Classic Touring Car Racing Club
Cadwell Park
16 April 2026
Classic Touring Car Racing headlined last weekend’s action at Cadwell Park. Three members of the PistonClick team went along to enjoy the racing and capture some motorsport images of the tin tops in action.
Held over two days, we opted for Sunday—mainly due to the weather. Forecast to be slightly better than Saturday, the morning began bright and sunny before deteriorating into cold April showers by mid-afternoon.
Most motorsport fans are familiar with the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), but fewer know about the Classic Touring Car Racing Club (CTCRC). Formed nearly 50 years ago in 1974, the club has evolved from its original aim of providing affordable racing for popular saloon cars of the 1950s and early ’60s. Today, it includes saloon cars up to 2003.
There are seven championships within the CTCRC, each featuring multiple classes. At Cadwell, we saw Blue Oval Saloons, Classic and Historic Thunder, Pre-66 Group 1, Pre-83, Pre-93, and Pre-03 Touring Cars—in other words, nearly the full roster of series the club runs.
Blue Oval Saloons & Classic and Historic Thunder
Sunday’s action kicked off under blue skies with a combined grid from the Blue Oval Saloon Series and Classic/Historic Thunder. This mix guaranteed battles throughout the field, as Escorts and Fiestas chased down powerful BMWs—while still fighting their own class rivals.
During Saturday’s qualifying, #223 Joe Collier set a best lap of 1:33.077 in his BMW M3 to take pole position. However, it was #144 Mike Cutt who dominated both races in his BMW E36 M3, securing overall victory with a commanding performance that left the rest of the field trailing.
#1 Ian Bower finished second overall in another BMW M3, competing in the Classic Thunder class.
In Historic Thunder, Colin Voyce took class honours and finished fifth overall (fourth on Saturday) in a striking Ford Escort Mk1. Immaculately presented in a patriotic livery, his car proved a standout—especially powering through Hall Bends.
In the BOSS class, #27 Martin Reynolds claimed victory on Sunday in a Ford Escort Mk2.
Pre-66 Touring Cars
The Pre-66 Touring Cars field featured a great variety of classics, though Lotus Cortinas, Ford Anglias, and Hillman Imps filled the grid.
#52 Billy Kenneally set the pace in Saturdays qualifying under challenging weather conditions in his Ford Anglia.
On race day, however, #56 Adam Cunnington and #7 Ian Thompson stole the show. Both drivers, at the wheel of their iconic s, were virtually inseparable across two fiercely contested races.
Each encounter delivered close, wheel-to-wheel racing, showcasing both precision and racecraft. Despite sustained pressure from Thompson, Cunnington edged ahead to complete a clean sweep of class victories.
Pre-83, Pre-93 & Pre-03 Touring Cars
The final tin-top race of the day combined the Pre-83, Pre-93, and Pre-03 Touring Car classes—resulting in a wonderfully varied grid. Astra GTEs, Rover SD1s, Golf GTIs, Escorts, and BMWs all took to the track.
By this point, the fine weather had disappeared, replaced by cold April showers. A heavy downpour during the lunch break soaked the circuit, though conditions improved just in time for the race.
Ian Bower, starting from pole in his #1 BMW M3, looked like the favourite but managed only six of the eight laps. This opened the door for #5 Kam Tunio, who delivered an excellent drive in his Pre-03 Honda Civic EP3 to take the chequered flag.
Nic Grindrod finished second in a beautifully prepared #220 Pre-83 Ford Escort Mk1.
British Automobile Racing Club
Although marketed as a Classic Touring Car Racing event, there was plenty more on offer. Organised by the British Automobile Racing Club, the weekend featured a packed programme of additional championships.
The Junior Saloon Car Championship, MG Owners Club Championship, Scottish Mini Cooper Cup, three Caterham championships, and the Track Action Racing Club all took to the track. With fifteen races plus a qualifying session on Sunday alone, the large crowd was thoroughly entertained.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is an event I’ll be adding to my calendar for next year. The classic and historic touring car racing was fantastic to watch, and the variety of support races made for a full and engaging day of motorsport. None of which could happen without the sterling work of the Orange Army Marshalls.
The team agreed—it was a great outing—and we all left with a strong set of images for our motorsport portfolios.
Classic Touring Car Racing Club Calendar
| May 16 | Oulton Park |
| Jun 6–7 | BTCC Oulton Park |
| July 4–5 | Thruxton Circuit |
| Aug 1–2 | Brands Hatch |
| Sep 12–13 | Snetterton Circuit |
| Oct 3–4 | Silverstone Circuit |
More information about the CTCRC can be found here.
Thanks to RPW and DEEGEE Motorsport Photography for the images. All of the other images are by the editor who is let out of the office occasionally.
