Author: Chris Ashby

Star studded entry for Croft Christmas Stages Rally

Rallying returns to Croft Circuit this forthcoming Sunday (November 24) when the Swift Signs & Shirts Christmas Stages Rally takes place with a top-quality entry assembled at the North Yorkshire track.

After a break of a year, organisers Northallerton Automobile Club have attracted a near-capacity field of over eighty cars for the event including a host of national champions to take on a strong local contingent over eight stages.

Leading the way is triple and reigning BTRDA champion Elliot Payne in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 who is making his debut on the event. Along with co-driver Liam Whiteley, the young Harrogate driver will be the man to beat but faces stiff opposition from a number of rivals.

Triple British Rallycross champion and 2024 European Rallycross champion Patrick O’Donovan will be in action in a Ford Escort Mk2 with local Richmond co-driver Sam Clennel on the maps whilst his dad Ollie is no stranger to Croft from his Rallycross days and the former British Rallycross champion will also be in action in the Hyundai i20R5 he’s sharing with Northallerton’s Callum Spoors.

Former National Rally champion, Lancastrian John Stone is a former winner at Croft and will be out in his Ford Escort whilst a strong Scottish contingent is headed by Joe McKeand and Lee Hastings, both in Subarus. David White (Ford Fiesta R5), Mike English (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Mark Holmes (Ford Fiesta R5) and Nigel Worswick (Ford Fiesta S2000T) will also be in the mix.

However, local crews will have a major say in the outcome, headed by eight-times winner Kevin Procter from Scruton. Along with Northallerton co-driver Ian Windress in the Ford Fiesta S2000, Procter will be aiming to land the winner’s trophy which he last claimed in 2018.

Team-mate Joe Cunningham from Aiskew will be hoping to improve on his third place at the 2022 event, this time at the wheel of the Ford Fiesta WRC loaned to him by his uncle Kevin for the event which he’ll share with Bedale’s Josh Beer, whilst in the smaller classes, local hopes are abundant.

Witton Gilbert driver Ed Todd and Durham co-driver Andy Brown are one of the favourites for the two-litre class in their Darrian T9 but will face stiff opposition including from Mickleton’s Alistair Hutchinson and Staindrop co-driver St. John Dykes in their LPG-powered Renault Clio Maxi.

In the 1400cc class, it will be the usual battle between Catterick’s Mark Constantine, with brother Andrew from North Cowton on the notes in their Vauxhall Corsa, and the Durham pairing of Andrew Fawcett/Chris Purvis in their Vauxhall Nova.

North Yorkshire brothers Tom and Luke Constantine will be debuting a pair of Opel Adam R2s in the 1600cc class with 2024 MG3 Challenge champion Luke, with Richmond’s Antony Coates co-driving, and MG3 Challenge runner-up Tom, with Mickleton co-driver Tony Walker on the notes, renewing battle.

Spennymoor’s Steve Sawley, and co-driver Rob Johnson, head Class 4 in their powerful Ford Escort whilst the international flavour is provided by Jamaican Tarik Minott with Saltburn’s Neil Colman on the maps in their Ford Fiesta Rally2.

Runner-up in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB this year, Scorton’s Max Coates swaps his racing overalls to make his co-driving debut in Northallerton driver Larry Carter’s Peugeot 206 whilst other locals to keep an eye on include Brompton on Swale driver Geoff Wright (Ford Fiesta S2000), Mickleton pair David and Andrew Hutchinson (Renault Clio), South Kilvington publican Nick Kitching (Ford RS1800) and North Cowton brothers James and Ollie Constantine (Suzuki Swift) amongst many others.

Gates open at 8am with the first stage getting underway at 9am and running throughout the day with the final couple of stages expected to be in darkness. There will be full commentary, and an event programme is on sale. Extensive free parking on hard standing is also available along with trade stalls and food outlets, including Croft’s very own café, Hangar 50, which will be open throughout the day serving hot food and drinks.

Adult admission costs £13 via e-ticket and are available at www.croftcircuit.co.uk or on the gate priced at £15 per adult. Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free.

Pembrey to stage 2025 JSCC Scholarship next February

The Junior Saloon Car Championship has also announced that its 2025 Scholarship will take place at Pembrey Circuit on Saturday 22nd February.

Up for grabs at the Welsh venue will be a life-changing prize for one aspiring teenager in the shape of a fully-funded season in the series, worth more than £30,000.

Over the course of the day, drivers will face the media, partake in a fitness test and then showcase their attributes behind the wheel on-track. A judging panel made up of championship’s organisers and partners will then whittle down the competition before selecting a winner.

Previous winners of the competition include former overall champion Scott McIntyre, British F4 title winner Deagan Fairclough and last year’s victor Will Crewdson.

To find out more information on the JSCC Scholarship, visit HERE.

BARC announces 2025 Marshal Training dates

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it will run a total of seven marshal training days prior to the start of the 2025 motorsport season.

Croft, Pembrey and Thruxton will host the aforementioned training days across the months of January, February and March next year.

Every event organised and run by the BARC needs marshals and all marshals, whatever they are doing, are contributing to the success and smooth running of the meeting.

With training provided to cover a wide range of topics such as fire safety to pit lane operation and teamwork; marshal training covers a wide variety of key attributes in preparing those that are heading trackside for the forthcoming season.

2025 BARC MARSHAL TRAINING DATES

Saturday 20th January – Thruxton [Speed Training, all grades]

Sunday 21st January – Thruxton [Registered Marshals – fewer than five days attended]

Sunday 9th February – Pembrey

Saturday 15th February – Croft

Sunday 16th February – Croft

Saturday 1st March – Thruxton

Sunday 2nd March – Thruxton

Link to Volunteering Forms

Champions crowned! Full list of 2024 BARC title winners confirmed

The British Automobile Racing Club revelled in another momentous year of motorsport in 2024 and with the dust now beginning to settle, we’re delighted to be able to reveal who reigned supreme across our wealth of championships:

2CV Championship
Alex Cockhill

BARC Connaught Speed Championship
Matt Bramall

Britcar Trophy Championship
Maurice Henry & Hadley Simpson and Mark Jones, Rob Ellick & Craig Fleming

British Endurance Championship
Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 1
Ryan Smith

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 2
John Powell

Caterham Academy Championship – Green
James Hall

Caterham Academy Championship – White
Paul Ogglesbury

Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship
Paul Goldstein

Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship
Ben Timmons

Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship
Harry Cook

Vertex Caterham Seven UK Championship
Lewis Thompson

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Everard Pre-66 Touring Cars
Ian Thompson

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre-83 Group 1 Touring Cars
Stephen Primett

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Laser Tool Pre-93 Touring Cars
Stuart Waite

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Burty Haulage Pre-03 Touring Cars
Gary Prebble

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series
Tim Mizen

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder
Josh Lawton

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Super Tourers
Alexander Morgan

CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship
Steven Parker

Junior Saloon Car Championship
TBC

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Jake Hill

Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship
Steve McDermid

MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport
Ross Alexander

Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport
Matthew Ryder

OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires
Dan Munro

Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain
George Gamble

Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain
Sebastian Hopkins

Pickup Truck Racing Championship
Dale Gent

ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA
Deagen Fairclough

SIM Motorsport Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 135
Paul Goldstein

SIM Motorsport Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 150
Jamie Ellwood

Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW
Dan Zelos

Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy
Harry Hickton

TCR UK to host Donington Park taster day

The TCR UK Championship has released details regarding its upcoming Taster Day, which is scheduled to take place at Donington Park on Friday 22nd November.

Following the news that the tin top series will join the British Automobile Racing Club next year, preparations are already afoot for the 2025 season.

The taster vent will provide  interested parties the opportunity to test drive a TCR car, specifically an Audi RS3 LMS TCR Gen 2, at the Leicestershire venue.

Drivers who are already experienced in piloting TCR cars will be on hand during the event to provide guidance and knowledge of the car.

Championship officials will also be on hand during the day to provide further information about the 2025 season and to answer any queries that customers may have.

“I’m excited to offer this chance to anyone who is interested in moving up to TCR UK for 2025. This is the best way to find out how good a TCR car is at one of the best circuits in the UK,” said Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Promoter.

“TCR is the ideal platform for those looking to make the step up to touring car racing, and this event will provide more knowledge and insight for those looking to take the next step up in their motorsport careers.”

Anyone interested in the Taster Day can register their interest by clicking HERE.

To find out more about the TCR UK Touring Car Championship, visit https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/.

BTCC locks in additional rule changes for 2025 season

Series organisers of the British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have confirmed further changes to its latest regulations ahead of the 2025 season. 

Following the ground-breaking announcement that the UK’s premier motorsport series will introduce 100% sustainable fuel next year, a number of other amendments have now been ratified between TOCA and all competing teams. 

As of April 1st 2025, a two-year engine freeze will come into effect, so that no further developments can be made to the homologated engines for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

This decision ensures that the highest-level of competitiveness of each engine will remain but will also significantly save costs to the teams over the next two years.

On the topic of tyres, it will now be mandatory for the three overall podium finishers in Race 1 to run the hardest Goodyear tyre compound available in Race 2 – as opposed to the previous top ten finishers.

A new safety car procedure will be also introduced to ensure a smoother, closer and safer restart to all sessions.

When the Safety Car lights are turned off – indicating it will accelerate away from the pack and return to the pit-lane – all cars must cease weaving, braking and/or accelerating and stay no more than two car lengths from the car ahead of them.

The race leader will be required to maintain approximately the same speed the safety car was using when it extinguished its lights, until the leader has passed the new ‘Restart Point’ – designated at each circuit by TOCA and to be positioned between the final corner and the start/finish control line – after which the leader can then accelerate up to racing speed.

In the battle for the coveted Jack Sears Trophy, drivers that have either previously won the competition or have scored more than one outright podium in the BTCC will not be eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy from next year.

Finally, the qualifying format has been looked at with the grid positions for cars that do not progress from both groups in the first Part of the Qualifying session undergoing a change for 2025.

Those from Group 1 who do not progress into Part 2 will line up on the even numbered side of the grid and those from Group 2 on the other side – thus preventing a change in track or weather conditions having an adverse effect on those groups and their subsequent grid positions.

“Of course, the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel has been the headlining change for the 2025 BTCC season, but we always look at every aspect of our championship each year to see what can be improved,” said BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow.

“I’m sure that these tweaks will all have a positive effect and will further add to the great racing that is the hallmark of the BTCC.”

BARC closes out 2024 season with blockbuster Brands Hatch title-decider

The British Automobile Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2024 season in spectacular style at Brands Hatch this past weekend (November 2/3) as the final batch of champions were crowned in front of a sell-out crowd.

Concluding what has been a year to remember for the Club’s championships, series, centres and venues; two days of blockbuster racing provided the backdrop to a fitting finale around the Indy layout.

Headlining the action was the British Truck Racing Championship, where Ryan Smith continues to re-write the history books in his Daimler Freightliner as he claimed a remarkable ninth consecutive Division 1 title.

Arriving at the Kent venue with one hand on the coveted crown, Smith was wheel-perfect as he blitzed the opposition to claim pole position in qualifying and then swept his way to all five race wins that were up for grabs. 

Behind him, former title winner David Jenkins edged out Steven Powell to clinch second overall whilst Michael Oliver and Stuart Oliver also stood on the podium over the course of what was a frenetic weekend.

In Division 2, John Powell made his dreams a reality as he finally savoured championship glory after edging out Simon Cole to top spot. The pair were virtually inseparable throughout the meeting however a non-finish for Cole in the finale allowed Powell to reign supreme. 

At the front of Division 2, the spoils of victory went to former champions Adam Bint and Paul Rivett – with the latter closing out his reign as defending champion with four superlative victories in his NAPA Racing UK MAN. 

The battle for supremacy in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy went down to the wire with Westbourne Motorsport’s Harry Hickton ultimately doing enough to beat his team-mate Sam Gornall to the title by just two points. 

Hickton went into the final meeting of the season sitting second in standings, 31 points adrift of the top of the table. Bagging pole position in qualifying, Hickton then outscored Gornall to close the gap in race one while James Black triumphed up ahead.

The Hampshire racer then claimed a critical fifth win of the season in race two to take the lead in the points before shadowing Gornall all the way to the chequered flag in the finale, which in-turn ensured he clinched the Drivers’ Championship. 

Remarkably, the difference between the top two in the Junior Saloon Car Championship was even closer than in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, with the bonus point for setting the fastest lap in the final race being the deciding factor.

Concluding its 10th Anniversary season with six drivers in contention, it boiled down to a straight shootout between Harry Smith and Jonathan Moore – and as always the one-make series had everyone on the edge of their seats as the pair scrapped for the right to call themselves champion.

James Sherrington scored victory in race one but with Moore finishing ahead of Smith it set up a tantalising title showdown. In a final contest that was truncated with red flags, Moore finished first on the road however confirmation of a champion remains to be decided virtue of how many laps were completed.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship was another category that crowned a new champion as Dale Gent finally climbed to the top of the mountain after just coming up short during the past few years. 

Going into the weekend at the top of the standings, Gent held his nerve to score the points that he required while Ryan Hadfield and Matt Simpson enjoyed a share of the spoils at the front of the field. 

Rounding out the weekend’s track action was the Mini 7 Racing Club’s O-Plate Winter Shootout. Aaron Smith and Rupert Deeth were undoubtedly the cream of the crop as they dominated all three races, with Smith narrowly beating Deeth on each occasion. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Thruxton Circuit announces six-event 2025 race meeting calendar

Thruxton Circuit has revealed its calendar for the 2025 season, which will see likes of the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli take centre stage at the Hampshire venue.

Coming off the back of an action-packed 2024 campaign, the fastest circuit in the UK is poised to host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of next season, staging a total of six race meetings from May through to September.

The season will start in early May with the new Thruxton Tops Down Weekender, an exciting celebration of open-air driving which will include a number of championships that fall under the Caterham Motorsport banner.

From there, the UK’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – descends on the South of England for what promises to be three frenetic tin top contests on June 7/8.

In addition to the BTCC, the weekend will also see the likes of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Vertu MINI CHALLENGE and all-new TOCA Junior Championship also feature on the support race programme.

Thruxton will then step back in time and transport fans on a spirited trip down memory lane to celebrate the sights and sounds of motorsport with the all-new Thruxton Retro meeting.

The super-sized machines of the British Truck Racing Championship will follow in July and the full-throttle thrills are poised to continue into August as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship hits the track with some of the best riders in the world battling for outright honours.

Concluding the 2025 campaign at Thruxton will be the return of the Classic Sports Car Club towards the end of September.

Tickets for all 2025 race meetings at Thruxton are now available to purchase online at https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/thruxton-events?category=race-meetings.

Thruxton Circuit 2025 Calendar

May 4/5 – Thruxton Tops Down Weekender
June 7/8 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
June 21/22 – Thruxton Retro
July 5/6 – British Truck Racing Championship
August 8/9/10 – Bennetts British Superbike Championship
September 20/21 – Classic Sports Car Club

Tickets for 2025 BTCC meeting at Croft now on sale

Tickets for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s 2025 visit to Croft Circuit are now on sale.

In what is the biggest event of the year at the British Automobile Racing Club operated venue, the UK’s premier motorsport series will descend on North Yorkshire to kick-start the second half of next season on August 2-3.

Three high-octane tin top races will top the bill while a bumper supporting cast which includes the all-new Mairon Freight UK TOCA Junior Championship will also take centre stage.

Tickets can be purchased at advance prices online today via: https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc

BTCC to introduce 100% sustainable fuel as hybrid departs

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced that 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced for 2025, whilst the use of hybrid power has been discontinued.

Maintaining its position at the forefront of national motorsport innovation and industry-leading standards, the BTCC will next year become the first championship in the UK to fully adopt sustainable fossil-free fuel for all of its cars.

The new fuel – designated Hiperflo ECO102 R100 – is specifically engineered to maximise performance, compatibility, and sustainability. The fuel is 100% fossil-free, meaning all components are derived from synthetic and biological (i.e. non-crude) sources. Hiperflo ECO102 R100 conforms to the highest FIA and ISCC compliances. 

Following a thorough test and development programme of the fuel, the decision to introduce it means that the hybrid programme – which was officially launched for the 2022 season – will now come to an end.

From next season, cars will have the same power-boost output as in 2024 – and the same boost deployment format as previously used – with the additional power surge coming solely via turbo boost. Cars will also be some 55 kgs lighter and nimbler as a result. 

A further tweak will see all notifications of the turbo boost deployment being removed from the timing screens, as it was felt this gave teams and drivers immediate information to try to counteract its use by other drivers.

“The introduction of 100% fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport,” explained BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow.

“As the highest profile championship in the UK, this introduction is a significant and essential step in maintaining the competitiveness and excitement synonymous with the BTCC, but in a more sustainable and forward-thinking way.

“The hybrid era was a great one for the BTCC. Six years ago, when we first announced hybrid, it was a technology still in its relative infancy within motorsport. We’ve successfully completed that programme – and really have no more to prove in that respect – whilst others have yet to catch up. 

“But, as we’ve now ticked that box we can move further forward with the introduction of the fossil-free sustainable fuel, whilst very importantly delivering the same performance parameters that made this year’s BTCC such a memorable one.

“We don’t just sit still with the BTCC – we evolve, and we advance, as today’s announcement firmly underlines.”

Other rule tweaks have been ratified by Series Organisers TOCA ahead of the 2025 BTCC season, with information on these regulation changes to be released in the coming few days.

BTCC confirms 2025 Season Launch and official pre-season test dates

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced that its 2025 Season Launch will take place at Donington Park, while Croft has also been chosen to host two official pre-season test days.

Croft will welcome the UK’s premier motorsport series on April 1-2 for two days of testing before the Season Launch, and the final official pre-season test day, will be staged at Donington Park on April 15.

As is now customary, drivers and teams will carry out official pre-season media-related activities and interviews on April 14 before television and photography will also make up the early morning activities the following day. The ‘Class of 2025’ will then embark on six hours of testing at the Leicestershire venue.

Both Croft and Donington Park will be offering free entry to spectators, with refreshments available, whilst fans will be able to get autographs and photos with drivers during a pitlane walkabout at Donington Park.

The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign begins around Donington Park’s National layout on April 26/27.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – November 2/3

The British Automobile Racing Club brings the curtain down on its 2024 season at Brands Hatch with a title decider that is guaranteed to provide fireworks – both on and off the track.

Headlining the action will be five colossal contests from the British Truck Racing Championship as the destiny of the Division 1 and Division 2 crowns are settled in what promises to be a heavyweight showdown.

They aren’t the only titles to be decided either as champions will be crowned in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy and Mini 7 Racing Club Winter O-Plate Shootout.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Saturday 2nd November | 12:05 | WATCH HERE
Sunday 3rd November | 09:45 | WATCH HERE

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any of the action from a BARC LIVE event by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.