Category: Barc

NAPA Racing UK take BTCC clean sweep at Thruxton

NAPA Racing UK claimed a clean sweep of victories in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (June 3/4) as Ash Sutton and Dan Rowbottom shared the spoils around Thruxton.

Making its only visit of the season to the home of the British Automobile Racing Club, the UK’s premier motorsport series was greeted in Hampshire by bright sunshine and packed spectator bankings – all of whom witnessed a day of domination. 

Three-time champion Sutton – who arrived at Thruxton off the back of double wins at Brands Hatch and Snetterton – wasted no time in asserting his dominance on the rest of the field as he stormed to a second consecutive pole position during Saturday qualifying. 

Blasting away from the front row on race day, Sutton replicated his tactics of Snetterton by punching in a number of rapid lap times during the opening exchanges. Establishing an advantage over the chasing pack, he then cruised home to comfortably take victory in races one and two.

Not only did those triumphs enable him to extend his championship lead but it also meant he became the first driver in the BTCC’s ‘three-race format’ to claim double wins in three successive race meetings.

As Sutton romped to success in races one and two, reigning champion Tom Ingram and ‘King of Thruxton’ Josh Cook ran bumper-to-bumper across both contests to clinch a brace of second and third place finishes respectively.

Rowbottom then rounded out an incredible weekend for the Kent-based powerhouse outfit as he won the reverse grid encounter in style, hunting down pole-sitter Adam Morgan before making the decisive move for the lead upon entry into Church Corner.

Starting fifth, Rowbottom wasted no time in working his way up the order and after dispatching a resolute Aiden Moffat, the Ford driver set off after Morgan – closing down a two second lead within a matter of laps. 

Diving down the inside as they sped towards the fastest corner in the country on lap ten, Rowbottom soon scampered clear to claim his first win of the season while Morgan and Moffat completed the rostrum.

Following the conclusion of Rounds 10, 11 & 12, Sutton tops the BTCC Drivers’ Championship – 14 points ahead of Ingram – whilst Motorbase-Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

On the TOCA support package, high speed thrills and spills were in full force as the a number of championships took centre stage to continue their campaigns.

Robert de Haan and Charles Rainford shared the spoils in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB whilst James Piszyck, Noah Lisle and William Macintyre claimed a win apiece in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

Arguably some of the most entertaining races over the course of the weekend came in the shape of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Dunlop Mini Miglia Challenge supported by Mini Spares and Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge supported by Mini Spares.

Sensational slip-streaming and at times four-wide wheel-to-wheel battles had everyone on the edge of their seats and rightly so. In the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Alex Solley and Jack Byrne triumphed whilst the father-son duo of Andrew and Mike Jordan took a clean sweep in the Miglia and Se7en contests.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Thruxton, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches the halfway point in the 2023 season next time out as it travels to Oulton Park on June 17/18.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – June 3/4

It’s set to be a full-throttle weekend for the British Automobile Racing Club on June 3/4 with a number of race meetings taking place both in the UK and abroad. 

Below is all the information you need to know to keep up with the action that is being broadcast live: 

Thruxton Circuit

The British Touring Car Championship speeds into the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton, for Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the 2023 season. 

Saturday 3rd June – 15:15 – CLICK HERE

Sunday 4th June – 11:15 – ITV4 and itv.com/btcc 

Silverstone

At the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, Ginetta will celebrate their 65th Anniversary in style with its three-day ‘G Fest’ event.

Friday 2nd June – 08:55 – CLICK HERE

Saturday 3rd June – 08:55 – CLICK HERE 

Sunday 4th June – 08:55 – CLICK HERE 

BTCC battle speeds into fastest circuit in the UK

Thruxton Circuit is gearing up for an all-action weekend on 3/4 June as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads to the fastest circuit in the country for Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of what is shaping up to be a sensational 2023 season.

With events coming thick and fast, the UK’s premier motorsport series speeds into Hampshire with it all to play for towards the top of the standings. 

NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton arrives at Thruxton as the driver to beat after making history last time out at Snetterton by becoming the first driver since Alain Menu in 1997 to win four races in-a-row.

Riding a wave of momentum at the moment, the three-time champion holds a narrow advantage at this early stage but will undoubtedly be the one that everyone is looking to beat across Saturday and Sunday.

Hot on his heels are a number of drivers that have all stepped on the podium this season and leading the charge is reigning title holder Tom Ingram in his BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 Hyundai i30N.

Ingram opened his account for the year last time out and he, along with West Surrey Racing team-mates Colin Turkington and Jake Hill, will all have their sights set on achieving further success this weekend. 

Sutton’s Ford Focus stablemate Dan Cammish emerged as one of the leading lights at Thruxton last year and with two wins to his name already in 2023, the Yorkshireman could also be well in the mix for outright honours.

Another driver that can’t be discounted from featuring towards the front of the field is the undisputed King of Thruxton, Josh Cook. 

With ten wins around the 2.36-mile layout, the One Motorsport with Starline Racing racer is the most successful BTCC driver at the venue and he’ll be hoping for more as he pilots his tried and trusted Honda Civic Type R

Headline names continue to roll off the tongue as you look further down the championship standings with Dan Rowbottom, Adam Morgan, Rory Butcher and Bobby Thompson also featuring inside the top ten.

Then throw into the mix the likes of Donington Park winner Tom Chilton, Stephen Jelley, local ace Ricky Collard, Aron Taylor-Smith and Jade Edwards, amongst many others, and you begin to see why the BTCC continues to be as competitive as ever.

Support Races

It won’t just be the BTCC that takes centre stage though this weekend as a bumper supporting cast of categories is also revved up to put on a show for the expected bumper trackside crowd.

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Dunlop Mini Miglia Challenge and Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge make up the support bill.

Off Track Entertainment 

Away from the on-track entertainment there will be plenty to see and do around the venue with a bustling trade village, supercar display, skid pan rides, food stalls, live music, mini karts, face painting and an interactive kids show – guaranteeing fun for all the family.

BTCC Pit Lane Walkabout 

Fancy meeting the stars of the BTCC? On Sunday morning you can do just that as the Pit Lane Autograph Session takes place between 10:00-10:30.

Official Programme

Our souvenir BTCC programme will be available to purchase for £5.00 from the main gate and vendors around the venue over the course of the weekend. Packed with previews, features, entry lists, timetables and more – it’s your essential guide to the action.

Tickets

Tickets for this weekend’s BTCC spectacular will be available to purchase on the main gate across both day’s; with children aged 12 and under being admitted for free. More information can be found here.

BEC and Britcar Trophy take centre stage at Oulton Park

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to a thrilling British Automobile Racing Club race day this past Saturday (May 27) as the British Endurance Championship and The ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship continued their respective campaigns in spectacular style. 

Hot on the heels of blockbuster meetings at both Silverstone and Brands Hatch, a plethora of GT cars flocked to the sun-kissed Cheshire venue for a frenetic day which was organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre.

Topping the bill was a three-hour British Endurance Championship contest which was largely dominated by the PB Racing Audi R8 GT3 of Peter Erceg and Andrew Bentley.

Blasting to the top of the times in qualifying by almost two seconds, the duo were arguably in a league of their own in the race as they scampered into the distance to comfortably take victory.

Wasting no time in converting pole position into an early race lead, Erceg and Bentley soon began pulling clear of the chasing pack and ultimately lapped every other competitor at least twice on the way to the top step of the podium. 

Behind, the Venture Innovations Aston Martin Vulcan of Glebs Stepanovs and Stephen Tomkins were second whilst their Mercedes GT4 stablemates Chris Jones and Matt George completed the rostrum in third.

Armed with a new official lubricant partner and name, the ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship had those in attendance on the edge-of-their-seats as they served up a pair of captivating one-hour contests. 

Datum Motorsport proved to be wheel-perfect as they bagged a brace of Ginetta G56 GTA one-two finishes, with Maurizi Sciglio getting the better of Marco Anastasi on both occasions.

Following the Datum duo during both races was the SVG Motorsport Gintta G55 Academy entry of Neil Wallace and Ian Astley – who clinched two third-place drives.

To view the full results from all sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Every lap from Oulton Park is also now available to watch on YouTube HERE.

All go for new-look Croft Historic Weekend & Show

One of the highlights of the local motorsporting scene is set to return later this year with a new-look Croft Historic Race Weekend and Show planned for early September at Croft Circuit.

The popular meeting at North Yorkshire’s premier race track has been an established fixture on the calendar for over a decade in the guise of both the Croft Nostalgia and Croft Retro meeting, but for 2023,the organisers are planning something a bit special to incorporate classic cars and vintage vehicles up to the 1980s.

Many of the favourites remain, including a full programme of action-packed racing on track with various classes from the Historic Sports Car Club over the weekend of September 2nd/3rd, whilst off the track, there is entertainment of all sorts in a hark back to the care-free world of days gone by.

The event is acknowledged as one of the best events in the north of England given its variation of attractions which will again see displays of military vehicles, classic cars and other interesting and rare classics dating from the 1940s through to the 1980s.

There will also be a range of live music ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s, trade stands and steam engines for the crowds to enjoy and the friendly atmosphere at Croft Circuit allows everyone to get close to the race cars in the paddock area along with a display of around 600 vehicles of all shapes and sizes pre-1988.

Application forms to lodge an interest to display a vehicle are now available to be downloaded from the Croft Circuit website until 4th August or until all space is allocated, which ever comes first.

Ticket prices start at just £18 for adults in advance each day with children aged 15 and under admitted free, there is free car parking and paddock access.

For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk

Thruxton launches Ultimate Junior Driving Experience

Thruxton Circuit has announced the launch of the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience; a comprehensive and unforgettable day of thrills and skill development that has been designed for young drivers.

Combining the best elements of the Hampshire venues popular junior driving experiences, this new attraction will allow those aged 12 years and above and measuring at least 4ft 10 inches (1.47m) tall to embark on a full-throttle day in becoming confident drivers.

The Ultimate Junior Driving Experiences encompasses three exhilarating sessions, crafted to provide a well-rounded and immersive learning journey:

STAGE 1: Paddock Junior Driving // Take control of the new Ford Puma ST and master the fundamental skills of driving in the large tarmac paddock areas at Thruxton. Our expert instructors will guide you through smooth starts, precise steering, gear changing, and more!

STAGE 2: Skid Pan Driving // Get behind the wheel of the MINI Cooper and Toyota GT86 as they perfect advanced driving techniques. Conquer understeer, oversteer, and learn the ins and outs of electronic stability systems with help from our experienced instructors.
STAGE 3: Off-Road 4×4 Adventure // Unleash your off-road skills in a rugged 4×4 vehicle! Conquer challenging terrains, navigate obstacles, and tackle steep inclines and descents under the guidance of our skilled instructors.
Plus, to cap it off the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience also includes a high-speed ride with a professional racing driver around the fastest circuit in the country. 

This experience will run on the 4th, 5th, 19th, 24th and 25th August 2023 only. To book the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience please call our office on 01264 882222.

Ashley Sutton takes BTCC points lead with historic Snetterton double

Ashley Sutton stamped his authority on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (May 20/21) by moving to the summit of the points after charging to a pair of commanding race wins at Snetterton.

The NAPA Racing UK driver was wheel-perfect on a sun-kissed weekend at the Norfolk venue as he became the first driver since Alain Menu in 1997 to win four races in a row – having triumphed in races two and three at Brands Hatch last time out. 

Despite feeling under the weather, BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8’s Tom Ingram dug deep to triumph in a frenetic reverse grid encounter, ensuring he remains within reach of Sutton in the battle for the biggest prize in UK motorsport.

Hot on the heels of action-packed events at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, the country’s premier motorsport series served up three hard-fought contests around the 300 layout – shaking up the championship order in the process. 

Basking in bright sunshine on Saturday, qualifying around the challenging 2.97-mile circuit proved to be a truncated affair as two red flags – the first caused by Nick Halstead and the second by Dan Cammish – interrupted proceedings.

Once the session did restart it was three-time champion Sutton that reigned supreme as he broke the existing qualifying lap record on his way to a masterful pole position; which saw him finish more than three tenths clear of his nearest challenger.

Defending champion Ingram proved to be ‘best of the rest’ as he grabbed second ahead of West Surrey Racing duo Colin Turkington and Jake Hill. Rounding out the top five Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Ricky Collard in his formidable Corolla.

Race one saw Sutton take the 30th victory of his career in style as he held off a late charge from Hill, who had opted to run the soft tyre. Making a sensational start, Sutton bolted from the chasing pack in the early going as he built up a three second lead in as many laps. 

Behind, the trio of Turkington, Hill and Ingram scrapped for position and after multiple attempts, Hill finally made a move stick on his stablemate late on. With clean air, he wasted no time in reeling in Sutton but it proved to be too late for him to mount a serious challenge.

Opting to run the preferred soft tyre in race two, Sutton continued his fine run of form with another victory – this time in a more comfortable and commanding manner. 

Replicating his fast start of race one, the triple title winner built up a sizeable advantage over the rest of the field to coast to victory ahead of Hill and Turkington.

The weekend’s third and final contest then saw the current defending champion Ingram chalk up his first win of the season – despite enduring the effects of a fever.

Playing the tactical game by leaving the medium tyre until the reverse grid race, the Hyundai driver produced a masterful drive to charge from seventh to the top step of the podium and open his account for the year.

Behind, Cammish had carved his way through the order on the softs to finish second but a post-race exclusion saw Rory Butcher and Dan Rowbottom promoted to second and third on the podium.

Leaving Snetterton, Sutton holds a seven-point lead over Ingram at the top of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst Motorbase/Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK lead the standings after three events whilst Josh Cook and Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils sit out front in the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship’s respectively. 

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is open to drivers who hadn’t scored an outright podium in the series prior to the start of the season – continues to be led by Sam Osborne.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Snetterton, CLICK HERE.

The fastest track in the UK, Thruxton Circuit, provides the next stop on the calendar with Rounds 10, 11 & 12 taking place on June 3/4. Advance tickets for the event are currently available to purchase from the Thruxton website.

Caterham Motorsport delivers Croft cracker in North Yorkshire

The British Automobile Racing Club basked in the North Yorkshire sunshine this past weekend (May 20/21) as Caterham Motorsport’s roster of championships took centre stage at Croft Circuit for the latest rounds of their 2023 season.

Organised and run by the Club’s North Western Centre, the two-day meeting produced an unmissable feast of captivating wheel-to-wheel action as a number of drivers ramped up their pursuits of being crowned champion later this year.

The Adrian Flux Insurance Caterham Academy – which is geared towards those drivers that are embarking on their first steps in the sport – produced two memorable contests from its White and Green categories.

Daniel Neale delivered a masterful drive at the front of the ‘White’ race to pip Istvan Demes to the chequered flag by a little over half a second whilst Jonathan Emery reigned supreme to claim victory in the ‘Green’ bout.

In the Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship, Jack Sales proved to be in a league of his own at times as he produced a virtuous display which culminated in a hat-trick of race wins. 

Charlie Lower and Freddie Chiddicks were the cream of the crop in the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship as they shared the spoils. From the minute they arrived at the venue there was very little split to them, with Lower getting the better of Chiddicks in races one and two before the latter struck back in race three.

Over in the Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship, there was further dominance as Ben Timmons remained the one true constant – mainly out front – as he chalked up an impressive brace of wins.

Lewis Thompson meanwhile maintained his strong start to the Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Championship campaign as he powered his way to a trio of mesmerising victories.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were two races from the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup, which were won by Jamie Blake and Craig Blake, and two Z Cars/Production GTi Championships contests; where Simon Vercoe and Ryan Sayer triumphed.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Croft, CLICK HERE.

Watch all races that were streamed live across both days on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

BARC enjoys fun in the sun at Pembrey and Convoy Cymru

Pembrey Circuit provided the backdrop for a blockbuster two days of track action this past weekend (May 20/21) as a number of British Automobile Racing Club championships took centre stage at Convoy Cymru.

On what proved to be a weekend to remember, a bumper crowd flocked to the South Wales venue for a festival of all things trucking – which included an eye-catching Show Truck display, live music, freestyle motocross stunt show, truck drifting and much more.

Whilst there was plenty to see and do off-track, high-octane thrills and spills played out on it as a number of categories continued their 2023 campaigns in style.

Topping the bill were five colossal contests from the British Truck Racing Championship, where there was action aplenty across both Division 1 and Division 2.

As was the case at Brands Hatch last month, reigning seven-time champion Ryan Smith emerged as the driver to beat on the Saturday as he snared pole position and then converted it into a pair of commanding victories. 

Smith also triumphed in the reverse grid third race – charging from eighth – however that was to be as good as it got as damage and mechanical issues scuppered his chances of a clean sweep. Instead, Jock Borthwick and Michael Oliver came to the fore to tally their first wins of the season.

In Division 2, Adam Bint and John Powell strengthened their title charges by chalking up more wins however the weekend arguably belonged to NAPA Racing UK’s Paul Rivett. After finishing second in the first three races, the former Renault UK Clio Cup champion put on a clinical display in races four and five to triumph in style.

Oskar Dix maintained his strong start to the season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as he extended his lead in the points with a victory in race three. Daire Flock – who remains second overall – had been the driver to beat with two wins to his name before a non-finish in the third halted his charge.

One of the closest finishes over the course of the weekend came 2CV/Mini Endurance bout. After 67 laps of the picturesque Welsh track, just over half a second separated winners Sandro and Luca Proietti from the duo of Pete Sparrow and Nick Crispin.

Despite losing out in the endurance race, Crispin did stand on the top step of the podium as he triumphed in one of two Classic 2CV Racing Club races. After blasting to pole position, last year’s runner-up charged to victory in race before Kris Tovey came to the fore to win in race two.

Elsewhere, the Track Attack Race Club saw a variety of cars duke it out but it was Lee Currie and Adam Croft that claimed bragging rights as they left Wales with a victory apiece. 

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were a pair of races from the Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship on Sunday, both of which were won by Wayne Spiller and Damien Longotano.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Pembrey, CLICK HERE.

You can also re-watch all of the action from Saturday and Sunday by heading to the British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel HERE.

Britcar Trophy bolsters sustainability plans with ROWE Oils partnership

Britcar Endurance Ltd has continued its path to a more sustainable future by today (May 19) announcing a new partnership with German lubricant, coolant and fluid brand ROWE MINERALÖLWERK.

Boasting a rich history in motorsport that spans more than a decade, ROWE have become the official lubricant partners and title sponsors of the newly named ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship.

Utilising its ‘driving laboratory’, ROWE researches new lubricants, optimises formulations and thereby creates what cannot be replicated in any laboratory in the world: the ultimate practical test implemented under extreme conditions.

Every item that rolls off its impressive state-of-the-art production line has its manufacturing process carefully measured and optimised against its carbon footprint; ensuring it is as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible.

Jeremy Aston-Phillips, MCOIL Director, said: “Sustainability is now so important in everything we do in life; ROWE are at the forefront in developing sustainable products based on renewable materials as well as sustainably manufactured ‘conventional products’.

“From engine and gear oils to hydraulic oils and cutting fluids, the labs at ROWE are continuously looking at ways to ensure a greener future and the ability to maintain an internal combustion engine in a sustainable manner.

“The partnership with BRITCAR is an example of how MCOIL will be promoting the use of the ROWE range of renewable lubricants alongside the sustainably manufactured ‘conventional’ products, assisting the transition to a more sustainable future.“

Claire Hedley, Britcar Endurance Managing Director, added: “With sustainability very much part of the future of BRITCAR, ROWE is the only oil brand available in the UK with sustainability at their heart. 

“Our commitment to a more sustainable future for motorsport is so important to us and this partnership emphasises this. We are looking forward to working with MCOIL and their team to increase awareness in the motorsport fraternity in all things lubricating and cooling.”

Thruxton Circuit and the Kickback Show team up for thrilling motorcycle event

Thruxton Circuit is excited to announce a new partnership with the organisers of KICKBACK, the popular custom bike show, to host a one-day event on Sunday 2 July celebrating the best of motorcycle culture.

This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of custom and classic bikes, featuring café racers, streetfighters, vintage race bikes, turbo/supercharged/nitrous powered machines, flat trackers, dirt bikes, choppers, bobbers, and rare specials.

Thruxton has a rich history in motorcycle racing, having hosted prestigious events such as the British Superbike Championship and the Thruxton 500 endurance race.

The Thruxton KICKBACK show will feature a special display of classic racing bikes that have competed at the circuit over the years, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the history of motorcycle racing at Thruxton.

Visitors will have the chance to see all the show bikes up close and personal, with displays along the pit lane and around the paddock areas. Those who arrive on their own bikes can park in the inner zone and be a part of the show. The event will culminate in a ‘Best in Show’ awards ceremony at 3pm, celebrating extreme engineering excellence.

In addition to the bike displays, visitors will be treated to the amazing Two Brothers Stunt Team performing throughout the day. To keep everyone going, the Thruxton Centre will serve up great food and drinks.

This event is open to all, with an adult day ticket priced at £10 in advance (£12 on the day) and free entry for under 12s. There is ample free car parking available at the venue.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience the best of motorcycle culture at Thruxton Circuit.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Thruxton Circuit website or the KICKBACK website. We look forward to seeing you there!

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Pembrey – May 20/21

The British Automobile Racing Club makes its first visit of the 2023 season to Pembrey Circuit this weekend (May 20/21) for the hugely popular Convoy Cymru event – and it’s not to be missed.

Billed as what is set to be a festival of all things truck at the Welsh venue, those in attendance will be able to see some of the best trucks in the country on display as well as soak up the atmosphere from the funfair, all-action arena and much more.

Whilst there will be plenty to see and do off-track, the same can be said on it as the British Truck Racing Championship headlines the live coverage with five blockbuster races scheduled to play out across both days.

In addition to the heavyweight behemoths, viewers will also be able to watch action from the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Track Attack Race Club, Classic 2CV Racing Club and Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship over the course of the weekend.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 12:30 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 09:30 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Pembrey, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.