Classic Racing Motorcycles Club (CRMC) - Cadwell Park

Report and Images by :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography

29^th / 30^th June 2024

Cadwell Park is English motor sports hidden gem, a roller-coaster ride of a circuit tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside. Too narrow for anything other than club-level car events, it is bike racing which is king at Cadwell.

Accordingly, the vast majority of the UK’s club bike racing organisations visit Cadwell Park at least once a year, allowing clubman competitors to test themselves on the revered track.

Last weekend it was the turn of the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (CRMC) to host their annual meeting.

Cadwell Park is a true test of a rider’s ability, and a real favourite with those competing. The circuit, which is celebrating its 90^th Anniversary this year, has remained relatively untouched since the current version was put in place back in 1962, and provides real character with many sweeping corners, dips, undulations and elevation changes.

Its character and nostalgia seem to suit the Classic bikes on show this weekend. 

I was there to capture some action on Sunday when, due to some hold ups the previous day, 24 races were now scheduled to take place, including two ten lap ACU Classic and Post Classic races, a round of the Supermono National Championship and Round 4 of the varied CRMC class championships competed for throughout the season. 

There was a sizeable crowd trackside, who enjoyed some highly competitive racing on what was a cool and largely cloudy day, although the sun did make a welcome appearance later in the day.



Undoubtedly the star of the weekend was Melton Mowbray based Ant Hart (#75), who recorded nine victories over the two days of action, smashing the Supermono lap record on his KTM by more than three seconds in the process.

He also led home his arch rival Mike Smith (#40) in the Superbike and Post Classic races, on his immaculate Ducati.

Another multiple winner was Arnie Shelton (#43), who totally dominated the lightweight classes on his 125 Honda.

Youngster Joe Woodward (#46) was again very impressive, recording a number of podium finishes.

The huge range in classes featured over the packed race programme give everyone an incentive in every race.

Consequently, battles ensue all the way down the field, keeping both spectators and photographers entertained.

Editor’s note. It is good to see #74 Jamie O'Brien back out racing on a 1967 Suzuki T500 after his big crash at the 81st Goodwood Members Meeting. 

Adding to the interest on Sunday were three races for the Sidecar classes, and although it was a relatively small field on show it was the quality of the field that ensured there was some very close racing.

Amongst the many spots at Cadwell Park for photography, which is largely free of safety fence, the favourite has to be Hall Bends where you will always find a group spectator photographers.



Finding myself alone at this popular spot mid-afternoon I took the opportunity to take a few shots myself, playing around with shutter speeds to try and capture the speed and amazing lean angles some of the riders are able to achieve.

Despite leaving the circuit early, before the packed race programme had been completed, I had, along with all the other spectators, enjoyed the unique experience my home track provides.  I will definitely be back during the remainder of the season.

Thanks to David Gowshall for this report which you can share with your friends on Social Media using these links.

You can see more of :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography by clicking his website picture.