Enjoy it while we still can!
Abingdon Motorsport CAR-nival has now been in existence longer than some of its competitors (31 years) although sadly we must prepare for the planned closure of Dalton Barracks the airfield. Current forecasts suggest that the last Army employee will close the doors and turn off the MoD lights in 2031 although planning consents and part sell-off can often accelerate or delay the process.
Therefore, we must all prepare for a day when travelling along the A34 only leads us to the M40 or the M4.
However, let’s not get all miserable too early as the chance remains to have some fun in Oxfordshire, by bringing you the 2026 Abingdon Motorsport CAR-nival Stages on Sunday 7th June. A youthful Roger Binyon took his Metro DAM4100 to the first ever win at the Airfield and we never thought we would still be here 3 decades later but here we go again!
A lot has changed in both the sport and the venue but one thing that remains is the desire to provide a competitive quality rally retaining our spirit of enjoyment. Back then, attitudes were different within the military and we enjoyed an almost open map of what we could use including both sides of the security fence. Sadly however, the world is different and despite all the troubles it faces, the MoD have graciously granted us permission to hold a 7-stage rally yet again and we are pleased to encourage you to join us at this brilliant venue.
There are a few ‘tweaks’ to the stage layouts although after 3 decades you can almost call them definitive, giving maximum mileage whilst retaining their fast, testing nature. We will continue our Special Sunday Morning Scrutineering and Documentation Sessions for those who simply cannot be there on Saturday (see regs for details) although this will be limited to just 20 who are willing to pay the additional contribution to the good causes. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A COURTESY AND NOT A RIGHT SO PLEASE BE POLITE TO ALL OUR STAFF.
It should be noted that the main requirement for attending SATURDAY Scrutiny, Sound Test and Documentation still remains for the majority. Free camping facilities are available, and many see that as a time to sit back, throw a few steaks on the BBQ and chill around the beer cooler with all their best mates.
No matter what, the spirit of CAR-nival remains – Fast action, great stages, superb organisation and of course, fantastic people.
Entries for the Rally will be available from 12 Noon on Easter Saturday 4th April and the Sprint a week later so get your fingers poised as last year the event was full within 5 hours!
What’s it all about? Probably the best Club Motor Sport event in the country!
CAR-nival weekend includes a Long Course Sprint, a Championship AutoSolo and a 60+ mile stage rally, all supported by free camping and caravanning.
Organised by a trio of clubs (Craven MC / Farnborough District MC / Sutton Cheam MC), CAR-nival owes its success to the effort and support of up to 30 Southern-based clubs. Predominantly, CAR-nival is about serious motor sport but there is another very important element – Charity!
In the last 30 years, we have raised in excess of £800,000 for the ‘good causes’ which are detailed in other areas of this website.
In brief however, this has meant that the daily ‘off-duty’ life of the soldiers serving at the adjacent Army Barracks are being enhanced as a direct result of the event.
Dalton Barracks is a staging post for those either going on deployment or returning from overseas postings and so their ‘downtime’ is an important element of their service life in the armed forces. Sports equipment, film shows and event the odd ‘Smoking Shelter’ have been provided to help break the monotony of life in the Barracks.
Meanwhile our other beneficiary, The Friends of Stowford, 
provide local adults and teenagers with learning difficulties their important independence and education.
Through Abingdon Motorsport CAR-nival and your generous donations, we have provided them with Mini Buses for day trips and outings, a specially-equipped holiday home near the sea and a superb Day Room, situated at the very heart of their local residences.
Monies are raised through donations as part of the entry fees for each element of CAR-nival although many give much more than the minimum requirement.
After 3 decades it has grown into a great club motor sport social gathering, almost tribal with old friends and rivals all meeting up for a fun weekend at Abingdon with some arriving on Friday with their tents and caravans and then staying all-weekend.