Author: Chris Ashby

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2021

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening made a triumphant return on Saturday 26th February as champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their achievements from what was a sensational 2021 season.

Check out some of the best interviews from what was a night to remember below:-

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sits down after a memorable night of celebrations to take stock of what has been a challenging past few years, honouring the champions of 2021 and how things are shaping up ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Alan Gow – BTCC Chief Executive: The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship enters a new era this year as hybrid technology is introduced. With the season now less than two months away, BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow speaks on what is shaping up to be another fantastic campaign.

Dennis Carter – BARC Gold Medal Recipient: Spending nearly three decades working for the Club, firstly as Competitions Director and then as Chief Executive, Dennis has contributed an inordinate amount to both national and international motorsport, as well as to the BARC, and it is only fitting that he is honoured with a Gold Medal – the highest honour to be handed out by the Club and its Council.

Ian Watson – BARC Special Recognition Recipient: After spending two decades working for the Club, Ian retired from his role as General Manager at the end of the 2020 season and he was honoured for his services to the BARC at the Awards Evening along with Dale Wells.

Miles Rudman – Winner of The President’s Cup: Awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title winner clinched his second crown in 2021 with 17 wins to his name – making him the standout recipient of the coveted President’s Cup.

Charlie Hand – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, Hand was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy as he dominated the Junior Saloon Car Championship on his way to the title.

Chris Davenport – Winner of The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Designed to recognise and reward BARC Member Marshals for their service and dedication, this award is handed out to the marshal that completes the most volunteering days in a season. Last year saw Chris complete a total of 28 to clinch The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy.

Dan Cammish – Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion: Returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB last year, Cammish re-wrote the history books as he clinched a third title. For 2022, he’s back in the BTCC and teaming up with reigning champion Ashley Sutton to spearhead the NAPA Racing UK entry.

Claire Hedley – British Endurance and Britcar Trophy Championship Coordinator: Having grown exponentially in recent years, Britcar embarks on a new chapter this year as it runs the new-for-2022 British Endurance Championship as well as the Britcar Trophy and Praga Cup. Championship Coordinator Claire Hedley gives us the lowdown on what is to come.

Charlie Hand, Miles Rudman and Stuart Caie head Special Award Winners list

Whilst champions of 2021 took centre stage during the BARC Awards Evening this past Saturday (February 26), a handful of secret awards were presented to unsuspecting winners at the end of the night.

The first award to be handed out was one that was met with rapturous applause in the room as Robert Foote – who tragically lost his life last July whilst on post at Brands Hatch – was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

After powering his way to the Junior Saloon Car Championship title last year Charlie Hand was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship.

Embarking on what was his third campaign in the one-make series, the Westbourne Motorsport driver proved to be in a league of his own as he scored 14 wins on his way to clinching title glory.   

Commenting on the award, Hand said: “I’m over the moon to have won The Peter Collins Trophy – to say it was unexpected is an understatement as I didn’t see it coming at all.

“To share the stage with the other champions and some amazing people was fantastic and I have to say a personal thank you to the whole team and my family as without them this wouldn’t have been possible.

“That trophy is going to take pride of place at home and be on show for everyone to see as soon as they walk in the door I think and it’s winning it is the perfect way to tee up the coming season.”

The commanding, season-long performance of Miles Rudman in the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres didn’t go unnoticed as he scooped The President’s Cup.

Awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC, the now two-time champion chalked up a staggering 17 wins on his way to regaining his crown to make him a fitting winner of the accolade. 

“I’m absolutely shocked and lost for words,” Rudman said. “I can’t believe I have won this award, it really is a true honour. It’s fair to say that I had a good season; I was on top form all the time and hungry to regain the championship.

“We’re going to be back to defend the title this year and the aim is to hopefully replicate what we did in 2021 and be standing where we are now with some more silverware this time next year.”

Stuart Caie’s contribution to the continued success and growth of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club made him a worthy recipient of the The Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy for motorsport that Gerry once did.

Elsewhere, Chris Davenport picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after completing the most volunteering days over the course of the season whilst Alex Tuson was the inaugural winner of the Trainee Marshal of the Year in memory of Peter Harris award.

Dennis Carter awarded BARC Gold Medal at Awards Evening

Former BARC Chief Executive Dennis Carter was the recipient of the highest award presented by the Club and its Council, a BARC Gold Medal, at the annual Awards Evening this past weekend (Saturday 26th February).

On what proved to be a memorable night at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook where champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their 2021 achievements, Dennis took centre stage to be commemorated for the contribution he has given not only to the BARC but international and national motorsport.

Not given out every year, the accolade is awarded by the Council of the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects, with an impressive roll of honour dating back to 1955 already in place.

Predecessors of Dennis that have been awarded a BARC Gold Medal include seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner, Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis and three-time Le Mans 24-hr winner Allan McNish, to name but a few. 

Joining the BARC in 1988 as Competitions Director, he became Chief Executive within a couple of years and went on to hold the position for more than two decades. During that time he played a vital part in the global success of the BTCC, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival as well as playing an integral part in ensuring Formula 1 visited Donington Park in 1993. 

Despite retiring from his CEO status in 2013, Dennis has continued to be involved in the sport as BTCC Race Director and also National and International Race Director and stewarding roles. Recently he has been confirmed, once again, as Race Director for W Series.

Commenting on the award, Dennis said: “It has been a fabulous evening and I enjoyed it for obvious reasons having been awarded the BARC Gold Medal. I was given an award at the Motorsport UK Night of Champions in January so I think people are trying to tell me it is time to retire.

“The BARC means an awful lot to me and it is a privilege to be the recipient of a Gold Medal. I love the sport, particularly the grass roots end of it and it is great to see a lot of up and coming drivers attend the BARC Awards – they’re the future and we need to find a way to ensure we make it cheaper for them to get into the sport.”

Listen to the full interview with the latest BARC Gold Medal recipient, Dennis Carter, HERE.

Champions celebrated as BARC Awards Evening returns in style

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening made a triumphant return this past weekend (Saturday 26th February) as champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their achievements during the 2021 season.

Rolling out the red carpet for the first time in two years – with the event last taking place just prior to the country going into lockdown in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic – more than 250 guests descended on the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook for a momentous night of celebrations.

Swapping race suits and overalls for dinner jackets and ball gowns; drivers from the likes of Britcar Endurance, Classic Touring Cars, Ginetta, Caterham Graduates, Legends, British Truck Racing, Porsche GB – plus many more categories – were all in attendance and awarded prizes throughout the night.

Hosted by the superlative Alan Hyde, guests not only had the opportunity to look back on the year that was but also hear from BARC President The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews and BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor.

Both the Club’s President and Chairman played their part in a very special presentation to former Chief Executive Dennis Carter, who was awarded a BARC Gold Medal for his contribution to international and national motorsport, as well as the Club.

Presentations to Vickie MacClinton, Ian Watson and Dale Wells also took place before rapturous applause filled the room as the late Robert Foote was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

Alongside the customary championship awards, a number of secret accolades were presented to unsuspecting winners on the night too.

Alex Tuson was the inaugural winner of the Trainee Marshal of the Year in memory of Peter Harris award whilst fellow marshal Chris Davenport scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after completing the most volunteering days in 2021.

Charlie Hand was a deserving winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, with Stuart Caie picking up the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy.

Two-time Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title winner Miles Rudman was the final secret award recipient as he was handed The President’s Cup after a flawless season which included 17 victories.

Finally, a grand total of ÂŁ1680.00 was raised on the night for the raffle and donated to the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund.

Jack James wins 2022 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Jack James has been crowned this year’s winner of the Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship, winning a fully-funded season in the popular one-make category for 2022.

Taking place at Croft Circuit on Saturday 19th February, James beat no less than 28 other aspiring teenagers to win a career-starting prize worth more than ÂŁ30,000.

Over the course of the day, the North Yorkshire venue saw competitors take part in a pitstop challenge, fitness challenge, autotest challenge, media presentation and driving assessment as an esteemed judging panel whittled down the contenders.

Following in the footsteps of former Scholarship winners Scott McIntyre, Harry Rice and Chloe Grant – last year’s victor – the four-time Rye House GT Cup vice-champion emerged as one of the leading lights throughout the competition.

James will take his place on the grid for the opening rounds of the 2022 Junior Saloon Car Championship campaign on the weekend of March 26/27 around the Silverstone International circuit.

Thruxton to host 2022 BTCC Season Launch in April

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that its 2022 Season Launch will take place at Thruxton Circuit on Wednesday 13th April.

Marking the start of a brand new era for Britain’s premier motorsport series as hybrid technology is introduced, the ‘Class of 2022’ will be in attendance at the Hampshire venue to showcase their new liveries and hit the track.

Official championship photography and ITV filming duties will be carried out during an exclusive invite-only event on April 12 before six hours of testing will see teams and drivers share the track for the final time ahead of the season-opener at Donington Park the following day.

This year will also mark the first Season Launch in which spectators will be in attendance since 2019, with a limited number of tickets available. Attendees are required to register for the free-to-attend event here in order to secure their tickets.

Gates will open to the public from 1000 as testing gets underway, with further information to follow.

Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with 2022 machinery and meet some of their favourite drivers during the lunch break as the BTCC’s hugely popular Pit Lane Walk returns, while food and refreshments will be served throughout the day at the Thruxton Centre.

As has been the case in the past, the official BTCC entry list for the forthcoming campaign will be released, on or just before the Season Launch.

Legends Cars Championship set to go green with SulNOx

The Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres will embrace a greener and more progressive future for 2022 and beyond as it partners with Decarbonisation specialists SulNOx Group Plc.

SulNOx, which is making its first foray into motorsport through the link-up with the Legends, has a mission to provide immediate and tangible steps towards carbon neutrality for hydrocarbon fuel. Whilst all cars will use SulNOx fuel conditioner, series stalwart Rickie Leggatt will pilot a SulNOx liveried car during the coming season.

London-based SulNOx is a greentech company specialising in providing responsible solutions towards the decarbonisation of traditional fuels, with patented additives reducing the production of environmentally unfriendly emissions and, at the same time, leading to significant cost savings.

Created from natural, biodegradable ingredients, SulNOx additives emulsify water and increase lubricity and oxygen, therefore making fuel burn cleanly and more efficiently. In essence, using SulNOx means a more complete burn of the fuel, converting current waste particulate matter into useful energy while lowering emissions.

“Environmental concerns have never been greater or more in the spotlight, so this agreement with SulNOx is an important step forward for the Legends Cars National Championship as we look to achieve a greener and more sustainable future”, said Championship Owner Phil Cooper. “The SulNOx products are very impressive and the business is at the forefront of green technologies.

“We’re delighted to welcome SulNOx to the Legends Cars National Championship and very much looking forward to working with the company. This is the right time for us to embrace and to also try and lead moves to a cleaner, greener future while ensuring the Legends continue to deliver the same incredible racing.”

On behalf of SulNOx, Dr Dan Clarke added: “We are extremely happy to partner with the Legends Cars National Championship to help make their series of motorsport more environmentally friendly. SulNOx Group Plc are committed to the decarbonisation of fossil fuels and this is a big statement that motorsport is equally committed to a more sustainable, greener future.”

The 2022 Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres campaign is scheduled to begin at Oulton Park on April 2nd.

BARC to install light panels at Croft and Thruxton as part of Motorsport UK rollout

The British Automobile Racing Club will install FIA High-Tech Light Panels at both Croft and Thruxton circuits this year after the confirmation of an agreement between Motorsport UK, the British Motor Sport Training Trust (BMSTT) and UK circuit owners.

Thanks to this safety initiative, all UK race circuits that have FIA International Grade 3 status and above will have the panels, from leading motorsport safety solutions provider EM Motorsport, installed as soon as possible.

Competitors and marshals will be able to participate in events safe in the knowledge that the most up to date and internationally recognised technology will be fully visible, regardless of weather conditions, to augment the traditional flag signals that marshals use to relay critical safety messages to competitors.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “The increasing use of light panels has been considered by circuits for a number of years, but this represents perhaps the single biggest step forward in circuit safety for decades. 

“It is a very sensible and welcome move from the governing body and BMSTT to support the venues to prevent a VHS/BetaMax-type situation with circuits having different systems. The benefits to the sport from a single system are likely to be felt in the coming years, as complementary solutions are developed that will be able to integrate with the technology at all circuits.”

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, added: “Providing a safe environment for our sport to thrive is at the heart of Motorsport UK. It is essential we provide safety for competitors and volunteers alike who deliver the sport every weekend throughout the UK.

“The rollout of FIA High-Tech Light Panels represents a significant step forward in modernising UK race circuits by adopting the latest and most advanced technology.

“Motorsport UK is committed to improving safety and we thank BARC, MSV, Knockhill Racing Circuit, the British Motor Sports Training Trust and EM Motorsport for their engagement and commitment.”

Rod Parkin, Chair of the BSMTT, commented: “The British Motor Sports Training Trust (BMSTT) was formed as an UK Registered Charity in 1977 with the aim of supporting the training of volunteer motorsport officials and further enhancing medical and safety aspects of our sport.  

“Since that time the Trust has regularly committed significant funds annually towards such initiatives.  This new partnership support for the funding of light panels provides an ideal opportunity for the Trust to continue delivering its objectives in respect of both marshals and race circuit safety, promote our activities and raise awareness of the Trust.”

After the installation at these initial venues, it is intended, where practical, to extend the project so that all 17 Motorsport UK licenced race circuits will benefit from the increased safety the FIA High-Tech Light Panels provide.

Alan Gow reappointed President of the FIA Touring Car Commission

The FIA has confirmed that Alan Gow has been reappointed as President of FIA Touring Car Commission.

The extension for 2022 and 2023 means that Gow will start his 13th year in this position, having taken on the role from Jonathan Ashman back in 2010.

Alongside this role, Gow will continue in his position as Chief Executive of the British Touring Car Championship, as well as a member of the FIA World Endurance Commission.

Goodwood announces 2022 Festival of Speed theme

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will celebrate ‘The innovators – masterminds of motorsport’.

Scheduled to take place between June 23-26, FOS will be dedicated to innovation in motoring and motorsport, including the drivers who pushed the sport to the next level and engineers who stretched the rules to breaking point in the name of progress.

A number of iconic and innovative machines will also line up to take on the famous Hill during Sunday’s Shootout as well.

After proving to be a smash-hit last year, the Electric Avenue will return to showcase the latest electric vehicles available and help people understand how they can best make the transition into a zero-carbon future. 

The Future Lab will also be open to visitors throughout the four-day event with the best in innovative future mobility, robotics, aeronautics, space travel and artificial intelligence all set to be on display.

“This year’s Festival theme – ‘The Innovators – Masterminds of Motorsport’ – allows us to celebrate some of the greatest achievements in history, while also highlighting the event’s evolving focus on future technology,” said the Duke of Richmond. 

“Just as race-inspired innovations such as four-valve engines, monocoque chassis and turbocharging have shaped the past and present of the cars we drive in the real world, so electrification, autonomy and other new technologies – the development of which is accelerated by the white heat of competition – will have a profound effect on the future of personal mobility. 

“The Festival of Speed is the only place in the world to bring all these stories together in one place, celebrating the past, present and future in a uniquely immersive, dynamic way.”

New-for-2022 British F4 car hits the track for the first time

Preparations for the upcoming ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA season have continued to ramp up with Virtuosi Racing becoming the first team to hit the track in the UK with the new-for-2022 second-generation car.

Completing a full day’s running at Brands Hatch on Wednesday (January 26), the Norfolk-based team put the new Tatuus T-421, it’s new Abarth powertrain and the Pirelli control tyres it runs on through its paces around the Indy circuit. 

Behind the wheel was the team’s first signing for the 2022 season, Edward Pearson, and he wasted no time in getting up to speed.

“It’s fantastic to be able to get my first laps in the car ticked off. Today was all about bedding everything in, checking the car over and getting myself up to speed as a driver,” said the 15-year-old single-seater graduate.

“We started off cautiously and then gradually built it up and by the end of the day, we were posting good lap times. It’s my first test in the car and with the team, so very much just a case of establishing the foundations for the winter ahead.

“The car itself is a lot of fun to drive, and obviously quite different to what I’m used to racing in Ginetta Juniors. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to get back behind the wheel already.”

Virtuosi Team Manager Mark Salmon was also left satisfied with the maiden running of the new car, heaping plenty of praise onto it.

“For the first test, we have to be very happy with how today has gone. Our engineering team has plenty of data to go away and crunch some numbers, and for Edward, we’ve started to build up his mileage in the car before the season starts,” he explained.

“The car itself is fantastic for this level. Today was our first run out with it, and it’s gone flawlessly, which really gives us the confidence to start pushing the limits straight out of the box. I have a feeling the championship is going to have quite a few people talking this season.”

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK added: “It’s fantastic to see our teams begin their winter testing programmes, and I’m sure with a brand new car, engine package and tyre to get their heads around, things will be flat out between now and the start of the season.

“Both Edward and Virtuosi are very enthusiastic following the test, so it’s clear to see the new Tatuus T-421 has made quite an impression in such a short space of time. We wish all the teams the best with their pre-season preparations and look forward to the opening rounds at Donington Park in just twelve weeks’ time.”

John Hutchison appointed as BARC Event Manager

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it has appointed John Hutchison to the role of Event Manager.

Working in the Competitions Department under Sporting Manager Mark Turner and alongside fellow Event Manager David Wheadon, John will play a hands-on role in the organisation of the Club’s race meetings, as well as delivering great experiences for our members, including racers, marshals, officials and others.

Boasting a wealth of motorsport experience, John joins the BARC having previously worked at the Classic Sports Car Club, Aston Martin Owners Club and most recently, the MG Car Club.

John Hutchison, BARC Event Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BARC as its new Event Manager. The Club has a long and rich history so it is special to now be playing a role in the organisation as we move forward.

“Everyone has been welcoming already and it has been great to start working alongside Mark and David; preparations are well underway for the 2022 season.

“I’ve gained plenty of experience working for motorsport clubs down the years so I’m confident I can bring that knowledge to the BARC and help play a part in the continued growth of UK national racing.”

Those wishing to contact John can do so via email: jhutchison@barc.net