Category: Barc

Brands Hatch to host 2023 BTCC Season Launch

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that its 2023 Season Launch will take place at Brands Hatch on Wednesday 12th April.

In what has become a standout event in recent years, thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the Kent venue to get their first look at the ‘Class of 2023’.

Official championship photography and ITV filming duties will be carried out during an exclusive invite-only event on April 11 before six hours of testing will see teams and drivers share the track the following day ahead of the season-opener at Donington Park on April 22/23.

With each of the two three-hour sessions being split by a traditional lunch break, spectators will be able to get autographs and photos with their favourite drivers during a pitlane walkabout – identical to those famously run during BTCC race weekends.

Gates for the 2023 BTCC Season Launch will open at 10:00 and fans will be able to attend free of charge.

British Truck Racing Championship announces 2023 entry list

The British Truck Racing Championship has today (February 15) officially kicked off the countdown to the start of the 2023 season by announcing a near capacity entry list.

Following the recent entry approval deadline for competitors with the British Automobile Racing Club, Series Promoter Truck Sport UK are delighted to unveil one of the strongest line-ups in the championship’s illustrious history.

With no fewer than six of the world’s most recognised truck manufacturers being represented on the entry list, Division 1 will see a total of 14 drivers battle it out for the coveted top prize whilst a further five will battle for supremacy in Division 2.

In Division 1, reigning seven-time champion Ryan Smith rightly headlines the packed grid as he bids to clinch what would be an unprecedented eighth successive crown this year.

Donning the coveted number one on his five-tonne machine once again, Smith will be one to watch as always however he has a host of household names that are all set to be snapping at his wheels.

Former champions David Jenkins and Stuart Oliver – who finished second and third overall in 2022 – are both back and bidding for title glory whilst Steven Powell will look to build on what was an encouraging maiden campaign in the premier class last year.

Ten-time champion Oliver will line up alongside his son Michael and that won’t be the only family partnership in Division 1 as Simon Reid and Craig Reid also team together for a second straight season.

Bradley Smith picked up podiums in his debut campaign and with a years’ worth of experience now under his belt, he’ll be setting his sights on reaching the top step of the rostrum in 2023.

Elsewhere, the trio of Tom O’Rourke, Richard Collett and Simon Faulkner have all locked in their spots on the grid; as have a number of additional faces too.

After making a handful of appearances in 2022, Simon Cole will embark on his first full season in Division 1 whilst two drivers will step up from Division 2; proven race winners and title contenders Jock Borthwick and John Bowler.

One notable admission from the full-season entry for Division 1 is multiple race winner John Newell. Gearing up for an all-out assault on the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, Newell will compete at Donington Park and be on hand to fill any vacant spots where possible.

Division 2 boasts an ultra-competitive entry list with former title winner Adam Bint standing out as one of the leading lights whilst regular front runners John Powell and Craig Evans will also challenge for the prestigious prize.

After making a popular one-off appearance at Convoy in the Park last year, NAPA Racing UK have secured a full-season entry with four-time Renault UK Clio Cup champion Paul Rivett jumping behind the wheel.

Rounding out the entry list for 2023 is the returning Jim Bennett, who will pilot his trusty Seddon Atkinson.

Comprising of seven events at five of the best circuits in the UK, the 2023 British Truck Racing Championship has all the hallmarks of being one of the biggest and best yet.

Kicking the campaign off with an Easter extravaganza at Brands Hatch (April 8/9), the super-sized series will then head to Pembrey (May 20/21) for Convoy Cymru before tackling the fastest circuit in the UK – Thruxton – as a part of Convoy on the Plain (July 8/9).

The annual trip to Donington Park for Convoy in the Park (August 12/13) will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the year before the series travels to Snetterton (September 16/17) and back to Pembrey (October 7/8) before concluding at Brands Hatch (November 4/5).

For a third successive season, the British Truck Racing Championship will benefit from unprecedented live coverage as part of the British Automobile Racing Club live stream platform.

Every race – along with a host of behind the scenes content from the championship – will be broadcast for free across Facebook and YouTube, ensuring that fans don’t miss a second of the edge-of-the-seat action.

ROKiT to continue as F4 British Championship title sponsors

The F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that ROKiT will continue as its title sponsor for a second successive season. 

Joining forces with the single-seater series at the start of 2022, the global conglomerate and start-up incubator played a pivotal role in what proved to be groundbreaking campaign.

In addition to its title rights, ROKiT is also funding funding the ROKiT Racing Star programme that will provide talent, sourced through an esports programme, the opportunity to race in the championship. 

Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman and Co-Founder of the ROKiT Group of Companies, said “We’ve been delighted with our first year of being Title Partner of the British F4 Championship and are very pleased to continue our sponsorship of it. Many thanks to all at Motorsport UK who have re-invigorated the Championship and we look forward to an ever bigger and better season ahead.”

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive, said: “Taking on the organisational and promotional responsibility of the championship was a big challenge for Motorsport UK in 2022 and ROKiT helped us create the new era of British F4. We’re delighted that ROKiT shares our passion for helping develop the racing stars of the future and fulfil their full potential.”

The 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA commences at Donington Park on April 22/23. 

Will Fallon wins 2023 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Will Fallon has been crowned this year’s winner of the Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship, therefore winning a fully-funded season in the popular one-make series for 2023.

Taking place at Pembrey Circuit on Saturday 11th February, Fallon emerged victorious from an ultra-competitive group of teenage hopefuls to clinch a career-starting prize that is worth more than £30,000. 

Over the course of the day at the South Wales venue, 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, Fallon stood out as one of the leading lights and was subsequently declared the winner to follow in the footsteps of previous victors such as Jack James, Chloe Grant, Harry Rice and Scott McIntyre.

Dave Beecroft, Junior Saloon Car Championship Coordinator, said: “This year’s winner Will shone in every one of our Scholarship categories, proving himself to be a clear winner. We’re looking forward to having him on our grid in 2023!”

Fallon will take his place on the grid for the opening rounds of the 2023 Junior Saloon Car Championship campaign on the weekend of April 15/16 around the undulating Cadwell Park circuit. 

BTCC garners high praise from fans for hybrid introduction and sustainable fuel

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that the introduction of hybrid power and more sustainable fuel received almost universal praise by those that took part in the recent 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey.

Opening in January and closing in early February, the survey attracted record numbers as the BTCC’s loyal fanbase gave their opinions on all facets of what is widely regarded as the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Whilst the final results of all categories are set to be published in due course, the BTCC’s introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel received a huge vote from supporters with nearly 80% either strongly agreeing or agreeing that the championship has taken a very positive step in introducing both elements. 

Another statistic that stood out during the early summary was an increase in women following the BTCC, with an increase in just one year of almost 5% of females taking part from the previous survey in 2021.

Overall, supporters had their say on the likes of the race weekend experience, television broadcasts, media platforms, sponsorship, road cars, environment and sustainability, leisure and lifestyle and many more.

The final results of the 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey will be published in the coming weeks.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “With the final results summary on some of the topics still being collated, we are proud to have received such an overwhelmingly positive response to our introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel.

“According to the fans, the BTCC is thriving in areas such as sustainability, equality and entertainment, and we will continue to strive for even greater successes in the future.

“We look forward to the final results being published over the coming weeks, but once again we would like to thank everyone for their great support by taking part in the survey in such vast numbers.”

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2022

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening took centre stage at the Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire on Saturday 4th February to celebrate the achievements of champions, officials and volunteers from what was a sensational 2022 season. 

On what proved to be a night to remember, listen to some of the best interviews from key BARC personnel and winners here: 

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sits down to chat about what turned out to be a successful 2022, honouring the champions of last year and looking ahead to what 2023 has in store for the BARC.

Mark Turner – BARC Sporting Manager: The Club’s Sporting Manager looks back on the 2022 campaign, the annual BARC Awards Evening and how 2023 is shaping up for the ever-busy Competitions Department.

Paul Graham-Fielding – BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications: Just a few weeks into his new role, we catch up with the Club’s new Group Head of Marketing & Communications – Paul Graham-Fielding – to discuss what he hopes to bring to the BARC this year and beyond.

Alan Gow – BTCC Chief Executive: The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s Chief Executive discusses a momentous 2022 campaign – which included the introduction of hybrid power and the crowning of a new champion – as well as what’s to come in 2023.

Hugh Chambers – Motorsport UK Chief Executive: The Chief Executive for the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK joined us to discuss a number of different topics such as Environmental Sustainability, Equality and much more.

Tom Ingram – BTCC Champion: After previously coming close on a number of occasions, Tingram made his dreams a reality last year as he clinched a hugely popular maiden BTCC title. For 2023, he’s back to defend his title with EXCLER8 Motorsport in his Hyundai i30N Fastback.

Phil Davies – Pembrey Circuit Manager: Ahead of what promises to be another busy year at the venue, Pembrey’s Circuit Manager joined us to discuss everything from future events to the latest developments down in South Wales.

Jon Winter – Winner of The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Awarded to the person that the BARC believes to epitomise Gerry Marshall’s philosophy of motorsport, Jon was a standout winner having been the driving force behind the hugely successful Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires series.

Maximus Hall – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event, Maximus was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy as he scooped the Junior Saloon Car Championship title in his rookie season.

Claire Hedley – Winner of The Densley Trophy: Awarded to the female in the Club that has enjoyed a successful year, Claire had plenty to celebrate in 2022 as she led both the Britcar Trophy Championship and all-new British Endurance Championship to new heights.

Stuart Caie – Classic Touring Car Racing Club: BARC Council Member Stuart sat down to preview what promises to be another bumper season for the Classic Touring Car Racing Club; which has seen 200 entries already confirmed and a new Super Touring event at Brands Hatch set to debut in July. 

Stuart Oliver – British Truck Racing Championship Competitor & Promoter: With ten titles to his name already, Stuart is no stranger to an Awards Evening and despite missing out on the 2022 crown, he was happy to look back on what proved to be a memorable year. As one of the promoters of the BTRC, he also provided a preview for what is in-store for 2023.

Luke Garrett – British Truck Racing Championship Division 2 Champion: Returning to British shores in 2022, Luke produced a masterful season to clinch a third Division 2 crown – doing so at what was a rain-lashed final event at Brands Hatch in November.

Miles Rudman – Legends Cars National Championship Champion: In what was one of the closest finishes in Legends Cars’ history, Miles successfully retained his title and in doing so, became just the third person to capture three championship crowns.

Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson – British Endurance Championship Champions: Last year’s title winners recap what proved to be a groundbreaking year for the British Endurance Championship – where they ultimately reigned supreme in their Rob Boston Racing Mercedes GT3.

Dave Beecroft & Vickie MacClinton – Junior Saloon Car Championship: Dave and Vickie sat down to discuss what was a successful year for the JSCC and how 2023 is shaping up; especially as they get ready to also run the Track Attack Race Club.

Jon Winter, Steve McDermid & Claire Hedley lead glittering list of secret award winners

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening didn’t just see the champions of 2022 celebrated on Saturday, as a number of other special accolades were handed out to unsuspecting winners on what proved to be a momentous night. 

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was Steve McDermid who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC.

Defending his Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title in supreme style – where he scooped 13 wins along the way – McDermid was chosen to be a worthy recipient for the glittering crown.

“I’m pretty speechless,” said McDermid. “It’s a real honour to be able to receive this award and share the stage with some many great champions. Last year was very competitive in the MGOC but things came together for me and that ultimately is what contributed to not only winning the title again but also picking up this special accolade.”

Jon Winter’s contribution to the continued growth and success of the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made him a worthy recipient of the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy of motorsport that Gerry once had.

“This one really does mean a lot,” Winter enthused. “Gerry was a real friend of the family and as I was growing up around motorsport, he was a constant presence so this award has real poignance for me and is really nice to receive. 

“I’m honoured to have been joined by my 85-year-old father tonight and nothing is going to make me happier than sitting this award on his mantelpiece at home for the next 12 months.”

After a short hiatus, The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to the most successful female in the BARC – was back on stage and being handed to Britcar Managing Director Claire Hedley. 

Having played a critical role in Britcar’s resurgence over several years, Claire had an instrumental part in the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship’s launch, and under her stewardship it went on to enjoy a sensational inaugural season in 2022.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Hedley. “There are some fabulous names on this trophy – many of them remarkable drivers – and to now see mine there is, as a Championship Co-ordinator, is quite something.

“Motorsport is my life but it isn’t just me at Britcar, we have a great team that have all contributed to this as well. We’re growing all the time and I’m sure 2023 will be another fantastic year for us all. I’d like to thank everyone at the BARC that chose me for this award, I really appreciate it.”

Maximus Hall’s remarkable maiden season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event. 

In the ultra-competitive one-make category, Hall produced a stellar campaign to become just the second driver in the series’ history to lift the overall title at the first time of asking – doing so with an impressive ten victories to his name.

Hall beamed: “I’m so happy! It’s a total surprise because there are so many other great competitors that could have won it. When you see the names that are already on this trophy it’s amazing to see that mine is now with them.

“It’s the perfect way to cap off what was an incredible season. We had lots of wins and ultimately was able to bring home the title at the final round.”

Drivers and championship organisers weren’t the only one to be celebrated however as a number of marshals and officials were also recognised for their contributions to what was a successful year for the Club.

Ian Seager picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after conducting the most volunteering days – 33 – over the course of the season with his total being 33. Elsewhere, the BARC Marshal of the Year – which is designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals – went the way of Joshua Mendelsohn.

Seager said: “Thank you to everyone at the BARC for this award. Being able to play a part in the sport is something I cherish and hopefully I’ll be able to continue doing so for some years to come as well.”

“It was a really busy year,” added Mendelsohn. “Being a part of the BTCC start-line team was very special and to now be standing here as the BARC Marshal of the Year is the icing on what was an amazing season for me as a marshal.”

The final award to be handed out on the night was one that hasn’t been awarded in over a decade, the John Martin-Lewis Trophy. Given to outstanding marshals and officials that have gone above and beyond in their roles, this year’s victors were the Club’s North West Rescue Unit team.

BARC Awards Evening delivers star-studded night of celebrations

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening delivered a star-studded night of celebrations on Saturday 4th February, as some of the biggest names in British motorsport came together to look back on what proved to be a successful 2022 season.

Staged at the Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire for a second successive year, the glittering evening saw more than 250 guests attend to celebrate the achievements of last year’s champions, officials and volunteers.

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. 

Alongside the customary championship awards – which were handed out to the likes of Tom Ingram, Alex Dunne, Wayne Marrs, Luke Garrett and many more – a number of secret accolades were also presented to some unsuspecting winners on the night as well. 

Ian Seager scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy for conducting the most volunteering days in 2022 whilst Joshua Mendelsohn was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

The John Martin-Lewis Trophy – which hasn’t been awarded in more than a decade – made a welcome return to the stage and was bestowed to the Club’s North West Rescue Unit for their work both on and off the track. Another returning award was The Densley Trophy, which went the way of Claire Hedley after she enjoyed a stellar 2022 leading Britcar and the British Endurance Championship. 

Maximus Hall was a deserving winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, with Jon Winter picking up the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy.

Double Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title winner Steve McDermid was the final secret award recipient as he was handed The President’s Cup after a flawless season which included 13 victories.

Elsewhere, more than ÂŁ1600 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund whilst further funds were added to the pot by way of an auction – which included prizes such as VIP days to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and BTCC at Thruxton.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a fantastic evening! 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.

“Last season was a really successful one for the Club, right the way through; we had a full calendar of events, full grids and packed bankings of spectators. There were many things we developed too and built upon – one of which was the hugely successful live stream platform.

“We’re now in a really good place ahead of the 2023 season too. We’re going to run more race meetings than we did last year and that is because the demand is there; plus we have a number of new arrivals too which is exciting.”

To view the full photo gallery from the BARC Awards Evening, CLICK HERE.

Full list of award winners:

The John Martin-Lewis Trophy: BARC NW Rescue

The Densley Trophy: Claire Hedley

The Peter Collins Trophy: Maximus Hall

The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Ian Seager

BARC Marshal of the Year: Joshua Mendelsohn

The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Jon Winter

The President’s Cup: Steve McDermid

2022 Kumho BMW Champion: James Card

2022 2CVParts.com Champion: David O’Keeffe

2022 Caterham Graduates Sigmax Champion: Max Haynes

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’66 Champion: Luc Wilson

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’83 Champion: Stephen Primett

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’93 Champion: Andy Cripps

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’03 Champion: Cavan Grainger

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Jaguar Challenge Champion: Tom Robinson

2022 Michelin Ginetta Junior Champion: Josh Rowledge 

2022 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge Champion: Mikey Doble

2022 Ginetta GT Academy Champion: Marc Warren

2022 Junior Saloon Car Champion: Maximus Hall

2022 Connaught Competition Engines BARC Speed Champion: Damien Bradley

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class A Champion: David Amphlett

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class B Champion: Anthony Bate

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class Z Champion: Steve McDermid

2022 Legends Cars National Champion: Miles Rudman 

2022 Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup Winner: Wayne Rockett

2022 Britcar Trophy Champions: Chris Overend & James Whitley

2022 Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB Champion: Harry Foster

2022 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion: Kiern Jewiss

2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Champion: Nelson King

2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Champion: Sam Weller

2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion: Tom Ingram

2022 British Endurance Champions: Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson

2022 British Truck Racing Division 1 Champion: Ryan Smith

2022 British Truck Racing Division 2 Champion: Luke Garrett

2022 ROKiT British F4 Champion: Alex Dunne

BARC NW Centre set for milestone Sports/Saloon Car Championship season

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre is set for a milestone season in 2023 as its Sports/Saloon Car Championship celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

First started back in 1984 after a successful inaugural campaign, the principles of the championship have remained the same over the past four decades; to provide cost effective racing and a flexible set of regulations – allowing for any sports or saloon car to compete in an ultra-competitive environment.

As the North West Centre embarks on what promises to be an exciting 40th season, multi-class series will once again be sponsored by CNC Heads; the company owned by regular competitor Ric Wood. Meanwhile, Graeme Laslett’s Car Service Packs will also continue their support too.

Maintaining its values of providing cost effective racing, the 2023 edition of the Sports/Saloon Car Championship will see a saving on some costs; one of which is a reduction to ÂŁ400 per meeting in entry fees.

The number of race events has been reduced to six however each meeting will now include either two or three races – ensuring that the championship remains at a total of 14 rounds.

Further changes that will undoubtedly contribute to 2023 being arguably one of the best seasons yet will be the introduction of a separate class for motor cycled cars of any modification and a Guest entry; which will allow new drivers to sample the series at one-off meetings.

Full details of the championship, including how to register, can be found at www.barcnorthwestern.co.uk or by contacting John Leck via johnleck.racing@hotmail.co.uk

Vertu Motors named as new MINI CHALLENGE UK title sponsor

Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE have announced a new title sponsorship agreement with Vertu Motors – part of the Vertu Motors Group – for the 2023 season.

The new partnership will see the popular single-marque series rebranded as the ‘Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE’ and will cover both the headline JCW class – which competes exclusively on the British Touring Car Championship support bill – and entry-level Trophy class.

Vertu Motors branding will feature on the windscreen of all competing cars across both classes, as well as on support vehicles and around racing venues up and down the country.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “I am delighted that Vertu Motors is now an Official Partner with MINI CHALLENGE for this coming season. We have worked with the organisers for several years now and have admired their commitment, passion and enthusiasm for this series.

“Our Group’s brands already have strong roots in motorsport and a history of support across a multitude of disciplines, from the Birmingham Superprix in the 1980s, to sponsorship of Channel 4’s coverage of the Formula 1 in recent years, and of course, our Bristol Street Motors British Touring Car Championship team with EXCELR8 Motorsport.

“We strongly believe that this new partnership with MINI CHALLENGE, a very exciting, ‘Best of British’ motorsport series, epitomises many of the characteristics the Vertu Motors brand embodies including precision, innovation, technical advancement, commitment, determination and teamwork. We look forward to supporting each race weekend and connecting fans and communities with our ever-growing brand.”

Antony Williams, Championship Director for The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE, added: “We’re incredibly excited and grateful to have the Vertu Motors brand on board with us for this coming season. Their enthusiasm and support have been brilliant already.

“The MINI CHALLENGE is the UK’s premier single-make race series and offers a great opportunity for drivers to put their skills to the test at some of the best tracks this country has to offer.

“The Vertu Motors group already holds brands that are well-known for championing motorsport at all levels, and we’re excited to see the Vertu Motors retail brand, which includes a multitude of MINI dealerships nationwide, fly the ‘chequered’ flag too. We’re all looking forward to the season ahead!”

Winter Stages Rally to return to Croft in 2024

Following the success of the 2022 Swift Signs and Shirts Winter Stages Rally held last November, Croft Circuit is planning on hosting the event again in 2024.

Rallying returned to the North Yorkshire circuit for the first time in three years and saw a near-capacity entry entertain a bumper crowd in the event organised jointly by Northallerton Automobile Club and Darlington and District Motor Club.

Plans were afoot for the event to return to Croft in November this year (2023) but there is a clash of dates with the bi-annual Roger Albert Clark Rally on the planned weekend, which would take away entries as well as marshals and other organisational resources. As such, discussions took place about Croft hosting a stage of the popular R.A.C. Rally, but geographical limitations on the provisional route made it unfeasible.

As a result, it was agreed that the Winter Stages Rally would return in 2024 at a date to be determined, but likely to be November, and it is hoped that a high-quality entry and a sizeable crowd will once again support the event which was won in 2022 by local ace David Henderson, with wife Katie co-driving in their Ford Fiesta R5.

Meanwhile, Croft has a busy calendar for the 2023 season featuring action on two, three and four wheels as well as numerous corporate and testing opportunities, so for further information and to book advance tickets, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

ROKiT British F4 champion to receive coaching from BWT Alpine F1 Team

The 2023 champion of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA will receive a year-long coaching programme and expert guidance from BWT Alpine Formula 1 ÂŽ Team.

Based at the team’s state-of-the-art Alpine Racing Human Performance Centre at Enstone, the programme will last twelve months and will provide the next champion in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series with the resource and experience of a leading Formula 1 team to support them in their next steps.

Alpine will conduct an initial assessment at the start of the year to produce a structured and tailored development plan, with the focus centred around improving core physical condition and identifying areas of improvement.

The 2023 champion will have regular access to the facilities and expert personnel at the Alpine Racing Human Performance Centre.

Julian Rouse, Academy Director at BWT Alpine F1 Team, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with ROKiT British F4 for 2023 and offer the champion a variety of opportunities we have as a Formula 1 team.

“The facilities and knowledge we have here at BWT Alpine F1 Team is invaluable to an upcoming driver and their next step in their career, and we are eager to be onboard with this journey to promote young talent in grass-root series like British F4.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the 2023 champion to receive regular human performance coaching and instruction from a leading Formula 1 team as they take their next steps on the single-seater pathway,” commented Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive Officer.

“The facilities at the Alpine Human Performance Centre are well-equipped to support drivers in their development. We’re thankful to Alpine for supporting ROKiT British F4 and this is another excellent opportunity for our next champion.”

The announcement only strengthens the existing tiers between the single seater series and Formula 1, as Motorsport UK continues to forge meaningful pathways for drivers to progress through the sport.

Three graduates from the championship – Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant – will line up on the Formula 1 grid this year; underlining the springboard British F4 can provide.