
Dunkeswell Raceway came alive last weekend with the SouthWest Championships, drawing a strong entry across almost every class. The Juniors and Seniors were particularly well supported, while the 177 Rotax grid stood out as the biggest seen at a club event this year — proof of the prestige and competitive spirit the SW plate brings.
Saturday set the tone perfectly, with practice sessions in the morning before moving into two timed qualifying runs during the afternoon. From the first laps, it was clear that margins would be fine and mistakes costly. Drivers were pushing the limits, and qualifying quickly became a battle of nerve, precision, and raw pace.
Sunday brought perfect racing conditions, with the clear skies matched only by the fierce competition on track. The heats in the morning delivered wheel-to-wheel action, overtakes decided by fractions, and bold moves into Dunkeswell’s tighter corners that kept the crowds on edge. Every position mattered — and the intensity only grew as drivers fought to secure strong starting spots for the finals.
The pre-finals offered no let-up. Rivalries surfaced, leaders were challenged, and more than once it came down to brave defending on the last lap to hold position. By the time the finals arrived, the anticipation around the paddock was at boiling point — and the racing did not disappoint. From the youngest Bambinos to the highly competitive Senior and 177 Rotax grids, each race was a showcase of determination, skill, and the will to claim the SouthWest plate. 2025
SW Plate Winners
Bambino Final: Buddy Daw
Honda Cadet / Micro Max Final: Luke McGall & Rio Pocock
Inter Max Final: Casper McAllister
Junior Rotax Final: Leo Basterfield
Senior Rotax Final: Blake Ticehurst
177 Rotax Final: Cole Edwards
Formula A Pre 95 / Formula A Pre 2000 Final: Tyler Weedon & James Rees
Congratulations to all the staff at Dunkeswell Raceway, the winners and every driver who took to the track. Packed grids, daring overtakes, and the sheer intensity of racing made this year’s SouthWest Championships another most memorable event at Dunkeswell. The SW plate is never easily won, and 2025 was no exception — a weekend that will be talked about for a long time to come.
Relive the action – view all SouthWest Championships galleries here