Author: Chris Ashby

BARC North West Centre signs off season in style at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre closed out its season in style this past Saturday (October 23) with an action-packed day of racing at Oulton Park. 

Capping off another year of organising high-octane events, the North West Centre saw four championships play out an entertaining race day around the International layout of the Cheshire venue.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship fittingly brought the curtain down on another vintage year with a bumper entry list and some captivating wheel-to-wheel battles.

With several drivers all in contention to be crowned champion, all eyes were on the front runners. Despite his best efforts, which included winning both races overall on the day, Paul Rose settled for class title honours as Jamie Cryer powered his way to outright championship glory for the second successive year in a row. 

The Kumho BMW Championship also signed off the year at Oulton Park and as he has done on many occasions throughout the campaign, James Card proved to be the driver to beat as he stormed to a pair of wins.

Much of Saturday afternoon saw the Silverlake C1 Racing Series take centre stage for its latest three-hour endurance contest of the campaign. Having seen plenty of ups and downs take place over the course of the year, the one-make delivered an exciting fight for the win.

When the chequered flag ultimately fell, emaxmotorsport ran out as the winners – more than 90 seconds clear of their nearest challengers after completing no less than 71 laps. 

Rounding out the day’s competition were two races from the Tiedman Trophy, which were won by Ben Powney and Nikita Abramov. 

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

Britcar to run Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship in 2022

Britcar has announced that it will be running the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship in 2022.

Boasting a rich history of organising top-end, club-level endurance competition over the course of the past two decades, Britcar has worked tirelessly to grow into what it is today, showcasing some of the most extraordinary cars and big grids. 

With innovative formats and the popularisation of 24-hour racing in the UK, Britcar – which has thrived under a new management structure in recent years – has continued to re-align its format in response to the sifting competitor demand for endurance racing at a National level.

Now – with the demand as high as ever – it is deemed to be the right time for a return to a true endurance National championship, sanctioned by the UK’s governing body for four-wheel motorsport.

As has been the case in recent years, the traditional one-day format will remain in place moving forward, as well as the tight-knit paddock atmosphere that has been cultivated by competitors and Britcar’s experienced and dedicated team. 

Claire Hedley, Britcar Managing Director, said: “Whilst we accept the responsibility and kudos that administering a National championship involves, we aim to retain the core values that have made Britcar a continuing success over a considerable number of years, which is in no small way due to the skill of our long-serving and loyal staff; past and present.

“We are really pleased with our provisional 2022 dates and circuit venues for 2022, more details about the Championship will follow over the next few weeks. We would like to thank our Championship sponsor Goodyear, as well as our valued commercial partners for their continued support.” 

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, added: “Next year marks the beginning of a new era for endurance racing in the UK with the introduction of the British Endurance Championship, and Motorsport UK is pleased to be partnered with Britcar in its organisation. 

“Claire and her dedicated team have built up a strong reputation over the past two decades in club racing circles and we look forward to supporting them as they take their next steps as the promoters of a national championship. 

“The calendar has a number of headline dates at some of the country’s premier circuits and gives the series a strong footing for its debut campaign. I’m sure each of these venues will serve up plenty of thrills for competitors and spectators alike.”

Provisional 2022 British Endurance Championship Calendar

March 12 – Silverstone (Grand Prix)

April 2 – Oulton Park (International)

May 14 – Snetterton (300)

June 18 – Silverstone (Grand Prix)

August 20 – Donington Park (National)

October 22 – Donington Park (Grand Prix)

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Donington Park this weekend

Donington Park plays host to the British Automobile Racing Club this weekend (October 23/24) for an action-packed two days of track entertainment.

On a weekend which will see the curtain fall on the Britcar Endurance Championship and 2CV Racing Championship, our live TV cameras will be on site to bring every important lap.

Viewers will also be able to see the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Mini 7 Racing Club and British Superkarts Racing Club in action over the course of the weekend at the Leicestershire venue.

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 12:40 – Facebook|YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:00 – Facebook|YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Donington 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.

Goodwood announces 2022 dates for FOS, Revival & Members’ Meeting

Dates for the 2022 Goodwood Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard and Revival have been announced.

With the dust having settled on a spectacular season of motorsport at the Sussex venue, preparations are already underway for more of the same next year – with

The 79th Members’ Meeting will return to its customary Spring slot April 9/10 before the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes centre stage on June 23/24/25/26 for the ultimate summer garden party. The theme of next year’s edition of FOS will be announced in due course.

Bringing the curtain down on another season of unmissable track action is the Revival, which is scheduled to take place on September 16/17/18.

Commenting on next year’s events, The Duke of Richmond said: “I am thrilled that our much-loved, sell-out motorsport events will be making a spectacular return in 2022. Thank you to everyone who attended and partnered with the Festival of Speed, Revival and Members’ Meeting this year.

“Your loyalty and support after a challenging 18 months made them more special than ever, and we can’t wait to see you back at Goodwood again next year. It really will be a season not to miss.”

All three events will be running at full capacity, following a reduction for the 2021 Festival of Speed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goodwood ends spectacular year with sensational 78th Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit echoed to the screams of nostalgic horsepower and tyre screeching this past weekend (October 16/17) as the 78th Members’ Meeting took centre stage to close out another year of motorsport at the Sussex venue.

Taking place 18 months later than originally planned after being postponed last year, the two-day spectacle proved to be well worth the wait.

Open to members and fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, the event is staged to recapture the intimacy and camaraderie of the members-only race weekends held in Goodwood’s heyday.

British Touring Car Championship race-winner Jake Hill served up a sensational performance in the Gerry Marshall Trophy final as he piloted a 1978 Ford Capri III to victory ahead of Jack Tetley and Fred Shepherd. 

Nigel Greensall was victorious in the Moss Trophy whilst there was little over half a second separating the top two in the Arundell Cup, with Andrew Hibberd coming out on top in his Lotus-Ford 22.

The Don Parker Trophy – which is open to 500cc Formula 3 machines – saw George Shackleton comfortably reign supreme. Elsewhere the Earl Howe Trophy saw an ultra close finish as Lukas Halusa narrowly pipped Gary Pearson to victory by just three tenths of a second.

Fans were collectively on the edge of their seats during the Goodwood Super Sprint Rally which culminated in Martin Overington leading the way in Class A and Gary Le Coadou doing the same in Class B.

Ford GT40’s ruled the roost in the Gurney Cup, which was open to World Championship sports prototypes between the years of 1960 and 1966, with the team of Cottingham and Smith triumphing.

Nigal Greensall impressed in the Moss Trophy to score victory and there was plenty to be impressed about in the Pierpoint Cup as monstrous V8 saloons went wheel-to-wheel. The duo of Jordan and Willmott piloted their Studebaker Lark Daytona to a comfortable victory.

Other winners across the weekend included Chris Ward in the Salvadori Cup, Hughie Walker in the S.F Edge Trophy and Oliver Bryant in the Ronnie Hoare Trophy. 

Capping off the weekend’s track action was a superb race in the Hailwood Trophy, which catered for 250cc & 350cc GP Motorcycles up to 1983 & early 1970s F750. After a sensational back and forth battle at the front, James Hillier came out on top to win.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at the 78th Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE. 

Classic Touring Car Racing Club closes out season at Mallory Park

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2021 season in style this past Sunday (October 17) with an action-packed race day at Mallory Park. 

Producing edge-of-the-seat thrills throughout what has been a captivating campaign, a mammoth array of tin top machines flocked to the picturesque Leicestershire venue to entertain those lining the spectator bankings.

In the Pre ’66 Touring Car category, being behind the wheel of Ford was seemingly the way to go as victories were shared between two iconic models. Robyn Slater powered his Anglia to the chequered flag in race one before Alan Greenhalgh came to the fore in his Flacon to triumph in race two.

Spoils were also shared in the Pre ’83 Touring Car ranks. Thomas Harvey pipped Stephen Primett to victory in the opener before the latter struck back a few hours later, winning in his Ford Escort MkII.

The amalgamated Pre ’93 and Pre ’03 Touring Car contests boasted a bumper entry list and with it an unmissable opening race as just over half a second separated the top two, with Andrew Neal getting the better of James Everard. 

Race two saw Everard finish in second place once again, although this time it was to Gary Prebble and by the slightly larger margin of more than six seconds. 

Jason West couldn’t be bettered in the combined Classic Thunder and Blue Oval Saloon Series bouts. At the wheel of his BMW M3 E46, West fended off the charging Jason Hughes to win race one before stretching his legs in race two to complete a clean sweep. 

Capping off the day’s action were a pair of races from the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, which was concluding its maiden season alongside the CTCRC. Tom Robinson ultimately proved too much for the opposition as he charged to back-to-back wins in his XJR6.

To view the full classification of results from all Classic Touring Car Racing Club sessions at Mallory Park, CLICK HERE. 

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Mallory Park this Sunday

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club brings the curtain down on its 2021 season in spectacular fashion this Sunday (October 17) with a full-throttle race day at Mallory Park.

Following on from what has been a pulsating campaign from the much-loved tin top category, champions will be crowned around the picturesque Leicestershire venue.

Viewers will be able to see the Pre ’66, Pre ’83, Pre ’93, Pre ’03, Classic Thunder, BOSS and Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club in action over the course of the weekend.

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

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 11:25 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Mallory 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.

BARC basks in the Pembrey sun to serve up blockbuster weekend of action

The British Truck Racing Championship took centre stage at Pembrey Circuit this past weekend (October 9/10) to headline what was an action-packed British Automobile Racing Club event in South Wales.

Having not raced at the venue since 2019, the heavyweight behemoths made a triumphant return to the picturesque Welsh countryside in front of a bumper crowd and delivered quite the show.

Division 1 saw reigning champion Ryan Smith power his way to an impressive pair of wins whilst Martin Gibson, Stuart Oliver and Tom O’Rourke also stood on the top step of the podium in the glorious autumn sunshine.

In Division 2, Craig Reid all-but wrapped up the coveted crown as he stormed to four sensational wins. John Powell proved to be the only driver that could stop him from taking a clean sweeping, netting a long overdue victory in race two.

Elsewhere, Miles Rudman took a step closer to clinching a second Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title. On what proved to be a thrilling penultimate for the much-loved category, Rudman put himself in the box seat heading into the series finale, despite a superlative weekend for John Mickel.

Saturday’s spoils were shared between multiple champion Mickel and Will Gibson before Sunday saw Rudman come to the fore with a win of his own. Mickel however piled the pressure back on the leader as he claimed two more victories.

Charlie Hand edged ever-closer to clinching the Junior Saloon Car Championship too, as he delivered a mesmerising performance. Having been one of the leading lights since the season-opener, Hand’s championship juggernaut continued in South Wales.

After charging to pole position, the sophomore racer stormed to victory in race one and he then went on to do the same in races two and three as well.

In the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, George Turiccki underlined his class with a superlative two wins after Reece Jones enjoyed a return to winning ways in the opener.

The Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship signed off its season in style with two pulsating contests. William Sharpe piloted his MG ZR to a commanding win in race one before repeating the feat in the second bout.

Pembrey also played host to the final chapter of the Max5 Racing Championship campaign. As he has done on countless occasions this year, Paul Roddison proved to be in a league of his own as he signed off another stellar season with two more wins, both of which were executed in commanding fashion.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were two races from the always entertaining Welsh Sports/Saloon Car Championship. Boasting a bumper entry, Keith Butcher and Damian Longotano proved too much for the opposition as they claimed a win apiece.

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

Ashley Sutton closes in on BTCC crown as Gordon Shedden and Colin Turkington win at Donington Park

Four drivers will head into the final three races of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in contention to be crowned champion at Brands Hatch in less then two weeks following an action-packed weekend (October 9/10) at Donington Park.

Gordon Shedden and Colin Turkington scored victory at the Leicestershire venue on what proved to be an action-packed penultimate event of the year but it was Ashley Sutton that was the big winner as he secured a 32-point lead heading into the season finale.

Qualifying around the 1.97-mile National circuit on Saturday underlined how competitive the UK’s premier motorsport series currently is with no less than 27 drivers covered by less than second and a new lap record being set.

Halfords Racing with Cataclean’s Shedden emerged as the driver to beat in the Top Ten Showdown as he powered his Honda Civic Type R to a sensational time of 1:08.994 to clinch pole position ahead of the Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing duo of Daniel Lloyd and Jason Plato.

Launching off the front row for race one, Shedden maintained his lead and despite coming under pressure from Lloyd during the first half of the contest, the Scotsman cruised to a maiden win of the campaign.

Remaining within striking distance throughout the 19-lap bout, Lloyd finished second whilst Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Rory Butcher continued his recent run of fine form by rounding out the podium in third.

Race two saw Ginsters with TradePriceCars.com’s Ingram produce a sensational charge to score victory on the road however it would be taken away from him after a post-race penalty was applied.

Free of success ballast and starting from 11th, the Hyundai driver carved his way to the front in a matter of laps but he was deemed to have gained an unfair advantage when taking the lead from Shedden – who inherited victory.

Ingram’s penalty dropped him back to second with Butcher finishing third once again, having been challenged by Turkington before the BMW ace made a rare mistake and spun out of contention.

Championship leader Sutton had found himself in the thick of the action in the early stages but once his tyres came into their operating window there was no stopping the Infiniti Q50 driver as he progressed up into fourth come the chequered flag.

Turkington bounced back from his race two spin to claim a commanding 60th career victory in the reverse grid encounter. Drawn onto pole position, the Team BMW driver didn’t put a wheel wrong to pull clear of the opposition and triumph.

Behind, an almighty battle for second place raged with Jake Hill ultimately fending off Aiden Moffat at the line to round out the rostrum.

Leaving Donington Park, Sutton holds a 32-point lead over Turkington with Ingram, Hill and Josh Cook filling out the top five positions.

Sutton also remains in control of the BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship whilst Laser Tools Racing rule the roost in the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ categories.

Elsewhere, BMW are within touching distance of clinching a record-breaking sixth consecutive Manufacturer/Constructor crown. Daniel Rowbottom is the first driver that can call himself a champion in the BTCC this year after securing an unassailable lead in the Jack Sears Trophy.

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will bring the curtain down on its 2021 season on October 23/24, with three races scheduled to play out around the Grand Prix layout of Brands Hatch.

TOCA support title battles intensify during thrilling Donington Park weekend

Championship battles intensified on the TOCA support package this past weekend (October 9/10) as Donington Park played host to a sensational penultimate meeting of the year.

On a weekend which saw plenty of high drama in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, the supporting cast took centre stage to ensure they shared the limelight.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship is poised for an action-packed finale after serving up a trio of frenetic contests under the flightpath of East Midlands airport.

Aston Millar entered the weekend as the driver to beat and he finished it having further established his advantage at the top of the standings after clinching two impressive wins.

After watching title rival Liam McNeilly triumph in race one, the R Racing driver struck back in style with a sensational double – the second after a race-long, wheel-to-wheel battle with McNeilly – to extend his lead to 41 points.

The battle for supremacy in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup will go down to the wire. Despite not winning a race, Adam Smalley maintained his advantage over Tom Hibbert and remains on course to clinch a third Ginetta title at Brands Hatch at the end of the month.

Josh Rattican, James Kellett and Carlito Miracco shared the spoils as they each took a win apiece around the 1.97-mile National circuit.

Dan Cammish managed to extend his lead in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB despite not being able to add to his win tally. On what proved to be a pivotal weekend for the fastest one-make series, Cammish bagged a second and third place to clinch a seven-point cushion over Lorcan Hanafin.

Reigning champion Harry King powered his way to an emphatic victory in race one before Kiern Jewiss charged to his fourth win of the season in race two, wrapping up the rookie title in the process.

Elsewhere, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE saw one of the overtakes of the weekend take place as Jack Davidson made a stunning late dive for the lead in race three. Having charged to victory in the opening contest, Davidson ended the meeting in the same way he started it, on the top of the rostrum.

Max Bird was the other race-winner and he will head into the final event of the season trailing Dan Zelos by just four markers.

Capping off what proved to be a frenetic meeting around Donington Park were three races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost.

Matthew Rees staked his claim for the coveted single seater crown as he stormed back to the summit of the points courtesy of a brace of wins. Georgi Dimitrov meanwhile claimed the top step of the podium in the reverse grid bout.

To view the full classification of results from all support race session at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit plays host to the final event of the season for the TOCA support package on October 9/10, with champions set to be crowned across all championships.

Where to watch BARC LIVE this weekend from Pembrey

Pembrey is the destination for the British Automobile Racing Club this weekend (September 18/19) as a number of championships continue their campaigns.

In what is a critical junction in the 2021 season – with the title run-in now in full swing – every point will be pivotal at the Welsh venue in deciding who will end the year as champion – and our cameras will be there live to broadcast it all on YouTube and Facebook.

Viewers will be able to see the British Truck Racing Championship, Junior Saloon Car Championship and the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship in action over the course of the weekend.

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

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 12:50 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 09:40 – Facebook | YouTube

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

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

TOCA to introduce onboard safety light system from 2022

TOCA – organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – have announced that all cars will be fitted with an onboard visual signalling system from next season.

Similar to what is currently used in Formula 1, the BTCC Race Control will be immediately inform drivers yellow flag zones, red flag stoppages, Safety Car periods, black or black/white flag notifications as well as other important safety messages via their in-car dashboards.

Developed by Timing Solutions Limited (TSL), the new signalling system will support the traditional flag system and LED light boards that are situated around each circuit.

It is expected that all support championships that feature on the BTCC package will also adopt the system in their cars too.

The introduction is a first for British motorsport and follows other pioneering developments in the BTCC, such as hybrid technology and more sustainable fuel – both of which will also be introduced in 2022.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “TOCA continues to take the lead when it comes to introducing technology, sustainability and safety innovations within British motorsport, and we are proud to be introducing this onboard visual signalling system from 2022 onwards.

“This is a very significant safety enhancement for our BTCC drivers and indeed our trackside marshals, and one which I’m sure will also be adopted by our valued support championships. 

“It’s vital to stress, however, that this important safety tool will supplement – not replace – the traditional flag system deployed by the marshals, which remains such an intrinsic part of the safety protocols.”