Author: Chris Ashby

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 12 – November 17th 2023

Episode 12 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official podcast, BARC’ing Mad, is now live and available to listen to.

In partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, the fortnightly podcast – which is hosted by Alan Hyde and Ian Waterhouse – brings its inaugural series to a close with

Joining Alan – who is in Macau – and Ian on the final episode is former World Touring Car champion and tin top extraordinaire Rob Huff and Driven International’s Matt Birkett.

BARC Event Manager David Wheadon is also back to sign off the season and also help Alan and Ian select some winners for the first-ever BARC’ing Mad Awards.

BARC’ing Mad is available to listen to across all popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

All episodes of the BARC’ing Mad podcast are also available to watch via the Club’s official YouTube channel.

MotoFest Coventry to celebrate 10-year anniversary in 2024

MotoFest Coventry will return to its traditional fixture on the calendar of early June (1/2) next year as it celebrates its 10-year Anniversary.

Dedicated to the city of Coventry’s motoring heritage, the two-day festival will feature a unique blend of racing demonstrations, static displays, live music and anything else with a connection to Coventry, transport and the city’s motoring ties. 

The 2024 edition will once again see the British Automobile Racing Club’s Midlands Centre oversee the running of unique Sprint Circuit, which is carved out of the City Centre Ring Road.

Headlining the action will be two rounds of the BARC Connaught Speed Championship whilst the new drift arena, dynamic and static vehicle displays, music and entertainment will also add to the spectacle. 

James Noble, MotoFest Coventry Festival Director, said: “We are delighted to announce the new date for MotoFest 2024, which will be a particularly special year as we celebrate ten years of MotoFest Coventry.

“From its humble beginnings in 2014, MotoFest Coventry has developed into the UK’s largest free-to-attend motoring festival, with over 200,000 visitors at this year’s event, and we are very proud of our achievements.

“As well as providing a showcase for Coventry’s motoring heritage, we will also be working with event partners such Coventry City Council to demonstrate the best in sustainable transport, low carbon motoring and advanced automotive and electric vehicle technology at next year’s show.

“We look forward again to the electrifying prospect of a special anniversary MotoFest Coventry in 2024, with our Past, Present and Future theme providing the foundation for the spectacular return of the UK’s biggest and best, free to attend, motoring festival.”

For more details about MotoFest Coventry, visit https://www.coventrymotofest.com/. 

James Wallis named as 2024/2025 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior Driver

James Wallis has been named as the 2024/2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Junior driver, clinching £85,000 towards his budget in each of the next two seasons as well as receiving a wealth of support and opportunities from the German manufacturer.

The 18-year-old – who started his career in the Junior Saloon Car Championship – was announced as the latest winner of what is arguably one of the most coveted prizes in UK motorsport at Porsche’s Night of Motorsport event on Saturday  (November 11) night.

More than a dozen candidates were interviewed by series organisers in October before the competition was whittled down to a final four; with Joe Warhurst, Josh Rowledge and Tom Edgar joining Wallis on the shortlist.

At the start of November the quartet faced a range of driving, fitness and media assessments at Silverstone to determine who would follow in the footsteps of outgoing Junior driver Adam Smalley, who this year netted the Carrera Cup Great Britain title.

Wallis emerged as the standout candidate across all disciplines at the shootout to triumph and he is now set to embark on two consecutive campaigns in one of the leading categories on the British Touring Car Championship undercard.

“Creating our shortlist of four drivers to take part in our shootout was tougher than ever,” said Porsche GB motorsport manager James MacNaughton. “The finalists each performed with grit and determination on the day, justifying why they deserved their place. 

“James nosed ahead of the competition and we’re excited to begin working with him. You only have to look to our most recent Porsche Carrera Cup GB Juniors to see evidence that the role has become a proven route to international motor racing success.

“I’m certain that James will thrive as he seeks to emulate those who have gone before him, representing Porsche both on and off the track over the next two years – we look forward to seeing him grow and progress.”

More details revealed about new MINI CHALLENGE JCW Sport class

Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE have confirmed more details on the new JCW Sport class that will debut next season, with entries having now opened for 2024 for both the new category and the headline JCW class.

Introduced to act as a steeping stone for drivers that are looking to graduate from the entry-level Cooper grid, the JCW Sport category will run alongside the headline JCW class at seven British Touring Car Championship rounds next year.

Cars will be based on the F56 variant of the MINI Hatch and although visually similar, the front-wheel-drive machine will feature a number of revisions under the skins that are all designed to reduce cost whilst maintaining the identity of the series. 

Running slightly lower levels of power – 225bhp in total – to their JCW counterparts, JCW Sport cars will also be fitted with a genuine OE-pattern six-speed gearbox. There will be tighter restrictions on the use of tyres and control parts; again to reduce the budgets required to compete.

Whilst teams and drivers will be able to build new JCW Sport cars from scratch if they wish, existing JCW cars available in the marketplace can be down-specced to meet the required specifications, thereby removing the need to invest in a brand-new car to compete in the class.

Cars can then be converted back to full JCW specification should a driver wish to move up a level in future.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in JCW Sport both from drivers who have been competing in the Cooper class but haven’t had the budget to move straight up into JCWs, and also from drivers who have been competing elsewhere,” said Antony Williams, Championship Director. 

“We’re pleased to now be able to release more information about the specification of the car, which we are confident will provide fantastic racing on track when the 2024 season rolls around.

“With a lot of people also interested in being part of the main JCW grid, we are looking forward to a strong season for the MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 and would urge anyone looking to compete to register their interest to fully benefit from the early bird discounts in place.”

British Truck Racing Championship to race at Le Mans in 2024

The British Truck Racing Championship is set to return to mainland Europe for the first time in five years next season following confirmation of the 2024 calendar. 

In what promises to be another captivating campaign for the super-sized series, the Le Mans circuit in France has been added to the schedule on September 28/29.

The addition of the 2.600-mile French venue marks the first time that the championship has ventured outside of the UK since 2019, when it used to frequently compete at the iconic Nurburgring in Germany.

Comprising of seven events and a total of 34 races, next year’s battle for supremacy across Division 1 and Division 2 will begin with an Easter extravaganza at Brands Hatch on 31 March/1 April.

From there the series will make its one and only visit to South Wales and Pembrey in mid-May before then speeding onto the fastest circuit in the country, Thruxton, in early July.

Donington Park will play to what is arguably set to be the biggest event of the season – Convoy in the Park – in August before Snetterton welcomes the titans of truck racing for a pivotal 

The Le Mans Bugatti circuit will provide the backdrop to the penultimate event of the season before a return to Brands Hatch concludes proceedings in early November.

“We’re delighted to be able to share our calendar for the 2024 British Truck Racing Championship and reveal that we will be making a long-awaited return back to Europe,” said Steve Thomas, Truck Sport UK Director.

“Despite not having been able to secure an overseas round in recent years, the appetite to take our championship abroad has always been there so we’re thrilled to be heading to France and the iconic Le Mans circuit.

“Along with the British Automobile Racing Club we’ve worked hard to piece together a schedule that works for our teams, partners and fantastic fans – and I’m really confident that we’ve been able to do this.

“The BTRC continues to get bigger and better every year and this is the next step on our journey, Placing something different into our tried and tested formula is I’m sure only going to add to the spectacle.”

2024 British Truck Racing Championship Calendar

31 March/1 April – Brands Hatch 

18/19 May – Pembrey 

6/7 July – Thruxton 

10/11 August – Donington Park 

14/15 September – Snetterton 300

28/29 September – Le Mans

2/3 November – Brands Hatch

Proposed details of TOCA Junior Championship revealed

TOCA – organisers of the British Touring Car Championship – have today (November 6) provided initial outline information regarding its proposed TOCA Junior Championship, which is set to hit the track in 2025.

The full specification and details of the TOCA Junior Championship is currently scheduled for release in the Spring next year, subject of course to the required MSUK permit having been granted beforehand.

At this time it is worth noting that the details around the new category remain subject to the final approval of Motorsport UK in relation to issuing the necessary permits for the new championship.

Therefore, the particulars contained in the announcement are in no way presumptive of that process. Instead, this is to ensure factual advance information is provided to the sport, rather than misinformed conjecture.

The all-new TOCA Junior race car will feature a bespoke rear-wheel-drive chassis that has been designed specifically for younger drivers. Providing excellent visibility, the car will be designed and built to the latest safety regulations and ROPS protection, along with the best industry standards in safety equipment.

The lively TOCA Junior spec-sealed 1800cc inline 4cyl engine, mated to a sequential gearbox and limited slip differential, will make the car fun, exciting and satisfying to drive.

The race car suspension, mounted on separate front and rear subframes, will provide enough adjustment to tailor the handling to suit each young driver’s needs. This, along with vented disc brakes with front/rear bias adjustment, will provide great stopping power to match the handling and performance.

All controlled parts will be sealed and marked to ensure conformity and a level playing field within their performance parameters.

The car is expected to weigh around 830kgs and thus will meet the MSUK criteria regarding the specific power/weight ratio for junior championships.

The cars will be equipped with the latest specification ‘FIA Advanced Racing Seat 8862-2009’, as well as FIA specification side impact panels and FIA homologated racing nets – all to ensure the highest level of safety for the driver.

The bespoke designed saloon car body will, importantly, provide plenty of space and protection for drivers of all sizes as well as driver coaches/instructors when needed. The front splitter and rear diffuser, along with a rear wing, will give the car extra grip. This, along with the support of Goodyear tyres, will give the car great performance on the most demanding circuits.

The car, parts and running costs will be priced in line with – and in many cases significantly below – some other existing junior cars.  A complete spare parts backup will be available at every scheduled championship test day and race meeting. 

The championship will also be rigorously policed and professionally managed by the same team that has, for the last ten years, operated the Junior Saloon Car Championship – which is currently the biggest junior championship in the UK.

As well, TOCA will be providing ongoing technical and sporting expertise to support and confirm the high-standards and long-term stability of the championship, while the BARC will be provide its at-event organisational infrastructure.

All races will be as a support championship to the BTCC, with the TOCA Junior series reaping the benefit of enormous trackside audiences and huge free-to-air live television coverage on ITV4 as well as further highlights on the ITV network.

Full details of the car and the 2025 programme will be released at its official launch in the Spring, ahead of taking orders and entries for delivery of the car to teams during the course of next year. The car will also be on display at all 2024 events. 

Initial expressions of interest can be emailed to tocajuniorinformation@gmail.com.

TOCA terminates BTCC video game licence with Motorsport Games

BARC (TOCA) Limited – more widely known as ‘TOCA’ – is the rights holder to the British Touring Car Championship (‘BTCC’).

In May 2020, TOCA entered into an agreement with Motorsport Gaming US LLC – an entity more widely known as ‘Motorsport Games’.

That agreement exclusively licensed Motorsport Games to produce interactive video gaming products relating to the British Touring Car Championship.

It is with regret that TOCA now advise that it has been forced to terminate that agreement forthwith, due to ongoing fundamental breaches of the agreement by Motorsport Games. Having been given sufficient latitude to rectify those contractual breaches, unfortunately Motorsport Games has failed to do so.

In order to protect the reputation and intellectual property of the BTCC, including those of its participants and partners, TOCA had been left with no option but to terminate the agreement and immediately withdraw all licensed BTCC rights that were provided to Motorsport Games under that agreement.

TOCA is aware that this news will come as a huge disappointment to our hundreds of thousands of fans, many of whom were eagerly anticipating the release of a new BTCC game… and we very much share that frustration, due to Motorsport Games being unable to fulfil its contractual commitments.

BARC concludes 2023 season with thrilling Brands Hatch title-decider

The British Automobile Racing Club closed out its 2023 season at Brands Hatch last weekend (November 4/5) with an extravaganza of title-deciding entertainment as a number of champions were crowned in front of a capacity trackside crowd.

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

Headlining the action was the British Truck Racing Championship, which saw Ryan Smith continue to re-write the history books as he claimed an unprecedented eighth consecutive Division 1 title.

Going into the weekend holding a commanding lead at the top of the standings, Smith mastered both the wet and dry conditions in his Daimler Freightliner to clinch a hat-trick of race wins and with it, the coveted crown for an eighth time.

Unfortunately, incidents on-track meant that the super-sized series only really contested three of its five scheduled bouts. The first race was declared without a result following two red flag stoppages while the finale lasted just a couple of corners before an accident caused barrier damage on the run up to Druids.

Huge credit must be given to all of the volunteer marshals, BARC officials and circuit staff for their tireless and swift efforts over the course of the weekend.

While Smith comfortably cruised to championship glory, there was unbelievably nothing to separate Paul Rivett and Adam Bint in the battle for overall Division 2 honours – with the pair ending the season tied on points. 

Across both days, the pendulum between the title protagonists swung back-and-forth, with each of them scoring wins. Come the final race, both drivers were locked on the same amount of points and due to the race not taking place, the champion was crowned on a count back of wins.

Having been somewhat of a winning juggernaut, especially in recent rounds, NAPA Racing UK’s Rivett was declared the new Division 2 champion ahead of Bint – who had pieced together an incredible campaign from start-to-finish. 

Things were somewhat more straight forward in the ultra-competitive Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy as former rallycross champion Tom Ovenden reigned supreme to wrap up the title.

Entering the weekend as one of six drivers that held a mathematical chance of lifting the one-make series crown, the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver shadowed his title rivals in the opening encounter before then securing the title with a fifth place finish in race two. 

As Ovenden rightly soaked up the spoils of championship glory, the final three race wins of the season fell the way of Alex Keens, Jack Byrne and Nathan Edwards; whilst Maximus Hall punched in an impressive showing by clinching hat-trick of second place finishes. 

Daire Flock turned his dreams of being crowned champion of the Junior Saloon Car Championship into a reality as he came out on top in the final two races of a thrilling 2023 campaign.

The Westbourne Motorsport driver entered the weekend with a healthy advantage in the standings however with double points on offer, he couldn’t afford to make any mistakes – especially as rookie ace Cameron Pratt-Thompson was waiting in the wings. 

Victory in race one put the sophomore racer on the cusp of glory before he wrapped things up with second place in race two, just behind eventual winner Oskar Dix. Pratt-Thompson would settle for the runners-up spot overall, although he did manage to clinch the Rookie Cup.

Third and sixth place finishes proved to be enough for Reece Jones to successfully retain his Pickup Truck Racing Championship title as he became a two-time champion in the popular one-make series. 

Arriving at Brands Hatch in the pound seat, Jones produced a flurry of measured performances to ensure he did enough to hold off Dale Gent and Paul Tompkins – who were his main rivals heading into the weekend. 

Gent would sign off the season with victory in the final race, although he could do nothing to stop former British Touring Car Championship race winner Matt Simpson from triumphing in the weekend’s earlier two contests.

Rounding out the list of newly crowned champions at Brands Hatch was Will Gibson, who – after coming oh-so close last year – was able to secure the Legends Cars National Championship for 2023.

As expected, the 5/8 scale pocket rockets delivered frenetic racing and while he didn’t win any of the heats, Gibson wracked up the points finishes to guarantee himself an unassailable lead in the standings. Jack Parker and Chris Needham would share the spoils in terms of race wins. 

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

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 11 – November 3rd 2023

Episode 11 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official podcast, BARC’ing Mad, is now live and available to listen to.

In partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, the fortnightly podcast – which is hosted by Alan Hyde and Ian Waterhouse – is packed with full-throttle news, reviews and captivating interviews.

The penultimate episode of the inaugural series sees Alan and Ian joined by legendary commentator and the voice of the British Touring Car Championship on ITV, David Addison. The duo also delve into some possible ‘End of Season’ Awards Categories.

BARC’ing Mad is available to listen to across all popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

You can also watch each episode via the Club’s official YouTube channel.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – November 4/5

The British Automobile Racing Club will bring the curtain down on its 2023 season this weekend (November 4/5) with a title-deciding finale at Brands Hatch that is not to be missed.

Concluding what has been a captivating campaign, fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at the Kent venue as five championships put on a show in front of an expected bumper crowd.

Headlining the action will be five blockbuster contests from the British Truck Racing Championship, while the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Legends Cars Championship will also take centre stage.

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with every lap that is being broadcast:

Saturday 4th November – 10:45 // WATCH HERE

Sunday 5th November – 09:45 // WATCH HERE

To find out more information about this weekend’s race meeting, CLICK HERE.

Tickets for BARC Championship Awards Evening now on sale

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening takes place on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at the stunning Crowne Plaza riverside venue in Stratford upon Avon – and tickets are now on sale.

The evening – hosted by Alan Hyde – will celebrate the great and good of UK motorsport; the BARC community will come together to honour drivers, marshals and officials for their endeavours this season.

The glamorous black-tie evening includes a drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by the awards presentations and evening entertainment.

MEMBERS – BUY HERE

NON-MEMBERS – BUY HERE

MARSHALS – BUY HERE

Accommodation: The Crowne Plaza Hotel offers an impressive range of accommodation, including access to the state-of-the-art health club and spa facilities. We have secured a limited number of rooms on a Bed & Breakfast basis at a discounted rate of £145/£155 per room (Single/Double).

In order to obtain this reduced rate, you must book direct with Crowne Plaza on 01789 279988 quoting ‘BARC event’.  Please note these rates will only be valid until the original allocation is taken up,  after which the best available rate will apply.

If you want to stay for more than one night, we have secured preferential rates for Friday night (ÂŁ145/155) or Sunday night (ÂŁ120/130)

Legends Cars to return to BTCC support bill for 30th Anniversary season

The Legends Cars Elite Cup will again form part of the support package to the British Touring Car Championship in 2024 after organisers confirmed a top-draw calendar for what will be a momentous 30th Anniversary season.

Having starred alongside the UK’s premier motorsport series at three events this year, the 5/8 scale chargers will appear alongside the touring cars at three more race meetings next year for the sophomore season of the Elite Cup.

Kicking off its landmark season at the BTCC season-opener at Donington Park on April 27/28, the category will move on to Brands Hatch on May 11/12 before concluding north of the border at Knockhill on August 10/11.

While a Champion will again be crowned at the culmination of the Scottish event, in a change to the past year’s action the Elite Cup won’t be a standalone series – points scored throughout the Elite Cup will also go towards determining the overall 2024 Legends Cars Champion.

In addition to the Elite Cup, four other race meetings will complete the full Legends Cars Championship – Brands Hatch on June 8/9, Donington Park on June 29/30, Snetterton on September 7/8 and Oulton Park on September 28.

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “After such an incredible time with the BTCC this year with the Elite Cup, we are absolutely delighted to be able to confirm the Legends Cars have again been invited to be part of the TOCA package for three events in 2024 – and especially with it being our 30th anniversary season. 

“The opportunity to be alongside the BTCC, with all the exposure that brings with huge crowds and live coverage on ITV4, was one we wanted to grab with both hands. 

“After such a successful first year for the Elite Cup we are elated to again have that opportunity for next season. It’s incredibly exciting to be starting our 30th year of racing with two back-to-back BTCC events, we simply cannot wait.”

“We are pleased to be welcoming the Legends Cars Elite Cup back to the BTCC bill in 2024,” added Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive. “The short, sharp and action-packed racing that the Legends Cars provide is in keeping with the BTCC itself, so it was little surprise that our loyal fanbase loved the addition of the Legends last season. 

“Those in attendance at Donington, Brands and Knockhill will undoubtedly enjoy the closely fought racing again next year, as will the many more watching live on ITV Sport.”