Chris Ashby – Page 39 – Welcome to the BARC

BARC HQ 2021 Christmas & New Year closing dates

The British Automobile Racing Club headquarters at Thruxton Circuit will be closed during the following dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.

From: Thursday 23rd December 2021 at 17:00

To: Tuesday 4th January 2022 at 09:00

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible trackside throughout 2022; be it if you are officiating, marshalling, spectating or competing!

From everyone at the BARC and all of our venues around the country; we wish you a safe, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

BARC Marshal Training dates locked in for 2022

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it will run a total of four training days for marshals prior to the start of the 2022 motorsport season.

Croft, Pembrey and Thruxton will stage the training days, which take place across February and March.

Every event organised and run by the BARC needs marshals and all marshals, whatever they are doing, are contributing to the success and smooth running of the meeting.

With training provided to cover a wide range of topics such as fire safety to pit lane operation and teamwork; marshal training covers a wide variety of key attributes in preparing those that are heading trackside for the forthcoming season.

More information is to be confirmed in due course but for those interested in taking part in 2022 marshal training, please contact BARC Marshals Secretary Paula Brown via email at pbrown@barc.net.

2022 BARC MARSHAL TRAINING DATES

Saturday 12th February – Croft

Sunday 20th February – Pembrey

Saturday 12th March – Thruxton

Sunday 13th March – Thruxton

To find out more about marshalling with the BARC and how to get involved, click here.

Champions confirmed as 2021 BARC season draws to a close

With the curtain having fallen on another spectacular year of motorsport, the British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to confirm the list of 2021 title winners from its championships.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

CHAMPIONSHIP	CHAMPION
2CV Championship	Pete Sparrow
BARC Connaught Speed Championship	Taras Andrusin
Britcar Endurance Championship – Endurance	Will Powell & Dave Scaramanga
Britcar Endurance Championship – Trophy	Simon Baker, Kevin Clarke & Ollie Reuben
British Truck Racing Championship – Division 1	Ryan Smith
British Truck Racing Championship – Division 2	Craig Reid
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup	Alex Cursely
Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 135	James McCall
Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 150	Jamie Ellwood
Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigmax	Harry Senior
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre ‘66	James Ibbotson
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre ‘83	Stephen Primett
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre ‘93	Ian Bower
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre ‘03	Gary Prebble
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Thunder	Jason Hughes
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – BOSS	Martin Reynolds
Classic Touring Car Racing Club – JEC	Michael Seabourne
CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship	Jamie Cryer
Ginetta G40 Cup	Marc Warren
Ginetta GT Academy	Toby Trice
Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb Championship	Tim Pitfield
Junior Saloon Car Championship	Charlie Hand
Kumho BMW Championship – Class A	Brad Sheehan
Kumho BMW Championship – Class B	Kevin Denwood
Kumho BMW Championship – Class C	Jeff Nixon
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship	Ashley Sutton
Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club – Class A	David Amphlett
Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club – Class B	Anthony Bate
Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club – Class F	Mark Baker
Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club – Class Z	Steve McDermid
Legends Cars National Championship	Miles Rudman
Max5 Racing Championship	Paul Roddison
Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship	Aston Millar
Mighty Minis Championship – Mighty Minis	Dan Heywood
Mighty Minis Championship – Super Minis	Ian Slark
Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup	Adam Smalley
Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship	Wallace Menzies
Pickup Truck Racing Championship	George Turiccki
Porsche Carrera Cup GB	Dan Cammish
Porsche Carrera Cup GB – Pro Am	Ryan Ratcliffe
Porsche Carrera Cup GB – Am	Justin Sherwood
Porsche Sprint Challenge GB	Theo Edgerton
Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge	Josh Steed
Quaife MINI CHALLENGE	Dan Zelos

Ginetta stars in latest episode of BBC Top Gear

Ginetta took on a starring in the latest episode of the BBC’s leading motoring programme, Top Gear.

Broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 5th December, the fourth episode of Series 31 saw presenter Freddie Flintoff hone his skills as a racing driver as part of Ginetta’s renowned driver development programme.

Ginetta were chosen to feature on the global hit show due to the Yorkshire manufacturer’s distinguished reputation for developing talented racing drivers, and how its unrivalled motorsport ladder provides accessible motorsport for drivers of all ages and experience.

Flintoff undertook bespoke simulator training at Ginetta’s in-house facility SimTrack Driver Performance Centre, before enjoying two days of on-track testing at Blyton Park in Lincolnshire with expert tuition from Ginetta factory driver Mike Simpson.

The England international cricketer turned television presenter then got to grips with 270bhp Ginetta G56 GTA, which has proven to be a smash-hit in the new-for-2021 Ginetta GT Academy.

Flintoff’s learning curve culminated in his first ever competitive race in the GT Cup at Snetterton as he piloted a Ginetta G55 GT4 alongside fellow presenter Chris Harris.

Mike Simon, Ginetta Factory Driver, said: “At Ginetta, we pride ourselves in being able to take people that have never been in a race car before and develop them into successful racing drivers, so it’s fantastic to be able to highlight what we do to a global audience on Top Gear.

“It was a great experience working with Freddie [Flintoff]. He was completely new to motorsport, but came in with the levels of focus, dedication and determination to improve that you would expect from someone who was a professional sportsman and one of the best in his discipline.

“We gave Freddie an intensive crash course in what it takes to be a racing driver, from improving his lap times, to developing his race craft and how to set up the car. The Ginetta G56 GTA was the perfect learning car for Freddie and he made huge improvements during our time at Blyton Park.

“That set him up for the transition to the GT4 car at Snetterton and he made more great progress across the race event. We all thoroughly enjoyed working with Freddie, Chris and the team at Top Gear, and hope everyone enjoys watching the episode.”

In addition to featuring in the latest episode of the series, Ginetta has also been announced as a winner of a coveted Top Gear Car of the Year Award. After his racing experience, Flintoff chose the Ginetta G56 GTA as his Car of the Year.

New era beckons for ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA in 2022

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA is poised to enter a new era next year, with 2022 marking a dramatic shift for the internationally renowned entry-level category for the stars of tomorrow.

Now organised by Motorsport UK, the governing body and membership organisation for UK motorsport, Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series will reach new heights as it ushers in a wave of new changes.

One major change will see adoption of the hugely successful Tatuus-Abarth chassis and engine combination which features a number of notable safety advancements, including the Halo cockpit protection device and strengthened side anti-intrusion panels. Further safety features such as TOCA’s on-board signalling systems will also be included on the 2022 car as well.

The introduction of Pirelli as the category’s tyre supplier will bring the championship in line with its contemporaries around Europe, as well as the rest of the FIA Single-Seater Pathway.

In addition to the 12 FIA Super License points that are up for grabs, the 2022 Champion will receive a funded test in a Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine challenger courtesy of Pirelli.

They will also receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at a Formula 1 Grand Prix with McLaren, giving them an in-depth insight into life at the sport’s top table.

British F4 has also named ROKiT as its new title sponsor for the forthcoming campaign and they have announced a brand-new Racing Star programm e to support two future talents.

The scheme will select 32 participants aged either 14 or 15 years old through the sport’s ever-growing eSports scene, with a further shootout held on state-of-the-art simulators to determine which two drivers – one boy and one girl – will be awarded a fully-funded seat in British F4 for the 2023 season with the FIA Racing Star team, underpinned by Hitech GP.

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, said: “This is a really significant moment as the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA continues to build towards what will be a ground-breaking year in 2022.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to have everybody together to get an exclusive first-look at the new car in the UK, and also to unveil some of the exciting commercial ties we’ve forged to help enrich the experience for drivers competing in the championship.

“As the entry-level step on the single-seater ladder, it’s absolutely crucial we put together a platform that gives competitors the best opportunity to make meaningful progress through the ranks. Many of these drivers will be aiming for Formula 1, so giving them a championship that allows them to start gathering relevant experience from their first laps in the car is a key element of what we’re building.

“Our vision has always been to grow and develop the series into a global leader, and to kick things off with partnerships alongside the likes of ROKiT, McLaren and Pirelli really gives us a solid grounding on which to build and unveil further incentives in the near future. It also highlights how seriously British F4 is regarded at the highest echelons of the sport.

“We understand that teams are already attracting heavy interest for seats, which is extremely encouraging, and all the signs at this stage points towards a healthy grid to kick off the championship’s new era in 2022.”

BTCC announces 32-car entry for 2022 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced a 32-car entry for the 2022 season, which starts the mark of the hybrid era.

Following the entry approval deadline of December 1st 2021, the maximum number of TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs) have been submitted by competing teams.

Each team must hold a TBL for each car entered in the UK’s premier motorsport series, with 29 being held between teams and a further three being loaned out by series organisers TOCA.

Notable allocations for next years grid include expanded entries for BTC Racing, Speedworks Motorsport and Team Dynamics. Furthermore, Aiden Moffat Racing and Excelr8 Motorsport now additional licences as well.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “At our annual teams meeting last month the majority of team owners voted for TOCA to provide the loan of our spare TBLs, to help satisfy requirements.

“Therefore, I’ve released our three TBLs on a single-season-only loan basis; one each to BTC Racing, Team Dynamics and Speedworks Motorsport. This means the grid will now increase to its absolute maximum of 32 cars for next season.

“The demand for the BTCC has never been greater. Clearly, this also means I’ve failed to achieve my long-stated aim of reducing the grid size. Whilst that remains the goal going forward, admittedly it’s a nice problem to have…”

2022 TOCA BTCC LICENCE ALLOCATIONS

Excelr8 Motorsport – 4

Team Dynamics – 3*

Aiden Moffat Racing – 2

Motorbase Performance – 4

Team HARD – 3

Speedworks Motorsport – 3*

West Surrey Racing – 3

Ciceley Motorsport – 2

Power Maxed Racing – 2

BTC Racing – 4*

Boardley Motorsport – 2

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in April.

The 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasts into life at Donington Park on April 23/24.

BARC selected as organising club for ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it has been selected as the organised club for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA for 2022 and beyond.

Appointed by Motorsport UK, the BARC will act as the lead club local organiser for the championship and its related events, including collaborating with the UK governing body on elements of the series’ organisation.

The Club currently fulfils a similar role for the rest of the high-profile British Touring Car Championship package on which ROKiT British F4 sits, making it an ideal partnership founded on years of relevant experience and expertise.

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, said: “Motorsport UK is pleased to confirm the BARC as the local club organiser for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

“Having a strong organising team off-circuit creates a positive, enjoyable environment for competitors on track, and in a season where much will be different as the series embarks on a new era, their wealth of experience will be a valuable resource for the series to draw upon.

“Our vision has always been to develop the championship into a global leader and the appointment of the BARC is another important step on that journey.”

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, added: “We are delighted that the BARC has been selected by Motorsport UK as the lead club for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

“It is the most prestigious single-seater championship in the country, and we are proud that the governing body has entrusted its new operation into the hands of the UK’s oldest racing club.

“The championship will form part of the high profile TOCA package which is the jewel in the crown of the BARC’s operations and provides the perfect platform for these young drivers to develop their skills as potential stars of the future.”

To find out more information on the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, head to https://www.fiaformula4.com/.

Adam Smalley named as 2022/2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior driver

Newly-crowned Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion Adam Smalley has been named as the 2022/2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior driver.

The 20-year-old, who stormed to the Ginetta crown in his second season in the series, impressed during a closely-fought shootout day in early November to net what is widely considered to be one of the most coveted prizes in UK motorsport.

Over 50 drivers initially applied for the Junior prize before the competition was whittled down to four; Smalley, Gus Burton, Theo Edgerton and Alex Walker.

Smalley, who succeeds 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Harry King, will benefit from £85,000 towards his budget in each of the next two Porsche Carrera Cup GB seasons as well as receiving a wealth of support and opportunities from Porsche.

James MacNaughton, Porsche GB Motorsport Manager, said: “The Junior programme is incredibly important to us, it is one of UK motorsport’s most coveted opportunities. Over 50 hopeful applicants sent their forms to us this year and that’s where our scrutiny started. We managed to whittle our shortlist down to 12 for the interview stage and, from there, selected four drivers to take part in our shootout event.

“All four drivers put in very impressive and determined performances on the day, proving to us that they really wanted to be the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior for the next two years. Our decision process was as difficult as always, but Adam emerged ahead. However, we’re certain that Gus, Theo and Alex are all capable of impressing in Porsche Carrera Cup GB and we hope they join the grid in future.

“The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Junior role has become a proven route to motor racing success on the international stage, I am confident that Adam will thrive as he sets out to replicate the success of his Porsche peers and to act as a Porsche GB ambassador. We’re certainly excited to help enhance Adam’s already exceptional skills both on and off the track during the next two years.”

Croft Circuit reveals full-throttle race meeting calendar for 2022

Croft Circuit is set for a full-throttle year of motorsport in 2022 after confirming its event calendar today (November 18).

Coming off the back of a memorable 2021 season which saw spectators make a triumphant return to the North Yorkshire venue, next year looks to be bigger and better than ever with tickets now on sale.

The North East Motorcycle Racing Club will kick off the new motorsport season on March 26/27 ahead of the 750 Motor Club’s first of two visits to Croft on April 9/10.

Both the British Automobile Racing Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club will take centre stage on April 23 and May 14/15 respectively before the 750 Motor Club returns on May 28/29.

No Limits Racing are renowned for producing edge-of-the-seat entertainment and next year should be no different when the category travels to the home of motorsport in the north east on June 11/12.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year and in 2022, Britain’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft on June 25/26 – returning to its traditional summer slot.

Three blockbuster encounters will headline a pivotal weekend in the series whilst there will also be the usual thrills and spills from the TOCA support package.

Hot on the heels of the BTCC will be a second visit by the British Automobile Racing Club on August 6/7 before the Darlington & District Motor Club stage their unmissable Battle of Britain meeting on August 20/21.

The Historic Sports Car Club will make a welcome return to Croft on September 3/4 whilst further thrills and spills from the British Racing & Sports Car Club will follow two weeks later on September 17/18.

Rounding out Croft’s calendar of events is the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club on October 1/2, which will see a bygone era of two-wheel machinery battling against each other for outright honours.

Tickets for all 2022 events are now available to purchase and with Christmas just around the corner, they’re the perfect present – along with our Season Passes and Driving Experiences – for the petrol head in your life. Head to http://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing and join us trackside next year!

Croft Circuit 2022 Calendar

March 26/27 – North East Motorcycle Racing Club

April 9/10 – 750 Motor Club

April 23 – British Automobile Racing Club

May 14/15 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 28/29 – 750 Motor Club

June 11/12 – No Limits Racing

June 25/26 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

August 6/7 – British Automobile Racing Club

August 20/21 – Battle of Britain

September 3/4 – Historic Sports Car Club

September 17/18 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

October 1/2 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club

BARC ends 2021 season in style at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2021 season in style this past weekend (November 13/14) with an action-packed two days of on-track entertainment at Brands Hatch.

Headlining the action and racing into the darkness was the Britcar Endurance Championship, which staged two non-championship Trophy races. Valluga’s Ian Humphris and Benji Hethrington storm to victory in the opener before Steve Rothery did the same in race two.

The Ginetta Junior Winter Series produced its fair share of drama as the next generation of motorsport stars served up four blockbuster contests around the short yet challenging Indy circuit.

R Racing’s Josh Rowledge was crowned champion after storming to a pair of commanding wins on Saturday before then adding a seventh place finish in race two. Liam McNeilly and Aqil Alibhai also shone, winning a race apiece.

Not only was it the final event of the season for the Silverlake C1 Racing Series but it also marked the end of its partnership with the BARC after five years. Taking centre stage on Saturday afternoon, the Ladybird-Daddy entry of Orlando Lindsay, Aimee Watts and Patrick Watts triumphed in the three-hour finale.

Elsewhere, Endaf Owens won two of the three Dunlop Mini Winter Challenge supported by Mini Spares with Rupert Deeth standing on the top step of the podium in the third bout.

The CMMCS Avon Tyres Intermarque Silhouettes saw spoils shared between Malcolm Blackman and Steve Burrows whilst the CMMCS Super Saloon Series & Amusetime Southern Tin Tops Series rounded out the weekend’s action, with both wins going the way of Rod Birley.

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

Thruxton Circuit announces race meeting calendar for 2022 season

Thruxton Circuit has announced its blockbuster race meeting calendar for the 2022, with visits from the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli headlining.

Following an action-packed 2021 season, the fastest circuit in the UK is set to play host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of the season, staging a total of seven race meetings from late April through to late August.

The Classic Sports Car Club will make its customary appearance to kick off the year’s race schedule at the Hampshire venue.

Then, Britain’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – will descend on the home of the British Automobile Racing Club on May 28/29 for the first of two visits during 2022, with a trio of action-packed contests set to take centre stage.

Spectators will step back in time for the Thruxton Historic before the heavyweight behemoths of the British Truck Racing Championship will captivate and entertain in early July.

Returning to its traditional summer slot in August, the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli will undoubtedly bring in a bumper crowd as the best riders in not only the country but the world, take centre stage.

Finally, after starring back in May, the BTCC and TOCA support championships will return to Thruxton to bring the curtain down on a sensational year at the circuit – as they themselves reach the business end of their own seasons.

Thruxton Circuit – 2022 Calendar

April 23/24 – Classic Sports Car Club

May 28/29 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

June 11/12 – Thruxton Historic

July 9/10 – British Truck Racing Championship

August 12/13/14 – Bennetts British Superbike Championship

August 27/28 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

Head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing to find out more information on each event and how to purchase tickets.

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Brands Hatch this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club brings the curtain down on the 2021 season at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 13/14) with an action-packed two days of racing – broadcast LIVE on Facebook and YouTube.

On what should be a blockbuster finale, the Britcar Endurance Championship will race into the darkness whilst the Ginetta Junior Winter Series will undoubtedly provide unmissable entertainment.

Viewers will also be able to see action from the Silverlake C1 Racing Series, Dunlop Mini Winter Challenge, Avon Tyres Intermarque Silhouettes, BMR Super Saloons and CMMCS Tin Tops 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 10:50 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 12:00 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, 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.