Dunkeswell Raceway The 2026 DKC season burst into life at Dunkeswell Raceway with a full weekend of track action. Saturday’s open test day gave drivers crucial early-season mileage in challenging conditions, before Super KX Round 1 on Sunday delivered evolving grip levels, strategic tyre calls, and competitive racing across every class.

Saturday – Open Test Day Saturday was all about adaptation. Persistent rain and drizzle left the circuit damp throughout much of the day, with standing moisture in places and a greasy surface elsewhere. Grip levels were inconsistent, and finding rhythm proved difficult for many drivers as they worked through setup changes and tyre pressures. Through the tighter infield sections in particular, running just half a kart width offline was enough to find the darker, slicker patches. It was a demanding test day, but an incredibly valuable one. The conditions ensured drivers headed into Sunday knowing that flexibility and awareness would be key.

Sunday – Super KX Round 1 Sunday morning began much like Saturday ended — with damp patches still clinging to the circuit. Early qualifying and heats were run on wet tyres, as drivers cautiously navigated a surface that was still offering limited grip and any move off-line carried significant risk. However, as the sessions progressed, the track steadily dried throughout the day. By late morning the rubbered-in groove had widened, and teams faced the first major decision of the season — when to switch from wets to slicks. The transition period was critical. Too early, and drivers risked sliding on damp patches. Too late, and they surrendered lap time. By the afternoon finals, slick tyres were the order of the day. Grip levels had improved significantly, overtaking opportunities increased, and confidence returned across the grid. The evolving conditions made Round 1 a true test of racecraft — from managing a damp circuit in the morning to maximising pace on a drying track in the afternoon. It was a full-spectrum Dunkeswell day.

🏁 Round 1 Final Results Bambino Final

1️⃣ Eli Parkhouse

2️⃣ Reggie Love

3️⃣ Henry Iles

A composed and confident drive from Eli Parkhouse secured the opening Bambino victory of the season. As conditions improved, consistency proved vital, with Reggie Love and Henry Iles completing a well-earned podium.

Micro Max Final

1️⃣ Buddy Daw

2️⃣ Oscar Taylor

3️⃣ Holly Stafford

Buddy Daw judged the conditions perfectly and capitalised in the final, holding off Oscar Taylor and Holly Stafford in a competitive field.

Intermax Final

1️⃣ Jack Brown

2️⃣ Joshua Kynaston-Wade

3️⃣ Marija Jurgeleviciute

Jack Brown delivered a measured performance as the track came to the drivers, while Joshua Kynaston-Wade and Marija Jurgeleviciute remained consistent to secure podium finishes.

Junior Rotax Final

1️⃣ Lucy Lovell

2️⃣ Jesse Whitmore

3️⃣ Ethan Hunt

Lucy Lovell mastered the evolving surface to take the first Junior Rotax win of the year. As the grip improved, pace intensified, with Jesse Whitmore and Ethan Hunt pushing hard in the closing stages.

Senior Rotax Final

1️⃣ Ethan Ling

2️⃣ Braden Hill

3️⃣ Jacob Felton

Senior Rotax saw confidence return as slicks came into play. Ethan Ling produced a strong and controlled drive to claim victory, with Braden Hill and Jacob Felton completing the podium after an intense final.

Rotax 177 (Maxxis) Final

1️⃣ George Walker

2️⃣ Archie Elliott

3️⃣ Cole Edwards

The Rotax 177 (Maxxis) field embraced the improved grip levels in the afternoon. George Walker delivered a commanding performance to secure the opening win, with Archie Elliott and Cole Edwards rounding out the podium.

From Wet Beginnings to Dry Finals Round 1 told a complete story. From rain-soaked practice laps on Saturday, to Sunday morning wets, to the decisive switch onto slicks for the afternoon finals — it was a weekend that demanded awareness, adaptability and confidence. Drivers who read the circuit best were rewarded. Those who managed the tyre transition smartly gained crucial early championship points. If this opening round is anything to go by, the 2026 DKC season is set to be fiercely competitive right from the start.

Roll on Round 2.