Author: Chris Ashby

Knockhill event on May 29/30 cancelled

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that, due to the date changes of other events and the knock-on impact that has had to the scheduled calendars of key BARC championships, its race meeting at Knockhill on May 29/30 has been cancelled.

Working closely with Knockhill – who have been exemplary in their handling of the situation – the Club has found time at other race meetings at the picturesque Scottish venue for three of the categories that were originally due to race in May.

Both the Junior Saloon Car Championship and the Pickup Truck Racing Championship will now visit Knockhill on June 19/20, benefitting from one of Knockhill Motor Sports Club’s trademark events that will see drivers race on the circuit in both directions.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Championship meanwhile will visit the challenging Fife track on September 18/19, also at a Knockhill Motor Sports Club event that uses the dual direction format.

Mark Turner, BARC Sporting Manager, said: “The domino effects of changes to the early part of the race season meant that several of our Championships wanted to look at rescheduling the Knockhill event. Knockhill have been incredibly understanding about the situation and we are delighted to have found time at other events for those Championships that wanted to make the trip to Scotland.”

Stuart Gray of Knockhill added: “We have been working with BARC for sometime to have their own standalone meeting and we were all eagerly looking forward to the great championships they were sending north.

“We totally understood the domino effect on all championships and we are delighted still to be hosting three championships within our KMSC Super Lap Scotland events. With things hopefully returning to normal during the summer, we can all begin to plan with some certainty and hope to see a full BARC meeting in 2022.”

This decision has been carefully considered, taking into consideration the easing of lockdown restrictions and the subsequent ongoing changes that are being made to the Club’s 2021 race calendar.

We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

All systems go as C1 Racing Club begins new chapter

As the start of the 2021 season draws ever-closer, the C1 Racing Club has been making preparations to ensure it enjoys another campaign that is bigger and better than the one that went before it.

Renowned for producing big grids and exciting endurance racing at a low cost, the one-make series is primed for another sensational year with a bumper bill of events scheduled to play out across the length and breadth of the UK.

Whilst teams and drivers are readying themselves for the opening meeting of the season, plenty of work has gone on behind the scenes in reorganising management personnel.

Following the sad passing of Meyrick Cox prior to Christmas, the C1 Racing Club has announced that RAW Motorsport Limited and their Managing Director Robin Welsh will take over the running of the Club. The Club’s name, features and processes that competitors have become familiar with will all remain the same.

Welsh vast experience in running a large motorsport club, along with his technical environment in the BMW Compact Series made him a logical choice for the role. Welsh helped to develop the C1 regulations in 2017 and has been a constant guide in technical matters since.

Due to the governments latest announcement on the easing of lockdown restrictions, the C1 Racing Club’s visit to Croft, scheduled to take place on April 10 has been postponed till a later date. Instead, the categories season-opener will be its much-loved 24-hour event at Silverstone in May.

Croft issues revised 2021 events calendar

Croft Circuit have confirmed a number of revisions to its 2021 events calendar as a result of the government issuing its roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions.

As the country continues to gradually open up in a safe manner, Croft will begin to welcome fans in limited numbers from May 17, with tickets for all race meetings after this date only available to be purchased online.

The British Racing & Sports Car Club will kick off the new motorsport season at the North Yorkshire venue on May 15/16, albeit behind closed doors and without spectators being permitted to attend.

Gates will be open for the 750 Motor Club, which will make its annual visit to Croft on May 29/30 before the No Limits Racing on June 12/13 and the Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain taking centre stage on June 26/27.

Despite having a race meeting in April already cancelled, the British Automobile Racing Club will showcase a raft of its championships on August 7/8 before the Darlington & District Motor Club hit the track on August 21/22. The British Racing & Sports Car Club makes its second appearance on September 4/5.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year and this year, Britain’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft on September 18/19.

Three blockbuster encounters will headline a pivotal weekend in the 2021 campaign whilst there will also be the usual thrills and spills from the TOCA support package.

Rounding out Croft’s condensed calendar of events will is the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club on October 2/3, which will see a bygone era of two-wheel machinery battling against each other for outright honours.

Tickets for all events after May 17 are available to purchase from http://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing now.

Croft Circuit 2021 Calendar

May 15/16 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 29/30 – 750 Motor Club

June 12/13 – No Limits Racing

June 26/27 – Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain

August 7/8 – British Automobile Racing Club

August 21/22 – Darlington & District Motor Club

September 4/5 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

September 18/19 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

October 2/3 – Classic Racing Motorcycle Club

To find out more information on how Croft are keeping our customers safe in the battle again COVID-19, head to http://croftcircuit.co.uk/covid-19-information.

One Litre Racing Club joins BARC ranks

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that the new-for-2021 One Litre Racing Club has joined its ranks for the forthcoming season.

Formed by three motorsport enthusiasts that have experience throughout a variety of disciplines, the category is aiming to provide a platform for affordable racing in low-cost cars, with the emphasis on fun and competitiveness.

Focusing on opening the door for fellow enthusiasts to go endurance racing, the One Litre Racing Club is open to existing 1-litre or under, normally aspirated road cars and track day goers.

With support on offer throughout the ARDS process, as well as additional help for first-timers, hopes are high for the future.

Paul Rowland, One Litre Racing Club Organiser, said: “Thanks to the BARC, this dream of three motorsport enthusiasts is now becoming a reality.

“The aspirations of the Club are to have a full grid for our inaugural race at Snetterton on August 28. We are confident that demand will outstrip the permitted race numbers as racing returns to some normality after the pandemic.

“We’re currently speaking to the BARC about potentially staging a second race later in the year as well and we plan to hold a full championship campaign in 2022. We’re keeping things simple and that is why membership will be free for this year too!”

The One Litre Racing Club’s maiden race meeting is currently scheduled to take place at Snetterton in late August.

Those with an interest to find out more information and take part should contact racing@onelitreracing.co.uk.

BTCC announces date changes for Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy events

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced further date changes to its 2021 calendar, in particular the second and third events which are being held at Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy respectively.

Revisions to the schedule now sees Rounds 4, 5 & 6 at Snetterton move to the weekend of June 12/13, whilst Rounds 7, 8 & 9 at Brands Hatch Indy take place two weeks later than originally planned on the weekend of June 26/27.

In accordance with the government’s roadmap to gradually ease lockdown restrictions, the changes to the calendar further maximise the opportunity for spectators to return to race meetings.

As previously confirmed, the 2021 season-opener at Thruxton on May 8/9 will take place behind closed doors and without spectators.

No further changes have been made to the previously issued calendar with the series visiting Oulton Park and Knockhill before returning to Thruxton in later August. Events at Croft, Silverstone and Donington Park will follow before Brands Hatch’s legendary Grand Prix circuit brings the curtain down on the 2021 season.

2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Calendar

May 8/9 – Thruxton

June 12/13 – Snetterton

June 26/27 – Brands Hatch Indy

July 31/August 1 – Oulton Park

August 14/15 – Knockhill

August 28/29 – Thruxton

September 18/19 – Croft

September 25/26 – Silverstone National

October 9/10 – Donington Park

October 23/24 – Brands Hatch Grand Prix

The 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Season Launch is scheduled to take place at Silverstone on April 22, and like Thruxton it will be without spectators in attendance.

Magnificent Murray! BARC pays tribute to Murray Walker OBE

The British Automobile Racing Club, along with the rest of the motorsport community, are deeply saddened over the loss of Murray Walker OBE, who passed away this past weekend aged 97.

Making his first public broadcast at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in 1948, Murray went on to become a legend in the sport as he commentated on everything from bike racing and rallycross to truck racing and touring cars – as well as everything in-between – and all with the same infectious enthusiasm that everyone grew to love.

It was Formula 1 where he really came to prominence though, providing the soundtrack to generations of fans from 1978 through to 2001 on the BBC and later ITV. 

As the ‘Voice of F1’, Murray’s high-octane and knowledgable commentary became renowned, as did what became known as the ‘Murrayisms’ – the mistakes or slips of the tongue that added to the viewing experience.

In 1996, Murray was awarded the BARC Gold Medal – the most prestigious accolade the Club awards – for his outstanding contribution to motor racing. That same year also a saw him appointed an OBE for his services to broadcasting and motor racing.

Over the years Murray remained a dear friend of the BARC and repeatedly gave up his time to help us whenever possible, most recently in 2018. Alongside former Formula 1 and Indycar champion Nigel Mansell, he officially opened the brand-new Thruxton Centre as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The superlatives to describe Murray are endless, he was simply a wonderful man that had an unrivalled enthusiasm for the sport. 

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Murray’s family and friends at this sad time.

Thank you, Murray.

Murray Walker: 1923 – 2021

BARC expands audio listenership to Amazon Music/Podcasts with Cre8media

The British Automobile Racing Club is set to further expand its audio listenership on a global scale this year after confirming that content is available on Amazon’s Music/Podcasts platform.

In conjunction with the Club’s official audio partners Cre8media, Amazon Prime subscribers will have access to the latest news and stories at the click of a button or via Alexa-enabled devices.

Amazon is the latest in a long line of platforms that gives fans freedom of choice as to how they keep up to date with its championships, centres, officials and venues. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio and Overcast are just a number of outlets that are available to stream the Club’s content.

Continuing its long-standing partnership into a 11th year with Cre8media, the 2021 season is set to see yet more unique and insightful interviews take place with the likes of competitors and officials, taking you closer to the action across our race meetings.

Work is also underway on a number of other exciting projects that will further enhance BARC Audio, all of which will be announced in due course.

Matt Jones, Cre8media Founder, said: “I’m delighted to continue providing our services on behalf of the BARC and look forward to working towards the re-opening of the motorsport season as a whole.

“We have used 2020 in the main as a development year for the audio platform and have new and exciting updates coming soon. May I also like to take this opportunity to thank both Ben Taylor and Chris Ashby for their support during the past 12 months.”

To find out more information about the BARC’s audio platform, head to https://www.barcaudio.net/.

Amazon Music os one of the largest on-demand streaming music services. With more than 55 million customers, the platform continues to grow and it is available in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and Japan, to name but a few.

Revolution A-One to feature on F1 support bill once again in Portugal

The Sports Prototype Cup’s flagship category for Revolution A-One machines will take centre stage at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve this year as they play a supporting role alongside the Formula 1 Heineken Grande Prémio De Portugal.

After starring at the event in 2020, the series has been invited back for the second successive year on April 30-May 2. This time the Revolution A-Ones will race as a class within O Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade by Sport TV, with three races currently scheduled to take place.

No less than 17 drivers representing 11 different countries served up a feast of entertainment last October when the Revolution A-One contingent raced in front of 27,500 spectators. It is hoped that crowds will be permitted to attend this years as well.

Places on the grid are limited, with one already having been secured. Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy will once again compete, this throughout the whole season, which is scheduled to begin at Silverstone on May 29.

BARC confirms change of date for Brands Hatch Truck Racing event

The first round of the British Truck Racing Championship, due to take place on April 10/11, has been rearranged to the weekend of June 5/6. Following discussions between BARC and MotorSport Vision, it was decided to push the meeting back by two months to ensure that fans are allowed into the Kent circuit for what is always a popular spectator event.

The truck racing season will now start at Pembrey on May 15/16, assuming that Welsh Government restrictions have been eased by then, and will hopefully feature the first ‘Convoy’ truck show at the Carmarthenshire circuit.

The BARC has been working closely with the championships that were due to attend the Brands Hatch event in April and it is hoped that all will be able to join the rearranged meeting in June.

We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

BARC confirms Croft race meeting cancellation

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that its scheduled race meeting at Croft Circuit on April 10 has been cancelled.

The Club has considered very carefully the implications of the proposed easing of lockdown restrictions in making this decision, particularly with regard to marshals, officials and competitors.

 The C1 Challenge which was due to feature at Croft, will now begin its season with the 24hr Silverstone event at the end of May and the series’ visit to Croft will be rescheduled to August 7/8. The Mini 7s who were also due to race at Croft will now join the rearranged Silverstone event on April 24/25.

We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

BTCC season-opener to run behind closed doors at Thruxton

Following the announcement of the government’s roadmap for easing of lockdown restrictions, the season-opening Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship race meeting at Thruxton on May 8/9 will be run behind closed doors, without spectators.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that no spectators will be allowed to attend events until May 17 at the earliest. We are disappointed that fans will not be able to join us in May and we are sorry for the inconvenience this decision will cause.

However, it looks as though the circuit will be able to have a full complement of spectators when the BTCC returns to Thruxton on August 28/29.

TICKET HOLDERS HAVE TWO OPTIONS
OPTION 1

We would like to offer you the opportunity to exchange your tickets for the BTCC race meeting in August. If you purchased grandstand seats, these will also be transferred and we will do our very best to allocate you the same seats. However, if your original allocation of seats is not available we will contact you. To exchange your tickets please send your name, address, and postcode to may21transfer@barc.net

Tickets will be posted in June/July. If you have any queries please email info@barc.net and someone will reply as soon as they are able.

OPTION 2

If you would like a full refund, please send your name, address, and postcode to may21refund@barc.net and your refund will be processed within 7 working days. If we do not hear from you before Sunday 11 April 2021, we will automatically process a refund.

We appreciate the disappointment that this will cause to our supporters, but we are grateful for your understanding at this difficult time and look forward to welcoming you back to Thruxton as soon as possible.

BARC statement on early-season events

Since the Prime Minister clarified the relaxing of guidance last week (February 22), we have been working hard behind the scenes with venues and championships to evaluate what it means for the start of the BARC’s racing programme this year.

Alongside the need to ensure everyone’s safety, there is a great deal to take into consideration in these decisions, including overnight stays, travelling time for marshals, officials and competitors, the availability of circuits and the knock-on effects of rearranging rounds into an already busy calendar.

However, we are delighted to announce that we have arranged with Silverstone to move the Britcar Endurance Championship event from March 27/28 to April 24/25.

We remain in discussions about our Croft event on April 10 and our British Truck Racing Championship headlining race meeting at Brands Hatch on April 10/11. We hope to make an announcement on those as soon as possible this week.