Spring 2025 Event Update
CKGB has come on in leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Club membership and subsequently the number of completed cyclekarts in the UK has grown exponentially in that time.
To attract more members, we need a viable list of events. However, to be able to put on good events at exciting venues, we need a reasonable number of members to support the events. It’s a bit of a “chicken and egg” scenario, which the club has now managed to push through. Consequently, for 2025 we have a varied and exciting list of events including invites to some “headlining” major events.
GENERAL NEWS
The membership has now reached a level, which supports the formation of Regional groups and the committee are putting a lot of thought into how Regions will be supported and managed. CKGB South-West Region, are taking the lead on this, and are currently developing a purpose built Cyclekart track at Middlezoy airfield near Bridgwater. Please see the events list for their events this year, and please support them as best you can. More entrants provide more capital to develop this fantastic initiative.
Many thanks to those that posted a probability of attendance to the various events for 2025. This is a great help to the organisers as it greatly assists the planning of the event and setting a viable entry fee. It looks like the majority of events will have over 20 entrants, with some expected to reach 35 or even 40 entrants. However, these numbers greatly increase the administrative burden for the event and the need for more officials and marshals. Therefore, at many of the events the entrants will be expected to take on some of these roles. The entrants will probably be divided into three groups, with one group out on track, one group marshalling, and the other group getting ready to go out or simple relaxing or fixing their Cyclekarts.
Another factor to take into consideration, is that we have been invited as vintage motorsport re-enactors to some of these events, consequently we need to put on a good show throughout the duration of the show. By splitting into groups we can ensure there is Cyclekarting action throughout the day to entertain the public. Period dress and accessories are also encouraged for these demonstration events.
The signing-on process at events has also changed and further details are on the Forum at FORMS FOR ENTRANTS
AGM AND BUILDERS’ MEET MARCH 2025
The 2025 AGM and builders’ meet was our biggest yet with 38 people attending including some online. It was great to see Cyclekarts on display in the conference room and special thanks to Ian Fletcher, Tim Holdsworth and Jim Rawnsley for bringing their Cyclekarts. The formal AGM was a quick affair as the annual report had already been distributed and contained the detailed reports. The committee for 2025-26 of Tim Wheater, Glynn Evans, Mark Underdown, Ian Fletcher, Jim Rawnsley and Stefan Nahajski was elected, and thanks was expressed to Andy Boulton who stepped down from the committee but remains as communications officer and to Chris Slade who runs our finances. Chris Loader awarded the Stan Cup to Chris Kaminski.
The AGM was followed by a couple of short presentations covering the new event management and safety processes and also the Power Menu.
The British Motor Museum proved to be a great venue again, giving everyone the opportunity to tour the museum and get inspiration for their next build!
NEW CYCLEKARTING VENUE AT HOOTON PARK
Jim Rawnsley promoted a new venue at Hooton Park karting circuit near Chester. This looks to be a great circuit, plus its location opens up a new area of the country for Cyclekarting, both of which are in response to the results of the recent club survey. However, there was not enough interest to make the proposed event date of 29th April viable. Thanks to Jim for all the work he put into this, and perhaps it will receive better support in the future.
2025 SEASON OPENER AT STRETTON
The 2025 season kicked off with a return to the home of Cyclekarting in the UK – Stretton Karting. The event took the form of an Endurance/Reliability Trial. As detailed above, the entrants were split into three Groups.
In total 19 entrants attended the event. Groups A and B were for proven Cyclekarts and experienced Cyclekarters. These were equipped with timing transponders and were awarded “Performance Index” points (comparison of each individuals average lap time to their fastest lap time) that culminated over a number of sessions. Group C was for new Cyclekarts and drivers, who were given the opportunity to take part in several “Test & Tune” sessions.
There were six Clerks of Course, with the newly licensed clerks gaining experience with signing-on, briefing marshals, timekeeping, etc. We also signed-on and briefed 22 marshals, with 19 of them getting out on the track for some marshalling experience. Sat in the comfort of his own home was Chris Slade, who was monitoring the on-line timing data and calculating the results.
Early rain and a wet track delayed the start of the competition sessions, but many were able to get out for some practice sessions. The sun started to shine and we were able to run three different track layouts and the subsequent practice, test, and competitive sessions for each layout. This took us right up to the 16:00 deadline for a full and varied day of Cyclekarting.
Apologies for the lack of photographs – it was a very busy day!
STOP PRESS: A report on this event will be featured in the May/June issue (release date 2nd May) of Complete Car Builder Magazine
STRETTON RESULTS
Click Here to download the results tables from the days action.
Airfield Aces Relived at Middlezoy Aerodrome (The South West Region Raceday).
Middlezoy Aerodrome is a heritage site celebrating the nostalgia of vintage aircraft, military vehicles, and farming in the past. At the end of last year the South West regional group of CKGB, were invited to base themselves at the Aerodrome where they would be allowed to build a bespoke Cyclekart racetrack and clubhouse modelled on the great British motor racing circuits. To that end, they have had regular work parties on site and are well on the way to completing that vision. They are confident that the racetrack will be completed ready for this year’s CKGB South West Raceday.
The racetrack is 600m long in total and can be configured to suit different events. It has a mixture of grass, concrete and tarmac surfaces and has been designed specifically for Cyclekart racing. There will be an endurance race utilising the entire 600m track and also have pursuit racing around the Railway Straight section of the track. There will be free practice sessions for track familiarisation purposes. Event timings will be finalised when the Program of events is produced, please keep an eye out on the CKGB Forum.
As well as the main Raceday event on 12th-13th July there will also be a practice event on 10th May. We are also part of the Westcountry Warag | WW2 Event in Westonzoyland, Somerset | Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th May 2023 and Classic Car event 9th-10th August also at Middlezoy Aerodrome. Come and join the fun!
Artist impression of the fantastic circuit that is currently being built in the South West.
CKGB Invited back to Beaulieu!! - September 5th-7th 2025
The Beaulieu International Autojumble is a renowned event that draws motoring enthusiasts from across the globe. Held annually at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum in the heart of the New Forest, it is the largest outdoor sale of motoring items in the UK. The event features hundreds of stands offering a treasure trove of vintage car parts, automobilia, and historic vehicles, making it a paradise for collectors and restorers. Highlights include the Automart, where a variety of classic cars are up for sale, and the Bonhams auction, showcasing rare and unique vehicles. As the saying goes, "If you can’t find it at Beaulieu, it doesn’t exist!" The Autojumble is not just a marketplace but a celebration of motoring history, offering visitors a chance to explore the National Motor Museum and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic event.
In 2024 CKGB were invited along to hold a small static display to show the world all about our wonderful little creations and it was deemed such a hit that they have asked us back again for 2025. Keep an eye on the forum for full details for members, as places will be very limited again but should be a great promotional event to help get exposure for the club and hobby.
Click Here to visit Beaulieu’s website.
OUTLOOK FOR THE 2025 SEASON
The driving standards and support to the opening event from the entrants (clerk duties and marshalling) was superb, please let’s keep it that way.
As detailed above, some of the events we are attending this year are “demonstration” events. Therefore, we need to put on a good show for the public. However, this also introduces a risk to our good name and reputation. Consequently, especially at the demonstration events drive within the limitations of your Cyclekart, yourself and the prevailing conditions. Also expect to see the “Black Flag” being used more at these events.
We are also looking at developing further dynamic activities for your entertainment and to test the capabilities of your Cyclekarts.
Best regards