This year – 2024 – is Cadwell Park’s 90th birthday. This, we believe, makes Cadwell the oldest operating racetrack in the UK, as the Isle of Man is part of the British Isles but not part of the United Kingdom.
Given the keyboard warriors, legislation, developers, and the ever-present spectre of someone deciding that they know best and trying to curtail motorcycle racing, Cadwell Park has stood the test of time and continues to provide the backdrop to very exciting racing.
Not bad for a circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds, whose layout hasn’t changed since 1962.
Short History
Cadwell Park was established by Mr Mansfield Wilkinson of Louth in 1934. His sons used the estate’s gravel drives to race their motorbikes until 1938, when concrete and tarmac were added.
Cadwell was widened and lengthened in 1953 and expanded again in 1961.
In 1962, the track reached its current 2.175-mile or 3.5-kilometre length and has remained unchanged – other than being resurfaced – since then.
Cadwell Moto
To mark Cadwell’s 90-year achievement, a birthday bash—Cadwell Moto—has been organized for the weekend of September 21st and 22nd (2024!).
Along with track sessions for all sorts of different classes of motorcycle, there will be demonstration laps, bike displays, evening entertainment and an array of guests with more than a few stories to share.
Cadwell’s Moto is organised by Classic Bike Track Days, where you can find more information, arrange your own track time and book spectator tickets.
This being a weekend-long affair, camping is also available.
Yamaha TZ750
And getting in on the act is the Yamaha TZ750, which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2024.
First produced in 1974 as a four-cylinder 700, essentially made from two TZ350 engines pushed together, the TZ750 won nine consecutive Daytona 200 races and, ridden by Joey Dunlop, won the 1980 Classic TT with an average speed of 115.22 mph (185.43 km/h).
Often cited as one of the most influential steps in motorcycle design, the mono-shock chassis frame design and wider profile tyre set the standard for many of today’s sports bikes.
From 1975 onwards, the TZ750 had a slightly wider bore, increasing the capacity to 747cc but still producing 89HP .
In 1977, the TZ750D had 120HP, a revised steering head angle, and a shorter wheelbase. Production ended in 1979.
Add the history of the TZ750 to that of Cadwell Park, the Ducati 916 & 748, plus the Honda RC45, 50 years of the Goldwing and 45 years of the CB900F – I wonder if mine is still going? – and it makes for a hectic weekend.
Clarity
The header image is from a 1962 Cadwell Park program sponsored by Motorcycle with Scooter Weekly.
