Category: Barc

BARC lifts the curtain on 2023 season in spectacular style at Silverstone

The British Automobile Racing Club lifted the curtain on its 2023 season in spectacular style this past weekend (March 25/26) as a bumper entry served up a feast of entertainment around Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix circuit.

Following months of preparation, anticipation and excitement; all eyes were on the Home of British Motor Racing as some of the Club’s biggest categories took centre stage to set the tone for the year ahead with two days of enthralling wheel-to-wheel action.

Embarking on its sophomore season, the British Endurance Championship garnered plenty of interest as it showcased a monstrous array of GT machines in a captivating three-hour encounter on Saturday afternoon. 

With a revised class structure which featured some regular faces, old favourites in new cars and a host of exciting newcomers, battles raged throughout the field however up at the front there was nobody that could stop the Blackthorn-entered Mercedes GT3. 

After missing out on pole position by a tenth of a second in qualifying, Claude Bovet and David McDonald proved to be too much for the opposition as they comfortably romped to victory – finishing more than a minute ahead of the Audi GT3 pairing of Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton who finished in second place.

The Britcar Trophy Championship burst into life on Sunday with two frenetic 50-minute contests and a near 30-car field.

Race one proved to be a somewhat dominant affair as Datum Motorsport’s Axel Van Nederveen guided his Ginetta G56 GTA to a commanding victory ahead of William Stacey and Maurizio Sciglio however things seemed to be somewhat closer in the day’s second bout later in the day as Van Nederveen claimed a clean sweep.

High in confidence after his earlier win, the Dutchman could do nothing to stop the Intersport Racing duo of Jas Sapra and Bryan Bransom from triumphing on-track in their BMW M3 E46 however a post-race exclusion ultimately promoted him from second to the top step of the podium.

Spoils were shared in the inaugural Britcar Prototype Cup – launched to bring together all types of prototype machinery to compete on one single grid – which consisted of two 25-minute races and a 50-minute finale.

Idola Motorsport’s Rodolfo Gonzalez wrote his name into the history books as the series’ first-ever winner before the University of Wolverhampton’s Shane Kelly struck back with a win of his own in race two.

Making it three different winners from three races was the TGM with Private Leads team of Ben Stone and Teddy Wilson who capped off a dream debut with an assured performance during the weekend’s closing bout.

Iconic tin top machines from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club had fans on the edge of their seats over the course of the weekend too as they delivered no less than eight blockbuster races.

The amalgamated Poutec Pre ’66 Touring Cars and Orange Aero Pre ’83 Touring Cars contests had a familiar feel to them with both podiums being occupied by the same three drivers; with Stephen Primett claiming a brace of victories ahead of Jonathan Corker and William Davidson. Further down the pack, Peter Hallford piloted his Ford Mustang to emerge as the top Pre ’66 runner.

Nobody could stop Stuart Waite in the combined Laser Tools Pre ’93 Touring Cars, Burty Haulage Pre ’03 Touring Cars and Laser Tools Super Tourer races as he charged to a pair of impressive victories in his BMW E36 M3.

Hot on his heels was Garry Prebble – the top Pre ’03 entrant – and James Everard who each claimed a second and third place finish respectively whilst Jason Hughes triumphed in the Super Tourers category in an ex-Jason Plato Vauxhall Vectra.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action at Silverstone were two races from the Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder, Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series and Berkshire Jag Components Jaguar Challenge.

Boasting a grid of more than 40 flame-spitting machines, Jason West scored two more victories for the BMW E36 M3 as he led home Bryan Bransom and Sam Wilson all the way to the chequered flag.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Silverstone, 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: Silverstone Grand Prix – March 25/26

The British Automobile Racing Club is poised to lift the curtain on a brand-new season of motorsport this weekend (March 25/26) with two-action packed days of wheel-to-wheel racing at the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit – and our cameras will be there to broadcast every race live.

Kicking off what is set to be the biggest year yet for the Club’s live stream platform – where a total 23 race meetings are scheduled to be broadcast online over the course of the year – thousands of fans are expected to flock to Facebook and YouTube to watch what promises to be an entertaining 2023 curtain-raiser.

Taking centre stage around the Home of British Motor Racing this weekend will be the British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy Championship, Britcar Prototype Cup and Classic Touring Car Racing Club.

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 12:45 – Facebook | YouTube 

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 08:40 – Facebook | YouTube 

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

JLM Lubricants align with Legends Cars Elite Cup

The Legends Cars Elite Cup has been given a welcome boost with the confirmation that JLM Lubricants will sponsor the category’s television coverage and become the exclusive race fuel cleansing additive supplier.

Launched this year, the Elite Cup will form part of three high-profile British Touring Car Championship events during the 2023 season – at Brands Hatch, Croft and Knockhill. 

As a part of featuring on the BTCC support package, the Elite Cup will benefit from incredible live exposure on ITV4 and the www.itv.com/btcc website. 

Launched in 2010, JLM Lubricants has become synonymous for designing, developing and manufacturing a vast range of premium products which include fuel additives and technical lubricants which are used around the world.

The agreements have been brokered by long-standing Legends competitor Mike Schlup, the UK distributor for JLM Lubricants through his Kalimex Ltd business. 

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM Owner, said: “It’s fantastic news to have the support of JLM Lubricants as our television sponsor for the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM and also as our new race fuel additive supplier. 

It’s going to be an incredible year for Legends Cars racing in the UK, to appear at three BTCC events with our new Elite Cup and have the benefit of first-class live television on ITV4 really is something very special indeed.

“I’m extremely grateful to Mike Schlup for his hard work in putting together this deal with JLM, Mike has been an integral part of the Legends family for many years and, along with his very talented son Oli, will be part of not only the Elite Cup, but also the Legends Cars Championship with MRF Tyres. We can’t wait to get the racing underway!”

“I’m a massive fan of the Legends Cars so supporting these racers will enable us to really go all out and amplify the profile of the JLM brand in the UK,” added Mike Sclup, Kalimex Managing Director. It’s a partnership that complements our brand values too, given JLM products are all about pushing the limits of performance and delivering the best results.

“We know that our customer base of technicians and motorists will be happy to see the JLM brand in action, supporting British motorsport. I’m also proud to announce that JLM additives will be used as part of the official Legends Cars race fuel blend to help reduce harmful emissions and protect the race engines.

“We’re really taking the JLM brand into the heart of the audience by raising awareness of the brand and what it stands for. Motorists and mechanics alike can give their vehicles a race ready treat with a comprehensive range of JLM additives including Emissions Reduction Treatments and GDI cleaners, plus world class leading diesel and DPF cleaning products. 

“JLM’s range of trade trusted products help to reduce emissions and improve performance which can only be a good thing.”

MGOC renews long-standing partnerships ahead of new season

The MG Owners Club has announced that it has renewed a number of key partnerships ahead of the 2023 season, which is scheduled to get underway at Brands Hatch in less than three weeks on April 9.

As one of the world’s largest one-make car clubs, the MGOC has been promoting all-out wheel-to-wheel racing for all varieties of production-based MG’s since 1981 – with the forthcoming edition set to be the 43rd in its history. 

In what promises to be another high-octane campaign, the MGOC has confirmed that Lancaster Insurance – a major provider for the insurance of Classic Cars – will continue its title sponsorship for an impressive 20th consecutive year.

That isn’t the only partnership that has been strengthened either as Toyo Tyres have reaffirmed their continued support as an associate sponsor and supplier of the championship’s Proxes 888R control tyre.

Long-time competitor and title contender William Sharpe will once again line up on the grid and his company, Wayside Adhesives, will provide trophies for each Driver of the Day during the course of the season.

With no less than 35 drivers already signed up for seven-round season, the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship looks to be in great shape before a wheel has even turned.

To find out more information on the single-manufacturer series, visit https://www.mgocchampionship.co.uk/. 

Pickup Truck Racing Championship ready to make its mark with new format

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship will once again look to make its mark this season as preparations continue for the British Automobile Racing Club series to blast into life next month.

Bringing a flavour of America to British shores, the unique tubular spaceframe chassis series has been a staple of UK motorsport for a number of years and 2023 looks to be no different.

Running predominantly alongside the British Truck Racing Championship this season and benefiting from extensive live stream coverage, the action-packed category not only boasts a bumper entry list but also a blend of high-octane circuits to race on – making it a must-watch attraction.

“We’re shaping up to have a grid of between 20 and 25 drivers,” said Championship Co-ordinator Sonny Howard. “We’ve attracted some new names such as Matt Moore and Russell Smith whilst also retaining some of the established contenders which include reigning champion Reece Jones as well as race winners Matt Simpson and Dale Gent.

“It’s also great to see that we’ve got two father-son teams out there as well. Matt and his Dad Jeff are going to be sharing the track and the same can be said for Paul and Dean Tompkins, who have been mainstays for a number of years. Having a strong mix of tracks to race on is important too and something we’re very much proud of.”

Embarking on another full-throttle year of competition, this year will also see a change in format for the championship.

Howard added: “We’ve changed the format so that there are now two heats and then a grand final. Qualifying will remain as a 20-minute session which is split into two and then competitors will race in two heats where the points they attain will decide the starting grid for the final.

“In essence we have a 24-race season and with there being points for qualifying as well, every moment out on-track will be pivotal in deciding who ultimately walks away as champion.”

The 2023 Pickup Truck Racing Championship campaign commences at Brands Hatch on April 8/9 before then heading to Mallory Park in late May for its one and only oval event of the year.

A second visit to Brands Hatch followed by trips to Thruxton, Donington Park, Lydden Hill and Pembrey proceed that before a third and final outing at Brands Hatch in early November brings the curtain down on the season.

To find out more information on the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, visit https://www.pickuptruckracing.com/main.html

BARC announces expanded live stream schedule for 2023

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it will continue its partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV for the 2023 season, with no fewer than 23 race meetings set to be streamed live and online for free.

Embarking on what will be a third consecutive season of broadcasting simultaneously on the Club’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, this year is set to bigger and better than ever as the BARC expands its schedule with six more race meetings than last year set to hit the big screen.

Showcasing the very best edge-of-the-seat entertainment that national motorsport has to offer, viewers will benefit from improved graphics and all-encompassing production values, as well as the same much-loved commentary offerings.

Coming off the back of a momentous inaugural year, the 2022 season saw the Club enjoy another bumper year in front of the cameras, with the numbers speaking for themselves. The standout figures included more than 1 Million views being attained across more than 50 different countries around the world.

The BARC’s YouTube channel continued to grow over the course of last season too, with the number of subscribers going from 19,000 to 27,000 come the final chequered flag of 2022 falling. 

The British Endurance Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club, Caterham Motorsport, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Britcar Prototype Cup are just some of the leading categories that will feature over the course of the campaign. 

BARC 2023 LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE

25/26 March – Silverstone

1 April – Oulton Park 

8/9 April – Brands Hatch

22/23 April – Brands Hatch

13/14 May – Snetterton 300

20/21 May – Pembrey

20/21 May – Croft 

27/29 May – Oulton Park

1/2/3/4 June – Zandvoort 

24/25 June – Silverstone

8/9 July – Thruxton

22 July – Donington Park

29/30 July – Thruxton

12/13 August – Croft

12/13 August – Donington Park

19/20 August – Snetterton 300

25/26/27 August – Snetterton 200

2/3 September – Donington Park

16/17 September – Silverstone 

16/17 September – Snetterton 300

7/8 October – Pembrey

14/15 October – Donington Park

4/5 November – Brands Hatch

If you’re yet to subscribe to the BARC’s official YouTube channel, visit https://www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub 

Caterham Cars revving up for 50th Anniversary celebrations at Donington Park

Caterham Cars is set to celebrate its golden anniversary this year with a special ‘Caterham 50th Festival’ at Donington Park on September 2/3.

Marking five decades of the famous British manufacturer, the two-day event at the Leicestershire venue is poised to commemorate the past, present and future with a number of on and off-track attractions.

Taking centre stage on the circuit will be wall-to-wall racing from Caterham Motorsport as they bring the curtain down on their 2023 campaign for a majority of their championships.

Champions will be crowned in the Academy, Roadsports, 270R and 310R categories whilst the battle for supremacy in the Seven UK Championship is set to reach fever pitch ahead of their finale on the British Touring Car Championship package at Silverstone.

Adding to the full-throttle thrills and spills will also be contests from the Caterham Graduates Racing Club and Classic Sports Car Club’s Magnificent Sevens Series.

Away from the racing, visitors will have plenty to be captivated by with confirmation that there will be an owners display and parade, pop-up club house and merchandise store and paddock party.

For more information on the Caterham 50th Festival, head to https://www.caterhamcars.com/en.

Caterham Academy welcomes new influx of drivers following ARDS days

Caterham Motorsport took centre stage at Castle Combe for two days last month as it played host to its ARDS days, which saw its annual intake of novice drivers – a total of 50 – into the Caterham Academy.

With exclusive use of the Wiltshire venue, fledgling Academy drivers were put through their paces whilst also building bonds as they prepare to share a grid at some of the UK’s top venues this year.

Among the new influx of competitors were parents of Academy drivers from previous years. Cadwell Park local Dave Jarvis, who looked after his son Will’s car last year, decided it was his turn to get behind the wheel whilst Ann Hall is set to follow in the footsteps of her son James.

The family connections didn’t stop there either with brothers Arif and Barry set to compete against each other whilst another brother pairing – Henry and Orlando – will share also share the same grid. Other notable additions to Caterham fans on the entry list include Barry Thompson and Andy Bruce.

Alongside the ARDS course, Caterham also laid on some skid pan exercises in a BMW to give drivers an idea of what rear-wheel-drive feels like, as well as a valuable lesson in car preparation.

With 50 new drivers having successfully passed their ARDS courses over the two days it now means that more than 1,300 competitors have started their racing careers in the Academy since it started back in 1995.

North West Centre enjoys momentous night of celebrations

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre enjoyed a memorable night of celebrations recently as drivers, teams, officials and volunteers came together for its Annual Presentation Dinner.

Coming together to mark what proved to be a hugely successful 2022 season, the evening also provided an opportunity for three annual CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship awards to be handed over to some worthy winners.

The first, and most prestigious award, to be handed out was the David Gledhill Driver of the Year – which is determined by championship officials and those marshals that attended the championship rounds.

Emerging victorious to lift the coveted accolade was Graeme Smith, who was firmly in title contention across both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns as he charged to class victories.

Starting every round in each of the last four years, Smith was recognised for the hard work he has put in to his car – a Mazda MX5 – as well as his enthusiasm and competitiveness to compete in the popular multi-class category.

Ric Walker was the second winner on the night as he lifted the Spirit of the Championship award. Determined by the championship committee, this award goes to the driver, team or supporter that over the years has fully embraced the friendliness, helpfulness and loyalty of the series.

Renowned for being one of the first to arrive at the track on a Friday and once unloaded, would help others in the paddock, Ric also showed that you can embody the spirit of the series off-track and be competitive on it as he won Class D and finished fifth overall.

The final annual award to be presented by the North West Centre was the Jock Sinclair Newcomer of the Year. Annually fought for by several drivers, notable mentions this year went to the impressive duo of Arron Armiger and Connor Harvey.

Ultimately though Ian Bamber was declared the winner as he bounced back from a bad accident on two wheels to make a name for himself on four as he competed in Class E in a Ginetta G20.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and the 2023 campaign is scheduled to commence at Oulton Park on April 1.

MotoFest Coventry set to make long-awaited return in June

MotoFest Coventry is poised to make its long-awaited return this summer with the British Automobile Racing Club’s Midlands Centre set to play a critical role at the heart of the spectacle. 

Taking place on June 3/4 and backed by E.ON, MotoFest Coventry will blend live music, theatre and street food with exhibitors, celebrity guests and car and motorcycle clubs; making it the ultimate urban bikesport and motorsport festival.

Last taking place in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic put pay to the two-day event running in 2020 and 2021 however plans were originally in place for a triumphant homecoming in September last year. 

Due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II a few days before the start of proceedings, organisers elected to postpone the event and have since worked tirelessly to lock in a suitable date.

As has been the case in the past, the one-of-a-kind festival will continue to feature a Motorsport UK permitted closed road sprint across both days too; which is held between the Junctions 4 and 6 of the Coventry Ring Road, supported by the BARC and delivered by the Midlands Centre.

Participation for the sprint event has already been confirmed by a number of leading speed series, one of which is the BARC Connaught Competition Engines Speed Championship.

Entries are now open for the event via https://www.barc-midlands.co.uk/. 

To find out more information about MotoFest Coventry, visit https://www.coventrymotofest.com/. 

Gurston Down renews Turbo Dynamics sponsorship for 2023

Gurston Down Speed Hillclimb has confirmed that Turbo Dynamics will remain as the title sponsor for both the hill and its flagship championship for 2023.

Renewing its deal with the turbocharger specialists, which is led by Peter Marsh – the son of Gurston Down’s designer and ultimate creation Tony Marsh – the Wiltshire venue will see Turbo Dynamics branding adorn its famous course and paddock areas.

The first event of the season at Gurston Down takes place on April 1/2.

To find out more information on events and tickets, visit https://gurstondown.org/. 

UK Legends confirms first 20 drivers for dual season

The Legends Cars National Championship has announced its first batch of entries for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons in the series’ illustrious history.

This year will see fans witness not only the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres but also the the brand-new Legends Cars Elite Cup – which will support the British Touring Car Championship.

Headlining the entry for both categories are last year’s Vice-Champion Will Gibson and five-time champion John Mickel, who finished the 2022 campaign in third place overall.

Joining them will be Marcus Pett – who ended last season in fourth place – as well as Rookie Cup champion Ben Higgins, who will embark on his sophomore year in the popular series. His chief challengers from last year Oli Schlup and Luke Simmons will also join him on the grid.

Schlup’s father Mike, a very familiar face in Legends Cars over many years, is also confirmed for the main championship and the Elite Cup as is race winner Nick Bridgeman and fellow category regular Nathan Anthony, the latter of course piloting his ever-popular Se-Van.

Charlie Budd will look to build on his impressive second year in the series whilst former Grand Prix Midget National and World Champion Daniel Pooley is set for his second Legends season.

Other notable entries so far include James Newbery, former Rookie title winner Andy Bird, Matt Isherwood and racing brothers Kieran Beaty and Mark Beaty. In terms of early ‘Team Car’ entries, Chris Need and Gareth Sheridan will once again share their No.99 machine whilst Florian Robin and Eduardo Gago will also share driving duties.

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “We’re all incredibly excited for the 2023 season and delighted to announce the first 20 drivers for the coming year’s racing. It’s great so many drivers are committing to both the 24-race Legends Cars Championship with MRF Tyres and the new Legends Cars Elite Cup which will be contested over 18 races at three of the UK’s biggest race meetings, alongside the BTCC.

“With Will [Gibson], John [Mickel] and Marcus [Pett], three of our top four from last season, all confirmed, we know the quality of action will be as spectacular as ever. As always, the strength in depth of Legends Cars racing – added to the unpredictability of the action with our fantastic and very unique format – means 2023 is going to be another incredible year.”

The opening rounds of the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres will take place at Cadwell Park on April 15/16 whilst the Legends Cars Elite Cup will begin at Brands Hatch on May 6/7.