Category: Barc

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Brands Hatch – April 22/23

The British Automobile Racing Club returns to Brands Hatch this weekend (April 22/23) for what promises to be an action-packed two days of track action on the Kent venue’s Indy circuit.

After lifting the curtain on the 2023 season at Silverstone last month; the British Endurance Championship and Britcar Trophy Championship back in action and ready to put on a show.

Elsewhere, no less than eight contests from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club are set to add to the billing – with all manner of iconic saloon cars poised to go wheel-to-wheel.

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 11:45 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:45 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, 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.

BARC delivers Cadwell Park cracker of a weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club enjoyed a bumper two days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment at Cadwell Park this past weekend (April 15/16) as a further seven championships lifted the curtain on their 2023 campaigns. 

On what was the first of two visits to the popular Lincolnshire venue this year – the second coming in late July – the Club staged no less than 23 races across Saturday and Sunday, with each of them putting fans on the edge of their seats.

Renowned for producing its fair share of full-throttle thrills, one of the weekend’s headline acts came in the shape of the 5/8 scale pocket rockets that make up the Legends Cars Championship with MRF Tyres.

Serving up six breathtaking races, last year’s series runner-up Will Gibson kicked off proceedings with victory in the opener before Andy Bird and Marcus Pett chalked up two wins apiece. Matthew Isherwood then concluded the action with a win in the finale.

The Junior Saloon Car Championship blasted into life for another season with a 26-car grid of 14 to 17-year-old racers all eager to kick-start their burgeoning motorsport careers.

Boasting an entry list of both second-year drivers and rookies, the one-make category delivered a pair of blockbuster encounters, with the spoils being shared between Oskar Dix and Daire Flock.

In the North West Centre’s CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, Andrew Southcott enjoyed a winning start to the new season by comfortabley romping to a brace of victories.

At the wheel of his MG Midget Lenham, Southcott topped the times in qualifying and then didn’t look back when the lights went out; leading home the duo of Roddie Paterson and reigning champion Jamie Cryer by sizeable margins in both races.

Kris Tovey made a flying start to the 2CVParts.com Championship as he opened his account for the year with two superlative wins. Despite missing out on pole position in qualifying, Tovey made no mistake in the races as he powered clear of the opposition.

Behind him, defending champion David O’Keeffe, Nick Crispin and Lucas Proietti all scored podiums – setting up an exciting remainder of the season.

Novice racers beginning their journey’s in the sport put on a show across two Adrian Flux Insurance Caterham Academy races. Adam Kene narrowly pipped Matt Kirland in the White race before Callum McIntyre triumphed in the Green bout.

Cadwell Park also marked the dawn of a new era for the Track Attack Race Club as they ran under the BARC banner for the first time in its illustrious history. Encompassing all saloons, coupes and sports cars, the budget-conscious category kicked off the year with Andrew Neal guiding his Peugeot 106 to back-to-back race wins.

Another new championship to debut over the course of the weekend was the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport; a one-make series designed to provide a first step on the racing ladder for entry level club racers.

Stephen Berry, Zac Blackwell and Freddy Hewitt proved to be the cream of the crop across the weekend’s three contests however despite their best efforts, Blackwell and Hewitt couldn’t stop Berry from taking a clean sweep of victories. 

miniRounding out the weekend’s bumper programme were four frenetic contests from the British Superkart Racing Club, all of which were won by the dominant Matt Robinson.

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

Goodwood rolls back the years at all-action 80th Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit echoed to the sounds of horsepower from yesteryear this past weekend (April 15/16) as the West Sussex venue kicked off its 2023 motor racing season with the 80th Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.

Taking fans and competitors on a spirited trip down memory lane, the two-day event marked the start of another captivating year of events and anniversary celebrations on the famous grounds.

Open to members and fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, the Members’ Meeting is staged to recapture the intimacy and camaraderie of the race weekend’s in Goodwood’s heyday – with the British Automobile Racing Club playing a significant role as always.

Whilst there was plenty to see and do away from the track, on it saw an abundance of full-throttle thrills and spills – with one of the undoubted highlights being the Jim Clark Trophy for Ford-Lotus Cortinas that raced between 1963 and 1966.

Boasting an entry list of some of the most famous touring cars drivers from the past and present, an entertaining 45-minute race culminated in 2013 BTCC champion Andrew Jordan and David Dickenson fighting their way to a popular victory.

Fans of two-wheeled racing were well-catered for courtesy of the Hailwood Trophy, which was for Formula 750 and 250cc & 350cc two-stroke Grand Prix motorcycles. Scott Carson would reign supreme as he piloted his Yamaha TZ350G to an impressive brace of victories.

Sports prototypes that competed in the 1960s made up the Gurney Cup and after a hard-fought battle for outright honours, Shaun Lynn and former multiple IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti proved to be the team to beat as they triumphed in a Ford GT40.

Edwardian cars, GN Specials and cars in the spirit of early Brooklands races prior to 1923 made up the S.F. Edge Trophy. Behind the wheel of the incredible 1905-built Darracq 205bhp, Mark Walker did enough to win by half a second on combined times.

The Gordon Spice Trophy showcased some of the most iconic Group 1 and British Saloon Car Championship cars and those competing had everyone on the edge of their seats. Jake Hill and Nick Swift scored victory in the heats however nobody could stop Rob Huff from picking up the win in the final.

Front-engined Formula Juniors took centre stage in the Threlfall Cup – won by Stuart Roach – whilst Richard Bradley drove the Aston Martin Speed Model ‘Red Dragon’ to victory lane in the Trofeo Nuvolari encounter.

Elsewhere, Jonathan Abecassis and Martin Stretton triumphed in the Tony Gaze Trophy and Salvadori Cup whilst James Cottingham piloted an AC Cobra to the top step of the podium in the Moss Trophy – which was open to closed-cockpit GT cars.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at the Goodwood 80th Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE.

BTCC officially launches 2023 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is primed and ready to embark on what promises to be another memorable year after officially launching its 2023 season this evening (April 11), announcing a 27-car entry list.

Ahead of tomorrow’s (April 12) official test day at Brands Hatch, the UK’s premier motorsport the former champions, proven contenders and young challengers that are all set to battle it out for the coveted crown.

Consistency is key for many of the BTCC’s leading lights, with last year’s top six contenders all remaining with their respective outfits for the new season.

Headlining the entry is reigning champion Tom Ingram, who once again spearheads the Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 team.. Back behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N, Ingram will run coveted number one this year – with Tom Chilton, Nick Halstead and Ronan Pearson joining him.

It’s familiar surroundings for Ashley Sutton as he bids to regain the title he lost last year. Sticking with NAPA Racing UK and the Ford Focus, Sutton partners up with Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom and Sam Osborne.

West Surrey Racing have expanded their operation to run four BMW 330e M Sports for the forthcoming season with Adam Morgan joining Jake Hill, Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley.

Expansion is the key word at Toyota Gazoo Racing UK too as they add George Gamble alongside Rory Butcher and Ricky Collard in a third Corolla GR Sport for the year. 

The newly named One Motorsport with Starline Racing once again houses perennial contender and defending Independent Drivers’ champion Josh Cook in a Honda Civic Type R. Aiden Moffat and Will Powell complete the line-up.

One of the busiest teams over the off-season has been Team HARD, who – sticking with the Cupra Leon – have swelled to six entries across three teams. 

Bobby Thompson and Dan Lloyd will lead the line under the Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils banner whilst Dexter Patterson and Jade Edwards (Re.Beverages and Bartercard with Team HARD), Jack Butel and Nicolas Hamilton (Go-Fix with Autoaid Breakdown) will all look to play their part too.. 

Rounding out the Class of 2023 is CarStore Power Maxed Racing; another team that have added an additional car for the new season. Multiple race winner Aron Taylor-Smith will lead the Vauxhall Astra team with rookies Andrew Watson and Mikey Doble completing the trio.

CLICK HERE for the full 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship entry list.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “It has been as busy as ever during the off-season, but now we can’t wait to get the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship started.

“The championship again boasts a hugely competitive driver line-up with an ever-growing number of genuine title contenders all looking to win the title, so it will be interesting to see who will come out on top.

“The Hybrid introduction last year proved very successful and popular among fans, but we immediately identified ways in which to tweak how the Hybrid is deployed in order further enhance the competitiveness for 2023. 

“This, plus the reintroduction of the Goodyear option tyre and the ‘Top Ten Showdown’ qualifying format now being adopted at five of the ten events, means it is set to be an extremely exciting season ahead.

“Kwik Fit, Goodyear, ITV, Cosworth, M-Sport and our other incredibly loyal partners play a massive role in this championship, and we remain always grateful for their support and enthusiasm. It’s almost time for the talking to stop and the action to get underway, so we hope you all enjoy the 2023 BTCC season.”

The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship commences at Donington Park on April 22/23.

British Endurance Championship gets official TCR stamp

WSC Group, owners of the TCR trademark and technical regulations, has announced that it has granted a one-year licence to Britcar Endurance Ltd for a TCR Class to be run in the 2023 British Endurance Championship.

This latest tie-up with the WSC Group and TCR is the latest in a long line of exciting partnerships that Britcar has entered into in recent years, further strengthening itself as one of the premier GT championships in the UK.

“We are pleased to further expand the TCR footprint in Britain, adding to the successful growth of TCR UK, said WSC President Marcello Lotti. “Welcoming the British Endurance Championship under WSC’s umbrella provides local drivers and teams with more opportunities to enjoy racing TCR cars.”

Claire Hedley, Britcar Endurance Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to be officially hosting a class for TCR cars within the British Endurance Championship, strengthening our already-close association with the TCR brand, and placing the endurance-level specification of these exciting touring cars in a high profile Motorsport UK-sanction national championship.”

“We are happy that the British Endurance Championship is an official place to race TCR cars in an endurance capacity, as this further strengthens the TCR brand in the UK,” concluded TCR UK Promoter Stewart Lines.

The next round of the British Endurance Championship takes place at Brands Hatch on April 22/23.

Sun shines on Brands Hatch as BARC serves up Easter extravaganza

The British Automobile Racing Club served up an Easter extravaganza at Brands Hatch this past weekend (April 8/9) as seven more championships lifted the curtain on their 2023 seasons in spectacular fashion.

Basking in the warm Spring sunshine at the famous Kent venue, a bumper crowd were treated to 21 blockbuster races across Saturday and Sunday – each of which were packed with their own thrills and spills. 

Headlining the weekend’s action around the 1.2-mile Indy circuit were five contests from the British Truck Racing Championship and they certainly didn’t disappoint; with a near capacity grid of heavyweight behemoths delivering an unmissable show.

In Division 1, two of the series’ most successful drivers staked an early claim to the title by sharing the spoils. Reigning seven time-champion Ryan Smith – who was armed with a brand-new Daimler Freightliner – bagged a hat-trick of wins whilst ten-time champion Stuart Oliver scored a brace of his own.

There was a similar theme in Division 2 as two drivers split the wins; Adam Bint and John Powell. Former champion Bint made one of his best starts to a season in recent years with three emphatic victories whilst championship stalwart Powell reigned supreme in the remaining two bouts.

Three different drivers stood on the top step of the podium in what was an action-packed start to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy. Widely regarded as one of the most competitive one-make categories in the UK, no quarter was given throughout the 30-car grid.

Second-year driver Tom Ovenden kicked off proceedings with an impressive victory before Jack Byrne scampered into the distance to win race two, all while an almighty scrap for second place played out behind him. Alex Solley then rounded out proceedings by clinching his maiden win in a shortened third race.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship also saw three different drivers claim victory. Renowned for producing high-octane wheel-to-wheel moments, the category had everyone on the edge of their seats as they debuted their new two heats and a grand final format.

Pre-season title favourites Matt Simpson, Dale Gent and reigning champion Reece Jones proved to be the class of the field as they led the way out front – taking a win apiece to set up what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.

Elsewhere, the Morphmy Caterham Graduates Championship served up no less than four races during the weekend, each of them proving to be as captivating as the one that went before it. 

Harry Senior and Harry Cramer shared the victories on offer in the amalgamated Sigma 150 and Sigmax races whilst Richard Groom and Ben Wheatley emerged victorious from the two thrilling Sigma 135 bouts that were on offer.

Scott Bugner made a flying start to life in the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship as he opened his 2023 account with two wins. 

At the wheel of his MG ZR, Bugner edged out Jack Chapman and multiple champion Steve McDermid in a close opening race before then doubling up for the day with a more comfortable victory ahead of McDermid and Andy Heitman in race two.

Wayne Rockett showcased why he has established himself as one of the most successful drivers to ever compete in the OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires by taking a clean sweep of race victories.

Hot on the heels of finishing the 2022 campaign with the most race wins, Rockett picked up where he left off as he produced a pair of measured drives to lead home Luca Staccini Anzanello and Mark Ridout in both encounters.

Rounding out the weekend’s action was two races from the Kumho BMW Championship, the single-manufacturer series which boasts more than three decades of history and is home to some of the most iconic models that run the badge of the Bavarian brand.

Donning the mantel of defending champion after a sensational 2022 campaign, James Card picked up from where he left off last year with an assured performance in the weekend’s opening contest as he guided his E46 M3 to victory ahead of Jason West.

Roles were reversed in race two however as West staked his claim as one to watch over the course of the year with a somewhat dominant win; leading home Card and Paul Wood to the chequered flag by more than ten seconds.

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

Watch all of the action that was streamed live across both days on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Brands Hatch – April 8/9

The British Automobile Racing Club makes its first visit of the 2023 season to Brands Hatch this weekend (April 8/9) with a blockbuster two days of on-track entertainment comprising of a staggering 21 races.

Five races that are guaranteed to have fans on the edge-of-their-seats – both trackside and watching online – will come from the British Truck Racing Championship as they blast into life for a brand new season.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, there is nothing quite like seeing the heavyweight behemoths of Divison 1 and Division 2 go wheel-to-wheel, and BARC LIVE is poised to bring every lap live across Facebook and YouTube.

Elsewhere, the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Kumho BMW Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires and Caterham Graduates Racing Club will all kick-start their campaigns.

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 11:50 – Facebook | YouTube 

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:10 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, 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.

Interest grows for Britcar Endurance six-hour race at Donington Park

Interest for Britcar Endurance’s latest foray into long-distance racing – a six-hour contest at Donington Park on July 22 – said to be gathering momentum and running high. 

In what is poised to be one of the marquee events on the calendar for the Britcar brand in 2023, excitement and anticipation is already beginning to build as preparations start to step up.

Since rejuvenating the Britcar brand in 2016, Managing Director Claire Hedley has harboured a passion for reviving a 24hr race for true GT and endurance-spec machinery, and the creation of this season’s six-hour contest is the first step to resurrect the much-lamented event. 

Well aware that this isn’t the work of a single moment, Britcar’s three to five-year plan is set to incorporate a year-on-year increase in race time lengths; starting at six and moving up to nine, 12 and before then ultimately 24.

Whilst campaigns for the British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy and Britcar Prototype Cup have begun, interest is ramping up for what promises to be a summer showcase and those with an interest to compete in the event should contact Claire Hedley via claire@britcar-endurance.com

Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Team adds to ROKiT British F4 prize list

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has added to its prize lift, with the 2023 champion set to be given a simulator experience at the team’s state-of-the-art campus in Brackley.

Following the close of the season later this year, the winner will spend a half-day at the home of the eight-time World Constructors’ Champions undertaking a full session in the Mercedes-AMG F1 simulator – similar to that undertaken by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

After a pre-session briefing, the winner will undertake a full driving programme, receiving feedback and coaching throughout, before completing the day with a post-session debrief. 

Designed to provide a clear path to Formula 1, the British F4 now holds official links with three teams competing at the pinnacle of the sport.

In addition to the Mercedes AMG F1 simulator session, the eventual champion will also receive an experience with McLaren Racing at the British Grand Prix and a year-long coaching programme and expert guidance from the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team.

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, said: “On behalf of Motorsport UK and the British F4 Championship I’d like to thank Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 for this generous contribution. We are very much about development of our drivers and this prize is a great step in their career. 

“We know that our F4 championship helps to give drivers the skills they need to succeed as evidenced by having three drivers in F1 already and more heading through the ranks of Formula 2 and Formula 3. 

“The grid is looking to be very strong this year so it will be interesting to watch the battle for the title. The winner then having the simulator experience and the opportunity to engage with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is fantastic.”

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

British Truck Racing Championship makes commitment to using sustainable fuel

The British Truck Racing Championship has announced its commitment to using a more sustainable fuel from the 2023 season onwards.

In the first major step on its road to greater sustainability, the championship has partnered with the UK’s leading provider of high-performance Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, Green Biofuels (GBF); every driver is set to be provided with the fuel at each round.

Offering a simple, and more importantly, clean alternative to diesel, GBF’s advanced Gd+ fuel – which will be used by all competitors in the BTRC – is made from 100% waste-derived cooking oils and fats and supercharged with an engine-enhancing additive. No virgin crops are required for the production of Gd+ and it also has no impact on land use.

Designed as a straightforward diesel replacement, Gd+ is the least carbon-emitting diesel replacement fuel available in the UK, saving 2.82kg or 90% CO2e per litre. Gd+ can be used in existing diesel engines without upgrading machinery. Last year alone, GBF’s customers saved more than 480,000 metric tonnes of CO2e by switching to Gd+.

This new relationship with the BTRC is the latest in a long line of partnerships for GBF which already supplies its clean, advanced HVO fuel to the likes of DPD, Coca Cola, Skansa, and Freightliner, among others. 

William Tebbit, GBF CEO, said: “To sustainably power engines producing in excess of 1000 bhp you need the best-performing diesel replacement fuel in the UK, which makes Gd+ a natural choice for the BTRC. 

“Our Gd+ provides a clean, direct drop-in alternative fuel for standard diesel engines – no costly upgrades or new machinery required. HVO fuels like Gd+ are already helping to reduce CO2e emissions across a wide range of industries including, construction, haulage and freight, shipping, and agriculture.”

“This is not only a big announcement for the sport but also the industry as a whole too,” added Steve Thomas, Truck Sport UK Director. “As one of the premier motorsport series in the UK it is only right that we stand up and make an impact in the correct way. 

“Carving out a sustainable pathway is pivotal for the future of the sport and I’m delighted that we are able to introduce a new cleaner fuel from this season onwards. This is just the first step in our sustainability plans and we’re looking forward to growing this relationship over the coming years.”

To find out more information about GBF, visit https://www.gbf.ltd/. 

The 2023 British Truck Racing Championship commences at Brands Hatch on April 8/9, before embarking on a further six events and 30 races at some of the country’s leading venues. 

Caterham Motorsport springs into action at Oulton Park

Caterham Motorsport kicked off the latest chapter of their illustrious history this past weekend (April 1) as they ran under the British Automobile Racing Club banner for the first time – serving up a big grids and blockbuster wheel-to-wheel entertainment at Oulton Park. 

Organised and run by the Club’s North Western Centre at the picturesque Cheshire circuit, the popular manufacturer – which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year – lifted the curtain on its 2023 season in spectacular style.

In the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship, spoils were shared as two drivers established themselves as the early pace-setters. 

After charging to pole position by a little over a tenth of a second in qualifying, Charlie Lower came out on top of a captivating four-way battle for victory in the opening encounter, as he led home Matt Larbey and Rrutuj Patki.

Freddie Chiddicks – who had been given a 10-second start line penalty in race one – proved to be the driver to beat for the remainder of the day as he bounced back by coming to the fore to triumph in races two and three.

The Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship saw some of the closest winning margins registered over the course of the day however the victor remained the same throughout all three bouts.

Lars Alexander Hoffmann proved too much for the opposition by clinching a hat-trick of wins, although two of them were ultimately by less than a staggering tenth of a second.

Lewis Thompson made his mark on the Avon Tyres Caterham Seven Championship UK as he took an impressive brace of wins. After topping qualifying and then narrowly missing out on the Superpole, Thompson reigned supreme in commanding fashion to win both races.

In the day’s third schedule Seven Championship UK race, an on-track incident brought the red flag out and proceedings to a halt. Caterham Cars has since provided an update on the incident HERE.

Rounding out the day’s action were a handful of contests from the Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship, where spectators arguably witnessed one of the closest finishes of the season already – with the top four covered by just 0.079.

After a monumental multi-car scrap for overall honours in race one, a drag race to the start-finish line saw Lyonel Tollemache pip Ben Timmons to the top step of the podium by a mere 0.006 of a second whilst Tom McEwing finished 0.065 behind in third.

Race two would see things be just as close however it was Timmons that reigned supreme this time as he fended off the the advances of McEwing to register his first victory of the year.

To view the full classification of results from Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

How To Watch BARC LIVE: Oulton Park – April 1

The British Automobile Racing Club speeds into Oulton Park this Saturday (April 1) for the Caterham Motorsport Spring Race Meeting.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, this weekend marks the first of several trips to the picturesque Cheshire venue over the course of the year – and our TV cameras will be there to capture all the action.

Having joined the BARC ranks for 2023, Caterham Motorsport – the UK’s largest factory-backed family of championships – will take centre stage on the International for a full-throttle day of wheel-to-wheel action.

Serving up said action will be the unmissable 270R, 310R, Roadsport and Seven UK Championship’s.

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 10:30 – Facebook | YouTube 

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Oulton Park, 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.