Cadwell Park [ Oct 2008 ]

Cadwell Park track day, October 2008

Cadwell Park sits in the Lincolnshire Wolds and is often called the "mini Nürburgring" thanks to its narrow, twisting tarmac and dramatic changes in elevation. It is a long-standing favourite with motorcycle riders and a regular round of the British Superbike Championship.

Its most famous feature is the Mountain, a steep climb where bikes go light and often lift the front wheel over the crest. The rest of the lap flows through woodland, fast bends and tight hairpins, with very little room for error and few places to relax.

Cadwell rewards patience and rhythm more than raw horsepower. Getting a good drive out of each corner and staying smooth over the bumps and crests matters far more than straight-line speed, which makes it a great test of riding skill and one of the most memorable tracks in the country. The rural setting, with trees lining much of the lap, adds to the feeling of riding a road course rather than a modern, open facility.

Track days at Cadwell are usually run with experience-based groups, which helps on a circuit where the limited run-off and blind sections can be intimidating at first. Taking time to learn the layout before pushing is the best way to enjoy it, and the rewards for a smooth, flowing lap are huge.