Cadwell Park
Lincolnshire, England
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Om Cadwell Park:
Cadwell Park is a motor racing circuit in Lincolnshire, England, 5 miles (8 km) south of Louth.[1] It is owned and operated by Jonathan Palmer's Motorsport Vision company.[2]
It is sited across a steep-sided valley, giving rise to dips and crests. The circuit features sharp changes in gradient, including one section called The Mountain where bikes can become airborne by up to several feet. Its mix of challenging corners has led to its nickname as the Mini-Nürburgring.[3][4]
Contents
Located in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Cadwell Park was established in 1934 by Mr Mansfield Wilkinson of Louth. His sons originally used the land for racing their own motorbikes against each other and this evolved into the circuit which it is today.
In 1953 the track was lengthened to 1.3 miles (2.1 km), upon the invitation of the 500 cc motorcycle-engined Formula 3 to race in a traditional bike meeting. Around 30,000 spectators attended that particular race.
The original track grew to the current 2.25 miles (3.62 km) layout in 1962 and hosted the British F3 series the next May. Some of the bends are named after family members e.g. Mansfield, Charlie and Chris.
Racing usage[edit]
Cadwell is now considered too narrow for high level car races, although Club motorsport associations such as the BARC and 750MC still hold meetings.
Competitively, it is primarily used for motorcycle racing, with the Bennetts British Superbike Championship round being the most popular event on the circuit's calendar, taking place on August Bank Holiday weekend each year.[5][6] In 2010, it hosted an additional BSB meeting on the weekend of 22/23 May.
Other usage[edit]
Several tests and feature clips for the motoring program Fifth Gear have been filmed here. They frequently feature racing driver Tiff Needell.
In April 2009, musician and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason flew into the circuit by helicopter to drive his £1.5million Ferrari 512.[7]
Stock Car Racing[edit]
During the 1960s and 1970s, BriSCA Formula 1 Stock Cars attracted big crowds to Cadwell. The gradient changes added excitement to the racing, as stock car drivers were accustomed to racing on flat 400-yard oval tracks of shale or tarmac; and likewise their cars' suspensions and gearing were set up for short flat ovals.
Current events[edit]
In addition to the August Bank Holiday round of the British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park also hosts two major historic events with the Vintage Sports Car Clubs annual festival and the new Easter Wolds Trophy covering the post-war period.
The Superkart British Grand Prix is held at the circuit, with the popular Modified Live event also on the calendar.
During the week the circuit offers some general test days and driving experiences, and can also be hired out for private testing and track days. Källa: Wikipedia.
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