddock atmosphere, is just as important. 

Likewise, spectators enjoy these machines of yesteryear circling the mini-Nurburgring.

With lunch taken slightly early after a red flag incident, the weather took a slight turn for the worse, and rain began to fall, but the experience the previous day meant we had come prepared with a recently acquired large fishing bivvy in the car boot. 

The process of putting it up for the very first time since we purchased it, by my youngest daughter Lauren and boyfriend Ashton, and their struggles to overcome the increasing wind that seemed to appear from nowhere, provided lots of amusement for passing spectators and particularly the marshals stationed near us. But eventually, having put my camera down to offer assistance, the three of us triumphed. 

I must admit it provided a pleasant haven, having been joined by my wife Helen, in which to take lunch, and certainly an asset I’m sure we will be making use of again in our family racing /photography expeditions in the future.

Racing got underway after lunch, with the second half of the day’s programme commencing with the small 125cc classes.  CRMC offers a rare opportunity for these small bikes, which in the past were part of the Grand Prix scene, to be competed on.

For those participating, the small capacity bikes offer a cheap introduction to motorcycle racing and the opportunity to gain some valuable experience before stepping up to the larger classes. Close racing on these very evenly matched machines always makes this class particularly entertaining for spectators. 

Fortunately, unlike the previous day, the rain largely held off, allowing the riders to get up to full speed, and the meeting largely kept on schedule, finishing ironically in bright warm sunshine.

Adopted “grass roots” rider Mick Pennell, after having a good night’s sleep in the back of his transit van and a hearty breakfast, had an inspired ride in the first of his production class races, riding to a superb and well-deserved 6^th place overall. In the second of his production class races he picked up a number of places on his grid position to end the race in 11^th place.

Sunday’s two outings on his small 350cc Yamaha, on which he competes against far more powerful machinery, saw him record consistent performances, coming home in two very respectable 15^th places. 

As a consequence of his efforts in the six races in which he competed, (it would have been eight but for the extended power cut on Saturday), he has climbed to sixth and eighth in the championship tables in which he competes, and he was able to go home well satisfied with his efforts.

As for us, a good day enjoyed by all, but total dismay as we tried to put back our new fishing bivvy into the storage bag supplied, which seemed to have shrunk significantly during the day.

As always, mention must be made of all the volunteers who helped the meeting take place.  The power cut and unseasonal weather on Saturday led to some hasty re-organisation of the race programme, which was dealt with efficiently.  The marshals were kept busy as always, with the extra task of updating spectators during the power cut, and the commentators “Jono” Yardley and Rusty Lee were their usual informative and entertaining selves.

A special mention will always be forthcoming from me for the volunteer emergency staff, who man the ambulances on each day.  They are always available to help any unfortunate riders who bite the dust, but without them and their quick response it is unlikely I would be here after suffering a cardiac arrest last year whilst spectating at the Caterham meeting in October 2021.

:DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography have a weekend off planned next week, before a busy period, at the height of the UK motorsport calendar, which will take in World Superbike and World Sidecar Championship action at Donington Park, the next round of the CRMC championship, also at Donington, and the Sidecar Revival meeting (my highlight race meeting of the year), at Cadwell Park.

You can see more of David’s work here