Known as the Nürburgring of the North due to the scenery, the twisting corners, the hilly terrain and, most of all, the challenge, this circuit lives up to the hype. You wouldn’t think so on arrival, especially on a rainy day, even more so if confined to the outer paddock. It can be a horrible quagmire, but then we are not there for home comforts and, once on circuit, it all becomes worthwhile.
Circuit Details
Cadwell Park Circuit
Louth,
Lincolnshire.
LN11 9SE.
01507 343248
email: cadwellpark@msv.com
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2024, published online and effective from 01/01/2024.
Length: 2.187 miles, 3.519 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 30
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: Not Provided
Other Classes: 34
Speed Limits
Paddock Speed Limit: 5 mph
Pit Lane Speed Limit: 60 kph – 37.28 mph
Getting There
The above link provides a map and advice on how to access the circuit for competitors and spectators.
SatNav
Entering a post code into my satnav usually gets me there, but not always, so I also include GPS coordinates with this guide. What3Words are also an increasingly useful addition. I try to find a w3w location with at least one word that is related to motor racing; I also try to find short words or a humorous sentence.
I have also provided coordinates and What3Words for a position within the paddock. This could be useful as a meeting point for guests.
Circuit Entrance Coordinates
- DMS: 53°18’38.88″,0°4’17.78″
- DD: 53.31080,-0.07160
- What3words: ///nightcap.prompts.solids
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 53°18’42.96″,-0°3’47.31″
- DD: 53.31193,-0.06314
- What3words: ///bland.motoring.verb
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
Official Map of Circuit and Facilities
Official Details on Disabled Visitors Access
Shop
How to monetise this web site is an ongoing issue, but I do not want adverts as all they do is add to the coffers of the internet giants while detracting from the contents of these pages. I also don’t use cookies, which are often perceived as a means of stealing visitor’s personal data.
The answer, for now at least, is Print-On-Demand merchandise. The diagrams that are on these web pages have been created by myself and so I own the copyrights. From them, I have created a series of merchandise that can be bought by visitors to these pages.
RedBubble was chosen after my being confused while investigating such sites. This was one that I could understand, but not fully and so more updates are expected. The prices were also far more sensible than other retailers, mainly due to postage not being from the USA.
Merchandise available includes:
- T-Shirts
- Caps
- Bags
- Pillows
- Mugs
- Coasters
- Mouse Mats
- Desk Mats
- Pet Mats
- Stickers
- Tablet and Phone Cases
- Clocks
- Badges
Marshal Posts
The above link provides comprehensive details on the marshal posts for this configuration.
Not all marshal posts are for the displaying of flags, whilst not all flag posts are necessarily in use. The minimum requirement is for each flag post having a clear view of the previous and following posts. The above link is to a page showing a large map of all flag posts on the circuit, along with a description of post.
It is important for the drivers to familiarise themselves with the location of all flag posts. This is usually done, for a race, on the green flag lap where drivers, having lined up on the grid in starting order, then set off and drive the circuit at a sensible and controlled pace that is set by either the pole-position person or a safety/course car. On that lap, every manned flag post displays a waved green flag, allowing the driver to memorise all positions. Memorising those posts in advance can be helpful. A similar display takes place for other sessions, such as qualifying, but the flags are only displayed long enough for cars that are released onto the circuit at the start of that session; latecomers need to have already done their research.
Track Limits
There are no track limits sensors on the exit of any corner, but the MSA rules still apply. Follow the above link to read of them. A summary is:
- The white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track. So are the kerbs.
- If any wheel wholly leave the defined part of the track (the white line or the kerb), track limits are exceeded.
- In qualifying, any offence will result in that lap time being disqualified.
- In a race, a second offence will result in a warning flag. Subsequent offences will be punished with increasing severity, culminating in the black flag – disqualification.
Extracted From MSV Briefing Notes:
You are permitted to drive on the track asphalt up to and including the white line, and on the full extent of any kerbs (marked red/white). However you are not permitted to put any wheel beyond the white lines or kerbs.
All trackdays and test days at MSV circuits are run in accordance with these new regulations. If anyone does not comply, the following actions will be taken by the circuit:
- 1st infringement: Black/white driving standards flag warning.
- 2nd infringement: Black flag, report to control tower. This is the final warning without penalty.
- 3rd infringement: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
- Further infringements: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
In the interest of practicality and expediency, decisions by MSV circuit staff will be final and there will be no right of appeal against any penalty or right to review evidence.
Paddock Facilities
The above link provides a tour of the paddock facilities, along with pit access, grid details and more.
Camping Facilities
To Be Confirmed.
Showers and Toilets
From the overflow paddock, head downhill to the fuel station island. Go to the right of the island, then take the second right, which leads to the Scrutineering Bay. At the start of this road is a shower and toilet block.
Continuing to the very end leads one to another toilet block. Going in the opposite direction, to the end after passing the Circuit Office, there is another toilet block on the right.
There are toilets inside the Clubhouse restaurant and bar.
There are toilets scattered around the outside of circuit. There is a toilet block close to The Mountain. Another is at the far end of the circuit, along Park straight, close to the exit from Charlies.
A final toilet block is reached by crossing the bridge that crosses the track at approach to the Mountain, coming out at the approach to Coppice. From here, turn right and head towards the grandstand that overlooks the start/finish straight. The toilet block is a little beyond, set back in the woods.
Waste Facilities
The chemical waste disposal is opposite the lower entry to the overflow paddock.
Recycling Facilities
To Be Confirmed.
Electricity
There is no electricity in the paddocks.
Water
All toilet blocks have an outdoor water tap.
If I remember correctly – I will confirm during my next visit – there is a water tap at the lower entry to the overflow paddock.
Refreshments and Bar
The Clubhouse restaurant and bar usually serves food all day and also provides decent food at reasonable prices. There is also a bar area that serves alcohol.
For foot access from the top paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go right of the island that splits the road and continue down the hill. At the bottom, on the left, is the Clubhouse.
Spectating Points
The above link provides comprehensive details on all spectating points around the circuit.
A very demanding and hilly circuit in the heart of Lincolnshire, Cadwell Park is a venue not to be avoided. For the driver it is very challenging and even the fastest needs to take care, as the author is all too aware. For the spectator, it can be spectacular, especially watching the more powerful beast take to the air on cresting The Mountain.
Official Locations
| Signing On | Located by the Scrutineering Bay. On foot, from the top paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go right of the island that splits the road, then take the second right. This leads directly to the Scrutineering Bay. The signing on is to the left of the Scrutineering Bay. The right door is the correct entrance, the left being for Official’s signing on. By car, follow the directions to the Scrutineering Bay |
| Race Admin | This is the building by the pits and so access is restricted, as the circuit has to be crossed. From the top paddock, foot access is by crossing the circuit from the Assembly Area exit lane at Hall Bends. Once on the track, turn left and, after 25 metres, turn right onto a path that leads steeply down to the pits. At the bottom, on the right, is a path leading to the Race Admin building. |
| Race Control | See Race Admin. |
| Clerk of the Course | See Race Admin. |
| Timekeeping | See Race Admin. |
| Medical Centre | Located by the end of the pit exit road. Access is restricted, as the circuit has to be crossed. From the top paddock, foot access is by crossing the circuit from the Assembly Area exit lane at Hall Bends. Once on the track, turn left and, after 25 metres, turn right onto a path that leads steeply down to the pits. At the bottom, on the right, is a path leading to the Race Admin building. Walk round Race Admin and continue to the next building, which is the Medical Centre. First Aid is also available from the Circuit Office. On foot, from the paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go left of the island that splits the road. At the end is the Circuit Office. First Aid is at the left hand end. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | To drive to the Scrutineering Bay from the top paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go right of the island that splits the road, then take the first right, which is the paddock area above and parallel to the Scrutineering Bay. At the end, turn left and left again. This leads directly to the Scrutineering Bay. |
| Noise Test | On entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | To drive to the Assembly Area from the top paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go right of the island that splits the road, then take the first right, which is the paddock area above and parallel to the Scrutineering Bay. If early, you may have to queue at the end, otherwise turn left. Be careful of cars returning to the paddock from the circuit, as they will be entering the paddock from straight on. Here, there is a tight lane to the left, leading steeply downhill. At the bottom is the entrance to the Assembly Area, where noise testing often takes place. If a driver needs to return to the paddock, there is an exit gate on the opposite side of the paddock to the entry gate. Circuit access is on the diametrically opposite side of the paddock to the entry gate. For foot access from the top paddock, take the access road that splits the paddock and leads down the hill. Go right of the island that splits the road and continue down the hill until almost at the Clubhouse restaurant. The Assembly Area is opposite the Clubhouse. |
| Parc Ferme | At the end of a session, as drivers approach The Mountain, marshals direct them off. Instead of turning right up this steep hill, the drivers will be directed directly ahead into a narrow access road by a grandstand, which quickly bears sharp left. This is also uphill. On passing the grandstand, the road bears left between it and another grandstand. (Carrying straight on leads back to the Assembly Area). At the top of the hill, turn right and head towards the Scrutineering Bay.) Access from the paddock is the same as for the Scrutineering Bay. |
| Pit Lane | The pits are located alongside the start/finish straight. From the paddock, access by car is via the Assembly Area onto the race track at Hall Bends. Drive round Hairpin, then Barn, onto the start/finish straight. Pass the back of the starting and the pit lane entry is ahead, on the right. It is a short, initially straight entry, followed by a tight chicane to the left. Foot access is by crossing the circuit from the Assembly Area exit lane at Hall Bends. Once on the track, turn left and, after 25 metres, turn right onto a path that leads steeply down to the pits. Towards the bottom, on the left, is the pit access. Clearly, this journey can only be taken when the circuit is not live and only with permission from marshals. Once a race car has entered the pits, the driver can drive straight on to the pit exit, or steer to the working area on the right. |
| Starting Grid | The last place on the grid is a little before the apex kerb of Camp corner. The head of the grid is opposite the centre of the Race Control building, less than a third of the way along the straight. The starting lights are to the left, ahead, opposite the start of the pit exit lane. |
Petrol Availability
According to the official map, petrol is available on-site. I don’t remember seeing it, but according to the official map it is downhill of the overflow paddock, towards the circuit office.
The closest petrol station, time-wise, from the circuit is an Esso station. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is just over ten minutes away.
Esso EG Newmarket
North East, 5.6 miles; around 10 minutes
65 Newmarket,
Louth.
LN11 9EG.
Shell
North East, 6.9 miles, around 11 minutes
Bolingbroke Road,
Fairfield Industrial Estate,
Louth.
LN11 0WA.
YouTube Videos
Here are links to all of my YouTube videos for this circuit and configuration:
- 2018 Qualifying Crash
- 2017 Race 1 Full
- 2017 Race 1 Highlights
- 2017 Race 2 – Front and Rear Cameras
- 2017 Race 2 – Front and Rear Cameras Highlights
Return to the Circuits page.
Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024