Isle of Wight motorsport fans flock to Sandown Sprint over weekend

Windy, but dry conditions on Saturday, gave way to a damp start on Sunday morning, with the slippery track providing plenty of entertainment for the spectators who packed the seawall at Sandown.    

Damien Bradley, driving an 800bhp Subaru Legacy, set a new track record for the Sandown Sprint course, with his time on Saturday of 33.69 seconds.

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An impressive car at the 2023 Sandown Sprint. (Image: Sam Milton Photography)

After finishing as runner-up last year, he went one better to top the podium.

His combined time from Saturday and Sunday was more than two seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Clive Stangle, driving a Mitsubishi Evo 5.

Last year’s winner, Will Nicholls placed third in his Ford Fiesta R5, while the fastest Isle of Wight Car Club member was John Peck, who drove a Ford Escort Cosworth, finishing tenth.

Event co-organsier, Tim Addison, said: "At the awards ceremony last night (Sunday), the drivers complimented the organisers for staging a well-run event — and also the spectators, who provided such a great atmosphere."

Damien Bradley, the reigning BARC speed champion, commented: "I competed in 32 sprints and hill climbs all over the country last year, and the Sandown Sprint is definitely my favourite.

"Congratulations to everyone involved. We're looking forward to returning next year.”

There was plenty of interest on social media from Island residents.

Tom Gifford said: "Anything like this for Sandown must be good."

Isle of Wight Council member for Sandown South, Cllr Ian Ward, said "Sandown pretty much considers the Sandown Sprint as it’s own" and that the town would like to work and support its organisers. 

Nigel Dawson, one of the marshals at the event, said: "Had a brilliant two days of marshalling. It was a fantastic opportunity to do something I'd never done before.

"Credit to all the drivers. Wow! Some stunning cars whizzed past me at a very fast pace."