The Watergate Bay Sprint, last weekend, once again brought motorsport to the heart of Cornwall. For two days, the thrilling, if somewhat wet Sunday, saw around one hundred cars and competitors descend on the region from across the UK. With an 850 metre course along the B3276 between Newquay and Padstow, the road closures provided competitors with a unique closed-road challenge, and spectators with superb viewing.

Taking part, our director, Richard Williams, shares his experience with us:

“This year’s Sprint was, for me, a lesson learnt. With a combination of too much power, 2-wheel drive, and completely inappropriate tyre choice making for an exciting, rather than competitive day. Having 12 months of Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car ownership, and getting to know the car, from competing in the Mallorca tarmac rally, to winning in class at the St Goueno Masters Hillclimb, and competing in local events I am still learning what the car is capable of, and this is good preparation for our next event, Grand Finals Race Day at Castle Combe on Saturday the 7th October 2023, where both myself and Adrian will be competing – see details of the event here.

I would like to say well done to Motorsport customers and friends; Alan Cookson, from GT Tourz in his Porsche GT4, coming first on both the Saturday by 0.125 secs second, and Sunday by 0.30 secs in the Road Car Class. Also, John Fordy in his Porsche 911, competing in the Rally Cars 2WD class; this was his first Watergate Bay Sprint. He said what a fantastic event it is, with great organisation, and he will be there again next year.

Thanks also has to go to the event organisers, a partnership between Truro and District Motor Club, Newquay Auto Club, Plymouth Motor Club, and Camel Vale Motor Club. The volunteer marshals and the timekeeping team, spectators over the weekend, including the Westcountry Porsche Drivers, who ventured out on the Sunday during the downpour.

It’s always great to see the road cars, classic racers, and rally cars that compete in these events, all eager to secure the fastest time on the day award. On the opening day it was Mike Rudge from South Wales, with a time of 26.15 seconds. The Force SR8 driver was uncatchable in the dry, although his final attempt of the day would see him spin off the track, but his previous run was enough to take the trophy. On Sunday the fastest time of 28.40 seconds, from John Chambers in his Tesla Model 3 Performance, an all-electric vehicle; the first time the event’s top honour has gone to an EV.”

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