Author: Chris Ashby

BARC serves up memorable Rockingham send-off

The British Automobile Racing Club served up a memorable farewell at Rockingham Motor Speedway this past weekend (September 22/23) as a trio of championships battled it out one last time.

With the impending closure of the venue fast approaching, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Max5 Racing Championship and Kumho BMW Championship took on a starring role as part of the popular Truxx Factor two-day extravaganza.

Having been a permanent fixture on the oval layout for the past 15 years, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship brought the curtain down on its time at the Corby-based venue with two pulsating races.

Since the inaugural oval race in 2003, the series has flourished at Rockingham and the last chapter proved to be an enthralling one. Paul Tompkins wrote his name into the history books by producing a scintillating double victory – the first by a mere two tenths of a second ahead of Dale Gent.

Tompkins was in similarly irritable form in the second encounter of the weekend as he once again edged out Gent, this time by more than four seconds. Mark Willis and Scott Bourne capped off the weekend by filling the remaining podium positions in both races.

Paul Roddison continued his dominant run in the Max5 Racing Championship with another pair of race wins. Proving to be the benchmark driver in 2018, Roddison narrowly pipped Ian Loversidge in race one before then repeating the performance in the second race, albeit by a bigger margin.

Whilst Roddison and Loversidge filled the top two positions, Jeremy Shipley kept the pair honest with a brace of third place finishes.

Garrie Whittaker continued the theme of commanding performances in the Kumho BMW Championship with two victories at the wheel of his BMW E36 M3.

In addition to the on-track action, several heavyweight machines from the British Truck Racing Association Championship were also in attendance ahead of their penultimate event of the season at Pembrey on October 13/14, providing spectators with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the five-tonne behemoths.

For the full classification of results from all sessions and championships, click here.

Rockingham’s last competitive meeting, the Super Send-Off, will take place on November 24/25.

Leon Haslam and Josh Brookes share the Thruxton spoils in Superbike showstoppers

Enthusiastic spectators turned out in force to enjoy a sensational seventh round of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Thruxton Circuit as epic track action fuelled a high-octane day of tremendous two-wheeled racing.

With the vast numbers packing the grandstands and banking being treated to a veritable visual and acoustic feast as the nation’s premier motorcycle masters gave no inch in several breathtaking battles, Thruxton affirmed its reputation for riveting racing with two dazzling Superbike races around the UK’s fastest circuit.

Leon Haslam and Josh Brookes were the day’s top trophy winners, the pair strengthening their title aspirations with sublime performances in race one and two respectively.

While victory for Haslam is the first of his illustrious career to be achieved at Thruxton, Brookes’ success in race two is his eighth around the ‘Hampshire speedbowl’ to bring the charismatic Australian level with Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne at the top of the circuit’s all-time winners’ list.

In race one, JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Luke Mossey led initially off the line from second position, but after building up a sizeable advantage he’d be reeled in by the chasing pack as the fight for victory swelled to seven evenly-matched riders over the second-half.

With the iconic heavy-braking Club chicane – positioned at the end of the full throttle slipstream-inviting back straight – setting the stage for many of the race’s awe-inspiring overtakes, the leading order changed with nearly every lap as the riders ducked and dived for position.

This was especially true of the leaders as Jake Dixon on the RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki and Leon Haslam riding for the Bournemouth-based JG Speedfit Kawasaki team tussled all the way to the wire, the latter pulling off a decisive pass on the final lap to snatch his seventh victory of the season.

“It is always tough coming here,” a delighted Haslam enthused. “The JG Speedfit boys have done a mega job this weekend. It wasn’t easy from row three but the battle with Jake was fantastic. You’re always trying to play a game of chess and hopefully at the end you come out on top, which we did. I have always struggled here so to get my first win here is fantastic.”

The biggest cheer of the day, however, was to be saved for the man in third position as a gutsy ride from Peter Hickman saw him dig deep to go from hospital bed to podium in little more than two hours. The Smiths Racing BMW rider was admitted to Royal Hampshire County Hospital overnight and placed on an IV after being diagnosed with a kidney infection but after missing warm-up he was back on his BMW S1000RR in time for race one.

Despite the physical nature of Thruxton, Hickman steadily worked his way into contention from 11th on the grid to get involved in the lead group during the latter stages before pouncing for third on the final corner when Brookes and Honda’s Jason O’Halloran came to blows. With their clash demoting one another to fourth and sixth respectively, pole sitter Glenn Irwin also scythed between them for fifth.

A race of attrition for many of the front-runners, title showdown contenders Bradley Ray, Danny Buchan and Michael Laverty came down together at the Club chicane, while Andrew Irwin – who qualified on the front row alongside his brother Glenn – also failed to reach the chequered flag.

With the race two grid determined by the fastest laps from the first race, Mossey held P1 at a standstill but it was Dixon who snatched the hole-shot into the opening turns to assume a lead he’d retain for six of the encounter’s 20 laps.

However, after missing the podium in race one, a determined Brookes began to make his presence felt as he picked his way past his rivals culminating in him moving to the front on lap seven at Club. From here he wouldn’t be caught, the McAMS Yamaha rider producing an imperious ride to affirm his status as a ’Master of Thruxton’.

“It has actually been a difficult weekend for us, we normally expect to race well here,” he said. “We played our cards wrong in race one but we had a stronger package in race two and I am thrilled we at McAMS Yamaha can celebrate another victory, it is so important to score these points with the title at stake.”

Behind Brookes, Hickman starred once more with an adrenaline-fuelled ride to second position, in turn collecting a large haul of points and earning immense admiration from both spectators and his fellow riders.

“On Saturday I woke up feeling really bad,” he explained. “I went to bed straight after qualifying, next thing I know the paramedics are round because I was in and out of consciousness. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance and I was there until midday today. I was not 100% but I have been on an IV last night and this morning and I felt OK. I was just happy to make the podium. It was the weekend we needed apart from the ill bit!”

Dixon notched up a second podium of the weekend in third place, heading off the threat of Haslam who was forced to settle for fourth place this time. Tarran Mackenzie completed the top five from O’Halloran.

Devizes’ Tommy Bridewell registered a strong double points finish on the Ducati Panigale prepared by Winchester-based Moto Rapido. After finishing 11th in race one, Bridewell stormed to a popular seventh place in race two.

While Superbikes wrote the headlines, a packed itinerary of racing on the support programme nonetheless allowed a cavalcade of two-wheeled talent to enjoy their moment in the spotlight over the day, with the Dickies British Supersport Championship, Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and 600 Championships, HEL Performance British Motostar and the Hyundai Construction Equipment British Sidecars with Molson ensuring the action came thick and fast for fans.

Beyond the captivating competition on course, audiences attending Thruxton took the opportunity to savour the many family-friendly activities and exhibitions on offer across the venue. The BMW Bahnstormer pop-up showroom lured visitors with its display of Baron von Grumble’s HP4 race Superbike alongside a stunning Smokin’ Customers R 100 R along with Bahnstormer’s R Nine T Track, while the numerous merchandise stands and the ever-popular paddock access and pit-walk autograph sessions ensured day-long entertainment.

Visitors were also treated to accessing the state-of-the-art Thruxton Centre, the venue’s contemporary new centrepiece which is available now for hospitality and conferences bookings.

Thruxton Circuit will resume racing action on four wheels on 18-19 August with action from the Classic Sports Car Club (CSCC).

For more information on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, visit www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

Britcar Endurance Championship extends partnership with Dunlop Tyres

The Britcar Endurance Championship has confirmed that it has extended its partnership with Dunlop Tyres for a further five years.

Coming into effect from 2019 and running through till 2023, the new agreement will see tyre supply, paddock services and promotion continue to grow further.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship is currently enjoying a period of rude health, growing in stature over the past few years with grids now exceeding 30 cars at each meeting.

With an diverse class structure in place, the series has welcomed GTE, GT3, GT4 TCR and BTCC this season already. Extending its deal with Dunlop tyres is set to only further strengthen the championship’s position moving forward for the remainder of the 2018 campaign and beyond.

“Dunlop has supported Britcar since its inception two decades ago,” Dunlop Motorsport Sales Manager Mathias Kipp stated. “It’s a vital part of the UK racing scene and it’s growing grid are a testimony to the vision and ambition of the Britcar management team.

“Last year, Dunlop had a hugely successful year in international endurance racing, winning the Le Man and Nurburgring 24-hour races, as well as the GTE-AM FIA World Championship.

“Britcar’s loyal competitors will benefit from globally winning tyre technology. To sign such a long term partnership shows our confidence in the future of Britcar and the Dunlop UK Endurance Championship.”

Claire Hedley, Britcar Endurance Championship Co-ordinator, said: “For nearly 20 years the Britcar Endurance Championship has been at the forefront of promoting affordable and realistic multi-class endurance racing.

“Dunlop has been part of our success story, providing great promotional support as well as world-class endurance tyres. I’m delighted that we can work together on building a five-year growth plan for the championship.”

Rapturous reception as Thruxton doubles up on 2019 BTCC calendar

Following this morning’s confirmation that Thruxton will host two race meetings in the 2019 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the series’ leading drivers have expressed their excitement at travelling to the UK’s fastest circuit not once but twice next year – for the first time in more than a decade – totalling six breathless, high-octane races.

An annual fixture on the calendar of Britain’s premier motor sport series since 1968 – the year the circuit opened in its current configuration – Thruxton has always been a popular stop amongst competitors and fans alike, with its high-speed layout and flat-out sweepers generating superb slipstreaming scraps and no shortage of spectacle. Next year, fans will be able to enjoy that action twice – on 18/19 May and again on 17/18 August.

Over the years, many of the biggest names in the BTCC have tamed Thruxton’s formidable challenge to climb onto the top step of the rostrum in Hampshire – amongst them the likes of Andy Rouse, Steve Soper, Gabriele Tarquini, Alain Menu and Jason Plato, tin-top legends all.

“Thruxton is a completely unique circuit,” acknowledged 1992 BTCC Champion-turned-ITV4 commentator Tim Harvey, who came within a whisker of scoring Peugeot’s breakthrough victory in the series there in 1997. “The layout has gone largely unchanged over all these years, and as a driver, it remains mightily challenging. I have many happy memories of going there and I always love going back. Thruxton invariably produces great racing – and long may that continue.”

Three-time title-winner Matt Neal – gunning for a record-equalling fourth drivers’ crown in 2018 – is one of the most successful of the current BTCC crop around Thruxton, achieving his 62nd and most recent career win at the track last month.

“I think it’s brilliant we are going to Thruxton twice – it means double the fun!” he smiled. “It’s an awesome place to go and one of my favourite circuits on the calendar because it is unspoiled, challenging and heart-in-mouth – a proper old-school, balls-out track that really rewards the brave, and as a driver, that’s exactly what you relish. It’s also like a home grand prix for us, with Honda’s UK manufacturing base just up the road in Swindon, so the fact we will be having two events there will be absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait.”

Hailing from Bath, Vauxhall ace Josh Cook counts Thruxton as his local circuit and the 26-year-old stormed through the field to register his second BTCC victory on ‘home’ soil earlier this year. Like Neal, he is thrilled to be returning twice next season.

“I love Thruxton!” Cook enthused. “Winning there last month was an amazing feeling, to get to stand on the top step of the podium in front of family, friends and sponsors who have supported me for so long. It’s a wonderful place to go racing – a proper white-knuckle ride the whole way round, and a case of ‘he who dares, wins’. It’s the kind of track where you really get to push your car to the limits – and to have chance to do that six times in 2019 is hugely exciting.”

“Thruxton is a phenomenal circuit,” echoed fans’ favourite Rob Austin. “It’s somewhere that has always been close to my heart, and with HMS Racing being based in Swindon, it’s our ‘local’ track too. The effort that has gone into the venue in recent years to improve facilities for fans and competitors alike is tremendous, and for Thruxton to be given another event on the 2019 BTCC schedule is just reward for Bill Coombs and his loyal, hard-working team. I think it’s brilliant news!”

The investment to which Austin alludes is part of a long-term plan designed to keep Thruxton firmly at the forefront of the national motor racing scene. Earlier this month, the state-of-the-art new Thruxton Centre was officially inaugurated by Nigel Mansell CBE and Murray Walker OBE at the circuit’s 50th Anniversary Celebration – just the first stage in a multifaceted improvement programme over the coming years.

“Thruxton is in the midst of a multi-million pound development,” explained Thruxton Group Managing Director Coombs. “We have worked hard – and continue to work hard – to enhance the safety aspect to ensure our venue conforms to the most exacting of standards, and the new Thruxton Centre has shifted the goalposts in terms of our corporate offering at and away from race weekends.

“There are further exciting plans in the pipeline to significantly upgrade facilities for competitors, spectators and media, and we are delighted to see that hard work repaid with a second British Touring Car Championship visit next season. As the country’s foremost car racing series, the BTCC always draws huge crowds and delivers outstanding entertainment – so there’s more to look forward to than ever at Thruxton in 2019!”

For more on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, see: www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

TOCA support championships geared up for Thruxton thriller

The high-speed demands of Thruxton Circuit await the TOCA support championships this weekend (Mat 19/20) for the third event of the 2018 season.

Having already visited Brands Hatch and Donington Park, four categories will do battle at the Hampshire venue, with the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup GB not making the journey.

The Renault UK Clio Cup has descended on Thruxton however and is set to serve up another memorable two races. So far this year Paul Rivett, Max Coates and James Dorlin have all won races, the latter scoring two last time out.

With Coates holding a slender lead in the championship standings entering rounds five and six, all eyes will be transfixed on the one-make tin top series to see who will grab the initiative. Dorlin scored a popular maiden win at the corresponding event last year and is riding high, hoping to continue his recent run of success.

Throw into the mix Daniel Rowbottom, Jack McCarthy, Bradley Burns, James Colburn and Dan Zelos, to name just a few, and picking a winner in the Clio Cup has never been tougher.

Teenage kicks will come from the Ginetta Junior Championship, which is open to drivers aged 14 to 17-years-old. Luke Browning heads into the weekend as series leader after picking up a pair of wins at Donington Park, however the chasing pack have him on their radars.

Adam Smalley and Louis Foster have both also won races this season and with two more wins up for grabs this weekend, they’ll be keen to add to their silverware collections. Ruben Del Sarte, Finley Green and Patrick Kibble have made waves this season too and will be looking to take the next step towards the front runners too.

Further Ginetta action will come from the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge, which makes its first appearance on the TOCA package this season. Traditionally competing alongside the British GT Championship, the one-make category joins the fray with a captivating title battle unfolding.

James Kellett has momentum on his side as he arrives as the point’s leader, virtue of his two wins at Rockingham. Additional podiums at Oulton Park leave the former champion in the prime position to add another crown this year, and this weekend could be pivotal in doing that. Behind him, Geri Nicosia will be one to watch, as will Alex Toth-Jones, Morgan Quinn, Charlie Digby and Connor O’Brien.

Capping off the action will be the traditional single seater thrills from the British F4 Championship. Set to dazzle fans with another trio of races around the iconic circuit, Ayrton Simmons will look to extend his advantage in the championship battle.

Sebastian Priaulx, Kiern Jewiss and Johnathan Hoggard lead the charge of the chasing pack and can’t be discounted either.

British Rallycross heads to Croft for third instalment of 2018 season

The Toyo Tires MSA British Rallycross Championship speeds into Croft this Sunday (May 6) for round three of what is proving to be another highly competitive season.

Events at Silverstone and Lydden Hill, both in treacherous weather conditions, have set the scene for a captivating third chapter of the year, with a host of contenders set to challenge for victory.

Five-time champion Julian Godfrey arrives at the North Yorkshire circuit in control of the points, holding a slender four-point advantage. At the wheel of the Spencer Sport Mitsubishi, Godfrey was the best of the Brits at the season-opener, scooping 30 points in the process.

Another strong showing at Lydden Hill, finishing in second, leaves him in a favourable position for Croft. Hot on his heels however is Albatec Racing’s Mark Higgins, who has recently confirmed he will be competing in the British round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

On just his second outing in the series last time out, Higgins powered his Peugeot to victory in the wet at Lydden, cementing himself as a title contender. With just four points separating himself and Godfrey at the top of the standings, all eyes will be on the duo to see who gains the upper hand this weekend.

Beyond them, a mere four points separate Steve Hill, Ollie O’Donovan and Roger Thomas; all of whom also remain within striking distance of Godfrey and Higgins.

There will be plenty for local fans to cheer about too with home heroes Kevin Proctor, Mad Mark Watson and Dave Bellerby all competing across the different championships.

On top of the Supercar category, there will also be action from the MSA Junior Rallycross Championship, MSA Supernational Rallycross Championship, Retro Rallycross Championship, RX150 Rallycross Championship, BMW Mini Rallycross Championship, Super1600 Rallycross Championship and Swift Sport Rallycross Championship.

In the Retro Rallycross category, a special tribute will also be paid to Jordan Bowes, who tragically lost his life in a road accident late last year. Having undergone a winter of work and redevelopment, Bowes’ brother Jason will race Jordan’s Volkswagen Golf Mk1 in what is hoped to be the first of many outings.

Tickets are available to purchase on the gate from ÂŁ18.00 with race programmes also available to buy from as little as ÂŁ3.00. Track action is scheduled to get underway at 09:30 with practice before a full day of racing.

British Truck Racing Association Championship confirms 2019 calendar

The British Truck Racing Association Championship in association with Truck & Driver has unveiled its provisional calendar for 2019, boasting a bumper eight event schedule.

As the series heads onto the home stretch of the current campaign, plans are already afoot to build on what has been a successful 2018 season.

Brands Hatch will once again play host to the annual curtain-raiser around the Indy circuit, albeit at the later Easter weekend date of April 20/21.

From there the BTRAC will descend on South Wales for the first of two visits to Pembrey on May 11/12 before embarking on a seven-week break.

When the action resumes, the fastest circuit in the country, Thruxton, marks the third stop on the calendar before the heavyweight behemoths make the annual pilgrimage into mainland Europe to tackle the iconic Nurburgring.

Back on British soil, the ever-growing and much-loved Convoy in the Park will make it a summer to remember at Donington Park before the championship ventures to Norfolk to tackle the challenging Snetterton layout.

The road to the title will begin in earnest on October 5/6 as Pembrey stages the penultimate event of the season before Brands Hatch takes up its customary position, bookending the year by staging the season finale on November 2/3.

2019 Provisional Calendar

Brands Hatch – April 20/21

Pembrey – May 11/12

Thruxton – June 29/30

Nurburgring – July 19/20/21

Donington Park – August 10/11

Snetterton – September 7/8

Pembrey – October 5/6

Brands Hatch – November 2/3

Trade Team Citroen C1 Challenge and Hyundai Coupe Cup stars at Croft

Croft Circuit played host to a mesmerising two days of British Automobile Racing Club action this past weekend (September 22/23) as the Trade Team Citroen C1 Challenge and Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup both took on starring roles.

In what was the last visit by the Club to the North Yorkshire venue this year, fans were treated to a feast of door-to-door thrills in the autumnal sunshine.

Having made history on numerous occasions this season, the Trade Team Citroen C1 Challenge enjoyed another first as it introduced sprint races for the first time. Staging five 20-minute encounters, spoils were shared across the weekend.

Team Viking kicked off proceedings with wins in races one and two before Amigo Motorsport came to the fore in race three, claiming the spoils on offer. TCS Motorsport prevailed in the fourth sprint race of the weekend before Team Viking once again underlined their class with a third race win of the day.

On top of the five short races that were staged, Croft also played host to an enthralling five-hour endurance race on Sunday. Boasting an entry list of more than 30 cars, more than 300 minutes of frenetic tin top action kept those in attendance on the edge-of-their-seats.

After completing 138 laps and finishing a whole lap ahead of their nearest rivals, McAttack Racing emerged as the race winners ahead of series regulars MSAR – Old Hat Motorsport and Absolute Alignment.

Elsewhere, Steve Kite continued his dominance in the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with a further two victories. Having produced a string of dominant performances throughout the season, the Misty Racing driver added a further pair of triumphs ahead of Alex Cursley and Wayne Rockett.

Capping off the weekend’s action was a pair of races from the DDMC Northern Saloon & Sportscar Championship, both of which were won by Matthew Cobb.

For the full classification of results from all sessions and championships, click here.

BTCC brings sunshine, spectacular racing, a homegrown winner and fabulous fundraising

The sun shone as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship sped into Croft Circuit last weekend (23/24 June), with thousands of fans enjoying riveting racing capped by a new, homegrown winner and helping to raise more than ÂŁ550 for a local charity.

On a weekend of sky-high temperatures, the action on-track was every bit as sizzling, with the best very much saved until last as Huddersfield’s Dan Lloyd converted pole position into his and BTC Norlin Racing’s maiden triumph in the UK’s premier motor sport series in dominant fashion – to the clear delight of the packed spectator banks.

In a true victory-against-the-odds story, both BTC Norlin cars had to be completely rebuilt after incurring heavy damage not of their own making in a start-line shunt at Oulton Park two weeks earlier – with Lloyd’s spectacular success, in only his fourth race for the team, repaying the mechanics for all their hard work.

“I’m absolutely buzzing – just lost for words and so, so happy,” the 26-year-old enthused at the end of the weekend. “This win means so much to the team – we didn’t even know if we were going to be out at Croft after the damage at Oulton, so full credit to the boys. Emotionally, I was really having to hold it all together for the last few laps. To finish the weekend with this kind of result is just awesome – absolutely perfect.”

Lloyd was joined on the race three rostrum by Power Maxed TAG Racing’s Senna Proctor (Driffield), while a third Yorkshireman – Halfords Yuasa Racing ace Dan Cammish – may have been out-of-luck on the circuit but made his own mark by organising and leading a track walk on the Saturday evening in aid of nearby Butterwick House Children’s Hospice.

Along with Lloyd, Chris Smiley, Stephen Jelley and Ollie Jackson, Cammish visited the Stockton on Tees-based hospice – which cares for babies, children, teenagers, young adults and their families – and was so moved by what he saw that he was determined to set up a fundraising activity over the weekend.

A track walk for spectators was hurriedly devised, with more than 100 fans joining Cammish, Lloyd, Smiley, Jackson, Andrew Jordan, Tom Ingram, Rory Butcher and local hero Max Coates for a rare opportunity to spend some time with the BTCC stars and an even rarer opportunity to literally follow in their wheeltracks.

“Doing what we do and with the profile that the championship enjoys, we are in a position to make a difference in this kind of situation,” Honda driver Cammish explained. “Going to the hospice and seeing the vital work they do, there was a lot to take in and I was in no doubt that we needed to do something to help them.

“It was all pulled together very last-minute, but it was great to see so many people turn out for the track walk. It’s good for the fans to spend some time with us – everybody that came along said how much they enjoyed it – and most importantly of all, we raised some vital funds for Butterwick House, which is what it was all about.”

A total of ÂŁ551.30 was collected, while Jelley has additionally established a Virgin Money Giving page in aid of the hospice for the Ironman UK challenge he will tackle in Bolton on 15 July, comprising a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a marathon. Donations can be made at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StephenJelley

Next up during Croft’s summer of non-stop entertainment will be No Limits two-wheeled thrills on 14/15 July, the fast-and-furious MSA British Rallycross Championship on 29 July and the much-loved Nostalgia Festival on 4/5 August, showcasing a feast of retro racing, classic cars, military magic and culture from yesteryear. Discounted advance tickets are available for all events from www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing or by calling 01325 721815.

More information on all of Croft’s driving experiences and racing events can be found at www.croftcircuit.co.uk

Pride of Yorkshire keen to steal the show in front of Croft faithful

Half-a-century on from the first Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race to be held at Croft – known then as the British Saloon Car Championship – the UK’s biggest motor sport series is speeding back to the popular North Yorkshire circuit next weekend (23/24 June), with a quartet of homegrown drivers all primed to shine.

Yorkshire is the most populous county on the current BTCC grid, with four of the 32 high-calibre protagonists hailing from there – and all of them potential race-winners next weekend.

Honda rookie Dan Cammish (Leeds) is the best-placed of the four in the championship standings approaching the midway stage of the season, having taken a brace of podium finishes from the opening 12 races as he adapts to the cut-and-thrust of what is arguably the world’s most fiercely-disputed tin-top series. The 29-year-old – a two-time Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion – would love nothing more than to reach the top step for the first time on home soil.

“Racing a touring car around Croft is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Cammish acknowledged. “It’s great to finally be in the main show! I’ve driven round Croft a lot – it’s a fast circuit where you really get a sense of speed, and I’ve gone well there in the past – but I’ve never driven the Honda there before. Hopefully we can do a good job for the home crowd, and I see no reason why we can’t pick up some very solid points.

“Being in Yorkshire, I’m sure I’ll have a fair few supporters and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s definitely a bit of home advantage, and you do get a real kick out of knowing the crowd’s behind you – the Croft paddock is always a great place to be.

“This year is a very steep learning curve for me, but I’ve been in the mix at every race so let’s see what comes. I’ll give it absolutely everything to make sure that I get the best out of both myself and the car – and I hope everybody has a great day out.”

Right behind Cammish in the points table are Senna Proctor (Driffield) and Sam Tordoff (Bradford). The former – in his second season in the series – claimed his breakthrough BTCC victory in a dramatic wet/dry race at Brands Hatch earlier this year, while the latter is a former championship runner-up. Although plagued by ill-fortune since the start of the 2018 campaign, Tordoff has the best qualifying record of anybody in the field and both men are sure to be leading contenders next weekend.

“I’m looking forward to going to Croft,” enthused Vauxhall young gun Proctor. “I love the circuit and always receive a lot of home support there, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be fighting up at the front. It is a rear wheel-drive track historically, but a front wheel-drive car won a race there last year – so that’s what we’re looking to do this year!

“It’s a real drivers’ circuit; you’ve got to push flat-out through the first two sectors and just hold your breath, before refining it all for the last sector, making sure you clip all the apexes and above all remaining patient. There’s obviously a bit more pressure than usual going to my home race meeting, but nothing I can’t handle and I’m feeling more confident than ever and working harder than ever to keep this dream going and keep the results coming.”

“I’ve got fond memories of Croft,” echoed Ford star Tordoff. “Last time I was there with BMW, we had a fabulous set of results. It’s always great when you finish on the podium at your home event, and I’m hoping to do so again this year in the Focus RS. I really think we can be up at the front. We’ve been blighted by bad luck so far this season but it’s slowly coming round our way, and in terms of one-lap qualifying pace, we are as quick as anybody.

“Croft is a circuit with a very tricky, technical section coupled with a really quick sequence of balls-out corners round the back, which makes it a tough lap to master and invariably generates exciting racing. It’s really abrasive as well, which means tyre management is key and it’s certainly an event I enjoy. The local support always helps, and with a lot of family coming, it just feels like home.”

The fourth Yorkshireman in the mix is Daniel Lloyd (Huddersfield), who only returned to the BTCC last weekend at Oulton Park following a year’s absence. The last time the 26-year-old competed at Croft, he put his Honda Civic Type R second on the grid – and now he is set to return in the same car, albeit fielded by a different team.

“I love going to Croft,” he asserted. “It’s my home track and I always get a warm welcome there. It’s where I made my BTCC debut back in 2010, and then to qualify on the front row two years ago was really special.

“It was disappointing not to be able to race at Croft last season, but it’s great to be back and with such a potent package as the Honda Civic Type R and no ballast on-board, I’m confident of being able to challenge right up at the sharp end again. Bring it on!”

Tickets to the event are available priced at just ÂŁ15 for Saturday, 23 June (BTCC Qualifying), ÂŁ30 for Sunday, 24 June (BTCC Race Day) or ÂŁ38 for the full weekend. Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Pre-orders can be made online at www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc or over the phone (01325 721815) up to and including Tuesday, 19 June. After this date, tickets can still be purchased on the gate.

Bank holiday blockbuster expected at Mallory Park

The British Automobile Racing Club is set for a bank holiday Monday (May 28) to remember as the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and Hyundai Coupe Cup head to Mallory Park for a flat-out day’s reaction.

Making it’s customary visit to the popular Leicestershire circuit, the two categories are set for a bumper day of action as they seek to dazzle those in attendance.

In what is the third meeting of the season for the championship, Classic Touring Cars will be once again out to steal the show as they stage a scheduled eight races in total.

Amalgamating different classes together, a diverse range of machinery will go wheel-to-wheel, all of which span countless decades.

With everything from iconic Mini Cooper’s and Ford Escort’s, all the way up to modern vehicles such as Renault Clio’s there will be something for everyone when the action gets underway.

Notable names to look out for during the day include multiple champion Stephen Primett, Dale Gent, Roger Stanford, James Wilson and Steve Barden, as well as a host more too.

Having continued to go from strength-to-strength in recent years, the Hyundai Coupe Cup is enjoying a period of rude health – and it appears that it is showing no signs of letting up either.

Coming from humble beginnings to benefitting from having its own grid, the series has become one of the most sought after within the BARC to compete in; with its low-cost, tin top thrills proving to be part of its charm.

Arriving at Mallory Park off the back of events at Silverstone, Pembrey and Snetterton, the Coupe Cup is set to shine on bank holiday Monday alongside the CTCRC.

So far this season the narrative has been Misty Racing’s Steve Kite asserting his dominance, winning countless races already. Whilst points are not on offer, bragging rights of who can score the most wins over the course of the season is high on the agenda of many, and Kite is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Whilst Kite will be looking to extend his winning run, the likes of Wayne Rockett, who is the only man to beat Kite to the top step this year, along with Alex Cursley, Neale Hurran and Nick Moore will all be eyeing silverware too.

Two 20-minute encounters from the Coupe Cup category will no doubt set pulses racing.

TOCA support package shines at Donington Park

All five TOCA support championships were in action at Donington Park this past weekend (April 28/29) with some new faces topping the podium.

Competing under the flightpath of East Midlands airport alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, the customary edge-of-the-seat thrills were on display for the thousands in attendance.

James Dorlin emerged as the man to beat in the Renault UK Clio Cup as he stormed to a pair of race victories, spring boarding himself up the points table. Clinching pole position on Saturday, the Westbourne Motorsport driver took a commanding victory in race one as he streaked clear of his rivals.

Further back Paul Rivett left WDE Motorsport with a mountain of work after he exited the circuit heading down the Crane Curves, hitting the wall hard – thankfully he walked away unhurt and made it out for race two.

If race one had been memorable, the second encounter for the one-make tin top category was a different spectacle altogether. In what turned out to be a dramatic three-way fight for victory, Dorlin went wheel-to-wheel with Jack McCarthy and Bradley Burns, pipping the pair as he bounced through the gravel to take the chequered flag and make it a dream double.

The Ginetta Junior Championship saw Luke Browning come to the fore as he scored two wins, narrowly missing out on completing a memorable hat-trick. Establishing himself towards the top of the times from the outset, the Richardson Racing driver powered his way to victory in races one and two.

Browning then played his part in a race three that will live long in the memory, as he chased kept himself permanently on the bumper of Louis Foster, who held his nerve to score a maiden victory in the series.

Spoils were shared in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup as Charlie Ladell, Tom Roche and Harry King took a win apiece. Underlining the depth in quality the championship once again boasts this year, Ladell strengthened his position at the helm of the standings.

His third victory of the year came in a fast-paced opener before Roche repeated his heroics from the corresponding event last year in race two. Capping off the action was youngster King, who on just his second outing since graduating from Juniors, took a popular win for Elite Motorsport.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB saw four different winners from four races as both Tio Ellinas and Lewis Plato joined the list of winners. Ellinas was measured in his race three win, holding his nerve off the start to take the chequered flag in a league of his own.

Plato meanwhile faced a stern test in the longer 33-lap encounter at the Leicestershire venue, fending off a trio of cars on the final tour to take his maiden victory.

Rounding off the support race action at Donington Park was the British F4 Championship, which once again took on a starring role. Johnathan Hoggard bagged a pair of wins whilst Kiern Jewiss also found his way to the to the top of the rostrum.