Author: Chris Ashby

Lucy Hart appointed new BARC Speed Championship Coordinator

The last few years have seen the BARC Connaught Speed Championship go from strength to strength, firmly establishing itself as one of the UK’s most popular speed series. After the planned departure of Bob Adams a few weeks ago, BARC Midlands Centre is truly delighted to announce that Lucy Hart has joined us as Championship Coordinator.

“I hadn’t expected to be running such a well-loved series again quite so soon. I’m really excited about collaborating with the BARC and I’m sure that together we can make this Championship even more enjoyable for competitors and everyone else involved.”

BARC Midlands previously supported Lucy during her time as Championship Coordinator for Caterham, where she was responsible for delivering the UK’s largest single make series. However, we’re sure many speed competitors will know Lucy best from her association with the Midland Automobile Club (MAC), working at Shelsley Walsh as Competition Secretary and Secretary of the Meeting. Lucy’s involvement with the MAC also allowed her to develop the Autocar-Shelsley Walsh Young Drivers’ Championship and she remains passionate about making motorsport accessible to a far wider and younger audience.

A true motorsports enthusiast, Lucy frequently spectated at Shelsley during her early years and marshalled from the age of sixteen. She’s also passionate about bikesport and regularly enjoys the thrills of the British Superbike Championship and MotoGP.

Lucy and BARC Midlands Centre share many common ideals and goals, so we’re delighted to be working together again. The knowledge and experience she brings, backed by her sheer enthusiasm, is sure to help realise many of the ideas discussed during recent years. We’re already planning the 2022 season together, with the aim of introducing new venues, further simplifying regulations, providing more opportunities for new competitors and delivering even more fun.

We hope everyone associated with the Championship and BARC will give Lucy a very warm welcome. Need to contact her? Then simply email lucy@barc-midlands.co.uk We’re sure she’ll be delighted to hear from you.

Words: BARC Midlands

Daniel Rowbottom, Rory Butcher & Senna Proctor join BTCC winners’ list at Oulton Park

Daniel Rowbottom, Rory Butcher and Senna Proctor scored a win apiece during what was an action-packed fourth Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event of the season at Oulton Park this past weekend (July 31/August 1).

The trio emerged as the leading lights from a truncated meeting as they became the latest winners this year, taking the number of different victors to nine from 12 races.

Prior to triumphing in race three, Proctor signalled his intent during an ultra-competitive qualifying session on Saturday as he stormed to a career-first pole position in his Honda Civic Type R.

Unfortunately, the BTC Racing driver couldn’t convert his front row start into victory as he was swamped by the Halfords Racing with Cataclean duo of Gordon Shedden and Rowbottom, amongst others, as the lights went out for the opening contest.

Shedden and Rowbottom went on to control proceedings until the red flag was brought out following a multi-car incident involving Tom Oliphant, Chris Smiley and Rick Parfitt at mid-distance.

On the restart, Rowbottom made the better start to take the lead and produce a superlative drive during the six-lap shootout to claim his first-ever win in Britain’s premier motorsport series. Shedden made it a Team Dynamics 1-2 whilst Adam Morgan rounded out the podium in his BMW.

Race two would see Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Butcher come to the fore as he claimed a commanding victory in his Corolla. Hitting the front on the first lap, the Scotsman soon put daylight between himself and the rest of the field to comfortably streak home.

Behind, Rowbottom delivered another sensational drive – despite being ladened with 66kgs of ballast – to fend off the race-long charge of Morgan as they finished second and third respectively.

Proctor eventually took the result his pace had deserved in race three as he dominated a truncated reverse grid encounter, upon which he had been drawn onto pole position for.

Drama ensued immediately – a theme that ran throughout the weekend – when the race was red flagged on the first of two occasions, with the latter incident ending the race early.

A number of drivers found themselves in strife as Sam Osborne pirouetted down Cascades and sent many into the gravel trap and needing recovering. Following a lengthy red flag period, the action proved to be just as dramatic on the restart.

Reigning champion Ashley Sutton was sent spinning coming out of turn one as he fought for the lead and despite recovering, further contact at Cascades ended his race on the spot.

When the dust settled, Proctor remained out front and began to build up a comfortable lead over the chasing Stephen Jelley and Shedden before the red flag ended the race early after an incident between Butcher and Carl Boardley.

At the end of a blockbuster weekend at Oulton Park, Sutton remains at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship with Ingram and the emerging Rowbottom his nearest challengers.

Sutton continues to lead the Independent Drivers’ too whilst Laser Tools Racing control the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ categories. BMW head up the Manufacturer standings, with Rowbottom the runaway leader in the Jack Sears Trophy.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship now heads north of the border to Knockhill on August 14/15 for Rounds 13, 14 and 15.

Championship trio take centre stage to star at Mallory Park

The British Automobile Racing Club produced a memorable day’s racing at Mallory Park this past Sunday (August 1) as a trio of championships continued their campaigns.

Spoils were shared in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship as George Turiccki and Allen Cooper claimed a win apiece on the one-mile Oval circuit.

Returning to scene of their 2021 curtain-raiser, a 14-truck grid served up plenty of wheel-to-wheel entertainment. Turiccki proved to be in a league of his own in race as he triumphed by more than three seconds before then going on to be narrowly pipped by Cooper in the second bout.

The penultimate event of the 2CV Parts.com Championship saw Pete Sparrow edge ever-closer to another title. Having been the benchmark from the get-go, the multiple champion showed his class to triumph in both races.

Despite having won every race so far this season, the experienced racer didn’t have things all his own way as he was made to work for his wins by the likes of Luca Proietti and Kris Tovey.

Alex Cursley continued his sensational run of form in the Carbon8 Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires as he scored a brace of wins. Entering the event as one of the pre-race favourites, the former series champion showed his class as he produced a masterful performance.

Powering his way to pole position by more than half a second, Cursley then converted his front row start into a pair of commanding lights-to-flag drives.

Wayne Rockett, Alistair Dendy and Neale Hurren emerged as the nearest challengers to Cursley over the course of the day as they each stood on the podium, Rockett doing so twice.

Rounding out the day’s track action were a pair of races from the Avon Tyres Northern & Super Classic Formula Ford Championship where James Hadfield and Jack Wolfenden reigned supreme to take a win apiece.

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

The British Automobile Racing Club is scheduled to make one final visit to Mallory Park in 2021 on October 17, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club set to take centre stage.

Blockbuster action throughout TOCA support package at Oulton Park

Blockbuster thrills and spills ran right the way through the TOCA support package this past weekend (July 31/August 1) as five championships resumed their 2021 campaigns at Oulton Park.

On what proved to be an action-packed two days where red flag stoppages proved to be a regular occurrence, the bumper crowd that attended the Cheshire venue were treated to plenty of entertaining wheel-to-wheel battles.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship ultimately raced just once due to delays to the timetable on Sunday. Following a lengthy stoppage of their own due to barrier repairs, the one-make series staged a frenetic four-lap dash to the flag.

Liam McNeilly produced a superlative performance to narrowly clinch victory ahead of josh Miller and Aston Millar, and with it, moved to the summit of the points standings. The second race scheduled to take place will now be run at Knockhill later this month.

Tom Hibbert was perfection personified in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup as he established himself as the driver to beat in the battle for the title.

Despite qualifying fifth, the Rob Boston Racing driver underlined his championship credentials with two peerless drives to claim a brace of race wins.

Max Bird strengthened his lead in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship too with a win, although that achievement was to be overshadowed by two sizeable accidents in race two.

Both Jim Loukes and Oliver Barker suffered heavy impacts with the armco barriers but thankfully they were able to walk away unhurt. Barker had been in the lead when he crashed and following the result being declared lap prior to the red flag, he was declared the winner.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB continued to throw up more twists and turns too as the title battle closed up further. Lorcan Hanafin and Kiern Jewiss each scored a win to ensure that just one point separates the top three heading into the next event.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. James Hedley, McKenzy Cresswell and Joseph Loake emerged as the leading lights from the single seater category as they scored a win apiece.

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

The TOCA Support Package now joins the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in heading north of the border to Knockhill next on August 14/15.

Racing comes second on sombre weekend at Brands Hatch

Racing came second at Brands Hatch this past weekend (July 31/August 1) as part of the British Automobile Racing Club’s latest visit to the Kent venue.

Sadly, the Club was saddened to confirm that a major accident took place on the Saturday and a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life. A full statement on the incident can be viewed here.

On Sunday, the mood at the track was a sombre one as a fitting tribute was paid on the grid before racing got back underway.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club delivered a bulk of the action throughout what was a frenetic day around the Indy circuit, with Jason West kicking off proceedings with a win in the Edmundson Electrical Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons Championship.

Malcolm Harding claimed an impressive brace in the combined Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Blue Oval Saloon Series contests whilst Gary Prebble reigned supreme in the Laser Tools Pre 93 Touring Car Championship / Simply Serviced Pre 2003 Touring Cars bout.

Spoils were shared between Barry Sime and Alan Greenhalgh in the Pre 66 Touring Cars ranks as Mark Lucock rounded out the list of winners by triumphing in the Shell Oil Pre 83 Touring Car Championship.

The Britcar Endurance Championship’s Trophy Class staged two one-hour races with Axel Van Nederveen and Adriano Medeiros stormed to victory in the opener before Simon Barker

There was a breakthrough win for Ruben Hage in the Junior Saloon Car Championship too as he strengthened his title challenge. Niall Bradley meanwhile dominated proceedings in the Kumho BMW Championship to net two impressive wins.

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

On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved.

Where to Watch BARC LIVE at Brands Hatch this weekend

After a quiet few weeks, the British Automobile Racing Club returns to action this weekend (July 31/August 1) at Brands Hatch – and our cameras will be there to broadcast it all live on Facebook and YouTube.

In what is set to be a blockbuster two days of track action around the famed Indy circuit, every point is set to be crucial as the 2021 campaign begins to head towards the business end of the season.

Viewers will be able to see both the Endurance and Trophy classes of the Britcar Endurance Championship, no less than 18 contests from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and action from both the Junior Saloon Car Championship and Kumho BMW Championship. 

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 10:20 – 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.

BTCC ready to blast back into life in front of bumper Oulton Park crowd

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasts back into action at Oulton Park this weekend (July 31/August 1) and the annual visit to Cheshire will mark a major milestone as the series’ first sizeable attendance flock trackside.

Coming off the back of a five-week summer break, Britain’s premier motorsport series is set to return to its brilliant best as it welcomes an unrestricted number of spectators through the gates for the first time since the 2019 season finale at Brands Hatch.

Whilst spectators soaked up the action in June in restricted numbers, this weekend’s fourth event of the campaign will undoubtedly be special for a variety of reasons.

Those attending will have plenty to be excited about too with the ultra-competitive battle for supremacy at the summit of the standings set to continue around the tight and twisting Island layout.

Reigning champion Ashley Sutton currently edges proceedings as he aims to clinch a third crown. The Laser Tools Racing driver has been one of the categories leading lights so far with two wins and points in every race being the backbone of his charge.

Trailing Sutton by three points is Ginsters EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com ace Tom Ingram. Making the switch to Hyundai has proven to be an inspired move for Ingram who has chalked up two wins and he has a wave of momentum on his side currently.

Josh Cook is another double winner, doing so at the Thruxton season-opener, and he arrives at Oulton sitting third in the points ahead of four-time champion Colin Turkington and the hugely impressive Jake Hill.

Team BMW’s Tom Oliphant enjoyed a dream weekend last time out at Brands Hatch, netting his first win of the year, and he will be keen for more success as he bids to make home advantage count in his rear-wheel-drive machine.

Another driver to have impressed so far has been the Daniel Rowbottom in the Halfords Racing with Cataclean Honda Civic Type R. Powering to a first pole and podium last month, Rowbottom has emerged as serial front-runner and will be eager to net a maiden win.

Jason Plato, Jack Goff and Rory Butcher round out the top ten in the points and having enjoyed varying top results, they will all be eyeing another visit to the podium.

Other notable drivers to look out for across Rounds 10, 11 & 12 include Brands Hatch winner Adam Morgan, triple champion Gordon Shedden, Aiden Moffat, Daniel Lloyd and Stephen Jelley – amongst a number of others.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, including links to live timing and the timetable, CLICK HERE.

Coverage for this weekend will see Saturday qualifying aired on www.itv.com/btcc at 15:00 before Sunday’s race day broadcast will be on ITV4 from 11:50.

Leading lights of TOCA support championships head to Oulton Park

Oulton Park not only provides the latest stop on the calendar for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this weekend (July 31/August 1) but also the TOCA support package, with five championships aiming to take centre stage.

Fresh off the back of a five-week summer break, the battle for supremacy across the variety of categories that share the limelight with the BTCC will not want to be missed in front of an unrestricted crowd at the Cheshire venue.

Just three points separate the top four drivers in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship as they make their first appearance at Oulton since 2019.

Despite yet standing on the top step of the podium, consistency has proven to be key for Seb Hopkins who leads the way and he will be eager to clinch a maiden win. Tom Edgar, Liam McNeilly and Will Jenkins are hot on the heels of Hopkins however and all of them will be keen to topple him.

Arguably the one to watch will be R Racing’s Callum Voisin, who arrives at Oulton Park coming off the back of a sensational hat-trick of wins at Brands Hatch.

Things are as equally close in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, with Adam Smalley and Tom Hibbert split by just five points. Expected to be in the mix for the title this year, the pair have made impressive starts to their campaign with Smalley emerging as one of the leading lights.

Behind them, the likes of Josh Rattican , Carlito Miracco, Tom Emson and Steve Roberts will all be worth keeping an eye on as they bid to chase down the top two.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB has made a number of headlines this year already and you can expect that more will be made over the course of the weekend’s two scheduled contests.

The season so far has seen plenty of thrills and spills but it is former champion Dan Cammish that holds the initiative, albeit it by two points over Kiern Jewiss. Throw into the mix the likes of Lorcan Hanafin, Will Martin and reigning champion Harry King and you begin to see why this season is proving to be one of the best for the series.

Blockbuster wheel-to-wheel entertainment will be guaranteed to be provided by the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship too. Providing a pivotal step on the UK motorsport ladder, the one-make tin top series has been in fine form.

Max Bird enters the weekend as the driver to beat however with the likes of Lewis Brown, Dan Zelos, Sam Weller and James Macintyre chasing him down, all bets are off in terms of who could end the meeting on top of the pile.

Rounding out the weekend’s action will be a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certfiied by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. James Hedley leads the way in the single-seater ranks however the duo of Matthew Rees and McKenzy Cresswell aren’t far away.

To find out more information on this weekend’s fourth event of the season, including links to the timetable and live timing, CLICK HERE.

Mallory Park set for Super Sunday with BARC trio

Mallory Park is preparing for a ‘Super Sunday’ this weekend (August 1) as the British Automobile Racing Club returns to the Leicestershire venue with three championships set to take centre stage.

Following a short mid-season break, the second half of what has already been a pulsating 2021 campaign will blast back into life.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship has served up plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments so far and more are expected as they go wheel-to-wheel on the Mallory Oval – scene of their season-opener back in May.

Reece Jones, a double winner then, holds a slender advantage out front having produced a string of commanding performances. Remaining a constant threat towards the sharp end of the grid, Jones will be keen to extend his lead at the summit of the standings.

Current title holder George Turiccki is living up to his mantle of reigning champion with a number of sensational drives – all of which have put him within 18 points of top spot. Meanwhile, the experienced Mark Willis has been steadily chipping away this year and looks in good shape to sustain his championship challenge.

Daniel Petters, Dale Gent, Michael Smith, Danny Hunn, Allen Cooper, Dean Tompkins and Nathan Dew round out the top ten and each one of them will be worth keeping an eye on over the course of the day as they bid to elevate themselves up the order.

Every point will be crucial in the 2CV Parts.com Championship as the popular one-make series descends on Mallory Park for the penultimate event of what has been an action-packed season.

Multiple champion Pete Sparrow finds himself in the box seat heading to the business end of the season as he holds a 90-point lead over his nearest challenger. Bidding to regain the crown he lost last year, Sparrow has been nothing short of perfect so far with wins at Cadwell Park and Brands Hatch.

The Carbon8 Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires is expected to take on a starring role with two races scheduled to play out. Renowned for producing close wheel-to-wheel competition at a small price, the one-make series has once again enjoyed a stellar year thus far.

Alex Cursley has once again proven himself to be one of the standout performers in the category and will be one to watch; as will the likes of Alistair Dendy and Wayne Rockett, amongst many more.

Rounding out the day’s action will be a pair of races from the Avon Tyres Northern & Super Classic Formula Ford Championship.

To find out more information on this Sunday’s race meeting at Mallory Park, including links to live timing and the timetable, CLICK HERE.

BARC quartet revved up for blockbuster Brands Hatch weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club speeds back to Brands Hatch this weekend (July 31/August 1) for an action-packed two days of track action which will undoubtedly prove pivotal in deciding who will be crowned champion come the end of the season.

Taking centre stage around the Indy circuit of the Kent venue, four categories will continue their campaigns in front of a packed trackside audience and thousands watching online.

Headlining the weekend’s action will be races from both the Endurance and Trophy classes of the Britcar Endurance Championship. Enjoying its best-ever season to-date, Britcar has continued to go from strength-to-strength this year with healthy grid sizes for both Endurance and Trophy.

As momentum builds heading into the business end of the season, the battle for supremacy at the top of the standings in both is only set to ramp up across the individual classes.

Those worth casting a watchful eye over include Richard Morris, Will Powell, Dave Scaramanga, Simon Baker and Richard Higgins, along with many, many more.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club is revved up to take centre stage at Brands Hatch this weekend as it continues what has already proven to be an ultra-competitive season.

Renowned for producing close-quarter wheel-to-wheel entertainment, no less than eight races will take place across both days too; and not one of them will be worth missing.

Showcasing the very best tin tops and enforcing the point that variety is the spice of life, Brands Hatch will see the Pre ’66 Classic Saloon & Historic Touring Cars, Shell Oils Pre ’83 Touring Cars, Laser Tools Pre ’93 Touring Cars and Simply Serviced Pre ’03 Touring Cars all in action.

There will be further thrills and spills from the Blue Oval Saloon Series, Edmundson Electrical Classic / Historic Thunder Saloons and Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Saloon & GT Championship during the weekend too.

History books will be rewritten in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as the one-make series fields its biggest-ever grid. Eclipsing the previous record of 27, the JSCC will boast a 28-car line-up for what are expected to be two pulsating contests.

Charlie Hand finds himself in the box seat and as the driver everyone is chasing after building a commanding lead in the standings. Chalking up a number of race wins alongside a consistent run of results, Hand heads to Brands with a 31-point lead that he will be keen to extend.

Leading the chase for the 2020 runner-up is Harvey Caton whilst the likes of Alife Jeakins, Ruben Hage and Aaron Walker are all within touching distance of the summit as well.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action in the Garden of England will be two races from the Kumho BMW Championship. Open to any production BMW sold in the UK, the series has garnered a reputation for close racing and that is expected to continue.

Notable names to look out for include Kevin Denwood, Brad Sheehan, Trevor Ford, Peter Miller and Darren Morgan-Owen.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event, including links to live timing and entry list, CLICK HERE.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the action from Brands Hatch by subscribing to the official BARC YouTube channel HERE.

British Truck Racing Championship issues calendar amendment

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it has issued an amended British Truck Racing Championship calendar for the remainder of the 2021 season, which includes the cancellation of the Zolder round.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding what is and isn’t possible in relation to European travel and in the interests of our competitors and their plans, the decision has been made to cancel the BTRC’s planned trip to Belgium which was scheduled to take place on September 11/12.

The championship will next be in action at Donington Park before heading to Snetterton, Pembrey and finally Brands Hatch, where champions for both Division 1 and Division 2 will be crowned.

British Truck Racing Championship: Amended 2021 Calendar

June 5/6 – Brands Hatch

July 3/4 – Thruxton

August 21/22 – Donington Park

September 18/19 – Snetterton

October 9/10 – Pembrey

November 6/7 – Brands Hatch

Motorsport Maestros take centre stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Iconic drivers and groundbreaking cars came together to take centre stage as the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard returned this past weekend (July 8-11) – with tens of thousands of spectators attending the star-studded spectacle.

Following a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, the popular four-day event was back up and running as part of the government’s Events Research Programme. 

Celebrating the ‘The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’ – the drivers, teams and manufacturers that have transcended the boundaries of motorsport – those in attendance were able to soak up a feast of entertainment on the Sussex grounds.

From the eye-catching central feature outside Goodwood House, which was dedicated marked the achievements of Lotus, to the swish new Electric Avenue exhibition, showcasing an array of electric cars, there was something for everyone.

Some of the sport’s leading lights were in attendance over the course of the weekend too; with Lando Norris, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Damon Hill, Jenson Button, Emerson Fittipaldi, Daniel Ricciardo, Adrian Newey and Alex Albon just a few of the star names.

One of the standout elements of the Festival of Speed was the coveted Hillclimb Shootout. Pitting driver and machine against the tight, twisting course through the Goodwood grounds, Sunday’s action had everyone on the edge of their seats as the battle for top spot unfolded.

Rob Bell would prove to be the benchmark in the end as he powered the McLaren 720S GT3X to a blistering time of 44.95 to claim victory. Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Harry King finished as Bell’s closest challenger in second whilst Travis Pastrana narrowly missed out in third.

British Touring Car Championship race winner Jake Hill emerged as one of the stars of the show as he finished fifth overall and first of the touring car batch, having pieced together a stunning time in the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32.

You can watch back all the action from the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, HERE.

To view the full classification of results from the Hillclimb Shootout, CLICK HERE.

The great and the good of motorsport will next descend on Goodwood for the annual Goodwood Revival on September 17/18/19.