Category: Barc

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.

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.Â