Author: Chris Ashby

Super Touring Power serves up weekend to remember at Brands Hatch

Fans of the British Touring Car Championship were taken on a trip down memory lane this past weekend (July 1/2) as Brands Hatch blasted back to the 90s to celebrate one of the series’ most fondly remembered eras at Super Touring Power.

The two-day event, which was running for the first-ever time, transported those in attendance at the Kent venue to a much-loved period of national saloon car competition, with races, demonstrations and displays.

One of the many highlights across the weekend were the blockbuster races from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, in particular the quartet from the Laser Tools Super Tourers which featured a strong field of 20 cars.

Included on the entry list were legendary Super Touring stars such as Paul Radisich (Ford Mondeo), Anthony Reid (Nissan Primera), Greg Murphy (Nissan Primera) and Steven Richards (Volvo S40) however, none of them could stop current BTCC star Jake Hill who claimed a clean sweep of victories at the wheel of an ex-Laurent Aiello Nissan Primera. 

Hill was wheel-perfect as he led home the ex-Tom Kristensen Honda Accord of Stewart Whyte in the first three races before then reigning supreme ahead of former BTCC driver Jason Hughes and his Vauxhall Vectra in the finale. 

In addition to the nostalgic racing, the weekend also saw demonstration runs which included the iconic 1997 Williams Renault Laguna of Alain Menu, who was in attendance as a guest, Steve Soper in a Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 and Ash Sutton in his 2023 Ford Focus ST – to name but a few.

Around the venue, cars such as Rickard Rydell’s 1998 title-winning Volvo S40 and Joachim Winkelhock’s BMW, amongst many others, were on display for all to see with stars such as Menu, Radisich, Andy Rouse, Tim Harvey and Patrick Watts also featuring on the Autosport Interview Stage. 

Elsewhere, bumper grids featured throughout the remaining Classic Touring Car Racing Club categories shared the spotlight in front of the huge crowds that had flocked trackside to soak up the vintage tin top action, starting on the Grand Prix layout on Saturday.

Charles Rainford – who can usually be found competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB – swapped his 911 for a Ford Capri and didn’t put a wheel wrong as he won two highly entertaining Poutltec Pre-66 Touring Cars and Orange Aero Pre-83 Touring Cars races.

More than 40 cars went bumper-to-bumper in a pair of entertaining amalgamated Laser Tools Pre-93 Touring Cars, Burty Haulage Pre-03 Touring Cars and Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series races, with Paul Mensley and Martin Reynolds claiming a win apiece.

Samuel Wilson and Alex Sidwell rounded out the list of winners on the legendary 2.433-mile circuit as they each made it onto the top step of the podium in the Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder and Berkshire Jag Components Jaguar Challenge races.

Switching to the more compact Indy circuit on Sunday, Grant Williams narrowly held off Ian Curley to claim a brace of Pre-66 race wins whilst Stuart Waite emerged as the driver to beat in the merged Pre-83 and Pre-93 contests.

Mensley and Reynolds continued to be the cream of the crop in the combined Pre-03 and Blue Oval Saloon Series bouts, with Mensley charging to a double triumph whilst Wilson and Nick Vaughan shared the spoils in the Classic Thunder and Jaguar Challenge races.

To view the full classification of results from Super Touring Power at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Those wanting to watch back the action from Sunday can do so by visiting the Classic Touring Car Racing Club YouTube channel HERE.

Team Dynamics founder Steve Neal passes away aged 82

The British Automobile Racing Club is saddened to hear that Steve Neal, the founder of multiple British Touring Car Championship title winners Team Dynamics and father of three-time champion Matt, has passed away at the age of 82. 

First competing in the series – then known as the British Saloon Car Championship – during the 1960s at the wheel of a Mini Cooper, Neal established himself as a front-runner in his class during a five-year spell on the grid and scored an overall win at Crystal Palace. 

Setting up Team Dynamics in the early 1990s, the squad – with Neal at the helm – became a household name during the BTCC’s Super Touring era as they claimed a number of Independent titles and famously ÂŁ250,000 for becoming the first Independent team to secure an outright win in 1999.

Over the next two decades, multiple Drivers’ titles for Matt and Gordon Shedden, as well as a number of Manufacturer-Constructor and Teams’ Championship crowns would follow.

“It is with great sadness we report the passing of our leader Steve Neal, the visionary founder of Team Dynamics Motorsport and a larger-than-life character who left an indelible mark on the racing world,” a statement issued by Team Dynamics read.

“Steve’s passion for motorsports was contagious, and his leadership guided the team to numerous victories and championships.

“With his relentless drive and unwavering determination, he transformed Team Dynamics into a powerhouse, earning the respect and admiration of fans and competitors alike.

“Steve’s infectious personality, combined with his unparalleled knowledge of the sport, made him a beloved figure in the racing community. His legacy will forever be remembered as he takes his final lap, soaring to new heights.”

Our condolences and thoughts go out to Steve’s family, friends and everyone at Team Dynamics at this difficult time.

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 2 – June 30th 2023

Episode 2 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s new-for-2023 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 a plethora of motorsport related chats.

The series’ second episode sees the hosts discuss the latest news and results from around the Club with Chris Ashby before delving into some of the biggest topics in world motorsport with The Intercooler Co-Founder Andrew Frankel.

They’re also joined by GT racing legend Ian Flux, who was on hand to recount some of the highlights of his glittering career and a number of the many tales from his new book ‘For Flux Sake: Beers, Fags and Opposite-Lock’.

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

BARC delivers Silverstone scorcher on Grand Prix layout

The sun shone on the British Automobile Racing Club this past weekend (June 24/25) as a number of championships continued their 2023 campaigns around the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Returning to the Home of British Motor Racing for the second time this year, the BARC took centre stage under the bright blue skies for a 13-race schedule across two days that was just as scorching on track as it was off it. 

Less than a week on from staging its milestone 250th race at Oulton Park, the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA was back in action and the latest instalment of their season saw more history made as the series competed around Silverstone’s 3.66-mile layout for the first time.

Ahead of its annual summer break, the single-seater series – which is the first step on the road to Formula 1 – served up a pulsating trio of races where slip streaming and wheel-to-wheel battles had those watching trackside and online on the edge of their seats.

Rodin Carlin’s Josh Irfan became the tenth different winner in a pulsating opener as his lightning start from row two saw him charge into a lead that he would ultimately never lose – with the rookie driver controlling proceedings out front to triumph ahead of Will Macintyre and James Piszcyk.

Race two then saw Irfan’s team-mate Noah Lisle strengthen his championship challenge with an impressive third victory of the season before James Piszcyk rounded things off by leading a Hitech Pulse-Eight top four lockout in race three.

The British Endurance Championship headed back to Silverstone with another strong entry list however nobody was able to stop the PB Racing Audi R8 GT3 duo of Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton – who reigned supreme in commanding style.

Arriving at the Northamptonshire venue as the team to beat, Erceg and Clutton quickly established themselves out front as they blasted to pole position in qualifying by little under a second.

As the lights went out on Saturday afternoon’s two-hour bout, the striking black and orange R8 GT3 wasted no time in establishing an advantage out front. The multiple race winners soon broke clear of the chasing pack and began to stretch their legs, ultimately taking victory by two laps.

Best of the rest was the Scott Sport Lamborghini Super Trefeo Evo of Mikkel Mac and Keith Frieser in second and the Team HARD duo of Brad Thurston and Daryl de Leon in their Porsche 991 Cup in third.

Datum Motorsport’s Axel van Nederveen headed Ginetta dominance in the ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship as he charged victory in Sunday’s two-hour race. 

Having missed out on pole position in qualifying to the Assetto Motorsport duo of Jade Edwards and Mike West, van Nederveen had looked on course to follow the pole sitters to the finish – who were largely dominating proceedings – before a gearbox issue sadly scuppered their chances during the pit stop phase.

Going on to inherit top spot in the latter stages, van Nederveen was wheel-perfect for the remainder of the contest to take victory ahead of SVG Motorsport’s Neil Wallace and Ian Astley and his Datum team-mate Marco Anastasi.

Elsewhere, three of Caterham Motorsport’s five championships continued their 2023 campaigns by producing a quite sensational show of close-quarter racing.

Just 0.011 split the top two in the opening Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship bout as Edward Cozzi edged Ben Timmons TO the chequered flag. Timmons would have his moment on the top step of the podium however as he charged to victory in race two.

Freddie Chiddicks took a clean sweep of victories in the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship whilst Domenique Mannsperger, Harry Cook and Lars Alexander Hoffman shared the spoils in the Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship.

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

Both race days around the Grand Prix layout can also be re-watched on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – June 24/25

The British Automobile Racing Club takes centre stage at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, this weekend (June 24/25) for a blockbuster two days of track action around the world-famous Grand Prix circuit.

On what promises to be a weekend to remember in Northamptonshire, the British Endurance Championship and its monstrous array of GT cars is poised to headline proceedings as it serves up a two-hour spectacular.

Elsewhere, the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA – which is fresh off the back of a milestone outing at Oulton Park – will continue its 2023 campaign with a trio of single seater contests.

Also in action across Saturday and Sunday is the ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship, Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship, Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship and Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship.

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

Silverstone

Saturday 24th June // 13:00 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 25th June // 09:20 – WATCH HERE

Tiff Needell closes in on 8000 passenger rides at Thruxton

Thruxton Circuit, the UK’s fastest circuit in the UK, is thrilled to announce a momentous milestone in its longstanding partnership with racing legend Tiff Needell.

Since 2009, Thruxton and Tiff have offered guests an extraordinary opportunity to experience Tiff’s legendary high-speed, sideways driving around the circuit on our exclusive driving experience days.

Tiff Needell, a name synonymous with motorsport, boasts an impressive racing career, which took him all the way to Formula 1. With a passion for speed, Tiff’s expertise behind the wheel has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

However, it was Tiff’s captivating presence on television screens that propelled him to international fame. From 1987 to 2001, Tiff was an integral part of Top Gear, where he showcased his expert driving skills and entertained audiences with his charismatic and humorous commentary. Tiff’s passion for motorsport and his infectious enthusiasm endeared him to fans worldwide, establishing him as a household name in the automotive industry.

Tiff has thrilled thousands of visitors with his exhilarating driving skills. With an astonishing 24,000 laps and almost 58,000 miles under his belt, mostly sideways, Tiff’s dedication to providing an unforgettable experience has astounded both guests and staff. Beyond the seemingly impossible oversteer slides, Tiff has consistently embraced the opportunity to educate his passengers about the capabilities of the BMW model they’re riding in and the history of Thruxton Circuit, making each ride an enlightening journey. A quick search on YouTube will give you a good idea of what passengers experience!

Reflecting on closing in on the 8000th ride. Tiff shared his thoughts: “I find it hard to believe I am about to take my 8,000th guest for a three-lap passenger experience around Thruxton. Something that started as a bit of fun in 2009 has turned out to be so popular I can’t seem to stop! I’ve strapped in anyone from four-year-olds on booster seats to 84-year-olds with Zimmer frames, and no one has ever been disappointed! Through a whole stream of BMWs that have suffered my treatment and the hundreds of Pirelli tyres that I’ve worn to the canvas, I’ve never been let down by either, and I’m not stopping now.”

At Thruxton Circuit, we are immensely proud to be associated with Tiff. The Tiff Needell BMW M2 Passenger Ride Experience has become an iconic offering, attracting motorsport enthusiasts from around the world to embark on this thrilling experience. Whether it’s the screams, the laughs, or the stoney silence emanating from the seat beside him, Tiff’s passengers are consistently amazed by what a road car can achieve on the track. His infectious passion for the sport continues to inspire and captivate audiences, fostering a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.

As Tiff Needell gears up for his monumental 8,000th ride, we invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary achievement. Explore the Tiff Needell Experience at Thruxton Circuit and discover the unparalleled excitement of being driven by a true motorsport legend. Buckle up and hold on tight.

In honour of Tiff Needell’s incredible achievement of reaching his 8,000th ride, Thruxton Circuit is delighted to announce a special treat for the lucky individual who becomes the milestone guest. The 8,000th guest will receive an exclusive goodie bag filled with Thruxton merchandise and surprises, courtesy of two long-time supporters of the Tiff Needell Experience: Pirelli and Hendy Performance.

Pirelli, renowned for its high-performance tyres, has been an integral part of Tiff Needell’s journey at Thruxton since the beginning. As a tribute to this significant milestone, Pirelli has generously contributed to the goodie bag, providing a selection of merchandise.

Additionally, Hendy Performance a leading provider of high-quality performance parts and trusted partner of Thruxton Circuit, has provided a collection of exciting items to be included in the goodie bag.

Book your Tiff Needell Experience today, who knows, you might just be the lucky 8,000th guest to receive this exclusive and exciting prize pot, courtesy of Pirelli, Hendy Performance and Thruxton.

Thruxton rolls back the years at unmissable Historic meeting

Thruxton Circuit took a trip down memory lane and rolled back the years this past weekend (June 17/18) as a bumper crowd flocked trackside to savour the Hampshire venues annual Historic meeting. 

A regular fixture on the UK motorsport calendar having first debuted back in 2018 as part of the circuits 50th Anniversary celebrations, the two-day spectacle brought legendary machines and racers together for an adrenaline rush like no other. 

One of the headline acts of the weekend was undoubtedly the two-part Jochen Rindt Trophy, which celebrated the best single-seater race cars – with up to 2-litre engines – from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Anthony Hancock guided his Lola T670 to the top step of the podium in the opening contest ahead of Rory Smith and Ben Tilley before Smith came to the fore in race two, piloting his Ralt RT4 to a commanding victory of almost 20 seconds.

Italian flair was in full force courtesy of the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic Series as three different drivers – James Cartwright, Nicky Paul-Barron and Nigel Jenkins – enjoyed a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Elsewhere, Graham Fennymore reigned supreme in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000 as he chalked up a brace of wins whilst Jonathan Abecassis clinched a narrow victory in the weekend’s only FISCAR contest.

Rounding out the race action were two bouts from the CCRC Mighty Minis Championship, which were won by David Kirkpatrick and Nevan Kirkpatrick, and the CMMC Classic Challenge, which saw Jack Smith and Grant Williams triumph.

Aside from the wheel-to-wheel track action, those in attendance were also treated to a number of high-speed demonstrations from the stars of the British Truck Racing Championship and Formula 1 cars from yesteryear; one of which was a 1993 Benetton that was previously driven by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

In the paddock, Formula 1 teams Red Bull Racing and Alpine garnered plenty of attention with their static displays whilst a number of other iconic machines and car clubs also whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at this year’s Thruxton Historic, CLICK HERE.

Thruxton’s next major event takes place on July 8/9 as the British Truck Racing Championship thunders into town to headline the highly-anticipated Convoy on the Plain weekend. 

Advance tickets are available to purchase online here: https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks. 

West Surrey Racing claim BTCC clean sweep at Oulton Park

Jake Hill and Colin Turkington helped West Surrey Racing take a clean sweep of victories at Oulton Park this past weekend (June 17/18) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reached the halfway mark of the 2023 season.

On what proved to be a weekend to remember for the BMW squad, Hill guided his Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport machine to two wins, a second and three fastest laps whilst Turkington produced a sensational back-to-front turnaround to claim reverse grid honours.

Before the BMW domination, Saturday’s qualifying session saw championship leader Ash Sutton sweep his way to his third – and NAPA Racing UK’s fifth – successive pole position of the year; a feat that was last achieved by Mat Jackson back in 2015.

Having been a constant presence towards the top of the times in practice, the Ford Focus ST driver headed the first segment of qualifying by more than three tenths of a second before then upping the ante in the Top Ten Showdown. 

Smashing the qualifying lap record by more than half a second, the three-time champion was in a league of his own as he headed Hill, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Ricky Collard and Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils’ Bobby Thompson.

Sutton could ultimately do nothing to stop Hill in race one though as the BMW 330e M Sport driver blasted past the pole-sitter and onto his first victory of the season.

Withstanding early pressure from the three-time champion whilst his tyres came up to temperature, Hill soon settled into his stride and began to pull clear on his way to victory. Behind, Sutton cruised home to finish second whilst reigning champion Tom Ingram completed the podium in third.

Race two was to be a carbon copy of the opener as Hill powered his way to an emphatic lights-to-flag win whilst Sutton and Ingram scrapped for the remaining spots on the rostrum; with Sutton edging out Ingram to second.

Team BMW’s Turkington then came to the fore in a pulsating reverse grid bout as he completed a phenomenal comeback to lead a historic WSR/BMW 1-2-3 finish.

After being disqualified from qualifying due to his car failing post-session scrutineering checks, the four-time champion fought his way from the back of the grid in races one and two to put himself in the mix for the finale. 

Charging up to second early on, the Northern Irishman made a bold move around the outside of team-mate Adam Morgan through turn one following a safety car restart, which also opened the door for Hill to follow.

Once out front, Turkington was wheel-perfect and he cruised to his second win of the year whilst Hill and Morgan followed him home to complete the podium. 

Heading into the series’ annual summer break, Sutton holds a slender advantage over Ingram at the top of the Drivers’ Championship whilst BMW currently lead the way in the Manufacturer-Constructors Championship and NAPA Racing UK the Teams’.

Josh Cook and One Motorsport with Starline Racing head the standings in both the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ categories, with Dexter Patterson proving to be the driver to beat in the Jack Sears Trophy after five events. 

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship recommences on the weekend of July 29/30, where Rounds 16, 17 and 18 will take place at Croft Circuit.

Tickets for the BTCC’s trip to North Yorkshire can be purchased online at https://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc

TOCA support package enjoys party in the park at Oulton

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to a memorable two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (June 17/18) as the 2023 campaign reached the halfway marker. 

Sharing the bill with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in Cheshire, four one-make categories wrote the latest chapter in their seasons as they served up a feast of entertainment for the bumper crowd that was in attendance.

One of the headline acts came in the shape of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, which reached its milestone 250th race on Sunday afternoon.

Kenato Le and Sonny Smith claimed a win apiece in races one and two however it was Fortec Motorsport’s James Higgins that etched his name into the history books as he cruised to victory from pole position in the series’ prestigious encounter LIVE on ITV4.

Spoils were shared in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as Dan Zelos maintained his advantage at the top of the championship standings; ensuring he remains on course for what could be a second Drivers’ title this year.

The EXCELR8 Motorsport driver underlined his credentials as being the driver to beat as he charged to a commanding pole-to-flag victory in the opening encounter before NAPA Racing UK’s Jamie Osborne repeated the feat in race two ahead of Nelson King and Will Orton.

Adam Smalley strengthened his stranglehold at the summit of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB leaderboard with an impressive win in race two. James Kellett reigned supreme in the opener before the Porsche GB Junior driver came to the fore in style with a storming drive to stand on the top of the rostrum.

It was to be a weekend to forget for Smalley’s main title protagonist Robert de Haan though as a number of time penalties scuppered his chances of closing the gap to the Team Parker Racing ace.

Making their second – and final – guest appearance on the BTCC support bill was the Hagerty Radical Cup UK. As they did at Snetterton, the single-make series served up three pulsating contests; two of which were won by Daryl De Leon.

Despite narrowly missing out on pole position to James Lay in qualifying, De Leon was wheel-perfect to narrowly edge out Lay in race one before he then repeating the feat in races two and three as well. The weekend’s final bout was won by Abdelmajeed Khateeb. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Both the MINI CHALLENGE and Porsche Carrera Cup GB will continue their campaigns at the end of July whilst its now a quick turnaround for the F4 British Championship, which takes centre stage next weekend (June 24/25) on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. 

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 1 – June 16th 2023

The first episode of the British Automobile Racing Club’s brand-new 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 – blasts into life with a near 90-minute

Episode 1 sees the hosts discuss the latest news and results within the Club with BARC Event Manager David Wheadon, worldwide motorsport topics with Autosport Deputy Editor Marcus Simmons and they are also joined by PopBang Colour artist Ian Cook.

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

Invest less on fuel, and more on winning—British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) partners with BP Fleet Solutions UK

The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) is excited to announce a new partnership with bp Fleet Solutions UK. This collaboration brings many benefits to BARC members, including the opportunity to apply for a free bp PLUS Fuel & Charge card.

BARC members will be able to use the card at 3400 bp stations with access to discounted fuel rates at 1200 forecourts across the UK. This presents a significant advantage for those that rely heavily on fuel for their racing endeavours. Using the bp PLUS Fuel & Charge card, BARC members will enjoy cost savings on fuel purchased at bp stations [subject to the applicable promotion terms], including on Ultimate grade fuels.

This is the first of a range of new benefits that will benefit the BARC membership in 2023,with significant savings for both personal and professional motoring activities. Members of the club will now be able to sign up for a bp PLUS Fuel & Charge card.

 

Applying as a sole trader, self-employed or individual? You can sign up here

When applying as a sole trader or individual, remember to enter your own detail as contact, and ultimate beneficial owner, as you are your own business.*

If you require any help in setting up your bp Fuel & Charge card, you can request a call back from one of their advisors here

 

Paul Graham-Fielding, Group Head of Marketing & Communications, said: “After analysing the results from our membership survey that was conducted in Q1, it became clear that not only can we help our community to go racing, but that there was a need to provide additional value to support their activities.”

“The new BARC/bp Fleet Solutions UK partnership couldn’t have been formed without engaging the help of a long-standing friend of the British Automobile Racing Club, Will Fewkes, Director of Fewkes Sport Management.

Will Fewkes, Fewkes Sport Management Director, added: “I am thrilled to see this partnership between the BARC and bp Fleet Solutions UK come to fruition using FSM and our invaluable partner relationships with multinational organisations. The BARC has been at the forefront of British motorsport for many years and we will continue to support the club, its members and add value to both where possible.

“The partnership between BARC and bp Fleet Solutions UK goes beyond conventional fuelling solutions to futureproof the benefit to its members. Those that use the BP PLUS Fuel and ‘charge’ card can now embrace the transition to electric power more easily, thanks to the added convenience offered by the card.”

Adrian Brabazon, Head of UK Fleet Solutions, concluded: “We’re thrilled to be working with the BARC to support their member base. We hope that our fleet solutions will help their members and teams reduce costs and accelerate their low carbon journey.”

The collaboration between BARC and bp Fleet Solutions UK marks a significant milestone in providing valuable benefits to racing drivers, teams and associated businesses. 

*bp and BARC are not providing financial advice.

BARC to launch brand-new fortnightly podcast ‘BARC’ing Mad’

Motorsport fans will have a new way to keep up-to-date with the latest news, results and interviews with the launch of the British Automobile Racing Club’s all-new podcast, BARC’ing Mad. 

The podcast, which is in partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, will start on Friday, 16th June and run fortnightly throughout the remainder of the 2023 season.

Presented by legendary motorsport commentator Alan Hyde and BARC TV anchor Ian Waterhouse, every episode will be available to listen to and download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and several other leading podcast platforms.

Each episode will premiere at 09:00 every other Friday and will include the presenters recapping the latest news and results from both inside the Club and the wider motorsport world.

They will also look ahead to upcoming BARC events and speak to a different special guest every episode.

The opening show kicks off with Alan and Ian looking back at some of the standout moments of the BARC’s season so far, delving into the historic events of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Deputy Editor of Autosport magazine Marcus Simmons, and chatting to renowned motorsport ‘PopBang Colour’ artist Ian Cook.

Paul Graham-Fielding, Group Head of Marketing & Communications, said: “The British Automobile Racing Club is the oldest racing club in the country and has a huge involvement across the UK motorsport scene. This new podcast is the perfect way to highlight all our great events as well as broadening our reach and engaging with new audiences. 

“We have two fantastic presenters in Alan and Ian; their personalities and insight will create a superb listening experience and generate some interesting discussions with our guests. We hope everyone enjoys the show as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.”

Adrian Brabazon, BP Head of UK Fleet Solutions, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the BARC to support their Podcast. We hope our fleet solutions will help their members and teams reduce costs and accelerate their low carbon journey.”

The podcast will be available (across all popular podcast platforms) from 09:00 on Friday 16th June. Search for BARCing Mad