Vintage Sports Car Club at Curborough Sprint Shines Despite Grey Skies
Report by Jeff Silver Photography
20 April 2026
The Vintage Sports Car Club at Curborough Sprint on 3rd May unfolded under a blanket of subdued Bank Holiday grey, yet the atmosphere remained quietly electric.
Hosted by the Vintage Sports Car Club, the event brought together an evocative collection of pre-war and historic machinery, each car carrying both heritage and personality onto the tight Staffordshire sprint circuit.
Despite the drizzle threatening at times, the paddock retained its relaxed and sociable character. Competitors and spectators mingled freely, umbrellas in hand, sharing stories between runs as the scent of oil and fuel lingered in the damp air. Unlike the high-pressure environment of modern motorsport, Curborough offered something more intimate—an unhurried appreciation of both machinery and moment.
Out on track, however, there was nothing restrained about the driving. Winston Teague commanded attention in the tiny but potent Wasp, particularly through the notoriously technical Mole Hill chicane. The car darted unpredictably over the undulating surface, demanding absolute commitment. Teague delivered just that, balancing precision with bravery as the Wasp flickered between control and chaos—a vivid reminder of the raw nature of vintage racing.
Precision, Power, and Period Character on Display
Elsewhere on the circuit, Kate Burke demonstrated finesse in her Frazer Nash TT at the Shenstone Hairpin. The tight corner, made more challenging by the slightly slick surface, highlighted the nuances of period handling. Burke approached with measured confidence, carefully modulating throttle and steering as the narrow tyres fought for grip. The result was a composed and elegant passage that reflected both driver skill and mechanical sympathy.
Archie Bullett, meanwhile, showcased a different aspect of vintage performance in the Piccard-Pictet. Along the Shenstone Straight, the car surged forward with surprising authority. Its engine note cut through the heavy air, echoing across the venue as it accelerated with a vigour that belied its age. It was a striking reminder that these machines, while historic, are far from dormant relics.
The enduring appeal of the Curborough Sprint lies in precisely this blend of accessibility and authenticity. There are no barriers separating fans from the action—just a shared space where drivers, cars, and spectators coexist. Conversations flow as easily as the competition itself, creating a uniquely inclusive motorsport experience.
Even under overcast skies, the Vintage Sports Car Club at Curborough delivered a compelling celebration of motoring heritage. It wasn’t about spectacle or scale, but about connection—to history, to machinery, and to the enduring spirit of competition that continues to define vintage motorsport.
