The second round of the DKC Winter Championship delivered a tale of two days, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Devon's weather. Saturday: A Pleasant SurpriseArriving at Dunkeswell Raceway on Saturday, I had prepared for a cold and possibly wet day, layering up against the elements. However, the weather had other plans. Overcast skies gave way to sunny spells, making for near-perfect conditions. Dunkeswell, perched high in the Blackdown Hills, is usually exposed to strong winds, but on this occasion, it was far milder than expected.Out on track, the action was relentless. Strong grids in most classes meant plenty of competitive racing, with drivers pushing hard throughout the day. Many large teams had travelled from across the country to compete, using the event as a valuable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the circuit ahead of future races later in the year. The variety of talent on the grid only added to the intensity of the competition, making for some spectacular racing.Sunday: A Brutal Turn of EventsFast forward 24 hours, and it was an entirely different story. Devon's weather had flipped the script, transforming the circuit into a battleground of endurance. Cold, wet—very wet—and with a biting wind driving horizontal rain across the track, conditions were as brutal as they come.While I had overdressed on Saturday, Sunday was the complete opposite. The relentless wind and rain made photography extremely challenging. Both my main and backup cameras struggled with the conditions, with lenses and filters steaming up from the damp and cold. With the wind howling across the circuit, I was forced to shoot from one direction, as my usual angles were near-impossible to work with in such extreme weather. Racers vs. the ElementsDespite the harsh conditions, the racing was nothing short of spectacular. Every class delivered close, hard-fought battles, proving that the determination and skill of these drivers were unwavering. Wet weather gear, misting visors, and treacherous track conditions must have made life incredibly difficult, yet the competitors adapted and kept pushing to the limit. A Huge Thanks to the Unsung HeroesWhile the drivers fought through the conditions, it's important to highlight the real heroes of the weekend—the event organizers, marshals, and medical teams who stood trackside, ensuring the meeting ran smoothly and safely. These dedicated individuals are there every single race weekend, rain or shine, and their commitment is what makes events like this possible.The marshals braved the elements to keep racing safe, responding to incidents despite the conditions. The medical teams were on hand as always, providing reassurance that competitors were in good hands should the worst happen. And behind the scenes, the race officials and organizers worked tirelessly to keep everything running to schedule, making adjustments where needed to combat the ever-changing conditions. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but without them, there simply wouldn't be a race weekend.A Resilient CommunityAmazingly, the trackside viewing areas still had a strong presence of spectators, team members, and family members braving the elements to support their drivers. Their dedication to the sport was evident as they stood through the wind and rain, cheering on their racers in what felt like survival mode for everyone involved.Conclusion Round 2 of the DKC Winter Championship will be remembered for its sheer contrast in weather and the resilience of everyone at the event. From sunny spells and fantastic racing on Saturday to a cold, windswept, and rain-lashed Sunday, it was a weekend that tested both competitors and photographers alike. Yet, through it all, the spirit of karting shone brightly, proving once again that this is more than just a sport—it's a community of passionate individuals who refuse to be beaten by the elements.A huge thank you to the race officials, marshals, medical staff, and organizers for their dedication, and to the teams and drivers who travelled from all over the country to take part. Dunkeswell delivered another unforgettable weekend of racing, and if this event is anything to go by, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling season ahead. "DKC Winter Cup Round 2 galleries from Saturday and Sunday are now live! Check out all the action by clicking the link below. Don't miss your chance to relive the best moments!"
https://www.paulmitchellphotographer.co.uk/2025-dunkeswell-raceway/february2025
