Author: Chris Ashby

Caterham Academy welcomes new influx of drivers following ARDS days

Caterham Motorsport took centre stage at Castle Combe for two days last month as it played host to its ARDS days, which saw its annual intake of novice drivers – a total of 50 – into the Caterham Academy.

With exclusive use of the Wiltshire venue, fledgling Academy drivers were put through their paces whilst also building bonds as they prepare to share a grid at some of the UK’s top venues this year.

Among the new influx of competitors were parents of Academy drivers from previous years. Cadwell Park local Dave Jarvis, who looked after his son Will’s car last year, decided it was his turn to get behind the wheel whilst Ann Hall is set to follow in the footsteps of her son James.

The family connections didn’t stop there either with brothers Arif and Barry set to compete against each other whilst another brother pairing – Henry and Orlando – will share also share the same grid. Other notable additions to Caterham fans on the entry list include Barry Thompson and Andy Bruce.

Alongside the ARDS course, Caterham also laid on some skid pan exercises in a BMW to give drivers an idea of what rear-wheel-drive feels like, as well as a valuable lesson in car preparation.

With 50 new drivers having successfully passed their ARDS courses over the two days it now means that more than 1,300 competitors have started their racing careers in the Academy since it started back in 1995.

North West Centre enjoys momentous night of celebrations

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre enjoyed a memorable night of celebrations recently as drivers, teams, officials and volunteers came together for its Annual Presentation Dinner.

Coming together to mark what proved to be a hugely successful 2022 season, the evening also provided an opportunity for three annual CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship awards to be handed over to some worthy winners.

The first, and most prestigious award, to be handed out was the David Gledhill Driver of the Year – which is determined by championship officials and those marshals that attended the championship rounds.

Emerging victorious to lift the coveted accolade was Graeme Smith, who was firmly in title contention across both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns as he charged to class victories.

Starting every round in each of the last four years, Smith was recognised for the hard work he has put in to his car – a Mazda MX5 – as well as his enthusiasm and competitiveness to compete in the popular multi-class category.

Ric Walker was the second winner on the night as he lifted the Spirit of the Championship award. Determined by the championship committee, this award goes to the driver, team or supporter that over the years has fully embraced the friendliness, helpfulness and loyalty of the series.

Renowned for being one of the first to arrive at the track on a Friday and once unloaded, would help others in the paddock, Ric also showed that you can embody the spirit of the series off-track and be competitive on it as he won Class D and finished fifth overall.

The final annual award to be presented by the North West Centre was the Jock Sinclair Newcomer of the Year. Annually fought for by several drivers, notable mentions this year went to the impressive duo of Arron Armiger and Connor Harvey.

Ultimately though Ian Bamber was declared the winner as he bounced back from a bad accident on two wheels to make a name for himself on four as he competed in Class E in a Ginetta G20.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and the 2023 campaign is scheduled to commence at Oulton Park on April 1.

MotoFest Coventry set to make long-awaited return in June

MotoFest Coventry is poised to make its long-awaited return this summer with the British Automobile Racing Club’s Midlands Centre set to play a critical role at the heart of the spectacle. 

Taking place on June 3/4 and backed by E.ON, MotoFest Coventry will blend live music, theatre and street food with exhibitors, celebrity guests and car and motorcycle clubs; making it the ultimate urban bikesport and motorsport festival.

Last taking place in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic put pay to the two-day event running in 2020 and 2021 however plans were originally in place for a triumphant homecoming in September last year. 

Due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II a few days before the start of proceedings, organisers elected to postpone the event and have since worked tirelessly to lock in a suitable date.

As has been the case in the past, the one-of-a-kind festival will continue to feature a Motorsport UK permitted closed road sprint across both days too; which is held between the Junctions 4 and 6 of the Coventry Ring Road, supported by the BARC and delivered by the Midlands Centre.

Participation for the sprint event has already been confirmed by a number of leading speed series, one of which is the BARC Connaught Competition Engines Speed Championship.

Entries are now open for the event via https://www.barc-midlands.co.uk/. 

To find out more information about MotoFest Coventry, visit https://www.coventrymotofest.com/. 

Gurston Down renews Turbo Dynamics sponsorship for 2023

Gurston Down Speed Hillclimb has confirmed that Turbo Dynamics will remain as the title sponsor for both the hill and its flagship championship for 2023.

Renewing its deal with the turbocharger specialists, which is led by Peter Marsh – the son of Gurston Down’s designer and ultimate creation Tony Marsh – the Wiltshire venue will see Turbo Dynamics branding adorn its famous course and paddock areas.

The first event of the season at Gurston Down takes place on April 1/2.

To find out more information on events and tickets, visit https://gurstondown.org/. 

UK Legends confirms first 20 drivers for dual season

The Legends Cars National Championship has announced its first batch of entries for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons in the series’ illustrious history.

This year will see fans witness not only the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres but also the the brand-new Legends Cars Elite Cup – which will support the British Touring Car Championship.

Headlining the entry for both categories are last year’s Vice-Champion Will Gibson and five-time champion John Mickel, who finished the 2022 campaign in third place overall.

Joining them will be Marcus Pett – who ended last season in fourth place – as well as Rookie Cup champion Ben Higgins, who will embark on his sophomore year in the popular series. His chief challengers from last year Oli Schlup and Luke Simmons will also join him on the grid.

Schlup’s father Mike, a very familiar face in Legends Cars over many years, is also confirmed for the main championship and the Elite Cup as is race winner Nick Bridgeman and fellow category regular Nathan Anthony, the latter of course piloting his ever-popular Se-Van.

Charlie Budd will look to build on his impressive second year in the series whilst former Grand Prix Midget National and World Champion Daniel Pooley is set for his second Legends season.

Other notable entries so far include James Newbery, former Rookie title winner Andy Bird, Matt Isherwood and racing brothers Kieran Beaty and Mark Beaty. In terms of early ‘Team Car’ entries, Chris Need and Gareth Sheridan will once again share their No.99 machine whilst Florian Robin and Eduardo Gago will also share driving duties.

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “We’re all incredibly excited for the 2023 season and delighted to announce the first 20 drivers for the coming year’s racing. It’s great so many drivers are committing to both the 24-race Legends Cars Championship with MRF Tyres and the new Legends Cars Elite Cup which will be contested over 18 races at three of the UK’s biggest race meetings, alongside the BTCC.

“With Will [Gibson], John [Mickel] and Marcus [Pett], three of our top four from last season, all confirmed, we know the quality of action will be as spectacular as ever. As always, the strength in depth of Legends Cars racing – added to the unpredictability of the action with our fantastic and very unique format – means 2023 is going to be another incredible year.”

The opening rounds of the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres will take place at Cadwell Park on April 15/16 whilst the Legends Cars Elite Cup will begin at Brands Hatch on May 6/7.

Brands Hatch to host 2023 BTCC Season Launch

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that its 2023 Season Launch will take place at Brands Hatch on Wednesday 12th April.

In what has become a standout event in recent years, thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the Kent venue to get their first look at the ‘Class of 2023’.

Official championship photography and ITV filming duties will be carried out during an exclusive invite-only event on April 11 before six hours of testing will see teams and drivers share the track the following day ahead of the season-opener at Donington Park on April 22/23.

With each of the two three-hour sessions being split by a traditional lunch break, spectators will be able to get autographs and photos with their favourite drivers during a pitlane walkabout – identical to those famously run during BTCC race weekends.

Gates for the 2023 BTCC Season Launch will open at 10:00 and fans will be able to attend free of charge.

British Truck Racing Championship announces 2023 entry list

The British Truck Racing Championship has today (February 15) officially kicked off the countdown to the start of the 2023 season by announcing a near capacity entry list.

Following the recent entry approval deadline for competitors with the British Automobile Racing Club, Series Promoter Truck Sport UK are delighted to unveil one of the strongest line-ups in the championship’s illustrious history.

With no fewer than six of the world’s most recognised truck manufacturers being represented on the entry list, Division 1 will see a total of 14 drivers battle it out for the coveted top prize whilst a further five will battle for supremacy in Division 2.

In Division 1, reigning seven-time champion Ryan Smith rightly headlines the packed grid as he bids to clinch what would be an unprecedented eighth successive crown this year.

Donning the coveted number one on his five-tonne machine once again, Smith will be one to watch as always however he has a host of household names that are all set to be snapping at his wheels.

Former champions David Jenkins and Stuart Oliver – who finished second and third overall in 2022 – are both back and bidding for title glory whilst Steven Powell will look to build on what was an encouraging maiden campaign in the premier class last year.

Ten-time champion Oliver will line up alongside his son Michael and that won’t be the only family partnership in Division 1 as Simon Reid and Craig Reid also team together for a second straight season.

Bradley Smith picked up podiums in his debut campaign and with a years’ worth of experience now under his belt, he’ll be setting his sights on reaching the top step of the rostrum in 2023.

Elsewhere, the trio of Tom O’Rourke, Richard Collett and Simon Faulkner have all locked in their spots on the grid; as have a number of additional faces too.

After making a handful of appearances in 2022, Simon Cole will embark on his first full season in Division 1 whilst two drivers will step up from Division 2; proven race winners and title contenders Jock Borthwick and John Bowler.

One notable admission from the full-season entry for Division 1 is multiple race winner John Newell. Gearing up for an all-out assault on the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, Newell will compete at Donington Park and be on hand to fill any vacant spots where possible.

Division 2 boasts an ultra-competitive entry list with former title winner Adam Bint standing out as one of the leading lights whilst regular front runners John Powell and Craig Evans will also challenge for the prestigious prize.

After making a popular one-off appearance at Convoy in the Park last year, NAPA Racing UK have secured a full-season entry with four-time Renault UK Clio Cup champion Paul Rivett jumping behind the wheel.

Rounding out the entry list for 2023 is the returning Jim Bennett, who will pilot his trusty Seddon Atkinson.

Comprising of seven events at five of the best circuits in the UK, the 2023 British Truck Racing Championship has all the hallmarks of being one of the biggest and best yet.

Kicking the campaign off with an Easter extravaganza at Brands Hatch (April 8/9), the super-sized series will then head to Pembrey (May 20/21) for Convoy Cymru before tackling the fastest circuit in the UK – Thruxton – as a part of Convoy on the Plain (July 8/9).

The annual trip to Donington Park for Convoy in the Park (August 12/13) will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the year before the series travels to Snetterton (September 16/17) and back to Pembrey (October 7/8) before concluding at Brands Hatch (November 4/5).

For a third successive season, the British Truck Racing Championship will benefit from unprecedented live coverage as part of the British Automobile Racing Club live stream platform.

Every race – along with a host of behind the scenes content from the championship – will be broadcast for free across Facebook and YouTube, ensuring that fans don’t miss a second of the edge-of-the-seat action.

ROKiT to continue as F4 British Championship title sponsors

The F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that ROKiT will continue as its title sponsor for a second successive season. 

Joining forces with the single-seater series at the start of 2022, the global conglomerate and start-up incubator played a pivotal role in what proved to be groundbreaking campaign.

In addition to its title rights, ROKiT is also funding funding the ROKiT Racing Star programme that will provide talent, sourced through an esports programme, the opportunity to race in the championship. 

Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman and Co-Founder of the ROKiT Group of Companies, said “We’ve been delighted with our first year of being Title Partner of the British F4 Championship and are very pleased to continue our sponsorship of it. Many thanks to all at Motorsport UK who have re-invigorated the Championship and we look forward to an ever bigger and better season ahead.”

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive, said: “Taking on the organisational and promotional responsibility of the championship was a big challenge for Motorsport UK in 2022 and ROKiT helped us create the new era of British F4. We’re delighted that ROKiT shares our passion for helping develop the racing stars of the future and fulfil their full potential.”

The 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA commences at Donington Park on April 22/23. 

Will Fallon wins 2023 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Will Fallon has been crowned this year’s winner of the Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship, therefore winning a fully-funded season in the popular one-make series for 2023.

Taking place at Pembrey Circuit on Saturday 11th February, Fallon emerged victorious from an ultra-competitive group of teenage hopefuls to clinch a career-starting prize that is worth more than £30,000. 

Over the course of the day at the South Wales venue, competitors took part in a pitstop challenge, fitness challenge, autotest challenge, media presentation and driving assessment; all while an esteemed judging panel whittled down the contenders.

As the competition entered into its final stages, Fallon stood out as one of the leading lights and was subsequently declared the winner to follow in the footsteps of previous victors such as Jack James, Chloe Grant, Harry Rice and Scott McIntyre.

Dave Beecroft, Junior Saloon Car Championship Coordinator, said: “This year’s winner Will shone in every one of our Scholarship categories, proving himself to be a clear winner. We’re looking forward to having him on our grid in 2023!”

Fallon will take his place on the grid for the opening rounds of the 2023 Junior Saloon Car Championship campaign on the weekend of April 15/16 around the undulating Cadwell Park circuit. 

BTCC garners high praise from fans for hybrid introduction and sustainable fuel

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that the introduction of hybrid power and more sustainable fuel received almost universal praise by those that took part in the recent 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey.

Opening in January and closing in early February, the survey attracted record numbers as the BTCC’s loyal fanbase gave their opinions on all facets of what is widely regarded as the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Whilst the final results of all categories are set to be published in due course, the BTCC’s introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel received a huge vote from supporters with nearly 80% either strongly agreeing or agreeing that the championship has taken a very positive step in introducing both elements. 

Another statistic that stood out during the early summary was an increase in women following the BTCC, with an increase in just one year of almost 5% of females taking part from the previous survey in 2021.

Overall, supporters had their say on the likes of the race weekend experience, television broadcasts, media platforms, sponsorship, road cars, environment and sustainability, leisure and lifestyle and many more.

The final results of the 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey will be published in the coming weeks.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “With the final results summary on some of the topics still being collated, we are proud to have received such an overwhelmingly positive response to our introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel.

“According to the fans, the BTCC is thriving in areas such as sustainability, equality and entertainment, and we will continue to strive for even greater successes in the future.

“We look forward to the final results being published over the coming weeks, but once again we would like to thank everyone for their great support by taking part in the survey in such vast numbers.”

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2022

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening took centre stage at the Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire on Saturday 4th February to celebrate the achievements of champions, officials and volunteers from what was a sensational 2022 season. 

On what proved to be a night to remember, listen to some of the best interviews from key BARC personnel and winners here: 

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sits down to chat about what turned out to be a successful 2022, honouring the champions of last year and looking ahead to what 2023 has in store for the BARC.

Mark Turner – BARC Sporting Manager: The Club’s Sporting Manager looks back on the 2022 campaign, the annual BARC Awards Evening and how 2023 is shaping up for the ever-busy Competitions Department.

Paul Graham-Fielding – BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications: Just a few weeks into his new role, we catch up with the Club’s new Group Head of Marketing & Communications – Paul Graham-Fielding – to discuss what he hopes to bring to the BARC this year and beyond.

Alan Gow – BTCC Chief Executive: The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s Chief Executive discusses a momentous 2022 campaign – which included the introduction of hybrid power and the crowning of a new champion – as well as what’s to come in 2023.

Hugh Chambers – Motorsport UK Chief Executive: The Chief Executive for the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK joined us to discuss a number of different topics such as Environmental Sustainability, Equality and much more.

Tom Ingram – BTCC Champion: After previously coming close on a number of occasions, Tingram made his dreams a reality last year as he clinched a hugely popular maiden BTCC title. For 2023, he’s back to defend his title with EXCLER8 Motorsport in his Hyundai i30N Fastback.

Phil Davies – Pembrey Circuit Manager: Ahead of what promises to be another busy year at the venue, Pembrey’s Circuit Manager joined us to discuss everything from future events to the latest developments down in South Wales.

Jon Winter – Winner of The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Awarded to the person that the BARC believes to epitomise Gerry Marshall’s philosophy of motorsport, Jon was a standout winner having been the driving force behind the hugely successful Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires series.

Maximus Hall – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event, Maximus was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy as he scooped the Junior Saloon Car Championship title in his rookie season.

Claire Hedley – Winner of The Densley Trophy: Awarded to the female in the Club that has enjoyed a successful year, Claire had plenty to celebrate in 2022 as she led both the Britcar Trophy Championship and all-new British Endurance Championship to new heights.

Stuart Caie – Classic Touring Car Racing Club: BARC Council Member Stuart sat down to preview what promises to be another bumper season for the Classic Touring Car Racing Club; which has seen 200 entries already confirmed and a new Super Touring event at Brands Hatch set to debut in July. 

Stuart Oliver – British Truck Racing Championship Competitor & Promoter: With ten titles to his name already, Stuart is no stranger to an Awards Evening and despite missing out on the 2022 crown, he was happy to look back on what proved to be a memorable year. As one of the promoters of the BTRC, he also provided a preview for what is in-store for 2023.

Luke Garrett – British Truck Racing Championship Division 2 Champion: Returning to British shores in 2022, Luke produced a masterful season to clinch a third Division 2 crown – doing so at what was a rain-lashed final event at Brands Hatch in November.

Miles Rudman – Legends Cars National Championship Champion: In what was one of the closest finishes in Legends Cars’ history, Miles successfully retained his title and in doing so, became just the third person to capture three championship crowns.

Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson – British Endurance Championship Champions: Last year’s title winners recap what proved to be a groundbreaking year for the British Endurance Championship – where they ultimately reigned supreme in their Rob Boston Racing Mercedes GT3.

Dave Beecroft & Vickie MacClinton – Junior Saloon Car Championship: Dave and Vickie sat down to discuss what was a successful year for the JSCC and how 2023 is shaping up; especially as they get ready to also run the Track Attack Race Club.

Jon Winter, Steve McDermid & Claire Hedley lead glittering list of secret award winners

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening didn’t just see the champions of 2022 celebrated on Saturday, as a number of other special accolades were handed out to unsuspecting winners on what proved to be a momentous night. 

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was Steve McDermid who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC.

Defending his Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title in supreme style – where he scooped 13 wins along the way – McDermid was chosen to be a worthy recipient for the glittering crown.

“I’m pretty speechless,” said McDermid. “It’s a real honour to be able to receive this award and share the stage with some many great champions. Last year was very competitive in the MGOC but things came together for me and that ultimately is what contributed to not only winning the title again but also picking up this special accolade.”

Jon Winter’s contribution to the continued growth and success of the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made him a worthy recipient of the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy of motorsport that Gerry once had.

“This one really does mean a lot,” Winter enthused. “Gerry was a real friend of the family and as I was growing up around motorsport, he was a constant presence so this award has real poignance for me and is really nice to receive. 

“I’m honoured to have been joined by my 85-year-old father tonight and nothing is going to make me happier than sitting this award on his mantelpiece at home for the next 12 months.”

After a short hiatus, The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to the most successful female in the BARC – was back on stage and being handed to Britcar Managing Director Claire Hedley. 

Having played a critical role in Britcar’s resurgence over several years, Claire had an instrumental part in the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship’s launch, and under her stewardship it went on to enjoy a sensational inaugural season in 2022.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Hedley. “There are some fabulous names on this trophy – many of them remarkable drivers – and to now see mine there is, as a Championship Co-ordinator, is quite something.

“Motorsport is my life but it isn’t just me at Britcar, we have a great team that have all contributed to this as well. We’re growing all the time and I’m sure 2023 will be another fantastic year for us all. I’d like to thank everyone at the BARC that chose me for this award, I really appreciate it.”

Maximus Hall’s remarkable maiden season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event. 

In the ultra-competitive one-make category, Hall produced a stellar campaign to become just the second driver in the series’ history to lift the overall title at the first time of asking – doing so with an impressive ten victories to his name.

Hall beamed: “I’m so happy! It’s a total surprise because there are so many other great competitors that could have won it. When you see the names that are already on this trophy it’s amazing to see that mine is now with them.

“It’s the perfect way to cap off what was an incredible season. We had lots of wins and ultimately was able to bring home the title at the final round.”

Drivers and championship organisers weren’t the only one to be celebrated however as a number of marshals and officials were also recognised for their contributions to what was a successful year for the Club.

Ian Seager picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after conducting the most volunteering days – 33 – over the course of the season with his total being 33. Elsewhere, the BARC Marshal of the Year – which is designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals – went the way of Joshua Mendelsohn.

Seager said: “Thank you to everyone at the BARC for this award. Being able to play a part in the sport is something I cherish and hopefully I’ll be able to continue doing so for some years to come as well.”

“It was a really busy year,” added Mendelsohn. “Being a part of the BTCC start-line team was very special and to now be standing here as the BARC Marshal of the Year is the icing on what was an amazing season for me as a marshal.”

The final award to be handed out on the night was one that hasn’t been awarded in over a decade, the John Martin-Lewis Trophy. Given to outstanding marshals and officials that have gone above and beyond in their roles, this year’s victors were the Club’s North West Rescue Unit team.