Race cancelled after Pro-Am claims Pole at Cadwell

Round 5 of the MSV Trackday Championship took Pro-Am Racing to the tight and twisty Cadwell Park circuit in Lincolnshire, often referred to as the 'mini-Nürburgring' due to its technical nature and dramatic elevation changes. This time, drivers Scott Thompson and Chris Dunster were tasked with representing the team, aiming to close the 10-point gap to the championship leader. While Scott had previously tasted success at Cadwell with a win in the 6-hour EnduroKA race, it was his first time driving the Pro-Am Clio on this notoriously challenging circuit. Chris, however, had raced the Clio there last year in the same championship, so the team was hopeful for a strong result.

The weekend got off to a foggy start, quite literally. Arriving Friday evening, the team was greeted by thick fog rolling in just outside the circuit—an omen of things to come. As the sun rose on Saturday morning, the track was still shrouded in fog, and visibility was dangerously low. The practice session, originally scheduled for 9 am, was delayed and eventually cancelled for safety reasons. This meant Scott and Chris would go into qualifying with no laps in the car or on track that weekend—a huge challenge, especially for Scott, who was still getting to grips with the Clio.

By noon, the fog began to lift, albeit slightly, and the upper part of the circuit became visible. After two other series completed their qualifying sessions, it was time for Pro-Am Racing to take to the track. Scott was first to go in the session, which started under the safety car to allow drivers to assess the tricky conditions. After three laps, the safety car peeled off, and it was time to push.

Despite the lingering fog creating an illusion of wet conditions at high speeds, Scott began to feel his way around the circuit. After a couple of tentative laps, Scott put in a strong effort, setting the fastest time in class and provisionally securing pole. However, just as Scott was finding his rhythm, the fog thickened again, leading to a red flag and a return to the pit lane.

After a long wait in the pits, it was decided that the second drivers would complete their mandatory laps under the safety car before ending the session early. This confirmed Pro-Am Racing’s pole position, earning the team a valuable point in the championship standings.

With the team on pole and ready to claw back precious points in the title fight, hopes were high for the race. Unfortunately, the fog had other plans. Just as the cars were on the grid, the mist rolled back in, thicker than before. After a tense delay, where drivers were even allowed to leave their cars, the race was ultimately abandoned. Despite the team's disappointment, the organizers had no choice but to prioritize safety.

“We’re gutted not to have had the chance to race today, especially since we were in such a strong position,” said Scott Thompson. “But with conditions like these, it’s better to keep the car in one piece and live to fight another day. We’ll now turn our attention to our first-ever European event at Circuit de Navarra next month.”

Although no race took place, the Pro-Am Racing team left Cadwell Park with pole position, another point on the board, and the anticipation of their next big challenge in Spain.

Next stop: Circuit de Navarra, Spain, where the team will take on their first European event.