Author: Chris Ashby

BARC & BTRA reaches commercial agreement with Truck Sport UK

The British Automobile Racing Club and British Truck Racing Association are delighted to announce that it has secured an agreement with Truck Sport UK for the promotion and marketing of the 2020 BTRA British Truck Racing Championship.

Maintaining its role as the official organiser of the championship, the BARC will work with Truck Sport UK and Road Transport Media to develop the commercial side of the series; including sponsorship, PR, media relations and promotion.

The new arrangement between all parties has been negotiated with the support of the British Truck Racing Association.

Commenting on the new agreement, BARC Group Chief Executive Ben Taylor said: “There has been a lot of uncertainty around the BTRA Championship in recent months, but I am delighted that we have been able to secure this agreement which is great news for British Truck Racing.

“We believe that Truck Sport are ideally placed to help the BARC and the BTRA take this championship forward and we look forward to getting started immediately.”

The seven-round 2020 season will kick off at Brands Hatch in April before going on to visit Pembrey (twice), Thruxton, Donington Park and Snetterton, before concluding back at Brands Hatch in November for the annual fireworks finale.

As part of Truck Sport UK’s aim to assist with the growth and recognition of the series, the successful ‘Convoy in the Park’ event will return to Donington Park in August, with two additional meetings also planned. ‘Convoy on the Plain’ will be held at Thruxton in late June whilst ‘Convoy Cymru’ will take centre stage at Pembrey in October.

JSCC partners with MINI CHALLENGE and Goodyear for new Driver Development Programme

The Junior Saloon Car Championship has announced that it will join forces with the MINI CHALLENGE and Goodyear to create a Driver Development Programme aimed at helping young drivers reach the pinnacle of British motor racing.

Currently bridging the gap between karting and cars, the JSCC offers aspiring racers aged between the ages of 14 to 17 with the opportunity to get behind the wheel and compete.

With several drivers having coming through the championship’s ranks already, the one-make series is aiming to continue that trend by creating a driver development ladder which will provide an opportunity for youngsters to move up into the MINI CHALLENGE and then possibly one day on into the British Touring Car Championship.

Dave Beecroft, Junior Saloon Car Championship Co-ordinator, said: ”JSCC has been going from strength to strength, year on year and it’s exciting to be able to offer this opportunity to our junior drivers.

“The MINI CHALLENGE is a great championship to progress to after JSCC and its brilliant to be a part of this development programme to aid young drivers to progress all the way through to BTCC.

“We’re very happy to be continuing our partnership with Dunlop/Goodyear who have consistently shown their investment in young drivers and we strongly believe this is the best opportunity on the market for juniors looking to achieve their dream at the top of British car racing.”

Mickey Butler, UK Event Manager for Goodyear and Dunlop, continued: ”We are proud to build a ladder into BTCC through Goodyear’s support of the MINI CHALLENGE and Dunlop’s investment in the teenage racers of the JSCC.

“By building a bridge from one of the UK’s strongest Junior series into the UK’s highest profile one-make touring car feeder series, we are supporting young talent in their goal of getting to the pinnacle of British racing, racing on the touring car weekends in either the MINI CHALLENGE or BTCC.”

Finally; MINI CHALLENGE Championship Director, Antony Williams, added: “I am delighted that the MINI CHALLENGE, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Goodyear have come together to create the all new Goodyear Academy.

“By working together with JSCC and Goodyear, we will provide young drivers with a clear route from Karting into their first steps in car racing with JSCC, on to the TOCA support package with the MINI CHALLENGE and then on to the BTCC.

“Goodyear and the MINI CHALLENGE are also delighted to offer the JSCC winner a prize consisting of a fully funded test in a MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class car and free tyres for their first MINI CHALLENGE season worth ÂŁ3,000. Lastly we will be making a further exciting announcement regarding the academy in due course.”

Caterham Graduates Championship set for blockbuster year after exceeding membership expectations

The Caterham Graduates Racing Club has confirmed that it has already closed its membership for the forthcoming 2020 race season, with more than 90 drivers signed up across its four classes.

Steeped in a rich history that stretches back more than two decades, the popular single-make championship has been one of the cornerstones of the British Automobile Racing Club and has continued to flourish.

Coming off the back of a memorable 2019, the category has seen membership grow by over a third this year, prompting the Club to close membership two months ahead of the seven-round campaign that lies ahead.

Andrew Outterside, Club Director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in racing with us in 2020 and have taken the unusual decision to close membership this early, to ensure that our members will have the opportunity to race at as many meetings as possible.

“We think our success in retaining existing members and attracting new members is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, our continued focus on having fun in a sociable environment for racers and their families. Safety and driving standards are taken very seriously, with a dedicated Driving Standards Team (DST), made up of experienced and respected members. The DST act on inconsiderate or poor driving and educate drivers on avoiding incidents.

“We have a tried and tested formula which provides a cost-effective ‘level playing field’ approach, where it’s the driver that makes the difference. This is achieved by strictly controlled specifications and a limit of three sets of tyres per season.

“In addition, this season we’ve introduced two new types of membership, which have proved popular. They cater for those drivers that are short on time but would still like to compete in a limited number of rounds (the CGRC Trophy) or just have the occasional outing with the Club during the year.

“Our calendar this year also has a great blend of circuits, including an overseas round at the  recently undated Zandvoort GP circuit, and I’m sure that is only going to add to the spectacle.

“Along with the British Automobile Racing Club, we are shaping up to have a busy year ahead and we’re looking forward to the continued growth of the CGRC into 2021.”

In addition to the healthy grid size, the Club has also confirmed that it has selected Mission Motorsport and Purple 4 Polio as its two charities that it will be supporting throughout the coming season.

The 2020 Caterham Graduates Championship kicks off its season around the Silverstone National circuit with its annual pre-season track day on February 29 before returning on March 21/22 for the season-opener.

To find out more information on the Club and championship, visit www.cgrc.co.uk.

BARC North West Centre rescue team hones skills with SYNETIQ

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre has been preparing its Rescue Team for the forthcoming 2020 motorsport season, with a training day in conjunction with SYNETIQ allowing them to hone their skills.

Forming the technical rescue unit of the Club’s North West Centre, which supports major events such as the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in addition to BARC events, the one-day course proved to be pivotal.

Staged at SYNETIQ’s site at Winsford, the day provided an opportunity for the team to practice rapid extraction methods against the clock, making it as realistic as possible.

In addition, the day also allowed team members to get to grips with the latest incline cutter tool; aimed at improving capabilities even further.

SYNENTIQ’s relationship with the BARC North West Rescue outfit can be traced back to Car Transplants Ltd, which previously host training days before becoming part of the SYNETIQ in March 2019.

Ginetta unveil championship changes ahead of new season

Ginetta have unveiled a handful of changes to two of its leading championships ahead of the 2020 motorsport season.

Taking centre stage on the British Touring Car Championship support bill, the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup is set to expand to house three classes moving forward.

Having operated a two-tier structure since 2014, a new Pro/Am class will be introduced with the aim of continuing to bridge the gap and cater for drivers wanting to work their way through the ranks.

The Am class will return to its original purpose as a home for gentlemen drivers wanting to compete in a more relaxed fashion, with Pro/Am designed to cater for young, less experienced drivers a class to race in before going on to compete with the front-running Pro competitors.

Elsewhere, the Ginetta Racing Drivers Club has also undergone a format change with the introduction if a two-class structure taking place.

Serving as a platform for drivers to make their car-racing debuts in a welcoming, competitive and cost-effective environment, the series has proven to be a smash-hit in recent years.

From 2020 onwards, the main GRDC class will be open to drivers of any experience level; thus providing existing competitors the opportunity to continue their driver development in the series whilst also opening the door for a raft of new faces.

The series will also continue to cater for novice competitors by introducing a Rookie Class. Entrants will continue to benefit from an all-inclusive package, with a first class service seeing their cars prepared and run by the experienced team at want2race.

The GRDC will be amalgamated onto the back of the G40 Cup grid at all five of the UK based events in support of the British GT Championship, with the drivers nominating four rounds to count towards their final championship points.

To find out more information on the variety of different championships that Ginetta have available, head to https://www.ginetta.com/.

BARC championships kick-start 2020 season at Autosport Show International

As the 2020 season continues to draw ever closer, the Autosport Show International served as the perfect place to kick-start the new year for the British Automobile Racing Club and a host of its championships last week.

Bringing together some of the biggest names in motorsport under the roof of the NEC Arena in Birmingham, the four-day (January 9-12) event saw thousands of enthusiastic fans descend on the venue.

Among those that race under the BARC banner, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship once again had a major presence as it served up plenty of announcements during the course of the show.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship also enjoyed a productive show as they welcomed a raft of drivers and teams signing up to their Endurance and Trophy classes for the forthcoming campaign.

Coming off the back of their milestone 25th Anniversary season, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres made their mark.

Not only showcasing what they have to offer in the main exhibition hall, a host of drivers including 2019 champion Miles Rudman put on a show in the Live Action Arena.

Elsewhere, cars representing the Junior Saloon Car Championship, C1 Racing Series, Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup, Kumho BMW Championship, Porsche GB Motorsport, CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, MINI CHALLENGE and Clio Cup UK were also in attendance.

British Automobile Racing Club releases 2020 events schedule

The British Automobile Racing Club has released its full events schedule for the forthcoming 2020 motorsport season; kicking off in March and running right the way through until mid-November.

Whilst some of Britain’s best-loved categories will serve up edge-of-the-seat entertainment throughout the year, the Club will also play an organisational role in a host of high-profile events as well.

Spectacles such as the UK round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Power Maxed Motofest Coventry and all three Goodwood events will see the BARC assist in the operation and organisation of each race meeting.

To view the full list of 2020 British Automobile Racing Club race meetings, click HERE.

In addition, click HERE to see where your favourite BARC championship is racing in 2020 too.

BARC HQ 2019 Christmas Closing Dates

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

From: Monday 23rd December 2019 at 17:00

To: Thursday 2nd January 2020 at 09:00

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible trackside throughout 2020; be it if you are officiating, marshalling, spectating or competing!

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

Britcar to race at Spa-Francorchamps on FIA World Endurance Championship support package

Britcar’s Dunlop Endurance Championship is gearing up to take centre stage on an international level next year after confirming that it will support the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps on April 22/23/24 2020.

In what will be the penultimate event of the 2019-2020 Super Season for the WEC, a blockbuster three days of on-track excitement is set to take place around the famous Belgian venue – with Britcar adding to the spectacle.

Continuing to go from strength-to-strength under the stewardship of Claire Hedley, competing on the global stage is the latest in a long line of achievements that Britcar has enjoyed in recent years.

Kicking off their 2020 campaign over the Easter bank holiday weekend in April, the series’ international foray will be a non-championship round.

The weekend will comprise of a qualifying session and two 50-minute encounters around the famous circuit. In addition the event will be open to all cars that comply with Britcar’s class structure; whether registered or not to the championship itself.

To find out more information regarding the event and the championship as a whole, head to https://www.britcar-endurance.com/.

Festive cheer comes early for all BARC Members

The British Automobile Racing Club is spreading some early festive cheer to all members this month courtesy of the annual Christmas Pack; which includes the latest issue of the Club’s magazine, a copy of the 2019 Season Review, a 2020 Wall Calendar and a Christmas Card.

A must-have for any motor racing fan, every member of the BARC will receive the pack through the post in time for the Christmas period, with essential reading ensuring that you’ll be able to get a motorsport fix amidst the festivities.

In what is the final issue of 2019, the Club magazine is jam-packed with all of the latest news, features and updates from our championships, venues and centres, as always.

Included is an outline of what Group Chief Executive Ben Taylor sees the future holding for the BARC, we look back on the career of Legends Championship Co-ordinator Phil Cooper and we catch up with record-equalling BTCC champion Colin Turkington.

With the dust having now settled on the 2019 season, Chris Ashby provides a comprehensive look back on the year that was via the annual BARC Season Review.

Providing a definitive guide to how the fortunes of each of the Club’s championships, series, events and venues played out during the past 12 months, the Season Review captures every pivotal moment.

Further festive treats are included in the Club’s annual December pack too with a Christmas Card that will be perfect for the mantelpiece and a striking 2020 Calendar both included as well.

If you’re not a member of the BARC then why not head to https://www.barc.net/membership/ to find out more information.

Thruxton’s Christmas Cracker: Festive discounts on 2020 BSB and BTCC tickets

Black Friday and Cyber Monday might have been and gone, but there is still time to grab a Christmas bargain at Thruxton, with a host of festive discounts on tickets to next season’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship race meetings in Hampshire.

The BTCC and BSB represent the very best in UK motorsport, and are Thruxton’s biggest two events of the year, with Britain’s most talented two and four-wheeled warriors tackling the fastest circuit in the country as they go doorhandle-to-doorhandle and fairing-to-fairing at speeds of up to 160mph.

It pays to be quick off-track, too, with special offers on advance ticket sales until 31 December. The BTCC heroes will speed back into Thruxton on 16/17 May, with tempting reductions of up to 32 per cent for early bird buyers.

Adult Weekend Super-Savers have been reduced from £92 to £63 – including two days’ admission with paddock pass, a grandstand seat throughout and a race programme. Adult Race Day Savers – again with paddock pass – are down from £45 to £34. More information can be found at thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc.

Similar deals are available on BSB tickets for two-wheeled fans. Adult Three-Day Super-Savers – including three days’ admission with paddock pass, a grandstand seat throughout and a race programme – are reduced from £100 to £70. Adult Weekend Super-Savers – offering all the same benefits but over two days rather than three – have been discounted from £92 to £63, with Adult Race Day Savers (including paddock pass) £34 rather than £45.

More information can be found at thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/bsb, with accompanied children aged 12 and under admitted free of charge to all Thruxton race meetings.

Both high-octane events provide a surplus of entertainment for all ages and plenty of action-packed racing from the star-studded headline act to the many fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat support series – Christmas come early indeed.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our usual advance ticket deals to those who like to get their orders in early,” said Pat Blakeney, Group Operations Manager at Thruxton Circuit. “With significant discounts of up to 37 per cent on a wide variety of tickets for our two biggest events of the year, there is extra incentive to buy now – the perfect Christmas gift for the motorsport fan in your family.

“The British Touring Car Championship and British Superbike Championship never fail to entertain, and with only one opportunity per year to catch the stars of the show on-track here at Thruxton, you really don’t want to miss out. So don’t delay – because our special Santa savings won’t be around forever!”

More information about all of Thruxton’s race meetings can be found at www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing or by calling 01264 882222.

Pembrey Circuit reveals action-packed 2020 events calendar

Pembrey Circuit is set to once again absorb the sights, sounds and smells of high-octane motorsport in 2020 with the South Wales-based venue boasting a bumper events calendar for the forthcoming season.

Celebrating what will be its 30th anniversary in association with the British Automobile Racing Club, the home of Welsh motorsport will hit new heights as it stages no less than 15 race meetings over the course of the year.

Kicking the season off in late March, two-wheeled thrills and spills from the NGRR Motorcycle Championship will set the scene for a frenetic feast of entertainment in the months to follow.

With the picturesque hills surrounding circuit set to reverberate to the sounds of horsepower, Pembrey will welcome the likes of the BARC, BTRDA Rallycross Championship, British Minibike Championship and Welsh Tarmac Rally’s also.

Arguably two of the headlines acts of the year will come in the shape of the MV Commercial BTRA Championship and British Rallycross Championship. Huge crowd pleasers in recent years, both categories will make two visits during the course of the season and will undoubtedly deliver unrivalled action.

The Historic Sports Car Club will take those in attendance on a spirited trip down memory as it makes a long overdue return to Pembrey in June; whilst the likes of the British Sprint Championship, Welsh Drifting Championship and Classic Motorcycle Racing Championship will also star.

PEMBREY CIRCUIT 2020 CALENDAR

March 28/29 – NGRR Motorcycle Championship

April 12 – Welsh Drifting Championship

April 25/26 – Toyo Tires BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship

May 9/10 – British Truck Racing (Pembrey Spring Truckfest)

May 24/25 – British Rallycross Championship

May 30/31 – British Minibike Championship

June 6/7 – British Sprint Championship

June 13/14 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Championship

June 27/28 – Historic Sports Car Club

July 25/26 – VMCC Historic Motorcycle Championship

August 8/9 – Toyo Tires BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship

August 16 – British Sprint Championship

August 29/30 – ACU British Supermoto Championship

September 6 – Welsh Drifting Championship

September 12/13 – BARC Citroen C1 Endurance

October 3/4 – British Truck Racing (Pembrey Autumn Truckfest)

October 11 – Welsh Tarmac Rally Championship

October 18 – British Rallycross Championship

December 28 – ‘Jaffa’ Christmas Rally Stages

All 2020 dates listed at Pembrey Circuit are provisional and subject to change.

Tickets for the 2020 season will be available to purchase in the coming weeks. Head to https://pembreycircuit.co.uk/racing to find out more.