NG ROAD RACING CLUB – Cadwell Park

Report by :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography - David Gowshall

14^th April 2024

A foray into the North Yorkshire forests on a very wet day in February to check out the Riponian Rally had been my only photographic opportunity of 2024 so far, so I was desperate to take in some action at my “local” circuit Cadwell Park at the weekend and get my season underway properly.

It was two-wheeled action, in the form of the NG Road Racing Clubs annual meeting, that attracted me back to the venue in the Lincolnshire Wolds, less than twenty miles from my home, which I have been visiting now for over 50 years.

The three-day event, which began, as do all the remaining rounds of the championship, with a Friday Test Day, followed on from a one-day visit to a very wet and cold Oulton Park in March, and would host Rounds 3, 4 and 5 of the championship.

Visits to Pembrey, Brands Hatch, Castle Combe, Donington Park and Anglesey are scheduled throughout the Summer, completing the 19-round series, which is due to end in late September.

NG Road Racing (formerly the North Gloucestershire Motor Cycle Club), formed in 1970, and is one of the largest road racing clubs in the UK with over 600 competing members.

Like many other “grass-roots” motorsport clubs throughout the country, it is run on a voluntary, but very professional basis, by a hard core of enthusiasts who are keen for motor-cycle racing to continue in the UK.

Over the years, several well-known British riders, including former World Sidecar Champion Jock Taylor, and solo stars Roger Burnett, Steve Parrish and Trevor Nation, have passed through the club’s ranks.

The weather for my visit on Day 3 of proceedings played ball, and although a bit cool and breezy, was dry and bright throughout.

There was also, encouraged out by some sunshine no doubt, a reasonable number of spectators present, taking full advantage of the first circuit racing action of the season at Cadwell, which celebrates its 90^thAnniversary this year.

The close season had given me plenty of opportunity to carry out essential maintenance on my gear, the only notable addition to my kit being a 1.4 x teleconverter, and I was looking forward to capturing some close racing.

Cadwell Park, as well as being my local circuit, is one of my favourites, thanks to a lack of safety fencing, which, as a result, provides lots of opportunities to capture some close-up images, particularly in the wooded Hall Bends / Hairpin section of the circuit, where you can usually find lots of other photographers, who are always happy to pass on their knowledge and experiences.

The huge range of bikes taking part in the meeting provided plenty of variety for spectators and photographers alike. The numerous classes taking part are cleverly combined, with every attempt made to feature those with machines of similar performance in each race, ensuring full grids and competitive action right through the field. 

With Round 3 of the Championships having taken place on Saturday afternoon following the morning Qualification sessions, the Round 4 action got underway promptly at 9.45 on Sunday morning, with Round 5 of the championship being completed after lunch. As a consequence, it’s a full programme of races for everyone taking part over the three-day event.

A very full entry list ensured the crowd were well entertained throughout. With a 100% winning record so far, after dominating events at the Oulton Park season- opening rounds of the bill-topping Pheonix Open and Powerbike classes, George Edwards found himself up against two “guest riders” in the form of local stars Craig Neve (#2) and Phil Crowe (#71), who will be lining up at number 9 and 19 respectively in the Superbike and Senior TT’s in June.

Edwards, on his newly acquired Honda Fireblade (#1), acquitted himself well, pushing the much more experienced pairing all the way in a series of thrilling races, with Neve and Crowe both registering wins to get their seasons underway.

The 600 National class, which can usually be relied on to provide some competitive action, went the way of Daniel Frear (#65) on his immaculate Yamaha R6, but local rider Will Leaning, (#321), who is based in nearby Winterton, made sure Frear was kept on his toes throughout.

Joe Woodward (#46) and Aaron Staniforth (#117), who are also regular British Historic Championship runners, dominated their respective Mini Twins and Pre-Injection classes with comprehensive victories.

With twenty races to pack into the day, the marshals were kept busy with the yellow and red flags as a number of the riders took a tumble, perhaps because the tyres were struggling for heat in the cool conditions, but despite a number of delays the full days programme was completed, albeit with a reduced ten minute lunch break!! 

Despite this the riders, no doubt, enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy Cadwell’s iconic gradients and curves, which gave me the opportunity to catch them in action.



I left the circuit as the sun fell lower in the sky having enjoyed the racing and looking forward to a busy Summer season, which will include many more photographic excursions.

:DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography has a busy programme of motorsports events planned for 2024.

April will include four wheel action at next weekend’s Pre 66 Classic Sports and GT Car Racing from Cadwell, and, hopefully, to round off the month, the 2024 British Touring Car Championships from Donington Park. 

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