Author: Chris Ashby

BTCC launches for 60th anniversary season

Following months of anticipation and pre-season testing, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has officially launched for 2018.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of one of the most much-loved and prolific touring car categories in the world, the forthcoming campaign is set to be another blockbuster affair.

Four manufacturer-backed teams are joined by a host of Independent-run squads, further cementing the strength in depth of the series.

Ashley Sutton enters the year as the man to beat, donning the mantel of defending champion after producing a stunning campaign in 2017 to lift the title in just his second season. Running the famed number one on the side of his Subaru Levorg, Sutton will seek to become a double champion, but will have a whole host of competitors to take on.

Former champions Jason Plato, Matt Neal, Colin Turkington and Andrew Jordan will all be keen to add to their impressive CV’s. Elsehwere, the likes of Tom Ingram, Jack Goff, Sam Tordoff, Tom Chilton and Rob Austin lead the long list of former race winners (17 in total) that will all be looking to be amongst the championship fight.

In addition to the 30 races that will take place across ten weekend’s at some of the countries top circuits, a special 60-mile race will take place in the third encounter at Snetterton in late July.

Titled the ‘Diamond Double’ race, all cars will run on a base weight and double points will be on offer, further adding to the drama of the 2018 championship battle.

Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director, said: “Our capacity line-up for the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with a remarkable record 17 race-winners, yet again underlines the championship’s strength and depth.

“Last year saw the incredible rise-and-rise of eventual champion Ash Sutton, and he is just one of an ever-growing number of emerging talents in the BTCC. The mix of young guns taking on the established stars has been one of the fascinating stories in recent years, and that looks set to continue in 2018.

“Once again, we expect to see battles throughout the field with the Manufacturers’, Independents’ and Jack Sears Trophy providing as much entertainment as the fight for the overall Drivers’ title.

“Whilst firmly focussing on the future we are also immensely proud of the BTCC’s illustrious 60-year history, which we will be celebrating throughout 2018. We are delighted to have confirmed the ‘Diamond Double’ race at Snetterton as part of these diamond jubilee celebrations, and look forward to a number of other 60th anniversary activities during the year.

“This is a truly phenomenal period for the BTCC. The continued and unrivalled support from Dunlop, ITV, IHG and our host of loyal partners remains the envy of comparable motor sport series’ around the world.

“Add to this our incredible fanbase, the media interest that you see here today and of course the unparalleled excitement provided on-track… the BTCC remains the greatest show in British motorsport.”

The opening rounds of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place on April 7/8 at Brands Hatch

BARC descends on Silverstone for bumper weekend of racing

The British Automobile Racing Club returns to Silverstone this weekend (March 24/25) for the first bumper two-day club meeting of 2018 with no less than seven championships competing.

Taking to the National layout of the Northamptonshire-based venue, the curtain is set to be lifted on a host of categories as the battle for the coveted titles begins.

More than 75 cars from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club are set to provide unmissable action over both days with their eight classes hitting the track.

With a diverse range of machines, ranging from Pre-66 all the way up to Pre-05, there is set to be something for everyone. Notable drivers to keep an eye on include Stephen Primett in his Ford Escort Mk1, Richard Askham in his Jaguar XJR and Dale Gent in his Subaru Impreza, to name just a few.

A record grid is expected for the Hyundai Coupe Cup, which is once again set to go from strength-to-strength. Boasting an entry list of 24 cars, the popular one-make series is set to put on quite the show with two races set to be run.

Alongside a host of new faces that are joining the fray, series stalwarts such as Alex Cursley and Steve Kite are back in their own bids to rule the roost once again.

The Michelin Clio Cup Series will begin over the course of the weekend too with defending champion Ben Palmer lining up and looking to make it back-to-back triumphs. Palmer broke all sorts of records in 2017 and enters this weekend as a favourite amongst many, although the likes of Ben Colburn, Tyler Lidsey and Finlay Robinson will have something to say about it.

There will be additional action from the French manufacturer too virtue of the Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championship. Coming off the back of its inaugural season last year, the latest crop of youngsters are set to do battle for a standout prize – free entry into the senior Clio Cup.

On-track thrills ’n’ spills for drivers aged between 14 to 17 are also set to come from the Junior Saloon Car Championship. With champion Will Dyrdal moving on to new pastures, a new name is set to be etched into the history books of the Citroen Saxo category – and there are no shortage of contenders with likes of Jemma Moore, Ben Kaseperczak and Ethan Rogers.

A tin top masterclass is set to be given by the Mighty Mini Championship too as they also roar into life for what will be their third full campaign with the BARC. Last year saw a blockbuster season in which Alice Hughes and Scott Kendall won their respective classes, and with Kendall returning this year, the same levels of excitement can be expected.

Rounding out what is gearing up to be a blockbuster weekend is the Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship. Catering for fans of single seaters from yesteryear, the Classic Formula Ford series has continued to grow and a packed-out entry list are ready to duke it out at Silverstone.

Ginetta gears up for milestone year with launch of flagship championships

In what is set to be a milestone year for the manufacturer as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, Ginetta are set to hit the track for 2018 with its flagship championships.

Descending on Brands Hatch on Wednesday 14th March, the Yorkshire-based powerhouse officially launched the Ginetta Junior Championship and Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup for the forthcoming season.

Both part of the highly-regarded TOCA support package, the two categories are set for another blockbuster year with bumper grids confirmed for both.

Catering for drivers aged 14 to 17, the Ginetta Juniors have made a name for themselves down the years for producing plenty of edge-of-the-seat thrills in front of the ITV4 cameras and huge trackside crowds.

This year, another crop of old and new faces are set to duke it out for the coveted crown, all looking to follow in the footsteps of Tom Gamble – who walked away as champion in 2017.

Notable names to look out for as the season goes on include Adam Smalley, Matt Luff and Fin Green, all of which are back for another season and set to battle against a wealth of rookie youngsters.

Elsewhere in the GT4 Supercup, a fascinating blend of youth and experience is set to go wheel-to-wheel with all eyes fixed on replicating Callum Pointon’s achievements last year.

Carl Boardley is set to be one driver many will be keeping a keen eye on having challenged at the front of the field on countless occasions. Harry King graduates from Juniors whilst the likes of Michael Crees, Charlie Ladell and Jac Constable are all ones to watch.

Speaking at Brands Hatch, Sales Manager Ian Fletcher, said: “We are looking forward to the 2018 season, one that is a commemorative one for Ginetta as a whole.

“This year we are celebrating our 60th anniversary and the culmination of our LMP1 FIA WEC programme as well as all of our other championships.

“Once again both the Junior and Supercup championships look to be in great shape and I am sure it will be another memorable year for all involved.”

For more information on Ginetta, head to www.ginetta.com

Bernie Ecclestone awarded BARC Gold Medal

The British Automobile Racing Club and its Council has bestowed Berne Ecclestone with its highest award, a BARC Gold Medal.

Not given out every year, the accolade is awarded by the Council of the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects, with an impressive roll of honour dating back to 1955 already in place.

Announced at the annual BARC Championships Awards Evening this past Saturday [17th February], Ecclestone was awarded the coveted medal for his invaluable role within motorsport over the past seven decades.

Starting out as a keen competitor, Ecclestone’s first racing experience came in 1949 in Formula 3 however he soon began to make his name within motorsport managing the likes of Jochen Rindt before going on to Brabham in the early 1970’s.

Guiding the team to a brace of Formula One World Championship titles, Ecclestone soon became the figurehead of Formula One itself having played a pivotal role in setting up the Formula One Constructors Association.

From there Ecclestone became chief executive of FOCA in 1978 where he went onto revolutionise the sport by securing a lucrative television deal that has continued to grow into what it is today. Remaining at the helm of Formula One for a number of years, Ecclestone’s reign came to an end in early 2017 however he still works on a number of projects to this day.

Speaking on awarding Ecclestone with a Gold Medal at the event, BARC Chairman Tony Scott-Andrews said: “It is not every year that we award someone with a Gold Medal but when we do it is somebody that truly deserves it and is recognised for their hard work.

“When deliberating with the rest of the Council members, Bernie was the first name mentioned when it came to a Gold Medal. We all know of the mark and contribution he has made to motorsport.

“He has pushed helped push motorsport onto the global audience and has done a lot for the Club down the years too. Bernie therefore is immensely deserving of this accolade.”

Predecessors of Ecclestone that have been awarded a BARC Gold Medal include four-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Christian Horner, Ron Dennis and Allan McNish.

In the coming days you will be able to watch the full Bernie Ecclestone video on BARC TV.

Dunlop appointed tyre partners of Junior Saloon Car Championship

The Junior Saloon Car Championship has confirmed that they have appointed Dunlop as their official tyre partner for the forthcoming season.

One of the UK’s most exciting junior categories for drivers aged 14 to 17, the JSCC provides youngsters with the an opportunity to get their first steps on the motorsport ladder with

Adopting the Dunlop Direzza compound, the new tyre is set to further enhance the performance of the Citroen Saxo’s that are run by all drivers in the championship.

Dave Beecroft, Championship Co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be associated with a top flight company who are World Endurance Champion tyre suppliers and winners at Le Mans 24h, and of course being the tyre supplier to the British Touring Car Championship.

“Working with Dunlop will see increased coverage and profile for the championship along with increased on-site technical support.”

The 2018 season for the Junior Saloon Car Championship gets underway on March 24/25 at Silverstone.

Contrasting conditions add to the BARC spectacle at Cadwell Park

The British Automobile Racing Club showcased a wet and wild visit to the picturesque Cadwell Park with five championships continuing their 2018 campaigns.

Mixed weather throughout the weekend provided tricky track conditions, adding further spice to the action, especially in the amalgamated BARC Saloons Series & Dream Automotive Honda VTEC Series races – both eventually won by Robert Burkinshaw.

Starting from pole, the Honda Integra driver produced an effortless performance to gap William Casswell, Phil Wright and Ashley Shelswell before taking the chequered flag. Race two mirrored the opener in what proved to be a race of attrition for the top positions.

The Lancaster Insurance MG Owner’s Club Championship has provided some excellent racing all year and that was underlined throughout the breadth of the field during the weekend too. A narrow victory for Martin Wills ahead of Simon Kendrick in race one aided his solid points haul over the weekend, later adding with a second victory in race two.

The Classic VW Cup returned to action with Ken Lark in his Corrado 2994 taking victory over Toby Absolom’s Golf 3200. A tight battle between Alex Kite and Nick Sanderson for third on track gave the fans plenty to put them on the edge of their seat, with both serving up an enthralling show despite the treacherous conditions. Race one winner and pole sitter Lark suffered a non-finish in race two, leaving the path to victory win wide open for Absolom, who gratefully prevailed.

The penultimate event of the year for the Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford 1600s saw Benn Tilley extend his championship lead with a win in race one. A non-finish for Tilley in race two however allowed his rivals to strike with Nigel Lingwood notching his maiden victory ahead of Ted Pearson and former champion Stuart Kestenbaum.

Paul Roddison continued his winning streak in the Max5 Racing Championship as he added to his impressive win tally with another pair of triumphs. Roddison asserted himself in the opener to beat Ian Loversidge by nine seconds before turning the wick up in race two to take the chequered flag by more than 20 seconds.

Capping off the weekend at Cadwell Park was host of races from the Dunlop Mini Miglia Championship and Dunlop Mini Se7en Championship. Kane Astin and Rupert Deeth shared the spoils in the Miglia category whilst Scott Kendall reigned supreme in the Se7en class. Paul Nevill rounded out the long list of race winners in the Ford Saloon Series.

For the full classification of results, click here.

Snetterton scorcher expected to come from BARC categories

The British Automobile Racing Club heads to Snetterton this weekend (August 4/5) with five championships ready to set pulses racing over two action-packed days.

With its blend of tight corners and flowing straights, the Norfolk circuit is the perfect backdrop for what is set to be a scorching weekend both on and off the track.

Topping the bill will be the Trade Team Citroen C1 Challenge, which will stage two endurance encounters. Making waves this year already with its inaugural 24-hour race in the UK and big grids at all events, the series has become one the leading lights within the BARC’s long list of categories.

Providing a low-cost method of going endurance racing, the one-make series is set for another memorable weekend with a four-hour and one hour race.

Boasting an entry list of more than 40 machines and north of 100 drivers, Snetterton is set to catch C1 fever as the series writes another milestone in its short history.

If Saturday belongs to the C1 Challenge taking centre stage then Sunday is all about the Classic Touring Car Championship. With its diverse mix of iconic tin top machines and multiple classes, classics will be the norm on day two with a total of eight races being run.

Those in attendance will see the Paul Inch – Classic Race Engines Pre ’66 Touring Cars, CTCRC Group 1 Touring Car Championship, Envirotec Hygiene Services Pre-93 Touring Cars, YourITman Pre-2003 Touring Cars, Toyo Tyres Pre-2005 Production Touring Car Championship, Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series and the MRF Motorsport Tyres Classic & Historic Thunder Saloon Championship all in action – and delivering edge-of-the-seat thrills.

Ben Palmer will look to continue his march towards a second successive Michelin Clio Cup Series title as he bids for wins 11 and 12. Palmer has won every single race so far this season and has shown no signs of slowing down either. Tyler Lidsey and Ben Colburn are just some of the contenders all vying to stop the #1 drivers charge.

There will be plenty of racing from the APL Health Caterham Graduates Championship as well. Another category that has flourished with big grids this season, the one-make series is better than ever and with a host of leading contenders coming to the fore.

Across the different classes, keep a close eye on Declan Dolan, Oliver Gibson, Jonathan Curry, Robert Winrow and Peter Tattersall – all of who m lead the way in their respective championships.

Rounding out the weekend’s racing will be action from the Kumho BMW Championship, home to some of the most infamous machines the German manufacturer have put into production.

For more information on this weekend’s event, including timetable and entry lists, click here.

British Truck Racing Association Championship joins forces with Truck & Driver

The British Truck Racing Association Championship will now be brought to followers of high-speed HGV motorsport in association with the best-selling truck magazine in the UK – Truck & Driver – following the agreement of a partnership between T&D publisher DVV Media International (DVV) and the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC).

Following two early rounds the championship is about to hit top gear with racing meetings at Germany’s famous Nurburgring (30 June to 1 July) followed by ‘the fastest circuit in the UK’ at Thruxton in Hampshire (July 7/8) and the ultimate festival of all things trucks and trucking – Truck & Driver’s Convoy in the Park – which takes place at Donington Park on July 21/22.

Championship Director, Glen Horncastle, said: “It is fantastic news that the Championship will be working with such a long standing publishing group as DVV, and knowing how much support and exposure Truck & Driver will bring through its editorial and social media channels is exciting for all concerned.”

DVV Sales Director, Vic Bunby, added: “We’re delighted to be entering this partnership, especially as we build towards the festivities at Convoy in the Park. This is a unique opportunity to bring truck racing and truck racing sponsors to a wider audience who love their trucks.”

DVV will also be responsible for sponsorship sales for the championship and has a variety of packages to get the best results for your brand.

Truck & Driver, Truckanddriver.co.uk and its sister publication Commercial Motor will bring you all the action, as well as taking you behind the scenes with interviews and profiles of the drivers, teams, trucks and circuits – bringing the British Truck Racing Association Championship to life.

You can also follow all the action on Twitter @TrucknDriver and the Truck and Driver homepage on Facebook – and the stars of DVV’s You Tube phenomenon A Week in Trucks will be filming at both Thruxton and Convoy in the Park to bring you their unique take on the truck racing experience.

The race season continues to Snetterton, Norfolk, on September 8/9, Pembrey in West Wales on October 13/14 before culminating at the Bonfire Night extravaganza at Brands Hatch in Kent on November 3/4.

Copies of Truck & Driver will be available to pick up in the paddock areas at all race meetings.

Pembrey Circuit launches new rallycross layout

Rallycross at Pembrey Circuit is set to be bigger and better than ever before moving forward following the completion of a new track configuration – aimed at providing even closer racing and giving fans the opportunity to see more of the action trackside.

Having implemented a raft of changes in recent years at the South Wales-based venue, including a new rhythm of tarmac to provide a second track layout for cars and bikes, improvements to the rallycross course have been high on the agenda.

With trackside crowds continuing to grow, along with the sport of rallycross as a whole, careful planning has been taken to create a new track layout that will produce much more an arena atmosphere for fans spectating on the bankings – allowing them to see a majority of the action unfold in front of their eyes.

The start line, which previously was on the main pit straight, has been moved to just before the pedestrian crossing – allowing grids to form as soon as one race finishes.

From there, cars will head through Senna’s before heading into a new left-handed turn titled Toyo’s, immediately tackling the Brooklands Hairpin straight after.

Up next for competitors will be Speedway Straight which leads into the transition from tarmac to loose, tackling the challenging Carter’s Hairpin at the same time.

Using all of their skills and experience, drivers will thread their way through the next sequence of corners, some taking the joker section, before rejoining the tarmac at Ollie’s and on to start a new lap or take the chequered flag.

The same set of corners will be used when the circuit is run in the reverse direction as well; competitors turning right instead of left off of the start instead.

The new layout was trialled at the recent BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship meeting in May and will be used for the two-day Too Tires MSA British Rallycross Championship event on June 23/24.

Phil Davies, Pembrey Circuit Manager, said: “Over the past few years we have done a lot of work on improving the venue from both a competitor and spectator point of view, all of which has been hugely beneficial to both.

“For some time we have been looking at what we could do to ensure that rallycross reaches new heights not only in Wales but the UK as a whole, and the changes we have now made I feel reflect that.

“Moving the start line towards the crossing and the second half of the lap firmly into the middle of the circuit not only ensures that the racing will be even closer but also that the fans can see every second of the action – especially as there is a lot of it in rallycross!

“From the racing we have already seen on the new layout, it has proved to be very popular and I’m looking forward to seeing many more races take place on it as the years goes on.

“I have to thank the hard work everyone at Pembrey has put in to ensure we take this next step, as well as Driven International for all of their technical support.”

For more information on Pembrey Circuit and the events being staged there during the 2018 season, click – here.

Britcar headlines BARC weekend at Silverstone

A handful of British Automobile Racing Club championships are set to make their mark this weekend (May 12/13) as they head to Silverstone.

Taking to the iconic Grand Prix circuit, four BARC categories will duke it out for supremacy with Britcar Endurance headlining with its vast array of machinery.

More than 35 cars are expected to contest the second event of the season, a 50-minute sprint race which is then later followed by the customary two-hour endurance encounter.

Blending the likes of Ferrari 458 GT3’s and Ginetta G50’s, amongst a host of other jaw-dropping cars, the championship has continued its meteoric rise over the past couple of years, with 2018 no different.

Arriving at the Northamptonshire-based venue, the Sprint category sees a host of drivers in early contention for outright honours. The Mercedes of Richard Neary scored two wins at Rockingham and will likely be a threat again whilst Ferrari duo David Mason and Ross Wylie will be keen to add to their silverware collections. Add into the mix the BMW of Mike Moss and Tom Howard and you begin to build a picture of how competitive this year’s crop of drivers is.

Elsewhere in the Endurance standings, Black Mamba Racing duo Andy Demetriou and Luke Williams will have their sights set on building on what was a dream opening weekend at the wheel of their Ginetta G55.

The APL Health Caterham Graduates Championship resumes during the weekend too after last racing in mid-March at Oulton Park. Another to boast a significant entry list, two 20-minute encounters, with all classes being amalgamated, will be run around Silverstone.

Notable names to look out for include Oliver Gibson, Lee Collins, Declan Dolan and Graeme Smith who lead the Sigmax, Sigma, Mega and Classic classes respectively.

Single seater action comes in the form of the Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship, who are making their second visit to Silverstone this year. Bringing together some of the most desirable open-wheeled machines from yesteryear, the championship continues to produce edge-of-the-seat thrills.

Benn Tilley and Mike Gardner shared the spoils the last time the series hit the track and both will be keen to top the podium once again.

The Kumho BMW Championship is also set for action this weekend in what will also be their second event of the season. Roaring into life at Brands Hatch over the on Easter Sunday, the championship has once again attracted a big grid with drivers competing in all manner of models from the popular German manufacturer.

Colin Wells, Ian Crisp, Gareth Montgomery, Kevin Denwood and Russell Dack leading the long list of potential front runners to keep a watchful eye on.

Capping off the racing around the home of British motorsport will be the MSA British Superkarts Championship and Speed Group OSS Championship.

Cadwell Park awaits three BARC championships

The British Automobile Racing Club heads to Cadwell Park this weekend (April 14/15) for a high-octane two days of wheel-to-wheel action.

Renowned for its undulation and the unique challenge that it presents to drivers and teams alike, three BARC championships are set to duke it out.

Following on from their opening event at Oulton Park, the APL Health Caterham Graduates Championship are back in action with it all to play for across all classes. Amalgamating grids once again, spectators will see plenty of the one-make series with the battle for supremacy

In the Classics class, reigning champion Graeme Smith enjoyed a dream start to his year with a dominant double at the season-opener and he will be keen to build on his recent success as the likes of Peter Tattersall and Marc Noaro bid to close the gap.

Jamie Winrow will be one to watch as he leads the way in the SigMax category whilst Lee Collins and Declan Dolan will undoubtedly be out to continue their reigns at the top of the Sigma and Mega class standings as well.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship also kicked off their 2018 campaign at Oulton Park last month and continues this weekend. Run by the BARC’s North Western Centre, another bumper entry list, packed with a diverse range of cars, has been confirmed for rounds three and four.

Triumphing at the curtain-raiser, 2016 champion Paul Rose heads the 28-car line-up this weekend and will be focused on extending his early points lead.

James Auckland, Steve Harris, Guy Carter and Stephen Keenan are just some of the drivers that fans can expect to take the fight to Rose in his Saker.

Whilst the aforementioned championships have already had one event under their belts, the 2CV parts.com Classic Racing Championship launches into life for another season this weekend, with Cadwell Park providing a fitting backdrop.

Always a popular sight wherever they compete, the one-make tin top category has been producing great racing for more than two decades now and that trait is set to continue this year too. Running a pair of sprint races as well as a two-hour endurance race on Sunday, there will be no shortage of drama on track from the 2CVs.

Having won back-to-back titles, Lien Davies will have his sights firmly set on making it a hat-trick of titles however the likes of Ainslie Bousefield, Sandro Proietti and Nick Crispin, all of whom had their moments last year, will be keen to overhaul the defending champion.

Rounding out the action will be a host of high-speed, frenetic encounters from British Superkarts.

TOCA test offers BTCC teaser as Thruxton prepares for top-line touring car action

Thruxton welcomed the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to Hampshire yesterday as the majority of the grid took the opportunity to rack up the miles ahead of their competitive return to the UK’s fastest race circuit, 19-20 May.

The BTCC celebrates its 60th, Diamond Jubilee, anniversary this year and the country’s premier motor racing series has already shown signs that it will be another vintage, and fiercely competitive campaign after a storming opening race weekend at Brands Hatch – with nine different drivers making the podium, three different winners and 10 marques represented in the standings’ top ten.

Thruxton itself celebrates its 50thAnniversary, and the beloved circuit, affectionately referred to as the Hampshire Speedbowl, always yields an unparalleled weekend’s action. Its flat-out characteristics are so unique that TOCA runs an annual test-day for the BTCC and its support series – Renault UK Clio Cup, the Ginetta championships and the F4 British Championship – ensuring all involved are up to speed ahead of their return in five weeks’ time.

Twenty-five of the BTCC’s finest drivers jumped at the chance to rack up the laps (over 1,100 in all on the day), among those, incumbent champion Ashley Sutton (Adrian Flux Subaru Racing) and his team-mate – BTCC legend Jason Plato, Halfords Yuasa Racing’s triple title-winner Matt Neal and Dan Cammish, plus past champs Colin Turkington and Andrew Jordan in the West Surrey Racing BMWs.

At the end of the day it was Sutton atop the timesheets, commenting later that evening that his heart rate had finally returned to normal levels after the high-speed Hampshire test!

“That was unexpected, I’ll be honest,” said Sutton. “It’s been a fast day in general and everyone’s been quick. We’ve come here looking for track time and I think we’ve found a few key things. It’s been a general test, not just a Thruxton test.

“We hadn’t done mileage prior to Season Launch at Donington Park, then Brands Hatch later that week but that was rained off. We’ve come to make up time on the others and we’ve achieved some key things and we hope some of those will carry over to Donington.”

Between the two sessions, eight drivers ran inside 2017’s BTCC qualifying lap record time set by the Honda Civic Type R of Matt Neal, so all signs are pointing to a fastest-ever race weekend come May.

Parts of Thruxton’s stunning new £2 million state-of-the-art hospitality facility, The Thruxton Centre, will be open for business by the time the BTCC makes its entry ahead of an official opening at 12:00 midday on Sunday 3 June amid a weekend of 50thAnniversary celebrations. Highlights there include 15 special races as well as high-speed demonstrations from Williams’ 1983 FW08C and other iconic racing cars and bikes. There will be appearances, too, from a number of high-profile guests including Murray Walker and Nigel Mansell.

“It’s always a delight to welcome Britain’s biggest championship on four wheels back to Thruxton,” said Thruxton Group Managing Director, Bill Coombs. “It’s a series that continually produces a fantastic weekend’s racing, with 32 cars and some of the best tin-top protagonists around throwing up a real treat. The test yesterday gave us a little glimpse of what’s to come – it’s going to be a quick one this year, that’s for sure.

“Having had a keen eye on its opening race weekend a fortnight ago, it looks like it’ll be an even more fascinating prospect around the quick stuff here come May. I wouldn’t dare try and pick a winner!

“The track itself is a favourite of many of the drivers, it’s a fast and flowing test of balance, bravery and poise plus a healthy dollop of slipstreaming!

“For 2018, in our 50thAnniversary year, we’re extremely proud to be able to open The Thruxton Centre – our brand-new, top-of-the-line facility comprises a restaurant and bar, exhibition spaces, function rooms, hosting and hospitality suites and a spectacular viewing terrace.

“Parts of the centre will be open for use at the BTCC race weekend but its official opening takes place over the weekend of 2/3 June – as part of a special meeting commemorating our golden anniversary.”

Advance tickets for the BTCC’s visit, 19-20 May, are available from £12, with weekend passes with paddock access running to just £40. Saturday grandstand seats are an additional £5. Accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted free of charge.