BARC Sprint March 30th 2025

A Personal Reflection on the BARC Sprint at Cadwell Park - March 30, 2025

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the BARC Sprint at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, and wow, what a day it turned out to be. As someone who’s always loved motorsport, it was an event I was really looking forward to – but I’ll be honest, the weather had me worried. The forecast had been predicting rain all week, and I couldn’t help but wonder how it was going to affect the racing.

Despite the heavy rain that welcomed us in the morning, there was an air of excitement, almost like everyone knew something special was about to unfold. There’s something about the smell of damp tarmac, the buzz of anticipation, and the sound of engines revving that makes you forget about the weather and just focus on the action.

The Weather Wasn’t Going to Stop Us

It was a challenge, though. The track was slippery, and at times, you could almost feel the tension among the drivers as they navigated Cadwell Park’s famous twists and turns. But if there’s one thing motorsport fans and competitors know, it’s that you can’t let the rain take away your passion. The BARC team did an incredible job ensuring the track was safe for everyone, and after a few adjustments, the event was set to go ahead.

In true racing spirit, the competitors didn’t let the weather hold them back. Instead of a full day of races, the decision was made to give each category just one race. That meant every single driver had to bring their A-game – no room for mistakes. Watching them tackle the wet track was awe-inspiring. It was clear that even in less-than-ideal conditions, the skill of the drivers shone through. The amount of control they had on those slick corners, the bravery it took to take on that hill climb, and the resilience to push through the rain was something I won’t forget anytime soon.

Some Personal Highlights from the Day

One of the standout moments for me was watching Ian Thompson in his Lotus Cortina during the Classic Touring Car Racing Club (CTCRC) race. I’ve always loved the sound and look of classic cars, and to see them tearing through the wet track, even in the downpour, was just spectacular. Ian’s performance was flawless – it was clear that this guy knows his car inside out. Seeing him take the win was one of those "only in motorsport" moments that I’ll hold onto for a long time.

Another personal highlight for me was the Junior Saloon Car Championship. I’ve been following Harry Smith for a while now, and seeing him inherit a win in race one after Josh Selvadorai got a time penalty felt like a real turning point in his career. It’s always fun to watch young drivers coming into their own, and Harry’s composure was something to be admired. You could feel the excitement from the crowd as he took the top step of the podium.

But it wasn’t just the rookies who impressed. In the MG Owners Club Championship, Steve McDermid really showed how experience pays off. Starting from seventh on the grid, he battled through the field to clinch victory, making it clear why he’s a multiple champion. It was a masterclass in racecraft, and as a fan, you couldn’t help but appreciate the strategy and skill that went into his performance.

The Challenge of Wet Weather Racing

Cadwell Park isn’t the easiest circuit on the best of days, but throw in a wet track and suddenly, it’s a whole new level of difficulty. The drivers who excelled on Sunday did so because they were able to read the conditions, make the right calls, and push their machines to the limit while still staying in control.

I’ll admit, there were a few moments during the day when it looked like the rain was about to make things a bit too risky. But the organisers, along with the competitors, did an amazing job of keeping everything running smoothly. As a fan, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect for everyone involved, from the marshals to the drivers to the fans who braved the elements. It was a true testament to the motorsport community’s spirit.

The Thrill of Close Racing

As much as I enjoy watching the top-tier drivers, there’s something special about watching races where the field is so evenly matched. The battles throughout the day were incredibly close, particularly in the OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires and the 2CV Parts.com Championship. These races might not have the big-name drivers, but the intensity and passion were just as real.

Take the Mini Miglia Challenge, for example. Jeff Smith and Ben Colburn were absolutely neck and neck in the wet, and it was clear that neither was willing to give an inch. When Jeff finally took the win, I couldn’t help but cheer – the drive it took to get through that race in those conditions was something else.

Reflections on the Day

By the time the last race wrapped up and the rain showed no signs of easing up, I found myself thinking about how lucky I was to be there. Sure, the weather could have been better, but the experience was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the races – it was about the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the shared love for motorsport that made the day so special.

I think what made this event particularly memorable for me was how the BARC team and everyone involved didn’t let the weather dictate the experience. They found a way to make it work, and in the process, gave fans like me something to remember.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the upcoming events. Watching drivers push themselves, no matter the weather, is always inspiring, and I’m already excited to see what the rest of the season holds. There’s something about motorsport that’s so raw and real – and that’s why I keep coming back.

To everyone who made this weekend happen – from the drivers to the marshals, to the BARC team and fellow fans – thank you. You made it a day to remember, rain or shine.