Category: Barc

Issue 1 of 2024 BARC Magazine hits doorsteps for the first time in 2024

Issue 1 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official magazine, APEX, is now available to read, with copies having hit doorsteps of its members this week for the first time in 2024.

Packed with the latest news and centre reports, as well as Martin Hunt’s Marshal Matters and the customary transcript from The Intercooler, the bumper edition also includes a number of must-read features too.

This latest issue sees the Club look back on a momentous night of celebrations at our annual Awards Evening back in February whilst Will Fewkes and Rob Huff delve into the importance of motorsport management, and in particular their company Fewkes Sport Management. 

To become a member of the BARC and to receive a copy of the magazine, head to https://www.barc.net/membership/.

Adrian Flux Insurance named as new title sponsors of MGOC Championship

Adrian Flux Insurance – one of the UK’s largest specialist motor insurance brokers – has been named as the new title sponsor of the MG Owners Club Championship this year.

Running under the new name of the ‘Adrian Flux Insurance MGOC Championship’ for 2024 and beyond, the much-loved series has welcomed in a new era as it prepares to hit the track for another year of captivating wheel-to-wheel racing.

The agreement with Adrian Flux brings to an end its previous long-standing relationship with Lancaster Insurance, who had been a title sponsor for a number of years. 

Offering a cost-effective route into motorsport, the MGOC Championship is a haven for enthusiasts of the famous marque as it pits models from a variety of decades against each other at the same time.

The 2024 season commences at Brands Hatch across the Easter bank holiday weekend (March 31/April 1) before then going on to compete at Cadwell Park, Mallory Park, Castle Combe, Thruxton, Donington Park and Snetterton. 

BARC announces bumper live stream schedule for 2024 season

The British Automobile Racing Club will continue its long-standing partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV this season, with no fewer than 14 race meetings set to be streamed live and online for free.

In what will be a fourth consecutive season of broadcasting on the Club’s YouTube channel, the 2024 campaign will once again showcase some of the best edge-of-the-seat racing that the UK national motorsport scene has to offer.

Encompassing all manner of production values, viewers will again be again to soak up the action courtesy of live commentary and presenting by the likes of Ian Waterhouse and Ewan Dunlop. 

Last year proved to be another successful one for the Club’s live platform with more than half a million views being amassed over the course of the season.

The British Endurance Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club, Caterham Motorsport and Junior Saloon Car Championship are just some of the categories that are set to feature throughout the year. 

BARC 2024 Live Stream Schedule

March 29/30 – Donington Park (GP)

March 31/April 1 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

April 13/14 – Snetterton (300)

May 18/19 – Pembrey 

June 15/16 – Silverstone (GP)

July 6 – Oulton Park (International)

July 6/7 – Thruxton

July 13/14 – Cadwell Park

August 3/4 – Knockhill

August 10/11 – Donington Park (National)

August 31/September 1 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

September 14/15 – Snetterton (300)

October 19/20 – Donington Park (National)

November 2/3 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

Note that these dates remain provisional and can change.

British Truck Racing Championship partners with MANUP?

Raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health has become a focus for the British Truck Racing Championship this year, with the heavyweight series having today (March 8) announced it will align itself with the charity MANUP?.

Identifying that the stigma around men’s mental health remains a major issue, the MANUP? charity exists to raise awareness on the subject by encouraging openness, which will in turn promote the conversation.

Started in 2019, the organisation has grown exponentially in recent years and that trend looks set to continue throughout 2024 as a raft of fundraising concepts are brought to life through the championship.

The BTRC is no stranger to working alongside charities and the hope is that the heavyweight series will be able to use its sizeable platform – both on and off the track – to raise vital awareness and funds.

“As part of my commitment to breaking the stigma around men’s mental health, I’m proud to be partnering with the British Truck Racing Championship,” said Dan Somers, MANUP? Founder and Chief Executive. 

“At MANUP?, we reach men where they are, and BTRC offers a unique opportunity to amplify this message. Despite the fact that we are competing on the track, we are also driving a crucial conversation that illustrates mental health awareness has no boundaries.”

Gordon Snell, British Truck Racing Championship Manager, added: “We’re excited to have partnered up with MANUP? as the work they have been doing to promote the discussion around men’s mental health so far is to be really commended.

“We are using our platforms to push that conversation further and as has been proven, our fantastic fans are not only passionate about the sport but also supporting great causes. Raising awareness for men’s mental health is extremely important to all of us.”

To find out more information about MANUP? and how you can either donate or become involved in their initiatives, head to https://www.manup.how/.  

Thruxton rolls out winter upgrades ahead of new season

Work never stops when it comes to the British Automobile Racing Club and at Thruxton, a range of improvements have been taking place over the winter, all with the aim of ensuring the venue is in the best possible shape for a busy season.

A number of large projects – in addition to general maintenance – have kept the team busy at the Hampshire track, with the biggest of them being the implementation of a brand-new tyre wall at the Chicane.

No less than 800 tyres have been removed from the site and replaced, helped no less by long-time partners Pirelli. 

In an effort to maintain the circuits sustainability ambitions, the tyres that were removed from the Chicane have been re-purposed by extending the existing tyre wall on the exit of Church Corner, which now stands proud at an extra 70 metres long. 

Race control has also undergone a renovation, with more space being created to accommodate for the larger race meetings that take place at the Hampshire venue, moving forward. 

The wall between race control and the timekeepers has been moved back 1.5 meters, and the PA system relocated to the media centre, meaning the dividing wall that once housed it has been removed completed.

Rounding off the the ‘off-season checklist’ has been the acquisition of a new fire truck, lawn mower and radios, whilst the Kart Centre has had new barriers and fencing installed.

Will Crewdson wins 2024 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Will Crewdson has been crowned this year’s winner of the Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship, winning a fully-funded season in the popular one-make series for 2024.

Taking place at Croft on Saturday 17th February, Crewdson emerged victorious from an ultra-competitive competition that saw a number of teenage hopefuls all battling to clinch a career-starting prize worth more than £30,000. 

Over the course of the day at the North Yorkshire venue, budding competitors took part in a pitstop challenge, fitness challenge, autotest challenge, media presentation and driving assessment; all while an esteemed judging panel whittled down the contenders.

As the competition entered into its final stages, Crewdson emerged as one of the leading lights and was subsequently declared the winner to follow in the footsteps of previous victors such as Will Fallon, Jack James, Chloe Grant, Harry Rice and Scott McIntyre.

“It’s great to able to give the trophy to a well-deserved winner in Will in what is set to be our tenth year,” said Dave Beecroft, Junior Saloon Car Championship Coordinator. “We’re looking forward to working with this young man in 2024; a super scholarship winner!”

The opening rounds of the 2024 Junior Saloon Car Championship are scheduled to take place across the Easter bank holiday weekend of March 31/April 1 at Brands Hatch.

TOCA and Cosworth Electronics awarded Adrian Reynard Motorsports Medal

TOCA and Cosworth Electronics have claimed first prize for Outstanding Achievement in the field of Motorsport Engineering for their application of Hybrid Technology in the British Touring Car Championship. 

The IMechE’s Automobile Division recently held its annual presentation of the Adrian Reynard Motorsports Medal, an award that recognises an individual or a team of people, working in the field of motorsports engineering, who have demonstrated an outstanding technical achievement or have made a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering in motorsports.

This year saw the award go to both TOCA – who are operators of the BTCC – and Cosworth Electronics Ltd for their joint effort on the implementation of hybrid power into the Championship.

Hybrid technology was introduced into the UK’s premier motorsport series in 2021, before its competitive debut the following season, which now sees each car provided with a certain amount of additional ‘boosts’ to use during qualifying and the races.

“We are extremely proud that TOCA – alongside its trusted partner in Cosworth Electronics – has been recognised for an outstanding achievement in the field of motoring engineering,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive.

“It required a huge effort after announcing the project back in 2018 – becoming the first major touring car championship to do so – with everything that then happened in the world significantly adding to that challenge.

“The introduction of hybrid technology has been widely praised and a huge success and we are delighted that its engineering advances have also been rewarded today. Incorporating hybrid ensures the BTCC remains absolutely relevant to manufacturers, sponsors and the public, as well as further enhancing our great racing.

“It’s important that I acknowledge and thank the outstanding work from Cosworth, the teams, our suppliers and my TOCA Technical Team for playing their part in winning this fantastic award.”

Richard Woodgate, Lead Applications Engineer at Cosworth Electronics, added: “The requirements given by TOCA to Cosworth, to supply the first ever cost-effective Hybrid system for touring car competition was a huge challenge. 

“Using our expertise in the knowledge of drivetrain technology and electronics, we are thrilled to have achieved just that, a turn-key solution that could be used by any formula, with practicality, costs, ease of use and performance at the fore.

Former BARC Press Officer Enid Smith passes away

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of a long serving and continuous stalwart of the British Automobile Racing Club, Enid Smith.

Enid began working for the BARC as secretary to the Press Officer and in 1981 was appointed Press Officer herself. Not only dealing with the press and media, but also producing all the race programmes for Thruxton and Pembrey and later Croft. She also produced the Club magazine at the time, ‘Startline’.

Although being retired since 2005, she often volunteered in her later years to man the media centre during race meetings and support the present Press Officer at Thruxton during the week. 

She was also a well-known figure within motorsport in general, running the press and sign-on offices at the two main Goodwood events and the Silverstone Grand Prix with many ex-F1 drivers still enquiring as to how she was years after stepping down from her roles.

Being quite a private person, she, in her later years, continued to be active helping out at her local church with-in the village of Grateley which is only a couple of miles from Thruxton. 

Our condolences go out to her family at this very difficult time.

BTCC announces dates for 2024 Season Launch and official test days

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced the venue and date for its official 2024 Season Launch, as well as a total of three official test days ahead of the new season commencing. 

Donington Park will play host to the 2024 Season Launch on Tuesday 16th April, with the general public set to be granted free of charge access to the entire day from 10:00.

Television and photography obligations will take up the early morning activities at the Leicestershire venue before the grid embarks on a bumper day of testing made up of two three-hour sessions and a pitlane walkabout during the lunch break. 

Additional off-circuit media duties will take place at the circuit on Monday 15th April for the likes of the championship, ITV and Kwik Fit. 

Prior to the Season Launch, official testing for the ‘Class of 2024’ will begin at Brands Hatch on April 3 before the UK’s premier motorsport series move on to Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire on April 10. 

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign begins around Donington Park’s National layout on April 27/28.

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2023

Championship winners, organisers, officials and volunteers converged on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon this past Saturday (February 3) for the British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening – and it proved to be a night to remember.

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2023, we sat down to talk to some of the key personnel from the Club and some deserving winners. Listen here: 

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sat down to chat about a momentous season 2023 was, honouring the champions of last year and what is to come for the organisation as preparations ramp up for the 2024 campaign.

Mark Turner – BARC Sporting Manager: The Club’s Sporting Manager sits down to reflect on 2023 as a whole as well as a shine a light on some of the highlights that the Competitions Department is set to offer up this year.

Paul Graham-Fielding – BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications: Now a year into the role, we caught up with the Club’s Group Head of Marketing & Communications to discuss how he’s settled in, what he’s focused on over the past 12 months and what is still to come.

Steve Bemrose – BARC Marshal of the Year: Awarded by the BARC Marshals Core Group, Steve was a standout recipient for this accolade having volunteered for a number of events, as well as also providing critical life-saving medical care at the scene of an accident.

Adam Weeden – Winner of The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Awarded to the marshal that completed the most volunteering days in 2023, Adam was a regular attendee to events last year and clocked no less than 36 days in total.

Dan Zelos – Winner of The President’s Cup: Awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level, Dan Zelos was unstoppable in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW last year as he lifted the title for the second title.

Louis Sharp – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising junior driver, the New Zealander was deemed a worthy recipient having charged to the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title with Rodin Carlin.

Dave Beecroft – Winner of The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Awarded to the person that the BARC believes epitomises Gerry Marshall’s philosophy of motorsport, Dave has enjoyed a diverse career in the sport and has been the driving force of the Junior Saloon Car Championship for the past decade.

Sonia Gibbons – Winner of The Densley Trophy: Awarded to the female in the Club that has enjoyed a successful year, Sonia has played a pivotal role in the success of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club from an organisational standpoint for a number of years.

Claire Hedley – Britcar Managing Director: It was once again another busy year for Claire Hedley as she ran both the Britcar Trophy Championship and British Endurance Championship. And she’s set to do the same again for 2024.

Additional audio interviews from the British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening can be found HERE.

Dan Zelos, Louis Sharp & Steve Bemrose top list of special accolade winners at BARC Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening didn’t just see the championship winners of 2023 celebrated on Saturday (February 3) as a number of other special accolades were bestowed upon hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned double MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Dan Zelos who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level.

Becoming the first driver in the modern era of the ultra-competitive tin top series to clinch the coveted crown for a second time, Zelos chalked up an impressive ten victories and a further two podiums on his way to championship superstardom.

Zelos lauded: “It was totally unexpected and a complete honour to pick it up. We had an amazing year in 2023 and sometimes when your in the middle of getting deals together in the off season you forgot how much you may have achieved – so to be rewarded with a trophy like this has left me lost for words.

“Me, my Dad and the rest of the family have and continue to work incredibly hard to go racing and this is a fantastic accolade to receive. I think I’ve been part of the BARC for more than a decade now too.”

One of the biggest raptures of applause deservedly went the way of this year’s BARC Marshal of the Year, Steve Bemrose. In memory of Dennis Harris and designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals, Bemrose was worthy winner after being selected by the Marshals Core Group.

Attending a multitude of race meetings over the course of last year, his actions in particular at the BTCC season-opener at Donington Park played their part in saving the life of a driver following a high-speed accident.

“It is a complete shock I must admit,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of motorsport and I remember reading a review about being a marshal, what it entails and I never really comprehended how close you could get to the action, etc. 

“After I had done my taster day my love for it grew and I’ve never looked back. The marshal community is incredibly tight-knit and if there is anyone out thinking about getting involved then do it, because it is just fantastic.”

Elsewhere, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Track Action Coordinator Dave Beecroft saw his diverse and distinguished motorsport career be celebrated as he scooped The Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy for motorsport that Gerry once had.

He said: “This award really means a lot to me because Gerry Marshall was a childhood hero of mine; I remember watching him at Oulton Park and was fortunate enough to meet him several times – so it was touching to be this year’s recipient.

“I love everything about this industry and its nice to be kicking off the year like this; especially because we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, which is an incredible achievement.”

For the second year in succession, The Densley Trophy – which is bestowed upon the female in the Club that has been deemed to have a successful year – was handed out, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Sonia Gibbons claiming the prize. 

“I never ever expected to be given this award,” she admitted. “I didn’t even think I would be up for it so I am extremely proud to have won. At the Classic Touring Car Racing Club we are all volunteers but it is a real family. It’s a wonderful Club and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Louis Sharp’s charge to the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising junior drive competing in a BARC championship.

After enjoying a hugely encouraging debut campaign in 2022, the New Zealander lived up to the mantel of being a title favourite by edging out Will Macintyre to the single-seater crown in the final race of the season.

“It came as a complete surprise to me and it’s a massive privilege to receive it so thank you to the BARC for recognising me – it was a nice end to a really special night,” he said. “This award is a fantastic reward for everyone that has supported me. 

“My ambition is to one day get to Formula 1 and while it has been a good start to that journey I’m well aware that there is a long way to go and that it will continue to get more competitive. I’m loving the challenge though and can’t wait to see what is next!”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was Adam Weeden, who completed the most volunteering days to lift The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy, and Zena Wooller who was named BARC Trainee Marshal of the Year.

“I’m delighted,” said Weeden. “This award goes to show how much marshals are appreciated because we give our time, which is very precious to us, to show support to the drivers and the championship.”

BARC enjoys night to remember at Annual Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening took centre stage on Saturday 3rd February with deserving champions, volunteers, officials and organisers coming together to celebrate what was a momentous 2023 season. 

Officially drawing a line under last year’s campaign, the glittering evening – which took place at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon – saw more than 230 guests swap race suits and overalls for dinner jackets and ball gowns.

Hosted by the superlative Alan Hyde, guests not only had the opportunity to look back on the year that was but they also heard from BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews, BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor and Motorsport UK Chief Executive Hugh Chambers. 

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to hear from leading Formula 1 journalist and land-speed record competitor David Tremayne, who was a special guest of Tony Scott Andrews for the evening. 

Alongside the customary championship awards – which were handed out to the likes of Daryl DeLeon, Paul Rivett, Stephen Primett, Joe Warhurst and many more – a number of secret accolades were also presented to some unsuspecting winners on the night as well. 

Adam Weeden scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy for conducting the most volunteering days in 2023 whilst Steve Bemrose was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year, which is named in memory of Dennis Harris.

Two-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Dan Zelos claimed the biggest prize of the night, The President’s Cup, while Louis Sharp’s stellar title-winning ROKiT British F4 season was rewarded with The Peter Collins Trophy – which recognises junior drivers. 

Sonia Gibbons was a worthy recipient of The Densley Trophy for her efforts working with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, with Junior Saloon Car Championship Coordinator Dave Beecroft being bestowed The Gerry Marshall Trophy. 

Special presentations were also made to Kumho BMW Championship stalwart Trevor Ford and Legends Cars Championship Coordinator Phil Cooper, both of whom are moving onto new pastures this coming season. 

“It was once again another fantastic evening,” lauded BARC CEO Taylor. “Although this event is to honour our champions, it’s also for our members and the people that play their part in making the BARC what it is.

“What I really like about this event is that we have taken it from being an awards ceremony to being a sort of a celebration of the BARC as a whole. I wanted to make it feel more than just presenting trophies because those that are involved deserve to be recognised for their efforts behind the scenes just as much.

“Sitting at the start of 2024 you try to take stock of last year and it does feel like a long time ago. It was another successful year for the Group though with competitor numbers being up on our grids, spectator numbers being up at our circuits and the circuits as a whole having strong years. 

“Heading into this season we hope that that all continues in the same vein however you never quite know how things will pan out. I’m sure it will be another fantastic year for everyone.”

Elsewhere, more than ÂŁ1350 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund – which included prizes such as a Draper Tools Set, tickets to the British Touring Car Championship and Demon Weeks voucher.

BARC Award Winners:

The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy – Adam Weeden

The Peter Harris Trophy – Zena Wooller 

BARC Marshal of the Year – Steve Bemrose

The Densley Trophy – Sonia Gibbons

The Gerry Marshall Trophy – Dave Beecroft

The Peter Collins Trophy – Louis Sharp

The President’s Cup – Dan Zelos

2023 Connaught Competition Engines BARC Speed Champion – Matt Bramall 

2023 2CV Parts.com Champion – Kris Tovey

2023 CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Champion – Ian Bamber

2023 Kumho BMW Champion – Kevin Denwood

2023 OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires Winner – Luca Staccini Anzanello

2023 Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Champion – William Sharpe

2023 Junior Saloon Car Champion – Daire Flock

2023 ROWE Britcar Trophy Champion – Rhys Lloyd & Jack Meakin

2023 Pickup Truck Racing Champion – Reece Jones

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigma 135 – Ben Wheatley

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigma 150 – Harry Senior

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigmax – Daniel Livingstone

2023 Mission Motorsport Caterham 270R Champion – Freddie Chiddicks

2023 Motul Caterham 310R Champion – Jack Sales

2023 Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Champion: Green Group – Nick Highton

2023 Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Champion: White Group – Daniel Neale

2023 Vertex Caterham Roadsport Champion – Ben Timmons

2023 Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Champion – Lewis Thompson 

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Jaguar Challenge Champion – Guy Connew

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-66 Touring Cars Champion – Billy Kenneally

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-83 Touring Cars Champion- Stephen Primett

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-93 Touring Cars Champion – Stuart Waite

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-03 Touring Cars Champion – Gary Prebble

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Blue Oval Saloon Series Champion – James Dunkley

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Classic Thunder Champion – Nick Vaughan

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Laser Tools Super Tourers Champion – Jason Hughes

2023 Legends Cars Championship with AllGrowth Ltd Champion – Will Gibson

2023 Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM Lubricants Champion – Connor Mills

2023 MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport Winner – Stephen Berry

2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Champion – Tom Ovenden

2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW Champion – Dan Zelos

2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain Champion – Joe Warhurst

2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Champion – Adam Smalley

2023 British Hillclimb Champion – Wallace Menzies

2023 British Truck Racing Champion: Division 1 – Ryan Smith

2023 British Truck Racing Champion: Division 2 – Paul Rivett

2023 British Endurance Champions – Bradley Thurston & Daryl Deleon

2023 ROKiT F4 British Champion – Louis Sharp

2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion – Ash Sutton