Author: Chris Ashby

Caterham Motorsport delivers Croft cracker in North Yorkshire

The British Automobile Racing Club basked in the North Yorkshire sunshine this past weekend (May 20/21) as Caterham Motorsport’s roster of championships took centre stage at Croft Circuit for the latest rounds of their 2023 season.

Organised and run by the Club’s North Western Centre, the two-day meeting produced an unmissable feast of captivating wheel-to-wheel action as a number of drivers ramped up their pursuits of being crowned champion later this year.

The Adrian Flux Insurance Caterham Academy – which is geared towards those drivers that are embarking on their first steps in the sport – produced two memorable contests from its White and Green categories.

Daniel Neale delivered a masterful drive at the front of the ‘White’ race to pip Istvan Demes to the chequered flag by a little over half a second whilst Jonathan Emery reigned supreme to claim victory in the ‘Green’ bout.

In the Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship, Jack Sales proved to be in a league of his own at times as he produced a virtuous display which culminated in a hat-trick of race wins. 

Charlie Lower and Freddie Chiddicks were the cream of the crop in the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship as they shared the spoils. From the minute they arrived at the venue there was very little split to them, with Lower getting the better of Chiddicks in races one and two before the latter struck back in race three.

Over in the Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship, there was further dominance as Ben Timmons remained the one true constant – mainly out front – as he chalked up an impressive brace of wins.

Lewis Thompson meanwhile maintained his strong start to the Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Championship campaign as he powered his way to a trio of mesmerising victories.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were two races from the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup, which were won by Jamie Blake and Craig Blake, and two Z Cars/Production GTi Championships contests; where Simon Vercoe and Ryan Sayer triumphed.

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

Watch all races that were streamed live across both days on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

BARC enjoys fun in the sun at Pembrey and Convoy Cymru

Pembrey Circuit provided the backdrop for a blockbuster two days of track action this past weekend (May 20/21) as a number of British Automobile Racing Club championships took centre stage at Convoy Cymru.

On what proved to be a weekend to remember, a bumper crowd flocked to the South Wales venue for a festival of all things trucking – which included an eye-catching Show Truck display, live music, freestyle motocross stunt show, truck drifting and much more.

Whilst there was plenty to see and do off-track, high-octane thrills and spills played out on it as a number of categories continued their 2023 campaigns in style.

Topping the bill were five colossal contests from the British Truck Racing Championship, where there was action aplenty across both Division 1 and Division 2.

As was the case at Brands Hatch last month, reigning seven-time champion Ryan Smith emerged as the driver to beat on the Saturday as he snared pole position and then converted it into a pair of commanding victories. 

Smith also triumphed in the reverse grid third race – charging from eighth – however that was to be as good as it got as damage and mechanical issues scuppered his chances of a clean sweep. Instead, Jock Borthwick and Michael Oliver came to the fore to tally their first wins of the season.

In Division 2, Adam Bint and John Powell strengthened their title charges by chalking up more wins however the weekend arguably belonged to NAPA Racing UK’s Paul Rivett. After finishing second in the first three races, the former Renault UK Clio Cup champion put on a clinical display in races four and five to triumph in style.

Oskar Dix maintained his strong start to the season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as he extended his lead in the points with a victory in race three. Daire Flock – who remains second overall – had been the driver to beat with two wins to his name before a non-finish in the third halted his charge.

One of the closest finishes over the course of the weekend came 2CV/Mini Endurance bout. After 67 laps of the picturesque Welsh track, just over half a second separated winners Sandro and Luca Proietti from the duo of Pete Sparrow and Nick Crispin.

Despite losing out in the endurance race, Crispin did stand on the top step of the podium as he triumphed in one of two Classic 2CV Racing Club races. After blasting to pole position, last year’s runner-up charged to victory in race before Kris Tovey came to the fore to win in race two.

Elsewhere, the Track Attack Race Club saw a variety of cars duke it out but it was Lee Currie and Adam Croft that claimed bragging rights as they left Wales with a victory apiece. 

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were a pair of races from the Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship on Sunday, both of which were won by Wayne Spiller and Damien Longotano.

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

You can also re-watch all of the action from Saturday and Sunday by heading to the British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel HERE.

Britcar Trophy bolsters sustainability plans with ROWE Oils partnership

Britcar Endurance Ltd has continued its path to a more sustainable future by today (May 19) announcing a new partnership with German lubricant, coolant and fluid brand ROWE MINERALÖLWERK.

Boasting a rich history in motorsport that spans more than a decade, ROWE have become the official lubricant partners and title sponsors of the newly named ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship.

Utilising its ‘driving laboratory’, ROWE researches new lubricants, optimises formulations and thereby creates what cannot be replicated in any laboratory in the world: the ultimate practical test implemented under extreme conditions.

Every item that rolls off its impressive state-of-the-art production line has its manufacturing process carefully measured and optimised against its carbon footprint; ensuring it is as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible.

Jeremy Aston-Phillips, MCOIL Director, said: “Sustainability is now so important in everything we do in life; ROWE are at the forefront in developing sustainable products based on renewable materials as well as sustainably manufactured ‘conventional products’.

“From engine and gear oils to hydraulic oils and cutting fluids, the labs at ROWE are continuously looking at ways to ensure a greener future and the ability to maintain an internal combustion engine in a sustainable manner.

“The partnership with BRITCAR is an example of how MCOIL will be promoting the use of the ROWE range of renewable lubricants alongside the sustainably manufactured ‘conventional’ products, assisting the transition to a more sustainable future.“

Claire Hedley, Britcar Endurance Managing Director, added: “With sustainability very much part of the future of BRITCAR, ROWE is the only oil brand available in the UK with sustainability at their heart. 

“Our commitment to a more sustainable future for motorsport is so important to us and this partnership emphasises this. We are looking forward to working with MCOIL and their team to increase awareness in the motorsport fraternity in all things lubricating and cooling.”

Thruxton Circuit and the Kickback Show team up for thrilling motorcycle event

Thruxton Circuit is excited to announce a new partnership with the organisers of KICKBACK, the popular custom bike show, to host a one-day event on Sunday 2 July celebrating the best of motorcycle culture.

This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of custom and classic bikes, featuring café racers, streetfighters, vintage race bikes, turbo/supercharged/nitrous powered machines, flat trackers, dirt bikes, choppers, bobbers, and rare specials.

Thruxton has a rich history in motorcycle racing, having hosted prestigious events such as the British Superbike Championship and the Thruxton 500 endurance race.

The Thruxton KICKBACK show will feature a special display of classic racing bikes that have competed at the circuit over the years, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the history of motorcycle racing at Thruxton.

Visitors will have the chance to see all the show bikes up close and personal, with displays along the pit lane and around the paddock areas. Those who arrive on their own bikes can park in the inner zone and be a part of the show. The event will culminate in a ‘Best in Show’ awards ceremony at 3pm, celebrating extreme engineering excellence.

In addition to the bike displays, visitors will be treated to the amazing Two Brothers Stunt Team performing throughout the day. To keep everyone going, the Thruxton Centre will serve up great food and drinks.

This event is open to all, with an adult day ticket priced at £10 in advance (£12 on the day) and free entry for under 12s. There is ample free car parking available at the venue.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience the best of motorcycle culture at Thruxton Circuit.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Thruxton Circuit website or the KICKBACK website. We look forward to seeing you there!

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Pembrey – May 20/21

The British Automobile Racing Club makes its first visit of the 2023 season to Pembrey Circuit this weekend (May 20/21) for the hugely popular Convoy Cymru event – and it’s not to be missed.

Billed as what is set to be a festival of all things truck at the Welsh venue, those in attendance will be able to see some of the best trucks in the country on display as well as soak up the atmosphere from the funfair, all-action arena and much more.

Whilst there will be plenty to see and do off-track, the same can be said on it as the British Truck Racing Championship headlines the live coverage with five blockbuster races scheduled to play out across both days.

In addition to the heavyweight behemoths, viewers will also be able to watch action from the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Track Attack Race Club, Classic 2CV Racing Club and Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship over the course of the weekend.

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

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 12:30 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 09:30 – Facebook | YouTube

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

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Croft – May 20/21

Croft Circuit welcomes the British Automobile Racing Club to North Yorkshire this weekend (May 20/21) for a blockbuster event that is set to be headlined by Caterham Motorsport.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the two-day meeting will see the popular manufacturer showcase all five of its high-octane categories across no less than 13 races.

Taking centre stage at the BARC-operated venue will be the Adrian Flux Insurance Caterham Academy, Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship, Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship and Avon Tyres Caterham Seven Championship UK.

Also in action during Saturday and Sunday will be races from the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup and Z Car Championship/Production GTi Cup. 

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

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 12:15 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 11:45 – Facebook | YouTube

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

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

British Touring Car Championship announces 2024 calendar

Series organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have today (May 15) released the official calendar for the 2024 season.

Firmly established as the UK’s flagship motor sport series, the championship will continue with its tried and tested format of 30 races taking place across ten meetings at eight of the country’s top venues.

Commencing on Donington Park’s National circuit in late April, the BTCC will visit Brands Hatch and Snetterton in May before moving onto Thruxton and Oulton Park in June.

Following the annual summer break, a trip to Croft kick-starts the second half of the season before the series ventures north of the border to Knockhill and then returns to Donington Park – this time to race on the Grand Prix layout.

As has often been the case down the years, Silverstone will stage the penultimate event before champions are crowned on the first weekend of October around the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Our 2024 schedule has the same flow as this year, which was universally praised. And going back to the Donington GP circuit next year will ensure that the teams can build upon their experience of that circuit layout from this season.

“With the Paris Olympics and Euro 2024, it’s a very busy year for major sporting events during our season. So, it was important that I locked-in our calendar as early as possible, in order to secure our most ideal ITV4 live broadcast dates. 

“As always, releasing our calendar so early also has a positive benefit for the rest of British motorsport, as it helps domestic race organisers and venues with the forward planning and scheduling of their own events.

“Releasing the calendar on 10th May to our teams and support races, and publicly today, sets a new record for having our next season’s BTCC schedule confirmed this early… although, in future I really can’t imagine it can be done any earlier and this record being beaten!”

2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds 1/2/3 – Donington Park (National) – April 27/28

Rounds 4/5/6 – Brands Hatch (Indy) – May 11/12

Rounds 7/8/9 – Snetterton 300 – May 25/26

Rounds 10/11/12 – Thruxton – June 8/9

Rounds 13/14/15 – Oulton Park (Island) – June 22/23

Rounds 16/17/18 – Croft – July 27/28

Rounds 19/20/21 – Knockhill – August 10/11

Rounds 22/23/24 – Donington Park (Grand Prix) – August 24/25

Rounds 25/26/27 – Silverstone (National) – September 21/22

Rounds 28/29/30 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) – October 5/6

BARC championships put on entertaining show at Snetterton

The British Automobile Racing Club put on a show around Snetterton’s 300 circuit this past weekend (May 13/14) as a number of championships continued their 2023 campaigns with two days of exceptional action-packed racing.

In what marked the first of several visits to the Norfolk venue for the Club over the course of this season, five categories took centre stage to write the latest chapter of their stories – and they didn’t disappoint those that were watching in attendance and at home via live stream.

One of the leading lights to emerge from the weekend was last year’s Junior Saloon Car champion and winner of the prestigious Peter Collins Trophy at the BARC Championship Awards Evening in February, Maximus Hall.

Hot on the heels of an impressive debut outing in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy last month, Hall didn’t put a wheel wrong at Snetterton to ignite his championship charge with two overall victories and a second place finish.

Three frenetic contests – the first of which was won by Nicky Taylor, who had only landed in the country after holidaying in Florida on Saturday morning – around the 2.97-mile layout produced an abundance of overtaking and it was Hall that starred as one of the big movers across both days.

The battle for supremacy across the Morphmy Caterham Graduates Championship ramped up over the course of Saturday and Sunday as the popular single-manufacturer series delivered an impressive six bouts.

In the combined Sigma 150 and Sigmax races, James Wingfield opened his account for the season with a narrow – just 0.048 of a second in fact – win over defending champion Harry Senior. Race two saw Senior strike back with a win of his own but he could do nothing to stop Wingfield from doubling his tally later on in a frenetic finale.

Over in the Sigma 135 category, a bumper 31-car grid had everyone on the edge of their seats as Theo Theato, Ben Wheatley and Richard Groom each claimed a hard-fought win apiece.

Jason West and James Card proved to be the standout performers in the Kumho BMW Championship, with West coming out on top of two captivating encounters with a pair of impressive victories.

Barely anything could split the top two throughout the weekend however it was West that proved too have just enough in hand to stay ahead of multiple title winner and Brands Hatch victor Card.

Over in the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, spoils were shared as reigning champion Steve McDermid ramped up his title defence with an impressive first victory of the year. Scott Bugner – who was twice a winner at last month’s curtain-raiser – also chalked up yet another win in Sunday’s second bout.

Elsewhere, Luca Staccini Anzanello became the latest race winner in the OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tyres. The Italian was perfection personified as he topped qualifying and then triumphed in both races of the much-loved tin top series.

Fans were treated to further slip-streaming Mini action as the Dunlop National Mini Challenge supported by Mini Spares made a guest appearance on the billing. Mike Jordan charged to an impressive double win in the Se7en class whilst Jeff Smith and Kane Astin both triumphed in the Miglia races.

Concluding the weekend’s action was a 45-minute contest from the Uncle Luke’s Snetterton Saloons. After powering his BMW E46 M3 to a commanding pole position in qualifying, Bryan Bransom withstood the challenge of Kevin Clarke and Jasper Sapra to clinch victory.

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

Watch all races that were streamed live across both days on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

Feast of Caterham action set for Croft Circuit

The British Automobile Racing Club makes its first trip of the year to Croft Circuit next weekend (20/21 May) for a spectacular spring showcase of some of the best national motorsport categories.

With the 2023 season in full swing and a number of drivers beginning to set their sights on the ultimate goal of being crowned champion, this event at North Yorkshire’s premier track is set to be pivotal for those competing.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the two-day meeting will see a feast of Caterham action which will include the Adrian Flux Insurance Caterham Academy, Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship, Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship and Avon Tyres Caterham Seven Championship.

Also in action will be the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup and Z Cars/Production GTi Championships which will add variety to an action-packed weekend. Practice gets underway at 9.30 on Saturday with a seven-race programme starting at 12.35 whilst Sunday sees track action from 12.00 noon with the ten remaining races.

Adult admission is just £16.00 in advance (https://croftcircuit.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/barc) or £18.00 on both days with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted FREE on both days. There is also FREE car parking and FREE paddock access.

For further details, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk or call 01325 721815.

Meanwhile, with just over two months to go until Croft Circuit hosts the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship over the weekend of July 29/30, advance tickets are still available. Adult advance prices are £16 for Saturday, £32 for Sunday and £43 for a weekend ticket. Prices for 13 to 15-year-olds are priced at £6, £9, and £12 respectively and all accompanied children aged 12 and under go free.

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Snetterton 300 – May 13/14

The British Automobile Racing Club is back on the big screen this weekend (May 13/14) as a number of championships continue their 2023 campaigns at the Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk.

In what is the first of several visits to the challenging 2.99-mile track over the course of this year, the Club’s TV cameras will be on-site across Saturday and Sunday to deliver edge-of-the-seat moment on Facebook and YouTube.

Headlining the action will be races from the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, MORPHMY Caterham Graduates Championship, Kumho BMW Championship, Lancaster Insurance MGOC Championship and OT Publishing Coupe Cup.

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

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 13:00 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 09:30 – Facebook | YouTube

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

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

Multiple champions blast to BTCC wins at Brands Hatch

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continued its breathtaking start to the 2023 season at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 6/7) as Ashley Sutton and Colin Turkington claimed victory in front of a capacity crowd.

Hot on the heels of a spectacular Donington Park curtain-raiser just a fortnight ago, the UK’s premier motorsport series took centre stage at the world-famous Kent venue for what turned out to be three blockbuster races on the challenging Indy circuit. 

Wet weather battered the track throughout Saturday, leading to the second qualifying session of the campaign proving to be a truncated and frenetic affair – with no fewer than three red flag interruptions.

NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish ultimately emerged as the driver to beat as he produced one of the best laps of his career to snatch pole position in the final seconds of the Top Ten Showdown; narrowly pipping the trio of Turkington, Jake Hill and Sutton.

Drier conditions greeted the drivers on Sunday and it was Team BMW’s Turkington that struck first as he moved up to second on the all-time BTCC winners list by claiming a near lights-to-flag victory following an early restart.

Just as the leaders were completing their first lap there was drama behind – involving Stephen Jelley, Adam Morgan, Andrew Watson and Dan Rowbottom – which brought about a lengthy red flag stoppage.

On the restart, four-time champion Turkington wasted no time in getting the jump from the outside of the front row and from there he cantered to a 64th career win ahead of three-time title winner Sutton and pole sitter Cammish.

Race two then saw Sutton open his account for the season with a measured drive after keeping reigning champion Tom Ingram at bay for a majority of the contest.

Wasting no time in snatching the lead from Turkington on the opening tour, the Ford Focus driver controlled proceedings out front in the early going whilst Ingram muscled his way up into second from fifth. 

Despite closing the gap on a number of occasions, the Hyundai driver would ultimately never get close enough to mount a real challenge on Sutton, leaving him to shadow the NAPA racer across the line whilst Turkington completed the podium in third. 

Sutton then rounded out what was his best-ever weekend in the BTCC with a second win as he inherited victory after carving his way up the order from 11th on the grid.

Starting on the sixth row virtue of the reverse grid draw, Sutton made pass after pass in the early going before then latching onto the back of race leader Ricky Collard, who was holding firm in his Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Corolla.

Producing a spirited defence, Collard would unfortunately be hit with a ten-second time penalty for multiple track limit infringements with the end in sight; giving Sutton the win while Bobby Thompson and Ingram filled the remaining spots on the podium.

Leaving Brands Hatch, Cammish holds a five-point lead over Ingram at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst Motorbase Performance/Ford top the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK head the standings after two events whilst Bobby Thompson and Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils have established themselves as the early front runners in the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship’s respectively. 

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is open to drivers who hadn’t scored an outright podium in the series prior to the start of the season – is now led by NAPA Racing UK’s Sam Osborne.

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

Snetterton’s 300 circuit provides the next stop on the calendar for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship; with Rounds 7, 8 & 9 taking place on May 20/21.

All-action TOCA support championships star at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch provided the backdrop to a thrilling two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (May 6/7) as four categories served up an abundance of edge-of-the-seat entertainment on the Indy circuit.

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the Kent venue, a bumper trackside crowd – as well as many more watching on ITV4 – were treated to a feast of thrills and spills in contrasting weather conditions. 

One of the undoubted highlights of the weekend proved to be debut of the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM; however it wasn’t to be without its fair share of drama as both Saturday and Sunday’s grand finals were hampered by multi-car accidents. 

In the remaining races that did take place, Jack Parker – who was filling in for the injured John Mickel – blasted his way to a brace of wins whilst there were also victories for Will Gibson, Miles Rudman and Robert Barrable. 

Three new faces stood on the top step of the podium in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA over the course of the weekend however that didn’t stop Louis Sharp from extending his advantage in the points standings. 

The weekend’s opening contest – which took place in damp conditions – saw Kenato Le capitalise on a frantic front-running battle to score victory before Dion Gowda came to the fore to win a much drier race two on Sunday, inheriting the win from Deagen Fairclough who was penalised for gaining an unfair advantage.

Fortec Motorsport’s James Higgins then produced a commanding lights-to-flag victory in the weekend’s third and final contest to vault himself into second in the standings and more importantly, title contention.

Spoils were shared in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as Robert de Haan and James Kellett claimed a win apiece on Sunday. 

In what is proving to be a sensational rookie campaign, Richardson Racing’s de Haan reigned supreme in a pulsating opener and then had looked to have repeated the feat in race two before he was hit with a post-race penalty, which gave Kellett a maiden win in the one-make series.

Rounding out the weekend’s support race action were three high-octane races from the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW, won by Dan Zelos and Will Orton. 

EXCELR8 Motorsport’s Zelos didn’t put a wheel wrong in Saturday’s opener to master the wet conditions and take victory. However, he could do nothing to stop Orton the following day as the Hybrid Tune driver produced a virtuoso display out front to take a brace of race wins.

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

Both the Hagerty Radical Cup UK and Porsche Sprint Challenge GB will feature alongside the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW when the BTCC support bill competes next at Snetterton 300 on May 20/21.