Author: Chris Ashby

Tickets now on sale for BARC Championship Awards Evening

Saturday 26th February 2022

Old Thorns, Longmoor Road, Liphook GU30 7PE

Dress Code: Black Tie, Lounge Suit or Probans

EVERYONE WELCOME!

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Presentation Evening will take place on Saturday 26th February 2022 at a prestigious new venue: Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hants.  

Celebrating the 2021 season in style, the great and good of UK motorsport will come together for an unforgettable night to honour drivers, marshals and officials for their endeavours this year. Hosted by Alan Hyde, the star-studded evening will include a drinks reception and three course dinner, followed by the customary trophy presentations, charity raffle and dancing.  

Tickets for the BARC Championship Awards have been held at the same price as 2019:

£75.00 for BARC Members and £85.00 for Non-Members.  Marshals can redeem 12 stamps in exchange for a free ticket. Tables are available for up to 10 people.

All tickets can be bought online here or by completing the booking form here.

Timings

6.30pm – Drinks Reception

7.30pm – Dinner, followed by the Awards presentation, raffle and disco

1.00am – End

Hotel and overnight accommodation – discounted prices valid until 8th January 2022

Old Thorns offers an impressive range of accommodation, including access to the state-of-the-art health club and spa facilities. A limited number of Superior Rooms have been allocated on a Bed & Breakfast basis at a discounted rate of £129/£139 per room (Single/Double).  In order to obtain this reduced rate, you must book direct with Old Thorns on 01428 724555 quoting ‘BARC event’.  Please note these rates will only be valid until 8th January 2022, after which the best available rate will apply. 

Alternative accommodation is available for those not wishing to stay at Old Thorns:   

Premier Inn: Petersfield Hotel, 7 miles away, £39 at time of going to publication

Travelodge: Alton or Aldershot, both 12 miles away. £38 at time of going to publication

Please note: Marshals may redeem their marshals’ stamps against the cost of accommodation. Please book direct with the hotel, then contact Paula Brown to obtain a refund or partial refund.

BARC Charity Golf Day

We have secured 32 places for the 2022 BARC Charity Golf Day at the impressive Peter Alliss-designed championship golf course at Old Thorns, starting at 10am on the Saturday morning. Teams of 4 are priced at £200; individual entries are £60 per person, which includes green fees, a pre-event coffee and bacon roll, as well as the usual prizes. If you would like to book your place/team, please email David Wheadon: dwheadon@barc.net 

Alisha Palmowski wins 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Alisha Palmowski has won the 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, becoming the second ever female winner of the contest and with it securing a fully-funded season in the championship next year.

In what is one of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport, more than 60 drivers completed a number of driving, fitness and media assessments over the course of the three-day event at Blyton Park, however it was Palmowski that was eventually declared the winner.

A total 23 drivers made it through to the final day of competition where they faced more evaluations before the field was narrowed down to a top 10 and then a top five, who tackled a final shootout behind the wheel of a Ginetta G40.

Ultimately, Palmowski’s talent and potential shone through for the judging panel, who named her the 13th different winner of the coveted prize. She’s the first female recipient of the prize since now two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick back in 2013.

The 15-year-old will make her car-racing debut next season following a successful six year karting career, which included being crowned the 2020 Daniel Ricciardo Series’ DRS100 junior vice-champion and 2018 BirelART junior rookie champion.

“I’m absolutely speechless,” said Palmowski. “What an amazing weekend that I’ll never forget. Thank you so much to everyone at Ginetta who have given me this incredible opportunity.

“I’ve learnt so much and progressed a lot over these last few days, so I cannot wait to get started for what will hopefully be an awesome 2022 season!”

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Championship Manager, added: “Once again, this year’s Ginetta Junior Scholarship was incredibly competitive. We were all hugely impressed by the standard set across all the assessment areas, and narrowing the field down to 23 finalists was very tough.

“The competition stepped up a level on the final day and there were a number of drivers who could have won. In the end, Alisha produced fantastic performances across the board and is a hugely deserving winner. We can’t wait to welcome her to the grid next season.”

Palmowski’s full prize package include all entry fees, use of a G40 Junior race car for the whole season including consumables, insurance and a season supply of race tyres and fuel, and professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season.

Champions crowned during spectacular weekend at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage at Brands Hatch this past weekend (November 6/7) for an action-packed penultimate event of the season that saw champions crowned across a number of different championships. 

In front a huge trackside crowd at the Kent venue, edge-of-the-seat entertainment was served up across both days as title battles went down to the wire.

One of the headline acts of the weekend proved to be five unmissable contests from the British Truck Racing Championship. Delicately poised at the top of both the Division 1 and Division 2 standings, the on-track action saw the pendulum in the standings swing back and forth – and it was captivating to watch.

The destiny of the Division 1 title went down to the very last race of the season but when the dust settled, Ryan Smith had done enough to be crowned champion for the sixth consecutive year.

Entering the weekend needing to overturn a small points deficit, the Mercedes driver produced a superlative performance to storm to four commanding victories and with it, championship glory. In Division 2, Jock Borthwick, Willem Breedijk and Steven Powell shared the spoils however it was Craig Reid that wrapped up the title. 

Miles Rudman returned to the summit of the Legends Car National Championship with MRF Tyres for the second time in his career. Having pieced together a commanding campaign, Rudman hammered home his points advantage with a commanding victory on Sunday to take the big prize.

Vice-champion John Mickel, Sean Smith, Will Gibson and outgoing champion Daniel Clark emerged as the other race winners over the course of the weekend. 

Charlie Hand capped off a memorable year in the Junior Saloon Car Championship by winning both races and the title. Cementing his status as the driver to beat in the one-make series, the Westbourne Motorsport reigned supreme in dominant style. 

Dean Tompkins and David O’Regan claimed a win apiece in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship however it was the title for George Turiccki, as he successfully defended his title.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s two all-comer races, which were staged to honour those that line the track to marshal events, saw spoils shared. Scott Kirwan powered his Renault Clio to victory in the opener before Colin Claxton triumphed in race two. 

In the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup, Alistair Dendy ended his season on a high with a dominant race-winning performance as he topped the podium on two occasions.

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

Fireworks set to fly for blockbuster BARC title-deciding weekend at Brands Hatch

Fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 6/7) as the British Automobile Racing Club stages its penultimate event of the 2021 season. 

On what is set to be a blockbuster two days around the Indy circuit of the Kent venue, the curtain will fall on a number of championships as titles will be decided in front of what is expected to be a large trackside and TV audience.

Taking centre stage – and for good reason – will be the British Truck Racing Championship. Just five points separate the top three drivers in the battle for Division 1 supremacy and with five races scheduled to play out, the gloves are very much off.

David Jenkins leads the ways as he bids to clinch a second crown however Martin Gibson and multiple reigning champion Ryan Smith are well within striking distance. With every point proving to be crucial, expect the pendulum to swing back and forth before the chequered flag is waved on final time.

In Division 2, Craig Reid sits on the cusp of wrapping up the title however he will need to be at his brilliant best to hold off the challenge from Steven Powell, who he has gone wheel-to-wheel with throughout the year.

Following a sabbatical year in 2020, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship’s return has proven to be a smash-hit and this weekend could see George Turiccki claim a second successive title. 

Having been the driver to beat for much of the campaign, the title winner of 2020 is on course to defend his championship crown, barring any major issues.

Miles Rudman and John Mickel are set to go head-to-head in a bid for Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres glory. With a total of 1,200 points up for grabs during the weekend’s six races, the fight is far from over. 

Rudman, who is seeking his second Legends Cars crown after winning the championship in 2019, has been the pace-setter all season long with some dominant performances and fantastic drives through the order. His tally of 16 race victories thus far very much speaks for itself.

Mickel meanwhile, with 11 wins under his belt, heads to Brands Hatch as the ‘form’ driver after bagging four outstanding victories at Pembrey in South Wales last time out.

Double points are on offer across the Junior Saloon Car Championship’s two races and that could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the title. Charlie Hand is currently in the box seat however one bad race could see the likes of Harvey Caton, Alfie Jeakins and Ruben Hage get back into contention.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action will also be races from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires.

Having closed out their season at Mallory Park last month, the CTCRC will stage two all-comer races whilst the Coupe Cup contingent will look to end with a flurry having

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Brands Hatch, such as the timetable and links to the live stream, CLICK HERE.

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Brands Hatch this weekend

Fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 6/7) as the British Automobile Racing Club speeds into Kent for an unmissable title-decider.

On a weekend which will see the curtain fall on the British Truck Racing Championship and Junior Saloon Car Championship, our live TV cameras will be on site to bring every important lap.

Viewers will also be able to see the Classic Touring Car Racing Club in action over the course of the weekend as they stage a pair of All-Comer races around the infamous Indy circuit.

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 11:30 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:40 – 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.

Ashley Sutton ‘over the moon’ at becoming youngest-ever three-time BTCC champion

Ashley Sutton has shared his delight after clinching a third Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24).

On what proved to be a thrilling final day of the season around the Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue, the Laser Tools Racing driver kept his cool to join an elite club of drivers to have lifted the biggest prize in UK motorsport on three occasions.

The Infiniti Q50 racer held a 32-point advantage going into the final event of the season and a top six finish in each of the first two races around the iconic Grand Prix circuit was enough to wrap things up before he went on to win the finale.

Alongside clinching his third Drivers’ Championship, the 27-year-old also successfully retained his BTCC Independent Drivers’ crown whilst also helping Laser Tools Racing to win both the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ titles – making it a year to remember. 

Sutton’s title treble has now moved him to within one of the all-time record – currently held by Colin Turkington and Andy Rouse – and has made him the youngest ever three-time champion in the history of the BTCC.

Commenting on his title success, Sutton said: “To have been crowned BTCC champion once was a great achievement but to now stand here with three titles is simply incredible! It hasn’t fully sunk in yet but to go back-to-back is just phenomenal – I’m absolutely over the moon!

“Race one and two was just about shadowing what Colin [Turkington] was doing. To wrap it up with a race to spare was great and winning race three was the best way to finish off the season. I could take the handcuffs off and go and do what I wanted which was amazing.

“Coming into the year I knew I had to change my approach a little but early on I was fully focused on getting those big results and more importantly, points on the board. After not finishing at Oulton Park we flicked that switch and since then we’ve been smart, taken our opportunities and extended the lead whenever possible.

“This really has been such a team effort. I’ve got a fantastic group of people around me who have given me an incredible car all year and without them this wouldn’t have been possible. To retain the both the Drivers’ and Independent Drivers’ titles as well as help Laser Tools win the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ is mega!

“I’m now the youngest three-time champion in the history of the series, let’s make it four next year. When all is said and done, I want to be one of the greats of the BTCC and I’m fully focused on winning more championships. Over the past few years I’ve continued to raise my game but I don’t truly think I’ve hit my peak yet; I’ve still got things I can improve on so that is exciting as we move forward.

“We’ll celebrate this and soak up the moment but it won’t be long until the focus starts switching to next year where the goal is to come back and lift this title once again!”

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns in 2022, with Donington Park providing the backdrop for the season-opener on April 23/24.

BARC Championship Awards Evening returns in February 2022

The British Automobile Racing Club’s prestigious Championship Awards Evening will make a glittering return in 2022, taking place at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook on Saturday 26th February.

On what is always one of the biggest prize-giving nights of the year, race suits and overalls will be swapped for black ties and ball gowns as the great and good of UK motorsport come together for what should be an unforgettable evening.

Hosted by Alan Hyde, the star-studded evening will include a three-course dinner, entertainment and raffle, in addition to the customary trophy presentations that celebrate the achievements of drivers, officials and marshals. There will also be a number of ‘secret awards’. 

The evening will be preceded by the inaugural BARC Charity Golf Day around Old Thorns’ Peter Alliss-designed championship golf course, competing for the Graham Hill Memorial Trophy that was last presented in 1978!

Tickets for the 2022 BARC Championship Awards Evening will be on sale shortly, and more information will follow in due course. 

BARC to join several championships at MotorsportDays LIVE

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that a number of its championships will have a presence at the upcoming MotorsportDays LIVE (MsD LIVE) event at Silverstone on November 5/6. 

Heading into its fourth year of running, MsD LIVE has established itself as a world-class trade event with a unique focus of providing on-track experiences for genuine track day enthusiasts, amateur and professional racing drivers. 

Taking place at the Home of British Motor Racing, the two-day spectacle is expected to garner plenty of attention from drivers, championship co-ordinators, engineers, industry leaders, motorsport investors, spectators and more. 

This year, the BARC will be situated in Garage 34 with vehicles from the MINI CHALLENGE, Caterham Graduates Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club all taking to the track.

Furthermore, Britcar will be on hand to showcase the new-for-2022 British Endurance Championship, as will Praga and Ginetta whilst the Sports Prototype Cup will be lifting the covers off the new specification Revolution A-One that will compete in the series next year. 

Staff from all championships, as well as the Club, will be on hand to speak to visitors on a variety of topics. 

Those wanting to find out more information on how to drive a car on-track at the event should contact one of the aforementioned championships. 

For more information on MotorsportDays LIVE and how to purchase tickets, visit https://www.motorsportdays.live/.

Ashley Sutton crowned triple BTCC champion at Brands Hatch GP

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship drew to a close at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24) with Laser Tools Racing’s Ashley Sutton crowned champion for the third time in his career.

Entering the final event of the season holding a 32-point advantage over his nearest title challenger, the Infiniti Q50 driver produced a flawless performance to net sixth place in races one and two to secure an unassailable lead with a race to spare. Then, with the shackles off he cemented his status as champion by charging to victory in race three. 

Sutton also successfully retained his BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship crown whilst he also helped Laser Tools Racing clinch both the Teams’ and Independent Teams titles – making it a year to remember for the West Lothian-based squad. 

Elsewhere, Team BMW wrapped up the Manufacturer/Constructors title for a record-breaking sixth consecutive year. Daniel Rowbottom meanwhile was the final champion of 2021 after he claimed the Jack Sears Trophy in commanding fashion. 

In front of what was undoubtedly the biggest crowd of the year, BTC Racing also enjoyed one of their best weekend’s of the season, kicking things off by securing a front-row lockout in the final qualifying session of the season on Saturday.

Senna Proctor powered his Honda Civic Type R to pole position ahead of team-mate Josh Cook whilst Halfords Racing with Cataclean’s Rowbottom and Gordon Shedden made it an all-Honda top four as the top 12 drivers dipped under the existing qualifying lap record.

Race one saw Cook produce a superlative drive as he got the jump on Proctor at the start and then commanded proceedings out front to notch an impressive 1-2, with Shedden not far behind in third.

In the battle for the championship, Sutton held station in sixth place to further extend his advantage in the standings. 

Sutton’s crowning glory came in the second bout as he once again finished sixth to secure an unassailable lead with one race to spare. As Cook secured back-to-back victories ahead of Daniel Lloyd, the reigning champion shadowed title rival Turkington to put the question of who would be champion beyond doubt. 

With the pressure off, the 27-year-old cemented his status as the driver to beat as he blasted from fourth on the grid in the final round of the year to score victory ahead of Rowbottom and Tom Ingram.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in 2022, with the start of the hybrid era kicking off at Donington Park on April 23/24.

To view the full classification of BTCC results from Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Titles decided throughout TOCA support package at thrilling Brands Hatch finale

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24) with titles also being decided throughout the TOCA support package. 

Dan Cammish wrote his name into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB history books as he wrapped up the title for a record third title. On what proved to be a pulsating last day, the Redline Racing driver held his nerve to cap off a sensational return to the one-make series.

Lorcan Hanafin – Cammish’s chief title rival – stormed to a crucial win in what was a pulsating first race to close the gap to three points however the JTR driver could do nothing to stop the Yorkshireman from netting his second podium of the day and with it, took his place in the record books as a three-time champion.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship was wrapped up during the opening race of the weekend as Aston Millar powered his way to the title. Arriving at Brands Hatch with a comfortable lead in the standings, the R Racing driver charged to victory to put himself out of reach from closest challenger Liam McNeilly. 

With the championship in the bag, Millar then went on to score victory in race two whilst McNeilly brought the curtain down on the season with a win in race three ahead of Rookie champion Robert de Haan.

Adam Smalley wrapped up his third career title in the Ginetta ranks as he was crowned Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion. The Elite Motorsport driver added the GT4 title to the Junior and GT5 crowns he had previously won. In the races themselves, James Kellett and Tom Emson shared the spoils.

The destiny of the MINI CHALLENGE went down to the wire with Dan Zelos beating Max Bird in a nail-biting finale to be crowned champion. Lewis Brown dominated proceedings in races one and two but it was race three that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

With the pendulum hanging in the balance, the pair scrapped hard towards the front of the field but it was Zelos that ultimately did enough to secure the coveted crown. 

It was the end of an era for the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost as Ford concluded its association with the series at the same venue it began at back in 1967. 

JHR Developments Matthew Rees converted his healthy points lead into championship glory as he sealed the overall title and Rookie Cup with a race to spare. McKenzy Cresswell and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak ended their respective campaigns on a high as they won the final races of the year.

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

Donington Park delight for several BARC championships

Donington Park played host to an unmissable two days of British Automobile Racing Club track action this past weekend (October 23/24) in what were autumnal conditions. 

The Britcar Endurance Championship brought the curtain down on its season with thrilling finales for both the Endurance and Trophy classes. 

In the Endurance category, YouTuber turned racer Jimmy Broadbent capped off his maiden season racing in emphatic fashion as he, alongside Gordie Mutch, powered his way to victory in both races.

Praga Championship glory ultimately fell to Richard Wells, Alex Kapadia & Tim Gray whilst Dave Scaramanga and Will Powell led the way in the Endurance standings. 

The Trophy class saw SVG Motorsport’s Mark Lee guide his Ginetta G56A to victory in race one before the Woodrow Motorsport duo of Simon Baker and Ollie Reuben claimed a win of their own.

Continuing to go from strength-to-strength, the Sports Prototype Cup capped off a spectacular year in style with a pair of pulsating races. Ross Kaiser and Richard Webb took centre stage to share the spoils, taking a win apiece, however they weren’t the only drivers of interest.

Freddie Hunt and Matias Launda, sons of former Formula 1 champions and one-time title protagonists James Hunt and Niki Lauda, were also in action in the Revolution Trophy.

Charlie Hand put himself out of reach in the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Having proven himself to be the benchmark from the get-go, the Westboure Motorsport driver enjoyed another superlative showing to secure an unassailable points lead.

Despite narrowly missing out on pole position, the third-year driver went on to reign supreme in race one as he claimed victory before chief rival Harvey Caton struck back with a win of his own. 

The Classic 2CV Racing Club saw two new faces on the top step of the podium in the absence of serial winner Pete Sparrow. David O’Keeffe ruled the roost in the opener before Luca Proietti triumphed in race two. 

Also in action during the weekend was the all-action Mini 7 Racing Club. Connor O’Brien and Mike Jordan claimed a win each in the Se7en class whilst Aaron Smith was victorious in the only Miglia contest to play out. 

Rounding out the track entertainment were a number of races from the rapid British Superkart Racing Club. With an incredible grid of more than 50 entrants, the action proved to be captivating as Sam Moss and Lee Harpham scored wins.

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

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.