Author: Chris Ashby

BARC championships deliver show-stopping weekend at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage at Brands Hatch this past weekend (November 2/3) as five championships battled contrasting conditions to bring the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns.

As champions were crowned in front of a bumper crowd around the famous Kent venue, fireworks flew both on and off the track across a sensational two days of scintillating entertainment.

One of the headline acts of the weekend proved to the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, which served up no less than eight spellbinding encounters.

In Division 1, Ryan Smith secured a fourth successive title as he converted his healthy points advantage over David Jenkins into an unassailable lead.

Storming to pole position, the MAN driver was victorious in race one before then going on to finish in fourth in race two – which was enough to wrap up the title. Jamie Anderson meanwhile proved to be unstoppable on Sunday as he scorched his way to a hat-trick of race wins.

Steven Powell made home advantage count in Division 2 as he powered his way to a hat-trick of race wins. Cementing his status as vice-champion, Powell was in a league of his own for a majority of the weekend whilst John Bowler rounded off the year on the top step of the podium.

Producing plenty of thrills and spills, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres brought its 25th Anniversary campaign to a close in sensational style – with Miles Rudman being crowned champion for the first-ever time.

Entering the finale holding a significant points lead, Rudman made no mistake to get the job done; winning Saturday and Sunday’s finals in show-stopping fashion. Connor Mills, Paul Simmons, Jack Parker and John Mickel also tasted victory across both days too.

Scott McIntyre was another driver to savour the spoils of victory over the course of the weekend as he captured the Junior Saloon Car Championship title.

With double points on offer, a second place finish behind outgoing champion Lewis Saunders in the opening encounter was enough for the 2018 Scholarship victor to secure the championship. Saunders would reign supreme in the final race of the season too.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship crowned a brand-new champion in the shape of George Turiccki at Brands Hatch, with three blockbuster encounters captivating those in attendance.

Michael Smith, the returning Lea Wood and Declan Jones shared the spoils but nobody could stop Turiccki from capturing his first championship in the series.

Despite 2019 champion Malcolm Blackman electing to miss the season finale, the Super Silhouette Championship was in fine form too during the weekend with Danny Hunn and Lewis Smith signing off with a win apiece.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch from this past weekend, click here.

Croft 2020 BTCC tickets now on sale

Tickets for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s annual visit to Croft Circuit on August 15/16 2020 are now on sale, with discounted prices confirmed in the run up to Christmas.

In what is set to be one of headline events as part of a spectacular summer of motorsport in North Yorkshire, tickets to the seventh event on the BTCC calendar could make the the perfect present for the petrol head in your life.

Having traditionally featured during the first half of the season, the annual BTCC trip to the north east will now take place during the second half of the 2020 campaign, with the venue set to play a pivotal role in the destiny of the title – playing host to Rounds 19, 20 & 21.

Croft’s blend of high-speed and tight technical corners makes it a favourite amongst competitors and spectators alike, with edge-of-the-seat entertainment all-but guaranteed. In 2019, Andrew Jordan and Tom Chilton reigned supreme on an action-packed race day.

In addition to the thrills and spills of the BTCC, fans will also see bumper support race action over the course of the weekend courtesy of the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, MINI Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB and F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost.

Tracey Morley, Croft Circuit Manager, said: “We’re delighted to now be able to allow fans to buy tickets to next year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event – all of which are at discounted prices.

“After several years of hosting the event in June, we are excited to take up a spot on the calendar in August and we’re sure it will be one of the highlights of the summer; especially with three high-octane BTCC races and a bumper bill of support race action too.

“With tickets available to purchase at discounted prices from now right the way up to Christmas, these really are the perfect presents for any petrolhead.”

Visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc to view full tickets offers and prices, as well as more information on 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Thomas Lebbon wins Ginetta Junior Scholarship to secure fully-funded 2020 drive

Thomas Lebbon has secured a fully-funded season in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship for 2020 after winning the coveted Ginetta Junior Scholarship at Blyton Park.

Following three days of intense competition which saw the list of contenders whittled down from 68 to five, the teenage karting sensation produced a superlative performance to clinch one of the most sought after prizes in British motorsport.

Impressing the judging panel, Lebbon starred throughout the variety of driving, fitness and media assessments that were put in front of him, ultimately being selected as the next possible future star the Yorkshire manufacturer as produced.

Running for the tenth year in succession, the Ginetta Junior Scholarship has forged the careers of previous winners such as Stuart Middleton, Daniel Harper, Adam Smalley and Ethan Brooks.

In addition to earning himself a spot on the grid for next year and the use of a Ginetta G40 race car, Brooks will also receive insurance, consumables, tyres and fuel plus professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the 2020 campaign.

Commenting on the achievement, Lebbon said: “What an amazing moment! I never thought this was going to happen, so I’m feeling both delighted and surprised.

“I enjoyed pushing the Ginetta to the limit and I can’t wait to go racing in it for the first time at Donington Park.”

The 2020 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship roars into life at Donington Park on March 28/29 before joining travelling the length and breadth of the UK on the support bill of the Kwik British Touring Car Championship.

Fireworks to fly at Brands Hatch as BARC championships gear up to sign off 2019 season

Fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 2/3) as the British Automobile Racing Club descends on the Kent venue with four championships set to bring the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns in spectacular fashion.

One of the headline events of the season, an awe-inspiring fireworks display on Sunday evening will be proceeded by a feast of on-track action from the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and Super Silhouette Championship.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, the MV Commercial BTRA Championship will arguably take centre stage with eight blockbuster races.

In Division 1, Ryan Smith and David Jenkins will conclude their battle for the coveted crown. Bidding to clinch a four consecutive title, Smith finds himself in the box seat at the head of the standings however Jenkins can’t be discounted from overhauling the MAN racer.

Luke Garrett can rest easy after wrapping up the Division 2 title at Pembrey last time out however there is still plenty to race for. A five-way battle for second place remains keenly fought over so a watchful eye should be cast on Steven Powell, Brad Smith, Paul Rivett, John Bowler and John Powell.

Meanwhile, Miles Rudman sits on the cusp of a maiden Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title as he heads a 30-strong entry list into the final event of what has been a momentous 25th Anniversary campaign for the popular pocket rockets.

Holding a substantial lead over his rivals, the former rookie champion will be keen to convert his advantage into championship silverware and with six races in which to do so, he has plenty of opportunities.

Rudman will have to wary of the likes of John Mickel, Sean Smith, Sy Harraway, Marcus Pett, Will Gibson and many more, all of whom will be undoubtedly in the mix to challenge towards the sharp end of the grid.

The destiny of the Junior Saloon Car Championship will be decided at Brands Hatch too, with three drivers in the mix and double points on offer. Showcasing themselves as the next generation of UK motorsport stars, the JSCC contingent will undoubtedly put on a show to remember.

Scott McIntyre, who at times has been in a league of his own, holds a 54-point advantage at the standings summit and looks on course to convert his lead into title glory. Both Alex Jay and reigning champion Lewis Saunders are the only two drivers to stand in McIntyre’s way.

A first-ever Pickup Truck Racing Championship is within touching distance of George Turiccki, however it isn’t job done just yet. Having been the epitome of consistency, tallying five wins along the way, Turiccki sits on the cusp of glory but he will need to be wary of the chasing pack.

Dale Gent and Michael Smith are the closest rivals to Turiccki as it stands but both will need fortune to fall their way if they are to complete a remarkable comeback.

Only the BARC Super Silhouette Championship is the only category to be settled heading into the weekend, with Malcolm Blackman having attained an unassailable lead last time out.

Having flourished under the stewardship of Sonny Howard, the spaceframe series has scaled new heights this year and a bumper entry list will round out what has been another superlative season of wheel-to-wheel action.

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

BARC strengthens ties with British Hill Climb Championship

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to confirm that it will continue in its role of operating and promoting the British Hill Climb Championship in the coming years.

Following a tender process which was carried out by Motorsport UK, the BARC has been issued a new contract to remain in its current position of running the prestigious championship.

BARC General Manager Ian Watson, along with Championship Co-ordinator Tim Wilson and Championship Administrator Jackie Wilson will head up a committee that includes former Midland Automobile Club Operations Manager Robin Webb and ex Bugatti Owners’ Club General Manager Stuart Webster to steer the series moving forward.

In addition to the news that the BARC will remain associated with the British Hill Climb Championship for the foreseeable future, organisers have also unveiled an unchanged calendar for the 2020 season.

2020 British Hill Climb Championship Calendar

April 25/26 – Prescott

May 2 – Craigantlet

May 9/10 – Harewood

May 23/24 – Gurston Down

June 6/7 – Shelsley Walsh

June 13/14 – Loton Park

June 20/21  Doune

July 4 – Barbon Manor

July 5 – Harewood

July 15 – Bouley Bay

July 18 – Val des Terres

July 25/26 – Wiscombe Park

August 15/16 – Shelsley Walsh

August 29/30 – Gurston Down

September 5/6 – Prescott

September 19/20 – Doune

September 26/27 – Loton Park

To find out more information on the British Hill Climb Championship, click here.

BTCC unveils minor rule changes for 2020 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that a number of minor regulation changes will be implemented for the 2020 season following the annual end-of-season meeting between organisers TOCA and teams.

One of the first changes for next year surrounds tyres and comes off of the back of an initiative that was successfully introduced in the summer. At Snetterton and Croft, drivers will now use all three Goodyear tyre compounds – hard, medium and soft.

The way in which tyres are nominated has been altered too, with drivers not specified to select what race they will use the ‘option’ tyre before qualifying. Instead, they will have free choice during the course of race day – thus providing an opportunity to modify their strategies.

Maximum success ballast will increase to 60kgs and then reducing in 6kgs increments down to tenth place. Success ballast for the forthcoming 2020 campaign will be as follows: 60-54-48-42-36-30-24-18-12-6.

Finally, a new qualifying format will be trialled at Snetterton. Instead of the traditional 30-minute session, a shorter 25-minute session will take place to allow drivers to set a lap time.

The fastest top ten competitors will then progress into a ten-minute shootout for pole position to determine the top ten positions on the grid for the opening BTCC encounter of that weekend.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Clearly, the regulations for the BTCC work tremendously well. That’s self-evident from the fantastically close racing and championship battles, but we’re always looking at ways in which they can be improved, so whilst these are fairly minor tweaks, they will certainly add some interesting new elements to next season’s championship.”

For more information on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, head to http://www.btcc.net/

Julian Godfrey clinches sixth British Rallycross Championship title at Croft

Julian Godfrey added another chapter to his illustrious racing history this past weekend (October 26/27) as he clinched a sixth Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship title at Croft Circuit.

Edging out season-long protagonist Derek Tohill at the North Yorkshire venue amidst challenging weather conditions, the Ford Fiesta driver reigned supreme to win his first title since 2015 by just two points.

Locked in a head-to-head fight for the coveted prize since the opening round of the season back in March, the pendulum between Godfrey and Tohill has swung both ways over the course of the year – however it all came to a head at Croft.

Saturday would see Godfrey power his way to a fourth victory of 2019 in sensational fashion; triumphing despite suffering from a transmission and engine issue which resulted in the team working through the night to ensure he could race on Sunday.

Dominating qualifying and starting from pole position in the final race of the season, Godfrey could do nothing to stop Ford Fiesta compatriot Tohill from bagging his fourth win of the season.

Second place on the road however as more than enough for the Heathfield-based racer to claim a record sixth crown and cement his status as one of the great British Rallycross Championship competitors.

“It’s brilliant to win the Championship for the sixth time. I didn’t make the best of starts in the last race so I tucked in behind Derek (Tohill), saw Tony (Bardy) hadn’t made a good start next to me so I had some space and was able to follow Derek round and play it safe,” said Godfrey. 

“I knew I just had to finish second, I pulled a bit of a gap from Steve (Hill) behind and just concentrated on getting to the end with no mistakes to take the Championship. It’s been a good close season, I’m really pleased.”

Elsewhere, Tristan Ovenden completed a third successive title-winning campaign with two more victories to ensure he maintained his unbeaten clean sweep in the two-drive category.

Luke Constantine secured the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship title by a single point over Patrick O’Donovan in the final weekend of the season.

One year on from winning that very crown, Tom Constantine savoured title success once again as he overcame the odds and three other drivers to lift the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship.

Drew Bellerby triumphed on home soil as she clinched the BMW Mini Rallycross Championship whilst Chrissy Palmer recorded an unprecedented fifth consecutive RX150 Rallycross title.

Rounding out the list of victors was Gary Simpson who won the final round of the Retro Rallycross Championship on Saturday to maintain his unbeaten run and claim the crown. 

To view the full classification of results from the weekend’s Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship action at Croft, click here.

BARC makes a splash at Oulton Park title-decider

The British Automobile Racing Club and four of its championships battled treacherous conditions at Oulton Park this past weekend (October 26) for what proved to be a blockbuster title-decider around the challenging Cheshire venue.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the one-day meeting was greeted by heavy rain throughout the day – adding further spice to the on-track excitement and entertainment.

In the Michelin Clio Cup Series, spoils were shared between Ronan Pearson and Ben Colburn; however Pearson had much more to celebrate as he wrapped up the Race Class title due to main rival Simon Freeman not being in attendance.

James Colburn and Nic Harrison had both secured unassailable leads in the Sport and Road classes respectively prior to the event, therefore bringing the curtain down on another memorable year for the one-make category.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship took centre stage for its penultimate event of the 2019 season and it served up two pulsating one-hour encounters.

Valluga Racing’s Ian Humphires was the driver to beat in the opener as he powered his Porsche 991 to a comfortable victory before JPR Motorsport’s Steve Harris and Chris Hart came to the fore to win race two in their Sakar RAPX.

There was title celebrations in the Mighty Minis Championship too, which delivered a show-stopping performance around the flowing bends of Oulton Park.

Neven Kirkpatrick converted his healthy points lead into title glory in the Super Mighty Mini category by romping to a pair of outright race wins and putting himself out of touch of his nearest challenger.

In the Mighty Mini class, the battle for supremacy went down to the wire but in the end it was Greg Daw that reigned supreme to be crowned champion by just a handful of points.

Rounding out the day’s action were two races from the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship; the North West Centre’s flagship racing series.

Open to a variety of different cars, another bumper entry list went wheel-to-wheel for the final time this year with Paul Dobson winning both in his Locost 7.

In terms of the overall championship, Robert Burkinshaw maintained his place at the summit of the standings to triumph in his trusty Honda Integra.

To view the full classification of results from all of the sessions at Oulton Park, click here.

British Rallycross Championship title-decider to take centre stage at Croft Circuit

The destiny of the Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship title will be decided at Croft Circuit this weekend (October 26/27) with the North Yorkshire venue staging what promises to be a blockbuster double-header season finale.

In what is set to be an action-packed final chapter of 2019, Julian Godfrey and Derek Tohill will go head-to-head one more time to decide who will reign supreme and walk away as champion.

Setting their stalls out at the Silverstone opener in March as the ones to watch, both Godfrey and Tohill have proven to be the class of the field this year and have each tallied three wins apiece.

Whilst Godfrey is bidding to become a six-time British Rallycross champion, Irishman Tohill is aiming to lift the coveted title for the first time – adding the crown to what is already an impressive resume.

Just two points separate the Ford Fiesta duo at the head of the standings and with it all to play for, edge-of-the-seat entertainment is all-but guaranteed around the challenging croft configuration.

Although the title fight will captivate most peoples attention over the course of the weekend, a host of other drivers will be aiming to sign off their 2019 campaigns on a high in the Supercar category too.

Local drivers ‘Mad Mark’ and Tony Bardy will make a popular return to action whilst the likes of Steve Hill, Andy Grant, Simon Horton and Steve Mundy will all be in the mix for the podium too.

It won’t just be the Supercar title that will be decided at Croft either; with the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship, Swift Sport Rallycross Championship and BMW Mini Rallycross Championship crowns all being settled.

Sideways thrills and spills will also be provided by the Motorsport UK Supernational Rallycross Championship – which includes an eclectic mix of two-wheel drive machinery – as well as the Super Retro Rallycross Championship and RX150 Rallycross Championship.

To find out more information on this weekend’s season finale, click here.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate, priced at ÂŁ15.00, on both Saturday and Sunday. Head to https://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/british-rallycross for further event information.

Three championships set for Oulton Park title showdown

The British Automobile Racing Club will pay its final visit of the 2019 season to Oulton Park this weekend (October 26) with three out of four championships revved up and ready for a title-deciding day of full-throttle action.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the Cheshire venue is set to play a host to a memorable day of ultra-competitive racing which will see champions crowned at the very end.

Headlining the day’s timetable will be two pulsating one-hour encounters from the Dunlop Endurance Championship. Showcasing an eclectic mix of jaw-dropping machinery across multiple classes, the series has continued to grow in stature throughout the year and after a gruelling season, Saturday marks the penultimate event of the year.

Paul Bailey and Andy Schulz hold the initiative at the top of the standings, the pair having been in superlative form at the wheel of their Ferrari 488 Challenge since the get-go. Behind, Tim Docker trails by 19 points whilst the Porsche pairing of Mark and Peter Cunningham can’t be discounted either.

Like the Dunlop Endurance Championship, it is all to play for in the Michelin Clio Cup Series. After 12 frenetic races, both Ronan Pearson and Simon Freeman enter the season finale tied on points and ready to duke it out one final time to decide who will be champion.

James Colburn and Nic Harrison have already secured unassailable leads in both the Sport and Road classes; but don’t expect either of them, along with a host of others, to not make their mark too.

Double points across the final two races of the BARC North West Centre’s flagship category, the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, will added further spice what is already a captivating series.

Open to all manner of machinery, the multi-class championship has seen its fair share of excitement and drama this year, and Saturday could see Robert Burkinshaw covert his healthy points lead into a title victory.

Rounding out the day’s action at Oulton Park will be a pair of races from the Mighty Minis Championship. Small in stature but packing a punch under the bonnet, this iconic series has served up a feast of entertainment

The Mighty Mini class will see Greg Daw and Paul Ogborn go wheel-to-wheel for the coveted crown whilst Neven Kirkpatrick and Steven Rideout will do the same in the Super Mighty Mini class.

With champions to be crowned and the challenging demands of Oulton Park set to play its part as well, this Saturday’s race day is set to be an unmissable event.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, head to https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-oulton-park-2/.

Goodyear to make UK motorsport return with BTCC

Goodyear will make a return to UK motorsport in 2020 as it becomes the new sole tyre supplier for the British Touring Car Championship.

Sister company to Dunlop, Goodyear’s decision to bring the brand back to the UK racing landscape comes after the brand announced a return to the international arena – providing tyres for a number of LMP2 teams in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2019/2020.

The new agreement will run until the end of the 2021 season, with discussions set to take place before then on the tyre requirements that will be needed ahead of the BTCC’s move to hybrid technology in 2022.

Ben Crawley, Goodyear Motorsport Director, said: “The recent launch of Goodyear’s Eagle F1 SuperSport range and relaunch into motorsport shows how the brand is applying itself to a broader range of initiatives within the ultra-high-performance automotive sector.  

“The BTCC is one of the best-loved, most famous motor racing championships in the world and it will provide a great opportunity for Goodyear to get close to the hearts and minds of motorsport enthusiasts. We are thrilled to be partnered with the championship from 2020.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added:  “Goodyear has a proud and proven history in motorsport, spanning multiple decades and championships. They provide knowledge from a global programme of racing experience making them a strong partner for the championship going forward.

“It also gives Goodyear the ideal opportunity to further increase their brand awareness via the UK’s largest motorsport championship. We are looking forward to welcoming the brand into the championship from 2020.”

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will begin at Donington Park on March 28/29. To view the full calendar, head to https://www.barc.net/btcc-reveals-fresh-look-to-2020-calendar/

Junior Saloon Car Championship launches 2020 Scholarship

The Junior Saloon Car Championship will once again look to find the next teenage sensation behind the wheel and provide the opportunity of a lifetime as it stages its Scholarship programme for the 2020 season – taking place at Croft Circuit on Saturday 22nd February,

Drivers competing for the prize will take to the circuit, face the media, have a fitness test and also take part in an auto test. A judging panel made up of the championships organisers and partners will then whittle down the competition to select a winner.

The winner will receive a fully-funded season for the 2020 Junior Saloon Car Championship along with team support and a season-long supply of Dunlop tyres.

Previous winners include Emily Glanvill, current championship leader Scott McIntyre and 2019 victor Harry Rice.

On winning the Scholarship last year, Rice said: “I was totally speechless and reality only set in once I sat in the car for the first time at Oulton Park. I was a late entry onto the Scholarship tying the day in with my Dad’s birthday.

“There were many elements of the selection process and after all the elements had completed I couldn’t believe I had made it through to the final five.

“To win was an absolutely life changing opportunity, which enabled me to race the year. It has allowed me to develop my driving skills on the track, my confidence; my self belief has soared on and off the track.

“All this is down to Dave Beecroft, Vickie MacClinton and the rest of the support team.”

The Scholarship is limited to 30 entrants, aged between 14-17 years old, and entrants do not need to have an ARDS license or any previous race experience. Entrants must ensure they are available for the competition date.

The prize will be awarded at the close of the competition. Entrants aged 14 and under may be considered if they are 14 at the start of the 2020 season, or they wish to practice for a future scholarship entry. 

More information and registration for the 2020 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship can be found at https://www.juniorsalooncars.co.uk/2020-scholarship