Category: Barc

Classic Touring Car Racing Club launches Pre-2013 category

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club has announced that introduction of a Pre-2013 Touring Car Championship.

Primarily aimed at turbocharged Super 2000 and early NGTC-specification cars from the British Touring Car Championship, the new category will also cater for all two-litre tin-top machinery.

Hot on the heels of the CTCRC celebrating its 50th Anniversary last year, the addition of the Pre-2013 class complements the recent success of the Super Touring Power festivals that have been staged at Brands Hatch in 2023 and 2024.

“Super Touring Power has generated a great deal of interest in what you might call the more modern touring cars of the past, and we’ve had a number of people approach us wanting to race their later Super 2000 and NGTC cars,” explained CTCRC Chairman Stuart Caie.

“We feel the time is right to create a home where these cars can get back on track where they belong. Pre-2013 is the natural next step to join our existing series, covering the full spectrum of classic touring cars.”

To find out more information about the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, visit https://classictouringcars.com/.

Davanti Tyres partners with MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport

Davanti Tyres has been named as a technical partner and official sponsor of the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport.

As part of a three-year contract which has commenced this month, Davanti’s Protoura race tyre will be the new control tyre of the championship, supplied and fitted by BMTR Motorsport.

Created specifically for unbeatable proficiency on the track with a semi-slick design, all competitors will race on Davanti’s first-ever track tyre. In addition, Davanti decals will feature on all competing cars in the action-packed series.

Sean Maddocks, Davanti Tyres Sales Director for UK & Ireland, said: “Announcing this partnership with the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT championship has been highly anticipated at Davanti Tyres. We’re all so proud of the Protoura Race – our first ever track tyre – and to be named as the official control tyre of this competitive championship is a real milestone moment.

“The testing we’ve undertaken with Protoura Race cannot be understated – from the IDIADA facilities in Spain to iconic motor racing circuits such as Silverstone and Spain’s Calafat Circuit –it’s going to be exciting to see it in a real-world racing environment.”

“Starting a new partnership with leading UK tyre manufacturer, Davanti Tyres, is a natural fit for the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT championship,” added Tom Halliwell and Rob Austin, Co-Directors of MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT.

“With a competitive grid, we’re excited to have a brand-new control tyre to allow our racers to perform to the best of their abilities on race weekends. With the high levels of research and development which has gone into the Protoura Race, we can’t wait to see it out on track.

“Thanks to a three-year partnership, there will be plenty of other activations happening with Davanti Tyres and our championship – watch this space.”

The opening round of the 2025 season for the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport category will take place at Silverstone on May 17-18.

Maximum Motorsport launches Donington Park pre-season test day

Maximum Motorsport has announced an Open Pre-Season Test Day, which will take place at Donington Park on Tuesday 18th February.

Using the National layout at the Leicestershire venue, this pre-season test day is Unsilenced, offering the opportunity to various levels of drivers from within UK Motorsport to test out their vehicle of choice.

For the cost of £450.00 + VAT, there will be three sessions across the day, which apply to the following car types.

Session One: Junior Driver Session – Minimum of 6 x 20 minute sessions
This session is open to any drivers taking part in the following championships for 2025:

• The Junior Saloon Car Championship
• The Ginetta Junior Championship
• The BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship
• TOCA Junior Championship

Session Two: Club Racing level Session – Minimum of 6 x 20 minute sessions
This session is open to any drivers taking part in Club level championships in 2025, including:

• The Milltek Civic Cup
• The Track Action Day Racing Club
• The Audi TT Championship
• The Fiesta ST240 Championship

Session Three: Touring Cars and Sportscars Session – Minimum of 6 x 20 minute sessions
This session is open to any drivers who are competing in the following types of car for 2025:

• TCR Touring Car
• GT4 Sportscar
• Any car running to BTCC NGTC specification

For further information about this Open Pre-Season Test day at Donington Park, please contact Championship Manager Jack Finlan using the following details:

Telephone: +44 7502 019409
Email: jack@maximumgroup.net

McLaren Leeds stage first-ever McLaren Fest at Croft Circuit

Croft Circuit welcomed McLaren Leeds recently for the first-ever running of McLaren Fest, an exclusive invitation-only event that saw the legendary manufacturer take over the North of England’s premier motorsport venue.

In what was the ultimate celebration of engineering excellence and high-performance design, the two-day event saw guest enjoy a thrilling Formula 1 simulator, a challenging interactive reaction test, and a stunning display of McLaren’s latest models – all of which showcased the brand’s cutting-edge technology and performance.

The brand-new Hangar 50, Croft’s latest hospitality venue, was transformed into a world of McLaren innovation. Positioned at the heart of the circuit, Hangar 50 offers a relaxed, open space with high-end catering facilities and a covered outdoor terrace—where superb food meets motorsport exhilaration.

With years of experience running high-profile events, Croft Circuit’s in-house team ensured guests were looked after to the highest standards, creating a truly memorable experience.

For Croft event enquiries, please email Max Coates, Business Development Manager: max@croftcircuit.co.uk

Goodwood announces theme for 2025 Festival of Speed

The Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is set for its biggest celebration of Formula 1 in 2025, with the pinnacle of motorsport sitting at the core of the four-day event’s theme – ‘The Winning Formula – Champions and Challengers.’

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship and Goodwood is gearing up to encapsulate F1’s relentless pursuit of excellence that teams and drivers have striven to find down the years.

Champions from the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, MotoGP and World Superbikes will also be represented around the West Sussex venue.

In addition, also under the spotlight will be 125 years of motorsport competition, which began with the likes of the Gordon Bennett Cup and the Thousand Mile Trial at the beginning of the 20th century.

On top of all of that, the Festival of Speed will additionally commemorate the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo’s victory in the inaugural World Manufacturers’ Championship with the pioneering P2.

Next year will see the motorsport world signify the 75th anniversary of the F1 world championship, and those impending celebrations have inspired the Festival of Speed theme in 2025.

“The Festival of Speed is uniquely placed to reflect on motorsport’s rich history and heritage and I am delighted that in 2025 we will do this through the lens of ‘The Winning Formula’,” said The Duke of Richmond.

“Individuals, teams, vehicles and championships have always embodied this mindset to push the boundaries of achievement, never more so than in Formula 1, which next year celebrates the 75th anniversary of its World Championship.

“Having recently celebrated 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood, we know what a significant anniversary this is for Formula 1, and we’re looking forward to paying our own tribute as part of the worldwide festivities.”

MGOC Championship revved up for another season with the BARC

The Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship is gearing up for what is set to be its 45th season in association with the British Automobile Racing Club.

Retaining its long established format for production based Classic and Modern MG’s including the MG Midget, MGB, MG Maestro, MGF and MG ZR160, the multi-class series will embark on a six-round campaign this year which boasts no less than 13 races.

Continuing its association with Adrian Flux Insurance, the championship is set to also benefit from additional support of long-time competitor Martin Wills’s Vision Vehicles company.

The support of Vision Vehicles has allowed the championship to offer an innovative plan to support competitors, with any driver who enters the first five race meetings of the 2025 season getting a free entry for the finale.

Entry fees for each of the scheduled six meetings are fixed at £470. For any driver who enters the first five meetings and thus gets a free entry for the final meeting the costs per meeting is effectively reduced to just £392.

Championship Driver Representative, Jim Baynam, said: “The MGOC Championship has a hardcore of long standing and loyal drivers who continue to support the championship with several second and third generation’s now joining us.

“Rising costs present all Club championships with financial challenges but our stable format and limited modifications go a long way to controlling costs and keeping us going into our 45th year.

“The signs are positive and we all look forward to another safe, satisfying and successful season.”

To find out more information about the 2025 Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, visit https://www.mgocchampionship.co.uk/. 

TCR UK champion to get prize TCR Europe entry for 2026

The winner of the TCR UK Championship for 2025 will receive a free, full-season entry in the 2026 TCR Europe season as part of their title-winning prize.

In what is a landmark announcement for the tin top series, the introduction of the new prize means that the 2025 Champion will be able to compete for the full season in one of TCR’s largest regional series, extending the ethos that TCR itself is built on.

This new incentive is designed to help drivers when it comes to the connection between the National and Regional levels of the TCR ladder.

“It’s great to make this announcement, awarding the 2025 TCR UK Champion a free full-season entry in TCR Europe. Progression has always been a key part of TCR, and this offers a fantastic chance for next year’s champion,” said Series Promoter Stewart Lines.

“This new incentive means that the championship-winning driver can then make the next step up the TCR ladder to one of the longest-running regional TCR series and take on the best touring car teams and drivers Europe has to offer.”

The 2025 TCR UK Championship campaign kicks off at Donington Park on March 22-23.

MINI CHALLENGE and Millers Oils launch JCW Challenger scheme

Millers Oils has announced a new Challenger Scheme that will see one lucky driver secure a free entry into the headline JCW class of the 2025 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE.

The new scheme will be open to every driver who has signed up to compete in the JCW class by the end of January, when a shortlist of four will be drawn up as finalists.

As well as having their entry fee for the 2025 covered, the winner will then have the opportunity to work with Millers Oils in an ambassadorial role throughout the season, which will include showcasing the Millers Oils brand on track across the seven events on the JCW calendar.

“We’re searching for a driver with talent, passion, and determination to carry the Millers Oils legacy forward,” Jody Ogden, Millers Oils Marketing and Communications Manager, said.

“You’ll be supported to race in a premier championship, gain unparalleled exposure, and represent a brand synonymous with engineering excellence and motorsport innovation

“This is a life-changing opportunity for one skilled and ambitious driver and if you’re ready to rise to the challenge, we want to hear from you!”

TCR UK to race at Spa-Francorchamps next year

The TCR UK Championship has announced a change to its 2025 calendar, with an overseas trip to Spa-Francorchamps replacing a visit to Silverstone.

A visit to the Home of British Motor Racing had been scheduled to take place on May 17-18 however the championship will now head to Belgium that same weekend for what will be the third event of the season.

The revised calendar means that next year’s competitors will join forces with the TCR Europe Touring Car Series to race on the classic Ardennes circuit.

“We’ve released the updated 2025 TCR UK Calendar today, providing our competitors with the chance to race on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit,” said Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Promoter.

“Joining TCR Europe will offer the experience of racing with a Regional TCR Series and providing plenty of TCR action across the weekend.”

British F4 launches new Challenge Cup for 2025 campaign

The ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA will introduce a new class for the 2025 season in the shape of the Challenge Cup, which is designed to help drivers who cannot commit to a full ten round championship in the UK’s premier single-seater series.

In what is an exciting addition to what is already looking to be another ultra-competitive 2025 championship, Challenge Cup competitors will battle it out for a prize equivalent to £25,000 that will go towards full-season British F4 entry fees of the winner for the following year.

To be eligible for the Challenge Cup, drivers will be limited to competing in a maximum of seven pre-selected rounds that form the main 10 event championship. Prior to the start of the season those competing drivers must nominate their chosen rounds at which they wish to race.

Points will be awarded for each race, with the Challenge Cup having its own separate points table. In addition to the new-for-2025 class, drivers will be eligible to score points in the overall championship and if applicable, the Rookie Cup.

With Challenge Cup participants featuring at selective rounds over the course of the campaign, restrictions will be placed on in-season testing to maintain fairness.

Challenge Cup competitors will be able to attend all pre-season collective tests, regardless of whether they are a nominated circuit at which they will compete. However, they may only participate in official in-season tests and free practice sessions at circuits which they have nominated to race.

Eve Lake-Grange, British F4 Championship Manager, said: “British F4 often see drivers who, for various reasons, are unable to compete in a full season of the championship.

“With the introduction of the British F4 Challenge Cup, we are now able to provide drivers the opportunity to compete towards a trophy, while still being able to accommodate their other commitments, all at a reduced season budget.”

The 2025 ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA commences at Donington Park on the 26-27 April.

Touring Cars set to headline bumper 2025 season at Croft

Croft Circuit is set for another bumper extravaganza of motorsport in 2025 after confirming its event calendar for next season recently.

The popular North Yorkshire venue will host 12 events which will see action on two, three and four wheels from February to October, including the annual visit of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in August, with tickets now on sale.

The season kicks off on Saturday 1st February with the return of the Jack Frost Stages Rally organised by Darlington and District Motor Club for the first time since 2020 with the circuit racing season starting on March 22/23 with the annual visit of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club.

The 750 Motor Club host the first of their two visits to Croft on April 26/27 followed by more motorcycle race action with the No Limits Race Meeting on May 31/June 1. The popular TCR UK Touring Car Championship features in the BARC race weekend on June 14/15, followed by the BARC Caterham Racing weekend on June 28/29.

The North East’s premier race circuit then hosts the British Racing and Sports Car Club meeting on 12/13 July before preparations get underway for the biggest event of the year where the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship speeds into Croft on August 2/3.

Britain’s premier four-wheeled motorsport series is undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year in the region with three blockbuster encounters featuring a capacity grid and a number of exciting new rules for this season, as well as the usual thrills and spills from the TOCA support package.

Darlington and District Motor Club host the traditional Battle of Britain race meeting on August 23/24 which will feature cars and sidecars, as well as competitors contesting the local championships, including the well-supported Northern Sports and Saloon Car series.

The British Racing and Sports Car Club return for their meeting on September 6/7 with some exciting plans for that weekend set to be announced in the New Year followed by the 750 Motor Club who will host another weekend of packed grids on September 20/21. The season is concluded with a first visit of MSVR for their car race meeting on October 18/19.

Croft Circuit also hosts various track days for bikes and cars during the season, is available for testing and corporate hire, including the new centrally located Hanger 50 Café and Hospitality Suite.

Tickets for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Croft in August are now available from as little as £15 and 2025 season passes are also available starting at £45.90. Also available are Thruxton Driving Experiences held at Croft, as well as the New Starter Driving Experience, all of which make ideal birthday or Christmas gifts, including 25% savings on selected packages.

More details are available on the website www.croftcircuit.co.uk or by calling 01325 721815.

Croft Circuit 2025 Calendar
February 1 – Jack Frost Stages Rally
March 22/23 – North East Motorcycle Racing Club Bike Race Meeting
April 26/27 – 750 Motor Club Car Race Meeting
May 31/June 1 – No Limits Motorcycle Club Race Meeting
June 14/15 – BARC TCR Car Race Meeting
June 28/29 – BARC Caterham Racing Weekend
July 12/13 – British Racing & Sports Car Club Car Race Meeting
August 2/3 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Meeting
August 23/24 – Darlington & District Motor Club Battle of Britain Race Meeting
September 6/7 – British Racing & Sports Car Club Car Race Meeting (details to be confirmed)
September 20/21 – 750 Motor Club Car Race Meeting
October 18/19 – MSVR Car Race Meeting

BTCC entry list swells to 24 cars for 2025 season

Organisers of the British Touring Car Championship – TOCA – have today (December 2) released the list of TOCA BTCC Licences that have been allocated to teams for the 2025 season.

Following the entry approval date of December 2nd 2024 for all TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport series will expand to 24 cars next year – having stood at a maximum of 21 during the recent 2024 campaign.

Alliance Racing, EXCELR8 Motorsport and Speedworks Motorsport continue to hold four licences and they have been joined by reigning Manufacturer-Constructor champions West Surrey Racing, who will look to expand back to four cars on a full-time basis.

Power Maxed Racing and Restart Racing will again look to field two entries while Un-Limited Motorsport has acquired an additional TBL to take its total to two.

After a year on the sidelines, One Motorsport look set to make a triumphant return to the BTCC too with two TBLs being allocated to the Brackley-based squad.

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in April.

2025 TOCA BTCC Licence Allocation
EXCELR8 Motorsport – 4
West Surrey Racing – 4
Alliance Racing – 4
Speedworks Motorsport – 4
Power Maxed Racing – 2
Un-Limited Motorsport – 2
Restart Racing – 2
One Motorsport – 2

The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season commences on April 26/27 around the Donington Park National circuit.