Category: Barc

TCR UK introduces one-off weekend incentive

The TCR UK Championship has introduced further cost-cutting measures ahead of the 2025 season, with the latest being a one-off race weekend incentive.

Following on from the changes that were implemented last month, this latest addition will see prospective entrants to pay a flat fee of ÂŁ1,000, which guarantees a one-off entry in any of the seven race weekends this year.

Anyone who owns a homologated TCR car, one of over 70 TCR cars currently within the UK, can therefore become a part of the tin top series.

Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Promoter, said: “In the current difficult financial climate, we’ve already introduced measures that help reduce costs for those looking to compete in a full season of TCR UK. We also recognise that there are competitors out there who want to take part as a one-off entry in the championship as well.

“A flat fee of £1,000 secures a one-off entry for the race weekend of your choice. Added to the cost cutting measures already in place, this is the best way to find out what it’s like to be part of the paddock and atmosphere during a TCR UK weekend.”

Donington Park provides the setting for the 2025 TCR UK Championship curtain-raiser on March 22-23.

MINI CHALLENGE to stage Media Day at Snetterton

The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE has confirmed that it will host a Media Day test at Snetterton on April 2.

Cars from all three classes – JCW, JCW Sport and Trophy – will be in attendance at the Norfolk venue; allowed competitors the opportunity to showcase their 2025 liveries and gain some valuable mileage ahead of the new season.

Track action will commence from 09:00 – 12:00 in the morning, while the afternoon session will run from 14:00 – 17:00.

To find out more information on the forthcoming 2025 MINI CHALLENGE campaign, head to https://www.minichallenge.co.uk/.

Prize BTCC test confirmed for TCR UK champions

Organisers of the TCR UK Championship have confirmed that its 2025 champions will be rewarded with a prize test in a British Touring Car Championship car at the end of the season.

In association with Maximum Motorsport and Goodyear; the TCR UK Drivers’ champion, Gen 1 Cup title winner and Goodyear Diamond Award winner will all get the opportunity to drive a current-spec BTCC car later in the year.

The new prize is one of a number of implementations that have been made to the tin top series since it joined the British Automobile Racing Club’s portfolio.

Mickey Butler, Goodyear Tyres Manager, said: “Drivers put in a lot of hard work during a race season, so it’s good to see that the three champions from TCR UK this year will be rewarded with the opportunity to step up to the next level and test drive a current BTCC spec car.

“Goodyear are proud to be the official Tyre Partner to TCR UK and to be involved in this amazing prize.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support that Micky Butler and Goodyear have provided to TCR UK since they came on board back in 2019,” added Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Manager.

“Their ongoing commitment to the championship is a clear sign of their belief in the TCR concept and its growing stature within UK Motorsport. The BTCC prize test means that Goodyear will be supporting this years TCR champions as they learn about current spec NGTC cars.

“Goodyear are a very loyal and supportive championship partner, and we look forward to working together with them ahead of the start of the 2025 season.”

The 2025 TCR UK Championship season commences at Donington Park on March 22-23.

TCR UK announces competitor cost-cutting measures

Organisers of the TCR UK Championship have announced a number of cost-cutting measures ahead of the 2025 season, which is scheduled to get underway at Donington Park on March 22-23.

In light of the current economic climate in the United Kingdom, the tin top championship has taken immediate action to assist competing teams and drivers.

Full Season Entry Cost
The 2025 full season entry fee has been capped at ÂŁ5,000, providing a clear reduction from the previous 2024 and 2023 campaign costs.

Calendar Update
Following feedback from teams and drivers, the proposed overseas event at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on May 17-18 has been postponed.

While there was support for an international race meeting in future seasons, Silverstone now returns to the schedule on the same weekend as Spa would have been.

New Tyre Regulations
In-keeping with the cost reduction theme, the tyre regulations for 2025 have also been updated. Where there are race weekends with two races involved, four new tyres will only be required. Where there are race weekends with three races involved, six new tyres will only be required.

Testing Ban
Championship organisers have also removed the previously instated testing ban. Organisers recognise the increasing costs of providing an exclusive test day on a Friday before each of the seven TCR UK events.

Compared to test sessions already available for a lower cost at all of our venues, this provides a more affordable solution.

Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Promoter, said: “As we close in on the start of the 2025 TCR UK season, it’s clear that the current financial climate in the UK is causing many headaches for those who want to go racing.

“With this in mind, we’ve announced a number of cost-cutting measures to ease the pain for current and new customers. Not only is TCR UK the first step into Touring Car Racing in the United Kingdom, but it’s also designed to be an affordable step as well, allowing for those who wish to progress up the ladder to go racing, regardless of age or talent.

“We welcome all those who have signed up for 2025 so far and look forward to welcoming more customers on board ahead of the new season.”

TOCA Junior Championship postpones 2025 season, announces new in-house structure

Organisers of the TOCA Junior Championship have today (February 25) announced the postponement of its forthcoming 2025 season and revealed details of a new ‘in-house’ structure ahead of a planned launch for 2026.

“TOCA Junior Championship has confirmed that from 2026, the series will be fully operated in-house, managing and running all cars at every event,” read a statement by organisers.

“This major restructuring ensures complete cost control, maximised accessibility and a truly level playing field for young drivers. TOCA Juniors Director, David Beecroft, explained that this decision following the late 2024 announcement of the 2025 season, which left teams and drivers with insufficient time to finalise their plans.

“As a result, deposits have been reimbursed, and the series has refocused on delivering a more structured and cost-effective solution for competitors in 2026.

“The new model provides drivers and families with ample preparation time to engage with this unique junior format. Centralised operation of all B1417 cars eliminates team costs, drastically reducing the expense of competing in the BTCC support package.

“By controlling vehicle maintenance, engineering and logistics, the championship ensures total technical parity, allowing drivers to demonstrate their skills purely on merit.

“Additionally, this fixed-cost structure removes financial unpredictability, giving parents and sponsors clarity on season expenses. By eliminating the risk of a ‘chequebook formula,’ the championship fosters a fair and competitive environment while regulating testing opportunities to maintain accessibility.

“With this new approach, TOCA Juniors is committed to setting a new standard in junior motorsport, creating a cost-effective, talent-focused series that prioritises driver development and equal opportunity.

Further details on the 2026 season, including the calendar and registration process, will be announced soon.”

BARC reveals bumper 2025 live stream schedule

The British Automobile Racing Club has strengthened its long-standing partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV for the forthcoming season, with no fewer than 20 race meetings set to be streamed live and online for free.

Embarking on its fifth successive season of broadcasting on the Club’s YouTube channel, the 2025 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 David Goddard, Ian Waterhouse and Ewan Dunlop.

Taking centre stage in front of the cameras will be the likes of the British Truck Racing Championship, TCR UK Championship, Caterham Motorsport and Classic Touring Car Racing Club.

BARC 2025 Live Stream Schedule
March 22/23 – Donington Park (National)
April 5 – Silverstone (International)
April 12/13 – Snetterton 300
April 19/20 – Brands Hatch (Indy)
May 3/4 – Thruxton
May 17/18 – Silverstone (National)
May 17/18 – Pembrey
May 31 – Snetterton 300
May 31/June 1 – Anglesey
June 14/15 – Croft
June 28/29 – Croft
July 4/5 – Oulton Park (Island)
July 5/6 – Thruxton
July 26/27 – Zandvoort
August 9/10 – Donington Park (National)
September 6 – Oulton Park (International)
September 13/14 – Snetterton 300
October 4/5 – Silverstone (International)
October 11 – Oulton Park (International)
November 1/2 – Brands Hatch (Indy)
November 8 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

Martin Wright wins 2025 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Martin Wright 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 2025.

Taking place at Pembrey on Saturday 22nd February, Wright 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 ÂŁ30,000.

Over the course of the day at the Welsh 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, Wright emerged as one of the leading lights and was subsequently declared the winner to follow in the footsteps of previous victors such as Will Crewdson, Will Fallon, Jack James, Chloe Grant, Harry Rice and Scott McIntyre.

The opening rounds of the 2025 Junior Saloon Car Championship season take place at Donington Park on March 22-23.

Brand-new Croft Motor Show set to launch this Spring

Croft Circuit is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a brand-new event, the Croft Classic to Modern Motor Show, this spring which will see a celebration of everything automotive for the first time in the region for many years.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday 10th May 2025 at the North Yorkshire track just south of Darlington between 10am and 5pm and is a must-see experience for car lovers, families, and anyone looking for a fun day out.

There will be numerous displays including classic and modern cars, bikes and trucks meaning there is something of interest for everyone and listed below is just a taste of what is planned:

• Hundreds of cars on display from rare classics to modern powerhouses.
• A Supercar Showcase where you can get up close to the likes of McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche,
Aston Martin, Bentley and more.
• On-Track Supercar Sessions to see or experience these incredible machines in action.
• Family Fun Zone including dodgems, a huge inflatable slide, and more for the little ones.
• Rally Car Zone with Wayne Ward to take a passenger ride for just £10 and feel the thrill.
• A talk by Paul Ripley on Performance Driving skills to be held in Hangar 50 – which is open serving
delicious food.
• Bookable Teen Driving Taster Sessions with qualified drivers to guide your teenagers through exciting
MINI driving experiences.
• Track Parades which are bookable in advance.
• Auto Testing and fast laps around the circuit which are bookable on the day.
• Food and drink outlets.
• Live music in Hangar 50.

The Croft Classic to Modern Motor Show is likely to prove extremely popular so to ensure you are not disappointed, the organisers are offering a limited-availability Special Early Bird Offer, so make sure you take advantage of this and order now.

On offer are 650 Early Bird tickets for those who want to display their own prized vehicle at the show. For just £10 (which includes entry for two adults), you can park your car among the show’s most impressive displays. But be quick as this offer is on a first come, first served basis so don’t delay!

To make sure of your place at a unique day of speed, excitement, and fun, contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk to book your Early Bird ticket now. General admission tickets are also on sale starting at ÂŁ9.50.

CLUB STANDS – If you are the member of a car club and you wish to attend, you need to contact Linda at Croft Circuit directly on 01325 721815. This is important so the organisers can allocate space accordingly.

For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or www.croftcircuit.co.uk. You can also keep up to date with the latest ticket alerts by following Croft Circuit on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

IntoSpeed and BWRDC head to Harewood and Gurston Down

Harewood Hillclimb and Gurston Down is set to welcome the British Women Racing Drivers Club (BWRDC) this March and April for IntoSpeed, an initiative that is designed to introduce women to the thrills and rewards of motorsport competition

Now in its second year of operation, the IntoSpeed programme has garnered plenty of interest already; and that is poised to continue at the British Automobile Racing Club operated hillclimb venues in the South and North of England.

The BWRDC is currently offering a subsided day of hillclimb coaching at Harewood on March 27th and Gurston Down on April 1st, with the opportunity to then return to compete later in the year – be it at Harewood, Gurston Down or any other UK hillclimb venue. 

Participants can use their own road-legal cars to race against the clock with no experience necessary. 

To find out more information, head to https://www.bwrdc.co.uk/into-speed.

Job Vacancy: BARC Volunteer Manager

The British Automobile Racing Club is currently recruiting for the role of Volunteer Manager at its headquarters at Thruxton Circuit.

Motorsport can’t happen without volunteers so making sure that they are looked after is fundamental to the operation of the BARC.

We are in need of a Volunteer Manager to deliver an excellent experience to the volunteer community. This role is diverse and requires an individual with both strong interpersonal skills, and a strategic, process orientated mindset.

The successful applicant will support the department to deliver high-profile motorsport events including the British Touring Car Championship and all of the BARC’s race meetings as well as other competition department activities, such as Goodwood.

To view the full Volunteer Manager job description, CLICK HERE.

All applicants should send a covering letter, plus full CV and salary expectation, to Mark Turner: mturner@barc.net before the end of February.

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2024

Championship winners, volunteers and officials all converged on the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook this past Saturday (February 1) for the coveted British Automobile Racing Club Championship Awards Evening – and it proved to be a night to remember.

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2024, we sat down to talk to not only a number of deserving winners but also some key personnel from the Club as well. Listen here:

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sat down to chat about the momentous season that 2024 was, honouring the champions of last year and what is to come for the organisation as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2025 campaign.

Pat Blakeney – Thruxton Circuit: After almost four decades at the Hampshire venue, Pat is embarking on ‘semi-retirement’ at Thruxton and he was commemorated for his long-standing service with a special surprise presentation.

Simon Morris – BARC Marshal of the Year: Awarded by the BARC Marshals Core Group, Simon was a standout recipient for this accolade having volunteered for a number of events, as well as displaying great leadership and a superlative skillset.

Matt Jennings – The Peter Harris Trophy Trainee Marshal of the Year: Awarded to the trainee marshal of 2024, Matt joined the orange army in June of last year and subsequently completed 20 volunteering days – often undertaking a number of different roles as well.

Abbi Pulling – The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the junior driver of the year, Abbi made history in the ROKiT British F4 Championship by becoming the first-ever female race winner before then going on to dominate in F1 Academy.

Rob Manger – The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Handed out to the person that the BARC believes to epitomise Gerry Marshall’s philosophy for motorsport, Rob has been a staple of Thruxton and the driving force behind the hugely successful Jochen Rindt Trophy.

Abbie Eaton – The Densley Trophy: Given to the leading female within the BARC in recognition of a successful year, Abbie jumped across to the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain in 2024 and made history at Silverstone by becoming the first-ever female race winner.

More interviews from the BARC Championship Awards Evening can be listened to via https://barcaudio.net/.

Abbi Pulling, Abbie Eaton and Rob Manger among special award winners to be honoured

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening didn’t just see the title winners of 2024 honoured on Saturday (February 1) as a number of additional special accolades were handed to some hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned F1 Academy champion and ROKiT British F4 Championship competitor Abbi Pulling who claimed The Peter Collins Trophy; which is awarded to the junior driver of the year.

Pulling was one of the standout stars in single-seaters last year as she powered her way to nine wins from 14 races on the Formula 1 support bill, as well as becoming the first-ever female to win a race outright in British F4.

“It’s super special to be recognised for what was a tough but ultimately rewarding year in 2024; there are some great names on this trophy and to now have mine added to the list is a real honour,” said Pulling.

“Winning F1 Academy in the manner we did was amazing and then to have a win and some podiums (I’d have liked a few more if I’m honest) in British F4 was brilliant. My affiliation with the BARC is rather special because after missing out on the Ginetta Junior Scholarship I was in a bit of no man’s land and put a post out on Facebook about whether or not I’d drive again.

“Mark Carter reached out, said I could have a go in his Caterham and it has snowballed from there. I owe everyone that has played a part on this journey I’m on as it might have been over on several occasions.”

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

He said: “I’m over the moon to have received this honour. I’m from a motorsport family – my parents got together at club-level rallying – so I’ve been immersed in it since I can remember. I love the sport and I love volunteering; especially what we get out of it.

“I probably do about 60 days a year in total and a majority of them are done at Donington Park, Harewood and Curborough; although I do travel around the country as well. I just absolutely love it and to be recognised by the BARC and my fellow marshals with this award is amazing.”

Chris Davenport and Matt Jennings also represented the volunteering community on stage as they collected The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy and The Peter Harris Trophy for the Trainee Marshal of the Year respectively.

“It’s a real honour to be picking up this wonderful trophy for the second time,” stated Davenport. “I’m extremely lucky that I’ve got such a supportive wife that doesn’t want me under her feet too much so I’m able to attend all of these fantastic events and join some really special people in doing something that I love.

“The marshal community is truly special and this award is for everyone that dedicates themselves to this great sport.”

Jennings added: “I’m absolutely delighted to pick up this award. I’ve been involved in motorsport since I was a little lad and always wanted to get involved in some way.

“Through marshalling I’ve been able to do that and I’m excited to continue my journey; the aim is to hopefully one day work my way up to marshalling at a Formula 1 race.”

The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to to the leading female within the Club in recognition of a successful year went the way of Abbie Eaton, who had just that in 2024 as she made the switch to the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and made history at Silverstone by becoming the first-ever female driver to win a race outright.

She said: “It was lovely to be told that I’d be getting this trophy and now that I have it I’ve spotted some familiar names on it such as Sarah Moore, Alice Powell and a friend of mine Kelly Smith, whose son Harry Smith, is someone I coach – so I’m certainly in good company.

“It was my first year in the Carrera Cup last year so there was a lot to learn but we made progress throughout the season and it all came together at Silverstone in what were really tricky weather conditions.”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Piers Grange, who scooped The President’s Cup after claiming a total of 15 race wins last season and Rob Manger, who lifted The G

“What a way to end what was an amazing 2024 season! Being a part of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club is really quite something and I’ve had the opportunity to race some great cars down the years, with last year being no different,” said Grange.

Manger concluded: “It’s absolutely tremendous – I had absolutely no clue that was coming so it was a massive shock when I realised the person they were describing was me.

“To be sat on a table with some of my old racing pals and then to win this award, it’s a night I’ll remember for some time. Single seaters has always been my passion and while I did ok, I quickly realised that I wouldn’t make it but continued to do club racing.

“A few years ago I bought an F3 car and realised we could make something out it. I went to the BARC to see what they thought and they absolutely got behind what is now the Jochen Rindt Trophy. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.”