Author: Chris Ashby

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.

Croft Circuit announces blockbuster events calendar for 2020 motorsport season

Croft Circuit is set for another blockbuster season of top-draw racing thrills and spills in 2020 following the confirmation of a 13-event schedule at the home of motorsport in the north east of the United Kingdom.

Welcoming capacity crowds trackside throughout 2019, the North Yorkshire venue is set to continue to hit new heights as it opens its doors for an action-packed year of motor racing.

Kicking off the season at the start of February, the annual Jack Frost Rally will lift the curtain on the 2020 campaign before the North East Motor Cycle Racing Club ends the peace and tranquility of a two-month break at the beginning of April.

The Darlington & District Motor Club will make the first of two visits during the year at the end of the month before further two-wheeled action is provided courtesy of the No Limits Racing contingent.

Captivating entertainment is likely to be provided by the 750 Motor Club at the end of May, before the Scottish Motor Racing Club makes a long overdue return to Croft to serve as the catalyst for what is being billed as an unforgettable summer showcase.

Visits from the British Racing & Sports Car Club and British Automobile Racing Club will soon follow before the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship takes centre stage in August.

Taking place slightly later in the year, Britain’s premier race series will descend on the much-loved 2.1-mile circuit for three frenetic encounters; with a bumper bill of support championships also starring.

Secondary visits from the Darlington & District Motor Club and British Automobile Racing Club will  be held in the wake of the BTCC spectacle before the Christmas Stages Rally in December closes out the year at Croft.

CROFT CIRCUIT 2020 CALENDAR

February 2 – Jack Frost Rally

April 4/5 – North East Motor Cycle Racing Club

April 25/26 – Darlington & District Motor Club

May 9/10 – No Limits Racing

May 23/24 – 750 Motor Club

June 6/7 – Scottish Motor Racing Club

June 27/28 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

July 11/12 – British Automobile Racing Club

August 15/16 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

September 5/6 – Darlington & District Motor Club

October 3/4 – Classic Racing Motorcycle Club

October 17 – British Automobile Racing Club

December 13 – Christmas Stages Rally

Tickets for all 2020 race meetings at Croft Circuit will be available to purchase in due course from http://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing or by calling 01325 721815.

BARC brings 11-year association with British Schools Karting Championship to an end

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it has ended its association with the British Schools Karting Championship (BSKC), bringing the curtain down on a partnership that has been in place for 11 successful years.

Despite the BARC’s decision to step away from the much-loved series, the BSKC will continue into 2020 and beyond under the stewardship of TeamSport, the UK’s number one indoor karting organisation.

Launched in 2008, the BSKC is an arrive-and-drive team-based UK-wide karting championship for school and college students aged between the ages of 13 to 18.

Aimed towards making motorsport more accessible at a grass roots level, the series has made use of the countless karting facilities around the country to open the door for a raft of aspiring racers, making their dreams a reality.

Whilst the on-track entertainment was superlative, the BARC has always ensured exclusive prizes were up for grabs; providing opportunities such as winning a place on the scholarship course in the Ginetta Junior Championship and behind-the-scenes motorsport visits to leading events.

Ian Watson, BARC General Manager, said: “After more than a decade we feel that time is right to bring our association with the British Schools Karting Championship to an end.

“Over the past 11 years we have worked to increase participation in the championship and provide a platform for hundreds of aspiring youngsters to get behind the wheel of go racing. The levels of competition we have seen have been so high and for many, the BSKC has allowed them to forge real paths into the sport.

“Although we are sad to end our partnership with the BSKC, I am more than confident that TeamSport are the right people to continue elevating the championship. I also have to give thanks to Motorsport UK for their help in making this possible.”

All I want for Christmas is… High-speed thrills in Hampshire!

Searching for inspiration for what to buy the petrol-head in your life? Then search no further… Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire has a Santa’s sackful of Christmas gift ideas, all of which involve high-speed high-jinks around Britain’s fastest racetrack.

Catering to all ages and abilities, Thruxton’s hugely popular driving experiences guarantee a high-octane day out of the very highest order – both on and off-road – where the cars are most definitely the stars.

The latest Ford Mustang – the ultimate American muscle car – is the newest addition to Thruxton’s impressive fleet and perfectly complements the other offerings in the stable, which houses an awful lot of horses indeed.

There is an Italian stallion in the shape of Ferrari’s 458 Spider – scarlet red, naturally – as well as a bevy of quintessentially British beauties. The elegant Jaguar F-Type SVR looks quick just sat still, while the carbon-fibre McLaren 570S is a magnificent piece of machinery that boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class.

If James Bond is more your style, the speed and sophistication of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 awaits. Around Thruxton’s flat-out sweepers, it’ll be sure to leave you feeling shaken, not stirred.

Teutonic engineering perfection can be found in both the Porsche Cayman and Audi R8, or for budding Lewis Hamiltons, a Formula Renault single-seater racing car – similar to that in which the six-time Formula 1 World Champion first earned his motorsport spurs – offers an edge-of-the-seat glimpse of life in the fast lane.

Juniors – aged 12 and above and at least 4ft10in (1.47m) tall – can learn all the essential skills and basic techniques required to stay safe on the road, whilst Thruxton’s state-of-the-art skid pan and purpose-built 4×4 facility pose an altogether different challenge when it comes to car control.

Experiences start from as little as ÂŁ69 right up to the all-encompassing Ultimate Supercar Driving Experience, which includes driving time in a range of supercars, sportscars and racing cars plus high-speed passenger blasts. Whatever you choose, an unforgettable white-knuckle ride is guaranteed.

All experiences begin with expert tuition from fully-qualified racing instructors – with the option to jump in alongside former F1 and Le Mans racer and Top Gear TV star Tiff Needell in his ‘sideways special’ BMW M4.

All driving experiences can be purchased as an open gift voucher valid for one year, allowing the lucky recipient to book a date convenient to them. Not sure what to buy? Monetary gift vouchers – beginning at just £50 – allow the recipient to choose the driving experience themselves.

More information can be found at www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/experiences or by calling 01264 882222