Author: Chris Ashby

British Touring Car Championship announces 2023 calendar

Series organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have today (May 31) released the official calendar for the 2023 season.

Firmly established as the UK’s flagship motor sport series, the championship will once again comprise of 30 races across ten events at eight of the country’s top venues – with Donington Park most notably being handed a second event.

The Leicestershire venue will lift the curtain on the new campaign in late April before staging a second round in August on the Grand Prix circuit, a layout that the BTCC hasn’t used in more than two decades. 

Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Thruxton and Oulton Park occupy dates during May and June before the annual summer break.

Croft is then scheduled to kick off the second half of the season before the series makes its annual visit to north of the border Knockhill. A second visit to Donington Park follows that before the penultimate weekend at Silverstone in late September and the finale on the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in early October.

BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said: “I’m very pleased to be able to confirm our 2023 British Touring Car Championship calendar. We’ve never announced a following season schedule as early as May before, which provides great forward planning for our teams, partners, fans and all stakeholders.”

2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds 1/2/3 – Donington Park (National) – April 22/23

Rounds 4/5/6 – Brands Hatch (Indy) – May 6/7

Rounds 7/8/9 – Snetterton 300 – May 20/21

Rounds 10/11/12 – Thruxton – June 3/4

Rounds 13/14/15 – Oulton Park (Island) – June 17/18

Rounds 16/17/18 – Croft – July 29/30

Rounds 19/20/21 – Knockhill – August 12/13

Rounds 22/23/24 – Donington Park (Grand Prix) – August 26/27

Rounds 25/26/27 – Silverstone (National) – September 23/24

Rounds 28/29/30 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) – October 7/8

Josh Cook makes Thruxton history as BTCC takes centre stage in Hampshire

Josh Cook and Adam Morgan enjoyed a share of the spoils at Thruxton Circuit this past weekend (May 28/29) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship produced a blockbuster three races around the fastest track in the country.

Making the first of two visits to the home of the British Automobile Racing Club this season, the UK’s premier motorsport series saw history made as Cook became the most successful BTCC driver at the circuit after he scored two commanding wins. 

As had been the case at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, qualifying proved to be an ultra-competitive affair on Saturday as drivers guided their hybrid-powered-cars around the infamous 2.36-mile layout.

Rich Energy BTC Racing’s Cook – who arrived with an enviable record – produced the goods once again as he piloted his Honda Civic Type R to pole position, just 0.077s ahead of ROKiT MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill – who had topped the times until the latter stages.

Dan Cammish hustled his NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus to within 0.081s of pole however he ultimately settled for third, with Team BMW’s Colin Turkington and reigning champion Ash Sutton fourth and fifth respectively. 

Cook secured his place in the Thruxton history books as he charged to victory – a record eighth around the Hampshire venue – in race one. Briefly losing the lead to Hill off the line, the Honda ace fought back through the Complex to reclaim first place and then began to pull clear.

Despite coming under pressure from the BMW in the latter stages, the Bath racer held firm to become the undisputed King of Thruxton. Further back, the battle for the final step on the podium was hotly contested with Sutton producing a masterful defensive drive to fend off the chasing pack. 

Race two proved to be a carbon copy of the opener as Cook continued to reign supreme, chalking up a second win of the day. As was the case in the opening bout, the 30-year-old briefly lost the lead to Hill at the start but produced a sensational move at the Complex to regain control at the front.

Maintaining a steady gap to the rear-wheel-drive machine, Cook charged to the ninth win of his career at Thruxton whilst Hill and Sutton filled the remaining spots on the rostrum once again.

Car Gods with Ciceley Motorsport’s Morgan then signed off the weekend in style with a commanding victory in the reverse grid encounter. Starting from the outside of the front row, the BMW driver jumped pole sitter Jason Plato off the line and never looked back.

Despite having Turkington and Sutton fill his mirrors throughout, Morgan didn’t put a wheel wrong to claim his first win of the season. The aforementioned multiple champions battled until the final corner but remained second and third respectively over the line. 

Leaving Thruxton, Cook leads Sutton in the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst he and Rich Energy BTC Racing also hold the advantage in the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship as well. 

BMW hold the advantage in the BTCC Manufacturer-Constructors Championship having moved to the standings summit this past weekend. Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com continue to head the Teams’ category with Bobby Thompson maintaining the upper hand in the Jack Sears Trophy.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions around Thruxton, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continues to gather pace on June 11/12 at Oulton Park, as the Cheshire venue plays host to Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the 2022 season. 

Thruxton thrills for TOCA support championships

It wasn’t just the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship that had fans on the edge of their seats at Thruxton Circuit this past weekend (May 28/29) as the TOCA support championships also shared the headlines. 

Marking the first of two visits to the fastest circuit in the UK this year, five one-make categories took centre stage in Hampshire to write the latest chapter in what is already shaping up to be a blockbuster season across the board. 

The Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge made their second appearance on the BTCC support bill and like their Junior counterparts, they didn’t disappoint. 

Harley Haughton – who has been one of the standout performers in the series thus far – was the driver to beat in Saturday’s opening bout as he charged from third on the grid to claim a well-deserved maiden victory. Haughton then repeated the feat on Sunday with a similarly commanding drive.

Elsewhere, Josh Rowledge and Ian Aguilera enjoyed a share of the spoils in what were two blockbuster Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship races – the second of which ended prematurely

There was plenty of wheel-to-wheel entertainment in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA as Alex Dunne and Aiden Neate stood on the top step of the podium.

Despite starting on pole position, Dunne had to secure victory the hard way in race one as he battled back past Ugo Ugochukwu on lap four after losing the lead off the line. Once back in front, the Irishman powered clear to win and strengthen his title challenge. 

Dunne would go on to prevail in race three after Neate led an Argenti Motorsport 1-2 in an enthralling reverse grid contest on Sunday.

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy – which boasted a bumper 30-car entry list – led the way with two frenetic races. Nelson King continued his sensational start to the season as he narrowly prevailed in the opening contest after pipping Louie Capozzoli and Matt Hammond in a drag to the line.

Capozzoli struck back in the second bout as he chalked up his first win of the year after fending off the advances of Alfie Glenie. King was declared the winner of the third race, which was twice affected by red flag stoppages. 

Rounding out the weekend’s track action was a pair of pulsating races from the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB. Now in its third season, the one-make series made its first appearance on the TOCA support package for this season with Harry Foster winning both bouts. 

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

Oulton Park provides the next stop on the calendar for the TOCA support package on June 11/12 where the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, MINI CHALLENGE JCW and Ginetta GT4 Supercup all return to action.

Classic Touring Car Racing Club headlines action-packed Oulton Park race day

The British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage at Oulton Park this past Saturday (May 28) for a full-throttle race day that had everyone captivated from start-to-finish. 

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, a bumper crowd were treated to a feast of on-track entertainment around the Cheshire venue by the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship. 

Spoils were shared in the Poultec Race Engines Pre 66 Touring Cars around the International layout with Alan Greenhalgh striking first, powering his Ford Falcon Sprint to victory in the opening bout. 

Greenhalgh could only manage third in the second encounter though as Barry Sime piloted his Morris Mini Cooper S to the top step of the podium by more than six seconds. 

Just one race was held for the Shell Oils Pre 83 Championship and Laser Tools Pre 93 Touring Cars, which amalgamated together. As he has done countless times before, Dave Griffin proved to be the driver to beat in his BMW E36 M3, narrowly pipping Stephen Primett to victory. 

After enjoying a sensational debut at Silverstone back in March, the Super Tourers returned to action alongside the Burty Haulage Pre 03 Touring Cars. Anthony Reid rolled back the years as he chalked up victory in his Nissan Primera in race one before Richard Wheeler came to the fore in race two in the sister Primera.

Richard Wood underlined his dominance in the combined Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons / Blue Oval Saloons Series races, guiding his Holden Commodore to the chequered flag in first place on both occasions.

Capping off the CTCRC excitement were two bouts from the Berkshire Jags Jaguar Challenge; where Tom Robinson and James Ramm reigned supreme to score a win apiece.

Rounding out the day’s track action was a pulsating CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship contest. Flying the flag for the Club’s North West Centre, the multi-class category produced a frenetic 12-lap contest which was ultimately won by Jon Woolfitt in his Spire GTR.

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

Entries open for 2023 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Entries for one of the biggest competitions in UK motorsport – the Ginetta Junior Scholarship – are now open, with one budding racing driver set to win a fully-funded season in the 2023 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship. 

Taking place over a three-day period (October 25-27) at Ginetta’s own Blyton Park, the 13th running of the competition will see two qualifying days whittle down an anticipated capacity entry to a final group, who will then return for the final day of assessments. 

Entrants will be tested across a variety of areas including their driving behind the wheel of Ginetta’s G40, being in front of the media and taking on fitness tests.

Previous winners of the Scholarship include two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, 2021 Ginetta GT4 Supercup title winner Adam Smalley, GT talent Daniel Harper and most recently Alisha Palmowski – who has made a flying start to her season already. 

Like years previous, the prize package for the winner will include payment of all entry fees, the use of a G40 Junior race car for the whole season including consumables, insurance and a season supply of race tyres and fuel, professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season and a Ginetta branded race suit. 

To be eligible for the 2023 event, competitors’ dates of birth must fall between 01/01/2007 and 20/04/2009 and they must not have previously competed in a motorsport circuit car race. 

For more information on the Ginetta Junior Scholarship and to enter the 2023 contest, head to ginetta.com/js.

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Oulton Park – May 28

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre takes centre stage at Oulton Park this Saturday for a full-throttle day of wheel-to-wheel action around the International circuit.

Both the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship will provide on-track entertainment, with a total of 11 races scheduled to play out.

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 11:35 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Oulton Park, 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.

ROKiT Racing Stars shine bright as winners are crowned

Monica Boulton Ramos and Deagen Fairclough have each won a spot on the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA grid for 2023 after being named the inaugural winners of the ROKiT Racing Stars competition.

Launched this year with the aim of discovering new motorsport talent through online sim racing, the innovative scheme – which is spearheaded by former President of the FIA Single Seater Commission Bob Fernley and ROKiT – is unique to British motorsport as it looks to remove the cost barrier to compete.

Five high-octane qualifying rounds on RaceRoom software whittled down the competition before 15 of the country’s brightest stars – seven girls and eight boys – went wheel-to-wheel on simulators at the University of Bolton for a never-before-seen prize. 

Competing just hours before he was due to sit a GCSE exam, Fairclough proved to be one of the standout performers as he took a clean sweep of victories around the virtual Brands Hatch Grand Prix to secure his place as the Male Racing Star. 

“I’m so over the moon,” said an overjoyed Fairclough. “I’m so speechless. ROKiT have given us such a fantastic opportunity, I’ve been waiting for an amazing opportunity like this, and it’s come around. I’m really overwhelmed, I can’t believe it.”

Boulton Ramos’ route to victory in the female category proved to be just as commanding as she charged to victory in race one before repeating the performance in the second contest to clinch the coveted F4 seat.

“I am still speechless,” Monica commented. “I had performed well in the qualifying races online and thought I had a chance but the competition from the other girls here in Bolton was tremendous and I am just delighted I have come through.”

Both drivers are now set to embark on six months of training in readiness for competition, supported by both the Motorsport UK Academy and Hitech GP. Later in the year they will then begin pre-seas testing before taking up full-time race seats in the series for 2023.

Josh Cook and Colin Turkington share BTCC spoils at Brands Hatch

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continued its 2022 season in style at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 14/15) as Josh Cook and Colin Turkington splashed their way to victory. 

Coming off the back of a sensational curtain-raiser at Donington Park last month, the UK’s premier motorsport series took centre stage at the Kent venue in contrasting conditions to produce three blockbuster races. 

Basking in bright sunshine on Saturday, qualifying around the 1.2-mile circuit proved to be a record-breaking affair as Turkington stormed to pole position, leading a West Surrey Racing 1-2-3. 

At the wheel of his BMW 330e M Sport, the four-time champion set a blistering time of 47.539 to clinch top spot ahead of his team-mates Jake Hill and Stephen Jelley. Adam Morgan made it four BMWs on the front two rows whilst Tom Ingram rounded out the top five – despite having no hybrid deployment available. 

Teams and drivers were greeted by overcast on Sunday with the heavens ultimately opening prior to race one. With a majority of the grid opting to go for wet weather tyres, Turkington held the lead in the early stages as he tip-toed his way round the first few laps, with Hill hot on his heels.

As the race progressed, Rich Energy with BTC Racing’s Cook soon became the driver to watch as he charged to the front of the field in his Honda Civic Type R. Making a number of moves at Paddock Hill Bend, Cook took the lead on lap 17 and didn’t look back – going on to claim his first win of the season.

Ingram produced a superlative performance to finish second whilst Dan Cammish enjoyed an under the radar drive to finish third, clinching his first piece of silverware with NAPA Racing UK.

Race two would see Cook double his tally for the day after he withstood a torrent of attacks. Hill would be the first to challenge the Honda ace before Cammish then staged a late charge however neither of them could unseat the wily campaigner from top spot.

Cammish would settle for second whilst Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Rory Butcher rounded out the podium in his rapid Corolla.

Having started the day at the front of the field, Turkington ended his weekend on a high as he clinched his first win of the season. Lining up third virtue of the reverse grid draw, the Team BMW driver wasted no time in moving into the lead and from there, he controlled proceedings until the end. 

Hill made it a BMW 1-2 as he shadowed his stablemate to the finish whilst Bobby Thompson bagged his maiden podium in the series after guiding his Team HARD. Cupra to third place; which in-turn netted him Jack Sears Trophy honours for a second successive event.

Leaving Brands Hatch it is Ingram that remains at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship, eight points ahead of Cook who has moved up to second. 

Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com lead both the BTCC Manufacturer-Constructors Championship and the BTCC Teams’ Championship whilst Cook and Rich Energy with BTC Racing do the same in the Independent rankings.

To view the full classification of results from the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, click here. 

Thruxton Circuit provides the next stop on the calendar with Rounds 7, 8 & 9 set t take place on May 28/29.

TOCA support package makes a splash at Brands Hatch

Contrasting conditions of bright sunshine and persistent rain only added to the drama at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 14/15) as the TOCA support package continued its 2022 season.

Hot on the heels of a sensational curtain-raiser at Donington Park last month, five championships took centre stage around the famous Kent venue for a thrilling two days of racing in front of a packed trackside crowd.

Alex Dunne remains at the summit of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA after clinching his third win of the season. Coming off the back of a double win at Donington Park, the Hitech GP commanded proceedings in race one to strengthen his advantage in the points.

That was to be his only visit to the top step of the podium over the course of the weekend however as Michael Shin gave Virtuosi Racing their first triumph in race two before Carlin’s Ugo Ugochukwu blasted to victory in the final contest.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship also saw three different drivers claim victory across what were a trio of frenetic encounters. Josh Rowledge had triumphed on the road in race one however a post-race penalty promoted Kanato Le to secure what was his maiden win in the popular one-make category.

Rowledge then went on to narrowly miss out on victory in race two as he hounded Will MacIntyre all the way to the chequered flag. Race three – which took place in very different conditions to that of the day before – saw Harri Reynolds take on a starring role to clinch his second win of year.

A new era for the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup was ushered in at Brands Hatch with the brand-new G56 making its competitive debut. The weekend proved to be one to remember for James Kellett as he made his mark with a hat-trick of commanding wins – becoming the first driver to achieve the feat since 2016. 

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB also saw its fair share of excitement with Will Martin and Kiern Jewiss making it four different winners from four races. Race one saw a five-minute dash to the flag after the race was halted, with Martin holding off the chasing pack right the way to the finish.

Race two – which as held in worse conditions than earlier in the day – saw Jewiss convert a superlative start from fifth into victory as he held off the charging Martin and Adam Smalley.

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend were a trio of races from the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW. Never short of entertainment, the tin top series saw Jack Mitchell romp to an impressive pair of wins before Max Coates was victorious in a shortened third and final bout.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch, click here.

Thruxton Circuit provides the next stop on the calendar for the TOCA support package, with the fastest circuit in the UK hosting the third event of the 2022 season on May 28/29.

BARC enjoys fun in the sun at Snetterton

The British Automobile Racing Club made its mark at Snetterton this past weekend (May 14/15) as a number of championships continued their 2022 campaigns around the challenging 300 circuit.

Headlining the action on Saturday afternoon was a blockbuster three-hour British Endurance Championship race. After storming to pole position, the McLaren 720S GT3 pairing of Lucky Khera and Ewan Hankey converted their front row start into a dominant victory of more than 20 seconds. 

Wayne Marrs and Tom Jackson guided their Rob Boston Racing Mercedes GT3 to second whilst the Lamborghini Super Trefeo Evo of Iain Campell and Oliver Webb completed the podium in third.

There was plenty of excitement in the two Praga Cup contests with race one seeing a popular pairing claim victory. Despite starting from the pit lane, Jimmy Broadbent and Gordie Mutch produced a sensational performance to secure a narrow victory.

Broadbent and Mutch then went on to make it a weekend to remember on Sunday as they once again stormed to victory, this time from pole position as led home the Raw Motorsport pairing of Matt Bell and Robert Wheldon.

Bryan Branson and Jasver Sapra were the dominant force in the Britcar Trophy as they reigned supreme with two superlative wins ahead of what was an ultra-competitive chasing pack.

Harry Hickton’s stranglehold of the Junior Saloon Car Championship continued as he bagged another brace of wins. Entering the weekend as the series leader, the multiple race-winner added to his tally with two emphatic performances around the 2.99-mile circuit.

The Citroen Saxo driver held off Jacob Heap in the opening bout before then repeating the feat in race two, this time holding off Maximus Hall – the two of them having pulled clear of the field by more than ten seconds.

In the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup, Alistair Dendy powered his way to an impressive double with Alex Cursely and Wayen Rockett emerging as his nearest challengers whilst James Card and Niall Bradley shared the spoils in the Kumho BMW Championship.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action was a 45-minute race from the Snetterton Saloons. Sapra – who triumphed in the Britcar Trophy – emerged as the driver to beat as he powered his BMW E36 M3 to the top step of the podium – taking the chequered by 17 seconds in the end. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Snetterton, click here. 

You can also watch all of the action from both days at Snetterton by visiting the British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel. 

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Snetterton 300 – May 14/15

Snetterton provides the backdrop for a feast of endurance and GT racing this weekend (May 14/15) as the British Automobile Racing Club heads to the Norfolk track for what should be an unforgettable two days of competition. 

In front of what is expected to be a bumper online audience, the British Endurance Championship will continue its inaugural season with a three-hour race whilst both the Praga Cup and Britcar Trophy will be in action too.

Also hitting the track over the course of the weekend will be the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Kumho BMW Championship, Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup and Snetterton Saloons.

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 11:45 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 09:45 – 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.

Thruxton Circuit gearing up for 2022 edition of Thruxton Historic meeting

Thruxton Circuit is once again gearing up to take a spirited trip down memory lane this summer as the Thruxton Historic takes centre stage on June 11/12.

Showcasing some of the finest historic motor racing in the country, the high-speed Hampshire is set to reverberate to the sounds and sights of yesteryear – with this year shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. 

Now a regular fixture on the UK motorsport calendar since debuting back in 2018 as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Thruxton Historic brings legendary machines and racers for an adrenaline rush like no other. 

A total of 12 races will take place over the course of the weekend with this year’s grids being The Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy, Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy, Sixties Touring Car Challenge & U2TC, Pre ’63 GT, Jochen Rindt Trophy, Midget & Sprites Challenge, HRDC Jack Sears Trophy, HRDC Dunlop Allstars, HRDC Classic Alfa Challenge and Jaguar Classic Challenge.

Whilst there will be plenty to be captivated by on-track, there is also set to lots for spectators to see and do off it as well. 

Family-friendly activities including car displays and parades – one of which is the Land Rover Legends – free camping, a trade village and much more will all be situated around the venue. 

Tickets and VIP packages for 2022 Thruxton Historic are available to be purchased at https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/historic or by calling 01264 882222.

All public advance ticket holders to the Thruxton Historic will be in with a chance to win a ride around the UK’s fastest race circuit in one of our fleet of driving experience supercars.

Winners will be picked at random as soon as advance ticket sales end and will be notified by telephone. Each winner will have a ride in one supercar. Rides will take place on Saturday and Sunday during the lunch break, subject to timetable amendments.