British Historic Racing Club – Cadwell Park
Report by David Gowshall – :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography
9th May 2025
British Historic Racing Club.
Last weekend I ventured out to Cadwell Park. Mainley to photograph the first of two meetings planned at Cadwell by the British Historic Racing Club (BHRC). The warm sunshine and the promise of a packed race programme, the racing featuring 40, yes 40 races. This packed program attracted good crowds on both days.
The BHRC is formerly part of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. The VMCC has a unique relationship with Cadwell Park, as it was here, encouraged by the original circuit owner Charles Wilkinson, that its first race meeting took place. This was held on the Club Circuit, in September 1967.
The success of this meeting led to two further meetings at Cadwell in 1968. Building to three meetings in 1969, this time two at Cadwell and the clubs first full meeting at Mallory Park. In late 1969, as a result of an internal dispute, the BRHC split from the VMCC.
The British Historic Racing Club have continued to organise race meetings, at Cadwell for in excess of 50 years. An integral part of the BHRC are 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s race machines, both 2 and 3-wheels. Evolving over the years has resulted in a huge range of race categories.
In excess of 60 solo classes and 15 three-wheel classes will feature in the 2025 season. With machines on show from as long ago as 1929.
There is another BHRC meeting planned at the “mini-Nurburgring” in mid-September. I have therefore chosen to concentrate on the three-wheelers for this report.
The “resident” races for B.E.A.R.S sidecars, conventional sidecars, Cyclecars, Kneelers and Morgans provided plenty of entertainment. All taking part in eight races over a very busy weekend. Adding to this as “guests” were crews from the 2025 FSRA Pre-Injection 1st Call Refrigeration Sidecar Championships.
B.E.A.R.S Sidecars
British, European and American Race Series (BEARS) sidecars, originally raced in the 1950’s. They feature an upright motorcycle, with a flat sidecar attached to it by a simple tubular framework.
Team work is absolutely essential to ensure these machines can be ridden quickly, to maintain balance and to enable the power generated by the 1000cc engines is relayed effectively through the three very narrow tyres.
“Drifting” round the many curves and bends of Cadwell Park is required to maintain momentum. It is only possible if the “pilot” (rider) and “monkey” (passenger) work together. Races generally only last five or six laps, but the physical effort need by the crews, is evident.
Prominent over the weekend were local crews Scott Whittaker / Madison Holdroyd #25 form Grimsby. The Birkett brothers Graham and John #66 also from Grimsby. Steven Kemp / Melanie Austin #2 from Lincoln. Shaun McCain / Neil Scrawthorn #74 from Gainsborough, who each took turns to step up to the podium.
Sidecars, Cyclecars, Kneelers and Morgans
The variety of outfits taking part in these races is seemingly infinite. The only criteria seemingly in place is the machine being raced has three wheels and two occupants (or the equivalent). Alasdair Shotton’s 1929 Morgan Super Aero #154, being the exception. He races alone, with just some ballast to keep him company.
In excess of twenty machines of every type, in each race, ensure there is plenty of interest for spectators. Despite the fact the outfits on show ranged from a tiny 125cc Aprilia #656 to a 1 litre plus Morgan #46, the racing is highly competitive, with battles going on all the way down the field.
All the races proved extremely competitive, with many of the crews enjoying success.
FRSA Pre-Injection Sidecars.
The Pre-Injection sidecar class is primarily for those teams who can be competitive with less expensive machinery. It is ideal for new crews and drivers and passengers wanting to start a three-wheel racing careers. Over the years many have moved on to the British Sidecar Championship.
The race is competed for by both F1 and F2 outfits, with a wide range of chassis and engine configurations.
All four races over the weekend were won by the Charlie Moss and Kirsty Hauxwell #138 pairing on their immaculate Triumph LCR F1 outfit. The F2 honours being shared by James Hanks / Jonathan Kirk #666 and Greg Lambert / Andy Haynes #69. They recorded two class wins each.
Three-wheel action, featuring most, if not all the crews present last weekend, can be seen during the remaining rounds of the British Historic Racing Championship. This will take place at Pembrey (14-15 June), Darley Moor (19-20 July), Anglesey (16-17 August), and a second visit to Cadwell Park (13-14 September).
Most of the crews will undoubtedly also be in action at Cadwell Park’s Sidecar Revival meeting on 2-3 August. This will also feature the F1 British Championship, which gets underway this weekend at Donington Park.
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