Author: Chris Ashby

Title battles intensify on action-packed TOCA support package at Silverstone

The battle for supremacy in all five TOCA support championships intensified at Silverstone this past weekend (September 24/25) to set up what promises to be a grandstand season finale at Brands Hatch next month. 

In addition to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship going down to the wire at the famous Kent venue on October 8/9, champions will be celebrated across all one-make categories as the curtain falls on the 2022 season around the Grand Prix circuit. 

James Kellett put himself on the cusp of being crowned the last-ever Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion after producing another commanding performance, winning two of the four races that took place over the course of the weekend. 

Following the news that Ginetta will leave the TOCA package at the end of the season and that the GT4 Supercup will cease to exist after Brands Hatch, the Century Motorsport driver underlined his credentials by strengthening his grip on the coveted title. 

Storming to pole position in qualifying, race one saw Kellett suffer mechanical dramas which allowed Tom Emson to triumph but from there the series pace-setter cemented his status as the driver to beat with a fine double. He would however be prevented from securing a hat-trick as Emson chalked up his second win in the finale.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship is all-but wrapped up after Josh Rowledge scored his eighth and ninth victories of the season. Arriving at the Northamptonshire venue in the pound seat, the R Racing teenager was perfection personified as he charged to two wins on Saturday.

Will Macintyre – Rowledge’s chief title rival – ensured that the fight will go all the way to the final event as he scored victory in a chaotic finale. Taking the chequered flag in third, the Elite Motorsport driver was promoted to top step of the podium after penalties were applied to both Sonny Smith and Rowledge. 

Thrills and spills dominated the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and when all was said-and-done, Alex Dunne remained the man to beat. Despite not winning a race, the Hitech GP racer preserved his impressive lead in the standings, albeit at a slight deficit to what he arrived with. 

Oliver Gray kept his slender hopes of the clinching the crown alive with a lights-to-flag victory in race three after both Georgi Dimitrov and Louis Sharp had scored a win apiece earlier on.

Five drivers will head to Brands Hatch in contention to lift the coveted Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title. In what was another blockbuster chapter for the tin top series, Sam Weller maintained his advantage out front with a hard-fought victory in the weekend’s final contest. 

Before Weller’s win, Alex Denning – who is one of the aforementioned five drivers that find themselves in the thick of the title battle – served up a superlative display behind the wheel to win the first two races of the weekend. 

Elsewhere, Kiern Jewiss took a step closer to Porsche Carrera Cup GB glory as he boosted his own championship aspirations with a flawless weekend. After charging to pole position in qualifying, the Team Parker Racing driver extended his points advantage with a superb brace of wins.

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

BTCC title fight goes down to the wire after blockbuster Silverstone weekend

Four drivers will head into the final three races of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season in contention to be crowned champion next month following an action-packed weekend (September 24/25) at Silverstone. 

Brands Hatch will provide the setting for the 2022 finale in less than two weeks’ time and it will see Ashley Sutton, Jake Hill, Tom Ingram and Colin Turkington all arrive with a mathematical shot at lifting the biggest prize in UK motorsport – with a maximum of 67 points set to be on offer at the famous Kent venue.

The penultimate event of the season at Silverstone saw its fair share of thrills and spills as both Hill and Ingram, along with Rory Butcher, enjoyed a share of the spoils around the 1.64-mile National circuit.

Qualifying at the Home of British Motor Racing on Saturday underlined how competitive the BTCC currently is with no less than 26 drivers being covered by less than second. At the top of the times, nobody could stop Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Butcher as he clinched pole position by the narrowest of margins. 

Just 0.037s separated the Scotsman and title contender Hill, who secured his sixth front-row start of the season. Hot on their heels was the duo of Adam Morgan and Ingram who locked out row two whilst Dan Cammish completed the top five.

Butcher converted his front-row start into a superb first win of the season in the opening contest after he soaked up immense pressure from the BMW duo of Hill and Morgan. Storming clear in the early running, the Toyota man was forced to deal with a safety car period but he ultimately didn’t put a wheel wrong to triumph. 

Further back, action was rife throughout the field with the likes of Ingram, Sutton, Cammish and Gordon Shedden in the midst of many wheel-to-wheel battles. Notably, Turkington endured a torrid time as a spin and further contact saw him non-score. 

Race two saw Hill stamp his authority on proceedings with a commanding victory. In what was a carbon copy of the day’s earlier bout, the MB Motorsport driver shadowed Butcher up until mid-distance before, after a brief safety car period, he hit the front following a fine move at Copse. 

Once out front, the rear-wheel-drive ace got his head down and pulled clear of the chasing pack, which was led by Butcher and three-time champion Shedden. Title rivals Sutton and Ingram rounded out the top five after a captivating cat-and-mouse battle down the three long straights of Silverstone.

The weekend’s third and final race saw Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com’s Ingram come to the fore as he cruised to a comfortable victory. Starting fourth, the Hyundai driver was in the right place at the right time as drama kicked off in front of him on lap one, with Morgan, Cammish and Josh Cook all in strife.

Despite having to contend with several safety car periods, Ingram remained relatively unchallenged out front to clinch his fourth victory of the season ahead of series leader Sutton and race one winner Butcher. 

With just one final race meeting left to run, Sutton holds a slender five-point lead at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship over Hill, with Ingram a further two markers adrift. Four-time champion Turkington will head into the event with the most ground to make up as he trails Sutton by 27 points.

Cook has provisionally wrapped up the Independent Drivers’ Championship whilst Rich Energy BTC Racing have edged closer to clinching the Independent Teams’ crown. 

BMW remain on course to win a seventh successive Manufacturer-Constructor title however they will need things to fall their way if they want to lift the Teams’ Championship, as NAPA Racing UK hold a commanding lead. 

In the Jack Sears Trophy, Bobby Thompson sits on the cusp of lifting the coveted title as he holds a 49-point lead over George Gamble in the category. 

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will bring the curtain down on its 2022 season on October 8/9, with three races scheduled to play out around the Grand Prix layout of Brands Hatch.

Work begins on Croft Circuit café

Construction of a new café and hospitality facility at Croft Circuit began yesterday (September 22) with the first stage of ground works.

Following planning permission being granted earlier this year, it is anticipated that the new building will be completed in early 2023 for use next season.

Ben Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Automobile Racing Club, which operates Croft, said: “This is an exciting development for the circuit, and we look forward to providing our customers with an improved experience when they visit next year.”

Further updates on the work will be provided in due course.

Ginetta enters extended partnership with SRO, ends long-term relationship with TOCA

Ginetta has today (September 21) announced it is to enter a new three-year partnership with global leader in GT racing, SRO Motorsports Group. 

Under this partnership, Ginetta will run three championships which will compete at Intelligent Money British GT Championship rounds from the 2023 season.

This new setup will allow all the manufacturer’s race series to be under one package, while continuing to enable drivers of all levels, from those looking to kickstart their racing careers to experienced drivers looking to develop and hone their motorsport skills, to progress to the highest levels in the sport, within a safe, efficient and premium environment.

The announcement marks the end of Ginetta’s long-term relationship with British Touring Car Championship organisers, TOCA.

Mike Simpson, Head of Motorsport, Ginetta, said: “Extending our partnership with SRO Motorsports Group is all part of Lawrence Tomlinson’s vision to continue to develop our racing series and experience. It is a great opportunity for us to continue to build our offering for drivers at all levels with ambitions to become professional racers or to go endurance racing.

It makes racing more efficient for teams and drivers and enables Ginetta to expand its renowned racing ladder philosophy to Europe and the USA where SRO already has a presence in GT racing.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Gow and TOCA for the support they have given Ginetta over many years.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We have had a long standing and highly successful partnership with Ginetta and we wish them every success in the future. TOCA will announce plans in due course as to which series’ will be joining the UK’s highest profile motorsport package from the 2023 season onwards.”

The 2023 Ginetta Championships will consist of the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT Academy and new for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship. The details of which can be found below:

Ginetta Junior Championship

The UK’s longest running and most prestigious junior series. Offering the first step on the motorsport ladder for 14 to 17-year-old racing drivers, using the multi-disciplined Ginetta G40. It is a championship that plays a critical function in the development of young drivers. 

Ginetta GT Academy

The Ginetta GT Academy is a unique concept providing the driver a high performance, yet safe and reliable race car, the G56 GTA, to enjoy entry level GT Racing. Drivers of all experience levels compete in GT Academy as the field is split between experienced drivers and novices being trained and supported by Ginetta factory drivers in the ‘Rookie’ class. 

Ginetta GT Championship

New for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship will consist of two main classes, GT Pro and GT5. Due to the success of the GT Academy Championship, Ginetta will now offer both a new car and championship to take drivers to the next level of competition. The full details of which will be announced soon. 

Final details of race format and cars will be confirmed in due course.

Track Attack to race with BARC in 2023

Dave Beecroft, the man behind the successful Junior Saloon Car Championship, has concluded a deal to take over the running of the Track Attack Race Club from Steve Vince, who has run the club since its inception.

The Club currently incorporates the 206 Gti Cup, Deutsche Marque Cup, Nippon Challenge, Tricolore Trophy and TT Trophy. The multi-marque grid comprised 29 cars at Croft this past weekend (September 17/18).

Dave Beecroft said: “Steve Vince has done an amazing job for so many years and has earned a well-deserved retirement. We have been in discussions for a long time about taking this on, and I am delighted that from today that responsibility now lies with us.

“We will build on the great platform that Steve has created and look to grow it further. We also see it as a fantastic opportunity for some of our Junior racers from the JSCC to move into senior racing.”

Beecroft also confirmed that Track Attack will run at BARC events from 2023.

Mark Turner, BARC Sporting Manager, added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Dave Beecroft and the JSCC and have worked together to make that championship the leading junior series in the country.

“We look forward to welcoming the cars, drivers and teams on the Track Attack grid to the BARC next year and working with them to take their club forward.”

The British Automobile Racing Club is the UK’s oldest race organisation club, dating back to 1912. It is a not-for-profit membership organisation, existing to provide motor sport opportunities for its members and reinvesting all revenues in the company. It operates Thruxton, Croft and Pembrey race circuits, as well as Gurston Down and Harewood hill climbs.

Provisional 2023 Calendar

April 15/16 – Cadwell Park

May 20/21 – Pembrey

June 3/4 – Anglesey

July 1 – Oulton Park (International)

July 28-30 – Thruxton

August 25-27 – Snetterton (200)

September 16/17 – Silverstone (National)

BARC championships delivers spectacular Snetterton show

The British Automobile Racing Club produced a blockbuster two days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment at Snetterton this past weekend (September 17/18), with six different categories writing the latest chapter in their 2022 campaigns.

On what proved to be a weekend to remember on the 300 layout of the Norfolk venue, a bumper crowd flocked trackside to witness a sensational 26-race programme where the battle for supremacy had everyone on the edge of their seats. 

Whilst the on-track action took centre stage, the event also saw competitors, officials and spectators come together to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8. 

Two minute silences were impeccably observed across both Saturday and Sunday, with all competing cars and trucks running tributes as well as officials and marshals wearing black armbands. 

There were twists and turns in the British Truck Racing Championship as the fight to be crowned champion intensified, with five colossal contests marking the start of the title run-in.

Division 1 saw Stuart Oliver make serious inroads towards the summit of the standings as he claimed a hat-trick of wins. Bouncing back from a heavy crash at Donington Park, the Volvo VNL driver dominated races one and two before then charging to victory in race five.

Championship leader Ryan Smith endured a rollercoaster weekend as he took to the track in a brand-new truck, having only had six days to build and prepare it; victory in race four would be his reward before he non-scored in the final bout. The remaining race fell the way of Richard Collett, who scored a popular first win of the season.

In Division 2, Luke Garrett endured his own mechanical dramas but still managed to score a pair of wins whilst Brad Smith, John Bowler and Jock Borthwick also visited the top step of the podium.

Miles Rudman and Will Gibson were the big winners in the Legends Cars National Championship as they each triumphed twice. Gibson was the driver to beat on Saturday before series leader Rudman came to the fore the following day – with the second of his two wins being his 50th in the one-make series. 

Matthew Isherwood chalked up his second-ever victory in Saturday’s final whilst Sunday’s finale fell the way of multiple champion John Mickel, who used all of his experience to pip Gibson on the run to the chequered flag. 

Variety was the spice of life when it came to the Classic Touring Car Racing Club as some of the most iconic tin tops from down the years took centre stage across eight unmissable races.

James Ibbotson claimed a dominant double in the Poultec Race Engines Pre 66 Touring Cars, with Stephen Primett repeating the feat in the Shell Oils Pre 83 Touring Cars. James Everard and Robert Crisell meanwhile shared the spoils in the amalgamated Laser Tools Pre 93 and Burty Haulage Pre 03 Touring Car bouts. 

In the combined Edmundson Electrical Classic & Historic Thunder, Burton Power Blue Oval Saloons Series and Berkshire Jags Jaguar Challenge races, Jason Davies was imperious as he guided his Ford Sierra Cosworth to two impressive victories. 

Nelson King closed in on securing the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy crown as he scored his ninth win of the season. The Graves Motorsport driver edged out Nicky Taylor to take a step closer to the title; wins also went the way of Tristen Ovenden and Charlie Mann. 

Steve McDermid was perfection personified in the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship as he added two more wins to his impressive 2022 tally. The MG ZR racer led home Jack Woodcock in two action-packed races – the second of which ended prematurely – to move closer to retaining his title. 

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend were two enthralling contests from the Pickup Truck Racing Championship. On what was a pivotal outing for the series, Dale Gent charged to victory in race one before Reece Jones reigned supreme in a pulsating race two, edging out points leader George Turiccki. 

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

Icons of the past serve up retro-themed thrills at Goodwood Revival

The Goodwood Revival rolled back the years this past weekend (September 16-18) as thousands of avid race fans flocked to the West Sussex race track for an event like no other. 

Bringing together iconic competitors and glorious machines, the Revival – which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the historic racing calendar – brought the curtain down on another entertaining year at the venue in style.

As continues to be the case, the British Automobile Racing Club played its part in the three-day spectacle with many of its hugely admired team officials and volunteers attending the event to run the operational and marshal aspect.  

Along with many other race meetings around the country, tributes were paid to acknowledge the incredible reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8.

Whilst there were to be many headline acts across the three days, the St Mary’s Trophy Presented by Motul proved to once again be an unmissable sight. Showcasing iconic production-based saloons from the 1960s, the Ford Galaxy 500 of Romain Dumas and Fred Shephard did enough to clinch the overall victory. 

Another showpiece spectacle was the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, which was for closed-cockpit GT and Prototypes between 1960-1964. In what turned out to be a scintillating hour, Gordon Shedden and Andrew Smith piloted their AC Cobra to victory lane. 

Friday evening saw sportscars from the late 1940s and early 1950s take centre stage in the eagerly-anticipated one-hour Freddie March Memorial Trophy contest. After narrowly missing out on pole position in qualifying, the team of Frederic Wakeman and Sam Hancock guided their Jaguar E-Type to victory by a little under ten seconds.

The Glover Trophy, which is for 1.5-litre Grand Prix cars between 1961 and 1965, had everyone on the edge of their seats as however out front, nobody could stop Andy Middlehurst as he powered his Lotus-Climax 25 to a famous victory.

Sports prototypes from the mid-1960s featured in the Whitsun Trophy presented by Sky Cinema with Oliver Bryant emerging victorious whilst Miles Griffiths reigned supreme in the Madgwick Cup, which was open to under two-litre sport cars that were produced between 1948-55. 

Grand Prix and Voiturette cars from either side of World War II made up the Goodwood Trophy and after 20 minutes of fierce racing, less than second would ultimately cover the top three. Mark Gillies hustled his ERA A-Type R3A to victory ahead of David Morris by just 0.051s whilst Ian Baxter was hot on their heels in third. 

World Championship sportscars from 1955 to 1960 featured in the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy and they didn’t disappoint. The two-driver, one-hour bout saw plenty of thrills and spills play out, ultimately culminating in the team of Andrew Jordan and Mike Whitaker piloting their AC Cobra Dragonsnake to victory.

Fans of the famous MGB were well-catered for courtesy of the Lavant Cup and the race saw a popular winner in the shape of Ed Foster. Elsewhere, Andrew Hibberd won the Chichester Cup and William Nuthall the Richmond & Gordon Trophies. 

It wasn’t just four-wheel machines that had everyone captivated though as the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy showcased some jaw-dropping 1950 motorcycles. James Hillier and George Thomas teamed up to take the overall win aboard the 1954 Matchless G80 CS.

Rounding off what was a momentous weekend was the Settringham Cup, which saw more than 60 youngsters line up in Austin J40 pedal cars. Esme Graham emerged victorious on combined results. 

To view the full classification of results from this year’s Goodwood Revival, CLICK HERE. 

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Snetterton – September 17/18

The 2022 season edges closer to its conclusion this weekend (September 17/18) as the British Automobile Racing Club speeds into Snetterton for what promises to be an action-packed two days of track action.

Headlining the event will be five blockbuster contests from the British Truck Racing Championship whilst the Classic Touring Car Racing Club will also provide unmissable entertainment with eight scheduled races.

Further thrills and spills are set to be provided by the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, Quaife Mini Challenge Trophy and the Pickup Truck Racing Championship.

As a mark of respect, and to recognise Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s life and service, the race meeting will pause for a two-minute silence at 12:50 on Saturday and 14:25 on Sunday.

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 12:10 – 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.

Statement: HQ & Venue Closures on 19/09/22

The British Automobile Racing Club and all its venues will be closed on Monday 19th September for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This includes all activity at Thruxton including the circuit, kart centre, skid pan and 4×4 course, as well as the circuits at Pembrey and Croft.

All scheduled activities over the coming weekend will continue as previously planned. This includes the British Truck Racing Championship meeting at Snetterton, the BTRDA Clubmans RallyX at Pembrey, the BRSCC meeting at Croft and the two days of hillclimbing at Harewood Hill. Two minutes silence will be respected within the proceedings as appropriate.

The BARC continues to send its thoughts and best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.

Statement: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On behalf of everyone connected with the British Automobile Racing Club, we are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Her dedication to public service has been an inspiration to the country and the world for more than 70 years.

We remember her and the values she espoused, as we send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

BARC North West Centre brings the action at Anglesey

Anglesey Circuit provided the setting for the British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre this past weekend (September 3/4) where the magnificent surroundings of the coastal track were complimented with some spectacular action.

On what proved to be a blockbuster two days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment in North Wales, the Caterham Graduates Championship, CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and the Junior Saloon Car Championship wrote the latest chapter in their 2022 campaigns.

Delivering six races and boasting bumper grids throughout, the Caterham Graduates Championship was undoubtedly one of the headline acts of the weekend. One of the stars of the show could be found in the Sigma 135 category as the juggernaut that is Jamie Winrow maintained his unbeatable form, chalking up another three comfortable wins. 

In the amalgamated Sigmax and Sigma 150 races, spoils were shared between three deserving winners. Harry Cramer was victorious in the opener before Kevin Barrett came to the fore in race two to triumph ahead of Stephen Clark and Harry Senior. Race three then saw Max Haynes narrowly edge out Barrett to stand on the top step of the podium. 

Harry Hickton got back to winning ways in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as he extended his lead at the summit of the standings, bouncing back in style following what had been a challenging few events for the teenage racer. 

Hickton, like the rest of the field, could do nothing to stop Daire Flock from claiming a well-deserved maiden win in the series in race one but from there the weekend belonged to the championship pace-setter. 

Victory by half a second over Adam Harding set Hickton on his way in race two before he then doubled his tally by edging out Flock in what was a frenetic third and final contest.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – the North West Centre’s flagship category – added to the spectacle with a trio of enthralling bouts although the weekend arguably belonged to one driver, Jon Woolfitt. 

At the wheel of his Spire GTR, the Class B and overall leader maintained his relentless front-running form with another exemplary performance. Comfortably pacing qualifying, Woolfitt charged to a hat-trick of lights-to-flag wins to subsequently strengthen his championship lead. 

The Jordan family had plenty to smile about as they claimed three of the four wins on offer in the Mini 7 Racing Club. Small in stature but packing a real punch under the bonnet, the one-make series didn’t disappoint with thrills and spills playing out at almost every corner.

Former BTCC champion and defending Miglia title holder Andrew Jordan enjoyed a near-perfect weekend as he converted pole position into a commanding double win. Over in the Se7en class his father Mike clinched a victory of his own, with Connor O’Brien picking up the remaining win that was up for grabs. 

On the longer International Circuit, The Super Series by the British Superkart Racing Club had those in attendance on the edge of their seats. As he has done on so many occasions this year, #0 plate runner Liam Morley served up an impressive performance.

Charging to pole position in qualifying, Morley stormed to victory in races one and two before seeing his streak come to an end by Lee Harpham, who was victorious in a pulsating finale. 

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

ROKiT British F4 announces two-day New Driver Test

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA has announced a dedicated New Driver Test at Snetterton on October 27/28 for prospective drivers looking to enter the 2023 season.

The two-day event will aim to give drivers an early opportunity to get to grips with the championship’s industry-leading Tatuus-Abarth-Pirelli package as well as begin building up testing mileage.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Motorsport UK, said: “We’re very pleased to unveil plans for our first official New Driver Test for 2023 at the end of October. One of Motorsport UK’s key objectives, as the organisers of ROKiT British F4, is to create meaningful pathways through the sport for drivers.

“Now, with this initiative, that process can begin even sooner, providing drivers a headstart on winter testing, an opportunity to network within the paddock and immerse themselves at an earlier stage in all that the championship has to offer.

“It’s always exciting watching a new generation of talent come through year-on-year, and we look forward to meeting and working with them in the coming weeks and months.”

Drivers wishing to participate in the two-day test can contact teams currently registered to compete in the championship by clicking here.