The circuit was established in 1934 by Mr. Mansfield Wilkinson of Louth. The site was originally a country estate, and the land was first used by Wilkinson’s sons for racing their own motorcycles against one another. The track originally consisted of gravel drives measuring 0.75 miles (1.21 km). The infrastructure began to evolve in 1938 with the addition of tarmac and concrete surfaces.
Following the initial surfacing, the track underwent significant widening and lengthening in 1953. This expansion brought the circuit to 1.250 miles (2.012 km). The impetus for this growth was an invitation to the 500 cc motorcycle-engined Formula 3 category to participate in a traditional motorcycle meeting. The event drew approximately 30,000 spectators. Several of the bends established during the circuit's development were named after members of the Wilkinson family, including Mansfield, Charlie, and Chris.
The circuit is characterized by extreme elevation changes. The most famous section is "The Mountain," a steep crest where motorcycles can become airborne by up to several feet. Another significant feature is the Donington Curve, which was added during a 1961 lengthening project.
The track reached its current 2.175-mile configuration in 1962, hosting the British F3 series the following May. In November 1999, Octagon, a subsidiary of The Interpublic Group of Companies, acquired the prior owner Brands Hatch Leisure plc.
In January 2004, Cadwell Park was acquired by MotorSport Vision (MSV) along with Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, and Snetterton from Octagon. Following the acquisition, MSV immediately implemented a program of improvements designed to heighten customer experiences for both spectators and competitors. While the circuit remains a premier venue for motorcycles, its track width is now generally considered too narrow for high-level car races.
While primarily used for motorcycle racing, Cadwell Park has a diverse competitive history. During the 1960s and 1970s, it attracted large crowds for BriSCA Formula 1 Stock Cars. These events were notable because the drivers and their machinery—typically set up for flat, 400-yard (370 m) oval tracks—had to contend with the circuit's extreme gradients.
The circuit currently hosts:
British Superbike Championship: The biggest annual event, held during an August weekend.
British Superkart Championship: Occasionally featured on the calendar, most recently in 2021.
Historic Racing: The Vintage Sports Car Club’s annual festival and the Wolds Trophy for post-war vehicles.
Club Motorsport: Meetings held by the BARC, HSCC, and 750MC.
Cycling: The British National Time Trial Championships in 2015.
The venue is also used for media production. It served as a filming location for racing scenes in the 2013 film Rush. Additionally, it has been featured on Fifth Gear with Tiff Needell and Top Gear, where former Formula One driver Damon Hill tested a Porsche, Aston Martin, and Ferrari against the presenters in 2020.
Cadwell Park remains a significant fixture in British motorsport culture. In 2021, driver Sam Moss set a new circuit lap record for any vehicle. The circuit continues to operate year-round, hosting stage rallying and fireworks at the end of the season, as well as general track days and private hire events. In April 2009, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason flew into the circuit by helicopter to drive his £1.5 million Ferrari 512.
As of August 2025, the fastest official race lap records at Cadwell Park are listed as:
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