CRMC: The Classics at Cadwell

As the British Superbike competition celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2021, take a moment to consider the origins of the modern machines which we see every season competing at some of our most iconic British racing circuits.

Although many fans follow domestic and international modern superbike and sidecar racing, how many of us know about the history of these present-day motorsport phenomena?

The Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (CRMC) intends to keep this legacy alive.  Formed by husband and wife team Alan and Stella Cathcart and Dick Linton, the inaugural club race took place at Snetterton back in 1980. “Dedicated to preserving the use of post-war racing and sports machines”, the Club now is operating in its 42nd successive year, and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected motorcycle racing groups in Europe.

With almost one thousand racing members, and races divided across nine classes, the CRMC weekends showcase a wide variety of classic racing talent across diverse categories, from 125cc through to sidecars and the 1300 Clubman, as well as Superbike originals and supermono class. You can even parade your sports bike if it’s old enough and it meets the eligibilty criteria.

But what exactly defines a ‘classic’ racing machine?

The current CRMC rules consider ‘classic’ machines as pre-1973 bikes whereas ‘post-classic’ bikes are those originating from between 1973 and 1987. The time periods reflect where changes in machine design have taken place and ensure that bikes operate in a level playing field when competed against each other.

Bikes must also closely reflect the type of machines that were raced during these periods, although CRMC rules do allow for some later modifications.

With two meetings already in the bag this year (Mallory Park and Pembrey), last weekend saw the Club’s third meeting of the season at the much-loved Cadwell Park circuit. Despite the weather forecast painting a terrible picture, Cadwell’s unique microclimate largely behaved itself to provide a spectacle of 38 races which were (sadly) only viewed by essential helpers and the media.

For many, the highlight of attending a historic motorcycle race meeting is not only to see an array of fantastic machines from a bygone era, but to watch some of the finest classic racers dominate classic machinery. One rider, Joe Barton, provided performance and showmanship at the meeting, securing wins in both the Formula 750, Moto Superbike and 750 Superstock and the ACU Classic 500 races.

Amongst his many accolades, Joe is a previous multiple Thundersport and ACU 500 champion, riding in the CRMC championship with the Minnovation Racing team. He said of his achievement:

“I’m really pleased we got the win in both British championship races this weekend against some very tough opposition. It really is all down to the hard work of the Minnovation team, and the support from my family and friends.“

Newcomers welcome

The CRMC paddock brings a mix of energy and experience to the classic two-wheeled and three-wheeled racing scene, including regular newcomers such as Privateer Andrew “Sam” Kirk from Harworth in Doncaster.

Sam races a 1973 BMW R75 series 5 motorcycle in the F750, Moto Superbike and 750 Superstock class. In 2016 he gained his ACU race licence, but the Cadwell Park meeting was the first time he’s been able to put his bike on a racing grid. Asking him about his reasons for racing with the CRMC, he replied:

“The R75 was the first big bike I had after learning to ride over 45 years ago, so when I decided to race a classic big bike, the BMW and the CRMC seemed the right choice for me. I wanted to race something a little bit unusual, and I’ve had a lot of support from my family and the club’s New Rider Programme to get me to my first race meeting this weekend.”

At a CRMC meeting, whether a spectator, parader or competitor, there is something for everybody to enjoy. Very often, we only see these classic machines in museums or collections but to see, hear and smell them being used as they ought to be brings alive the magic and heritage of a racing time gone but never forgotten.

At the time of going to press, it is believed that the lifting of coronavirus restrictions throughout the United Kingdom this month will create the perfect opportunity to attend a CRMC event, and Motorsport Radio will be at every remaining round of the series starting with Donington Park on 31 July/1 August.

Racing then continues at Castle Combe on 21 and 22 August, Anglesey circuit on 4 and 5 September before reaching the final meeting at Croft circuit on 2 and 3 October.

Classic machines such as these have carried the likes of Mike Hailwood, Geoff Duke and John Surtees, and sidecar racers Bill Hodgkins and John Parkins to moments of British motorsport history. Isn’t that a good enough excuse to take part in, spectate or support classic racing this summer?

For more information about spectating, parading, or competing at the CRMC visit: https://www.crmc.co.uk/

Thanks to Neil Kirby for the use of some of his images in this article: https://www.facebook.com/Neilkirbyphotography/