Author: Chris Ashby

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – August 10/11

The British Automobile Racing Club returns to this big screen this weekend for what is arguably one of the biggest events on the national motorsport calendar; Convoy in the Park at Donington Park.

On what promises to be a festival of all things motor racing and trucking, the two-day event at the Leicestershire venue is guaranteed to have everyone on the edge of their seats – and all of it will be LIVE online.

Taking centre stage in front of the cameras will be races from the British Truck Racing Championship, International Truck Prix, British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy and the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, plus much more.

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

Saturday 10th August | 12:45 | WATCH LIVE
Sunday 11th August | 10:15 | WATCH LIVE

Also taking place during the weekend are the latest rounds of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. Heading north of the border to Knockhill, the UK’s premier motorsport series will air qualifying online on Saturday afternoon before then broadcasting race day LIVE on ITV4 on Sunday.

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meetings at Donington Park and Knockhill., including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

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

Croft Historic Festival And Show set for best yet

One of the highlights of the northern motorsport scene is set to return to Croft Circuit when the bigger and better Historic Festival Weekend and Show takes place next weekend (10/11 August).

A two-day meet of classics from the 1950s through to the 1980s with something for all the family, the popular meeting at North Yorkshire’s premier racetrack has been an established fixture on the calendar for over a decade in the guise of both the Croft Nostalgia and Croft Retro meeting.

This year, the event will offer not just classic racing, but plenty of all-round entertainment for the family to enjoy, including children’s rides and live music. On track action will come from different classes from the Historic Sports Car Club and showcase classic vehicles from the 1950s through the decades but there will also be lots of new additions off the circuit too.

On track, there will be a wide variety of racing evoking memories of yesteryear with Historic Touring Cars, Historic Formula Ford and 70s Road Sports championships in action.

Fans got a glimpse of the Historic Touring Cars at the recent BTCC meeting with the likes of Mini Coopers taking on Ford Anglias, Lotus Cortinas, Jaguars, Hillman Imps and Ford Falcons. They will line up on the grid alongside the Historic Road Sports championship for Sports and GT cars built before 1969 who will battle it out in two races over Saturday and Sunday.

For Formula Ford fans, the Classic Formula Ford, Historic Formula Ford and Historic Formula Ford 2000 series will be competing and the 70s Road Sports Championship which will see a varied field packed with Porsches, Datsuns and MGs racing on both days.

The Guards Trophy Championship will be in action on Sunday with qualifying and a 50-minute race. The series is contested by sports racing cars and grand touring cars from the 1960s and includes a mandatory pit-stop and optional driver changes.

Also on track will be the Historic Modsports and Special Saloons whilst the Karting Legends demo will take place at midday on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday with several other parades on track throughout the afternoon.

New additions off track this year include a Wright Cyclone R3350 and a Rolls Royce Merlin will be attending both days whilst a range of steam engines, a Hercules and Dioramas will be on display as well as the regular classic and vintage cars.

There will also be a mini train station ride, carousel and hook a duck for the kids, a large tipi with seating where you can relax and enjoy the food and entertainment as well as a food court including a prosecco van.

Live music ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s with Blue Note Mitch and the Red-Hot Jacks and the Northallerton Silver Band will sound out across the circuit whilst the ever-popular Colin Bourdiec is back at the track.

There will be the usual variety of trade stands for the crowds to enjoy and the friendly atmosphere at Croft Circuit allows everyone to get close to the race cars in the paddock area along with a display of around 600 vehicles of all shapes and sizes pre-1988. There will also be a new competition on Sunday for the best dressed in vintage costumes.

The action starts on track at 9.30am on Saturday before racing commences at 2pm with Sunday’s schedule starting at 9.30am with vehicle parades. Ticket prices start at just £18 for adults on Saturday and £21 on Sunday with children aged 15 and under admitted FREE, there is FREE car parking and FREE paddock access.

For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or you can book your tickets online now at www.croftcircuit.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/historic-festival.

Croft’s brand-new CafĂ©, Hanger 50, will also be open throughout the weekend and serving refreshments. Tickets for all remaining 2024 events are still available to purchase along with Season Passes and Driving Experiences. Further information is available from Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or at www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

MINI CHALLENGE to run post-season taster day at Donington Park

Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE have announced plans for a post-season taster day at Donington Park for drivers that are interested in joining the grid for the 2025 campaign.

The event is scheduled to take place on Monday 14th October following the final meeting for the JCW and JCW Sport categories, and ahead of the season finale for the Trophy class – both of which will take place at Brands Hatch.

Teams competing across all three classes will be present on the day along with a variety of cars to cater for the different needs of potential entrants, from those looking to take their first steps into competition in the hugely competitive Cooper class right through to those looking to move up to a higher-profile series in JCW or JCW Sport.

Officials from the MINI CHALLENGE will also be in attendance in order to provide additional information on the series, and to answer any questions and queries.

A full race licence is not required in order to take part in the taster day, although those without will need to have a full road licence.

“We’ve had a huge amount of interest from people who are considering the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE for 2025, as we have seen with the drivers who have taken the opportunity to race our guest car in JCW Sport this season,” said Championship Co-ordinator Rhea Beauchamp.

“With that in mind, we thought it was a good idea to offer drivers who might be looking to join the MINI CHALLENGE next season, or who are eager to try and move up to a higher class, with the opportunity to go out on track and sample the cars and discover more about what the series is all about.

“At this stage we are looking for expressions of interest so we can finalise plans for the day, and would urge anyone interested to register their details.”

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – August 3/4

The British Automobile Racing Club is hitting the road and heading north of the border to Knockhill this weekend (August 3/4) as Caterham Motorsport gets set to write the latest chapter of what has been an enthralling 2024 season.

Hot on the heels of wowing crowds at Cadwell Park, the Caterham contingent will take on the undulating twists and turns of Knockhill – in both directions.

Starring in front of the cameras will be races from both Academy groups, as well as the 270R, 310R, Roadsport and Seven UK Championship’s.

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

Saturday 3rd August | 12:55 | WATCH LIVE
Sunday 4th August | 10:20 | WATCH LIVE

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

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

Colin Turkington, Josh Cook & Tom Chilton win big at Croft

Colin Turkington, Josh Cook and Tom Chilton were victorious at Croft Circuit this past weekend (July 27/28) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship kicked off the second half of its 2024 season in blockbuster fashion. 

Blasting back into life at the British Automobile Racing Club’s North Yorkshire venue following a five-week hiatus, the UK’s premier motorsport series delivered three captivating contests for the bumper crowd that was in attendance. 

Qualifying on Saturday saw Turkington live up to his name of being the ‘King of Croft’ as he paced the opposition on his way to claiming pole position. The Team BMW driver was in formidable form as he upped the ante as the sessions progressed before setting a best time of 1:21.072.

Behind, NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish secured the remaining spot on the front row while Tom Ingram and the hugely impressive Aron Taylor-Smith claimed third and fourth respectively. Rounding out the top six was the lead Toyota of Rob Huff and reigning champion Ash Sutton.

Race one belonged to Turkington as he led from start-to-finish on his way to a 70th career victory in the BTCC. Blasting away from pole position, the four-time champion driver withstood early pressure before soon breaking free and comfortably triumphing.

Ingram would lead the chase for the Northern Irishman after getting the better of Cammish however he could do nothing to overhaul him. Completing the podium – fresh off of signing a new multi-year deal – was the aforementioned Cammish in his Ford Focus ST. 

With the front-runners being forced to run the hard tyre, race two provided unmissable viewing as LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ driver Cook produced a stunning move late on to clinch his second win of the season. 

Running on the faster soft tyre, the Toyota driver battled his way up to second place before then overhauling stablemate Rob Huff with a breathtaking move around the outside of the Jim Clark Esses. 

It was an overtake that had everyone glued to the action but thankfully both drivers emerged unscathed. Cook then powered clear to take victory while Huff and Dan Rowbottom each made a welcome return to the rostrum in second and third. 

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Chilton concluded the action by taking a hugely popular win in a frantic reverse grid contest. Drawn onto pole position, the Hyundai driver put in a sublime performance with Cammish and Ingram rounding out the podium.

Leaving Croft, Ingram leads the way from Hill in the Drivers’ Championship whilst Ford and NAPA Racing UK top the Manufacturer-Constructor and Teams’ categories respectively with four events now remaining. 

Elsewhere, Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing comfortably remain out front in the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ standings, with Mikey Doble holding the advantage in the Jack Sears Trophy.

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

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues in less than two weeks’ time when the series travels north of the border to Knockhill for Rounds 19, 20 & 21 on August 10/11.

TOCA support championships soak up the sun at Croft

Croft Circuit saw no shortage of entertainment this past weekend (July 27/28) as the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain took centre stage on the TOCA support package.

Featuring alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for what is one of the biggest events on the calendar at the North Yorkshire venue, each championship served up a feast of edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

One of the stars of the show was undoubtedly the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and its Pre-’66 Touring Car Championship, which was making its first-ever appearance on the support bill of the BTCC.

As part of the CTCRC’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Pre-’66 contingent rolled back the years to a bygone era of tin top racing as they staged three non-championship races around the challenging 2.13-mile circuit.

Former BTCC race winner – and Yorkshireman – Sam Tordoff proved to be the driver to beat over the course of the weekend as he guided his monstrous Ford Falcon to a hat-trick of commanding victories.

David Dickerson and Guy Smith emerged as the closest challengers to Tordoff but both had to settle for the remaining spots on the podium. Also picking up some silverware was former Formula 1 driver Max Chilton, who was competing in a Ford Cortina prepared by Team Dynamics.

Spoils were shared in the latest rounds of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW as EXCELR8 Motorsport team-mates Maximus Hall and Tom Ovenden claimed a win apiece, while Dan Zelos maintained his advantage in the championship.

Hall’s triumph came somewhat unexpectedly as a gaggle of cars ahead of him – including Ovenden, Dominic Wheatley and Nelson King – encountered their own troubles in the latter stages, which led to Hall picking up the pieces for his fourth win of the year.

Ovenden would bounce back from the heartache of losing an almost certain win in race two as he got the better of pole sitter Jamie Osborne and then cruise to victory, reigning supreme ahead of the NAPA Racing UK duo of Osborne and Lewis Selby.

Local driver Max Coates had a weekend to remember as he won two of the three races in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain. Always a popular draw at his home circuit, Coates was near-perfect in the one-make series as he ignited his championship challenge in style.

The Team Omologato with Graves Motorsport driver dominated proceedings in the opening encounter, winning by more than eight seconds, before Sebastian Hopkins came to the fore in race two as he tallied his latest win of the season – with Will Jenkins and Coates not far behind.

Hopkins had looked on course to double up in the weekend’s third and final race however he was hit with a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits late on, which therefore promoted Coates onto the top step of the podium.

In the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, Hugo Ellis and Matthew Rees bolstered there individual seasons by snaring a win apiece. Ellis was in a league of his own in the opening encounter to triumph before Rees came to the fore in a captivating finale. Will Martin continues to lead the standings as the series heads north of the border to Knockhill.

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support championships that competed at Croft, CLICK HERE.

TOCA Junior Championship set for official launch this August

Organisers of the TOCA Junior Championship have today (Monday 22nd July) announced the venue and date for its official launch, as well as where fans will be able to get a first look at the car that will be competing in the new 2025 one-make category.

With the build process of the car approaching its conclusion and an extensive testing programme scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, a strictly invite-only event will be held at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel on the evening of Tuesday 13th August.

Prospective teams and drivers, as well as media and partners, will be invited to attend as the covers come off the machine – which bares the Chevron name – that drivers aged 14 to 17 will compete against each other in next year.

Information on the championship will also be provided to those in attendance before the registration process formerly opens two days later on Thursday 15th August, with teams and drivers that have legitimate interest to join the series can secure their spot on the entry list.

For the inaugural season of the TOCA Junior Championship, the size of the grid will be capped to a maximum of 26 cars. Spaces will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

A little over a week on from the invite-only launch, spectators will have the opportunity to get up close with the official TOCA Junior car at Donington Park on the 24-25 August as one will be on display in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship paddock.

Dave Beecroft, TOCA Junior Championship Director: “It feels great to finally be able to announce that we will be officially launching the TOCA Junior Championship in less than a months’ time.

“Since the concept of the Championship was first announced we have been inundated with teams and drivers expressing their interest to be on the grid; which has been truly fantastic to see and a testament to the appetite that there is for junior racing in the UK.

“Behind the scenes our team has been working tirelessly to put the finishing touches on the car. Taking the covers off the car to prospective teams and drivers first is something that is important to us and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Mercure in Daventry.

“To then head to Donington Park afterwards and display the car in the British Touring Car Championship paddock – whereby we will become a fixture on the support bill next year – is just as exciting as the public will be able to give us their reactions.

“Obviously these launches officially mark the countdown to our inaugural race however there is a lot more to look forward to, especially as we have plenty more announcements to make over the coming weeks and months.”

BARC North West Rescue Unit enhances operational capabilities

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Rescue Unit has recently enhanced its operational capabilities with the acquisition of a Mini Cutter CCU10 from Holmatro, a leading manufacturer of high-performance rescue equipment.

In what is a significant upgrade for the NW Rescue Unit, the state-of-the-art tool promises both improved efficiency and safety when it comes to critical rescue scenarios.

The Mini Cutter CCU10, designed for precision and power, is crucial in scenarios involving vehicle extrication, allowing rescuers to swiftly and safely cut through components like pedals and steering wheels, enabling trapped individuals to be freed more quickly.

Holmatro’s Mini Cutter CCU10 is renowned for its ergonomic design, lightweight structure, and formidable cutting force, which ensures that even the toughest materials can be handled with ease.

This investment underscores the North West Rescue Unit’s commitment to maintaining cutting-edge equipment and providing the best possible response to incidents; enhancing their ability to perform rapid and effective rescues, potentially saving more lives in the process.

BTCC partners with world renowned oil and additive brand LIQUI MOLY

The British Touring Car Championship has announced that it is welcoming German motor oil and additive manufacturer, LIQUI MOLY, as its ‘Official Oil and Lubricants Partner’ with immediate effect.

Putting pen-to-paper on a long term three-and-a-half-year deal, the relationship between them will officially kick off at Croft at the end of July with the event ‘Presented by LIQUI MOLY’. The brand will then lend its name to the race weekend at Croft for the subsequent events in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

LIQUI MOLY branding will be present at all BTCC race venues, with circuit signage and podium backdrops among the areas in which its logo will be presented. Furthermore, the blue-red-white company branding will be present on the official BTCC website and other media channels.

“The BTCC is not only a firm fixture in motorsport throughout the United Kingdom, but also attracts fans worldwide,” says Debbie Barnes, Managing Director of LIQUI MOLY UK.

“Speed, adrenaline rush, emotions – the BTCC has been thrilling motorsport enthusiasts for decades. Placing LIQUI MOLY in this dynamic environment is the perfect opportunity for us to increase the fascination for our quality brand – and our partners and customers will hugely benefit from this partnership.”

“We are delighted to welcome LIQUI MOLY into the BTCC family,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive. “We have always cherished our loyal and long-term relationships with our very specific and carefully chosen partners, and we look forward to LIQUI MOLY joining that illustrious group.

“LIQUI MOLY is a much admired and trusted motor oil and additive manufacturer throughout the world, not just in motorsport, and we are looking forward to what will be a hugely successful partnership.”

Pembrey to stage inaugural Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival

Pembrey Circuit will debut a brand-new event later this year in the shape of the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival, which is scheduled to take place on September 22. 

Set to deliver an action-packed day of automotive excitement, the one-day meeting is set to boast a wide variety of machines – and it’s not to be missed. 

To coincide with it being more than three decades since the legendary Ayrton Senna set the fastest ever lap around Pembrey, a display of Historic Formula 1 cars will be situated in the paddock for all to see.

Elsewhere, a stunning array of supercars will be front and centre while those in attendance will also be able to marvel at timeless Classic & Historic Car Collections. 

The power and precision of both Rallycross and Rally cars will also be demonstrated, with those with an interest for two-wheeled machinery being well catered for too. 

There will be plenty to see and do off-track as well with live music and celebrity interviews taking place on the main stage. Junior electric motocross, tractor pulling, a funfair, trade stands and a food village will guarantee further fun for the whole family. 

Tickets for the event are available to purchase on the Pembrey website HERE. 

BTCC welcoming applications for new teams to join 2025 grid

The British Touring Car Championship has announced that it has opened applications from interested teams that are looking to join the UK’s premier motorsport series from the 2025 season onwards.

Having reached its ‘quality over quantity’ targets for the 2024 campaign, BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow will consider applications from ‘fresh, high-quality’ outfits as part of the championship’s forward development plans.

“For the last six years I’ve said many times that, ideally, I’d like to cap our numbers to around 24 cars for several different reasons – not least of which is to support our teams by utilising the sound commercial principle of maintaining ‘supply’ just below ‘demand’ in order to underpin their entries and investment,” said Gow.

“Whilst reviewing these plans I also appreciate that some interested new teams (i.e. non-current TBL holders) have, until now, been unable to join the championship due to the tightly controlled restrictions of the TBL allocation system.

“With that in mind, I’ve opened the door for expressions of interest from up to two, two-car teams who are looking to join the championship from 2025. With high and consistent levels of quality and competitiveness throughout the current grid, the final number could then be capped at 24 cars/TBLs.”

“Stable technical regulations are, of course, one of the most cost-effective ways of controlling costs and equalising competition. So, whilst new technical regulations are due to be introduced from 2027, these will be an evolution of the current hugely successful and stable NGTC regs.

“Therefore, cars purchased or built by current or new teams will also be valid to use during that next phase of the regulations, with only relatively minor updates that are specifically aimed at reducing costs, whilst continuing to provide the proven equality of performance that exists.”

Confidential expressions of interest should be directed to; alan.gow@btcc-toca.com.

Goodwood delivers Festival of Speed to remember

The Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard hit new heights this year as tens of thousands of spectators flocked to West Sussex this past weekend (July 11-14) for the 2024 edition of motoring’s greatest garden party. 

Bringing together a host of eclectic road and competition cars, legendary drivers, riders and global manufacturers, this year’s Festival of Speed saw the focus on the evolution of the motoring industry, from the days of the ‘horseless carriage’ to today’s sustainable march forward.

As always, a stunning Central Feature took pride of place outside Goodwood House and this year it commemorated 100 years of MG. The incredible sculpture paid homage to the iconic manufacturers centenary, with both the past and future showcased/

Whilst the Central Feature stood tall for all to see, jaw-dropping machinery was around almost every turn with a wave of new cars launched, the Supercar Paddock showcasing exotic machines and Electric Avenue offering a glimpse into the present and future for the automotive industry. 

Red Bull Racing were one of many outfits that had their own celebrations, with the Formula 1 powerhouse marking two decades of competition by pairing a number of iconic drivers with some of their most famous single-seater machines.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Festival of Speed without a plethora of star names and this year proved to be no different with the likes of Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Travis Pastrana, Logan Sergeant and Sir Jackie Stewart being just some of the motorsport royalty that was in attendance.

On the prestigious one-mile Hillclimb layout, all manner of cars and bikes entertained the masses and on Sunday afternoon the all-important Hillclimb Shootout saw Romain Dumas claim bragging rights as he piloted the Red Bull-liveried Ford Supervan to a time of 43.98 seconds.

As always, the British Automobile Racing Club continued its tradition of playing a critical role in the organisational side of the multi-day event too by overseeing driver sign-on and providing marshals and officials.

Boasting hundreds of trade stands, live entertainment, an all-action arena and aerial acrobatics from the Red Arrows – plus much more – this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard could arguably stake its claim as being one of the best yet.

You can watch back all the action from the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard HERE.

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

The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is scheduled to take place on July 10-13, with tickets set to go on sale in the coming months.