Category: Barc

BARC HQ 2022 Christmas & New Year closing dates

The British Automobile Racing Club headquarters at Thruxton Circuit will be closed during the following dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.

From: Thursday 22rd December 2022 at 17:00

To: Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 09:00

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible trackside throughout 2023; be it if you are officiating, marshalling, spectating or competing!

From everyone at the BARC and all of our venues around the country; we wish you a safe, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

McLaren Racing reaffirm commitment to ROKiT British F4

McLaren Racing have confirmed that they will continue to support the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA in 2023, with the eventual champion having the unique opportunity to embed themselves within a Formula 1 team at the 2024 British Grand Prix.

Newly crowned 2022 champion Alex Dunne will be the first recipient of the experience, designed to give drivers an immersive and thorough understanding of Formula 1, at the 2023 British Grand Prix. The prize also includes access to the Woking-based team and industry-leading engineering staff.

With the champion also being given a fully-funded Formula Regional test courtesy of tyre suppliers Pirelli as well as FIA Super Licence points, the championship continues to cement its position as a must-do for drivers with serious aspirations of progressing up the ranks.

Visibility to Formula 1 teams has never been higher in the series with the 2022 campaign seeing three F1 junior drivers feature; Ugo Ugochukwu (McLaren Racing), Daniel Guinchard (Mercedes-AMG) and Oliver Gray (Williams Racing).

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, said: “McLaren Racing’s support of the ROKiT British F4 is greatly valued and offers a unique opportunity for a driver to embed themselves in a team at the top end of the sport.

“Motorsport UK is committed to creating meaningful pathways through the sport for drivers competing in the series. This unique opportunity to gain an insight into what it takes to compete in Formula 1 will be invaluable to the 2023 Champion as they consider their next steps.

“Silverstone is always one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar, so it should make for a very enjoyable, as well as instructive, experience. We’ll be watching on with great interest next year as 2022 champion Alex Dunne is the first to receive the prize. Our thanks go to Zak Brown and to McLaren Racing for their continued support of the championship.”

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO, added: “McLaren Racing is delighted to continue supporting the British F4 Championship by inviting the 2023 champion to join our Formula 1 race team at the British Grand Prix in 2024.

“The series is an excellent platform for young drivers to continue their development as proven by our current Formula 1 line-up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who both excelled in the single-seater championship.

“We look forward to welcoming 2022 champion Alex Dunne to Silverstone with the team next year.”

MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport Championship set for 2023 launch

A club-level series for MINI racers is poised to hit the track for the first time in 2023 via the launch of new Clubsport classes within the hugely-successful MINI CHALLENGE.

The brainchild of MINI CHALLENGE racers Tom Halliwell and Robin Austin, along with the backing of Quaife MINI CHALLENGE promoter Antony Williams, the Clubsport classes operate as an affiliate to the hugely successful JCW and Cooper categories and will provide drivers with the opportunity to take their first steps onto the MINI CHALLENGE ladder.

The three classes within MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport will be Cooper S, Open and Cooper Am, with cars running together on track to create one bumper field.

A calendar featuring 15 races spread across six meetings has been put in place for the inaugural season, with visits to the likes of Cadwell Park, Thruxton, Mallory Park and Brands Hatch, amongst others.

Robin Austin, MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport joint championship co-ordinator, said: “Both Tom and myself were aware that there were a number of drivers out there who either own MINIs that aren’t eligible for the main MINI CHALLENGE, or who don’t have the budget required to compete in the Cooper or JCW classes.

“Rather than those people competing in a range of different multi-marque championships, we decided to investigate the possibility of creating a new championship where they could all race together.

“Having spoken to Antony for advice and guidance, we’re delighted to be in a position where we can now go public with our plans, and announce the launch of the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport classes as an affiliate to the existing JCW and Cooper championships.

“We’ve been able to put together a calendar that provides the chance to compete at a number of high-profile events, and have put regulations in place that we know will provide exciting and competitive racing at an affordable level for drivers.”

Antony Williams, MINI CHALLENGE Promoter, added: “We are keen to support any MINI racers out there who want to compete on track, and there is clearly demand for the re-introduction of the Cooper S, Cooper Open and Cooper Am classes that were part of the MINI CHALLENGE prior to the pandemic.

“We’re delighted to now be working with Tom and Robin to enable them to run the three classes as a club-level option through the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport classes, and look forward to seeing how it develops during the year ahead.”

MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport 2023 Calendar:

15/16 April – Cadwell Park – 3 x 12min
20/21 May – Mallory Park – 2 x 15min
8/9 July – Thruxton – 2 x 15min
5/6 August – Brands Hatch – 3 x 15min
16/17 September – Silverstone National – 3 x 12min
14/15 October – Donington Park GP – 2 x 15min

Porsche extend TOCA deal until at least 2026

Series organisers of the British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have confirmed that the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Porsche Sprint Challenge GB will remain on the BTCC support package until at least 2026.

With the 2023 campaign set to mark 20 years since the Porsche Carrera Cup GB joined the support bill, this new three-year deal comes into effect at the end of the current term, with a further one-year option taking the agreement to the end of 2026.

Recently, Porsche Motorsport GB and TOCA announced an increased presence with the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB joining the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as regulars on the BTCC package from next year.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Having already announced that the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB would be expanding its presence on the BTCC support bill in 2023, I’m delighted to further cement its future and that of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

“This new contract underlines how the Porsche GB and TOCA partnership keeps going from strength to strength and, with both championships having already provided highly entertaining races for fans both trackside and at home via ITV’s free-to-air coverage, I’m very much looking forward to continuing our close relationship.”

James MacNaughton, Porsche Cars Great Britain Marketing Manager, said: “Porsche is delighted to further strengthen its relationship with TOCA. The TOCA package has been home to Porsche Carrera Cup GB since its inception 20 years ago and, from 2023, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB will also race exclusively alongside the BTCC – and at four events we will showcase both championships on the same billing. 

“The TOCA platform really is a modern sporting phenomenon, delivering exciting action on track, exceptionally strong crowds across each race weekend, incredible live TV coverage and broad media appeal. We extend our thanks to Alan Gow and his team in fostering our continued relationship.”

BTCC announces 29-car entry for 2023 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced a maximum 29-car entry for the 2023 season.

Following the December 1st 2022 entry approval deadline for all TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport series will remain at 29 for a second successive campaign. 

Notable allocations for next year include Speedworks Motorsport increasing to three cars and West Surrey Racing expanding to four cars; a result of each team having purchased one TBL from the departing Ciceley Motorsport squad. 

Team HARD has also expanded its entry to four cars for the forthcoming campaign after securing one additional TBL from Carl Boardley Motorsport.

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in April.

2023 TOCA BTCC Licence Allocation

EXCELR8 Motorsport – 4

Team Dynamics – 2 

Aiden Moffat Racing – 2

Motorbase Performance – 4

Team HARD – 4

Speedworks Motorsport – 3

West Surrey Racing – 4 

Power Maxed Racing – 2 

BTC Racing – 3 

Carl Boardley Motorsport – 1 

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

Britcar and Praga strengthen ties for new Prototype Category

Britcar and Praga Cars have strengthened their fledgling partnership by announcing provisional plans and dates for a new Prototype Category in 2023. 

The new-look series is poised to be presented as the Praga-backed Prototype Category within the Britcar Endurance Championship; boasting a five-round calendar which will each include two 25-minute sprint races and one 50-minute endurance contest.

Offering fast and furious wheel-to-wheel Pro-Am action, Praga R1s are expected to make up a majority of the grid – running as a standalone Praga Class – with other qualifying prototypes set to be invited by Britcar.

Mark Harrison, Praga Cars UK CEO, said: “Along with VR Motorsport, we have developed a great relationship with Britcar over a number of years now, cemented during the Covid-hit race seasons in 2020 and 2021. 

“Praga R1s, in a class of its own, dominated the Britcar Endurance races in 2021 and we took on the challenge of running a one-make series in 2022; our vision for a 20 plus grid of R1s still stands as the Britcar team use their experience and enthusiasm to grow prototype racing opportunities in the UK. 

“Praga is backing Britcar through 2023 to ensure a successful race series for all entries and a stepping-stone to an even stronger grid in 2024.”

Claire Hedley, Britcar Managing Director, added: “We here at Britcar have really enjoyed being involved with Praga UK and have seen it flourish over the last two to three years. We can see a future in Prototype racing in the UK so we’re happy to continue with Praga to develop the new Prototype Cup for 2023. 

“Having them as a class within the new category. The Championship will include other cars invited by Britcar only and I think it will be a great support race to the British Endurance Championship next year and hopefully many more to come.”

BARC North West Rescue star at United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Extrication Challenge

BARC NW Rescue were proud to be invited by Motorsport UK to compete at the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) Extrication Challenge in October. 

The UKRO is at the forefront of development and innovation in the field of professional rescue. The annual National Rescue Challenge event invites rescue teams from fire and rescue services across the UK to compete across 7 categories of rescue challenges. It is also an opportunity to shine a light on aspects of the fire and rescue service that are less well known, and provides an opportunity to share key safety and prevention messages with attending members of the public.

This year’s event was hosted by West Midlands Fire Service on behalf of the UKRO in Smithfields, Birmingham. Around 40 fire and rescue services took part in the event where expert assessors judged teams over a range of challenges, including urban search and rescue, water rescue, rope rescue, trauma care, and extrication (releasing casualties from crashed vehicles).

In a first for the challenge, permission was granted for a motorsport Rescue Unit to compete against the professional emergency services. BARC NW were chosen by Motorsport UK to represent the sport and to showcase the professional standard of our volunteer motorsport Rescue Crews.

Preparation began several months before the competition took place in October. The BARC NW crew were supported by Ian Dunbar OBE, Rescue Specialist at the FIA and former UKRO Assessor. Several Zoom sessions were arranged so that the team could be coached on all aspects of the challenge and more specifically the assessment criteria that they would be judged against.

As well as attending multiple events at race circuits around the UK, the BARC NW crew undertake a rigorous training regime every season. Before any racing starts the crew have about 7 days of training under their belts. In downtime at race events there is often time available to swot up on techniques and familiarise themselves with equipment (technical and medical). This was added to with 2 further days in the yards of SYNETIQ, the UK’s leading integrated salvage and vehicle recycling company, honing technical and extrication skills on scrap vehicles. This was in addition to watching many hours worth of video from previous UKRO challenges and other extrication events.

As the competition began, the BARC NW Rescue team were given the opportunity to work alongside world champions and the best of the best in extrication from fire and rescue services across the UK, as well as a fire and rescue crew from the Ukraine who had been specially invited for this years’ event. Teams of 6 from thirty fire and rescue services took part in the Extrication Challenge. The teams each took part in two timed extrication runs which were overseen by 3 UKRO Assessors, focussing on Command and Control, Technical and Medical skills. As well as the timed runs, the team also took part in vehicle location and HGV workshops.

Away from the challenge arena, the team were fortunate to be supported by James Bletchley, Officials Pathway Manager, Motorsport UK and Rescue Unit Chief, Colin Whitter. As well as supporting the team during their runs, they also showed members of the public and fire and rescue services around the BARC NW Rescue Unit, which was on display in the Community Village area of the event, and encouraged them to get involved as a motorsport volunteer.

“This was the first time that UKRO had allowed a motorsport Rescue Unit to compete against the professional fire and rescue services from across the UK,” explains James. “The level of dedication and training required to compete in this event underlines the highly professional standards of volunteers in UK motorsport; and this weekend showcased that at the highest level. The team should be very proud of themselves!”

“We have learned so much as a team from this and held our own as a volunteer motorsport rescue crew against top professional teams,” reflected Shaun Miller, BARC NW Rescue Team Incident Commander, “We gained a lot of respect from the teams and UKRO assessors. This was an experience we want to repeat, and also take into our way of working going forwards. Well done to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue team for winning overall. Thanks go to Ian Dunbar, James Betchley, and the continued support of SYNETIQ.”

Croft Circuit poised for action-packed 2023 season

Croft Circuit is revved up for another action-packed year of motorsport with no less than 13 race meetings confirmed for 2023 at the popular North Yorkshire venue.

Two-wheeled thrills from the North East Motorcycle Racing Club will kick-start the action before visits from both the 750 Motor Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club follow not long after. 

The British Automobile Racing Club takes centre stage towards the end of May with a festival of Caterham action whilst the No Limits Motorcycle Racing and 750 Motor Club contingents are renowned for producing blockbuster entertainment.

Local stars will no doubt make their mark during the Darlington & District Motor Club’s annual meeting before the Kwik Fit Touring Car Championship takes centre stage.

Undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year, the UK’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft at the slightly later date of July 29/30 to kick-start the second half of its campaign. 

Following the BTCC, the British Automobile Racing Club, Historic Sports Car Club, British Racing & Sports Car Club, Classic Motorcycle Racing Club and Classic Sports Car Club will come thick and fast to round out the year. 

Croft Circuit 2023 Race Meeting Calendar

April 1/2 – NEMRC Motorcycles

April 15/16 – 750 Motor Club

May 6/7 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 20/21 – British Automobile Racing Club (Caterham Event)

June 10/11 – No Limits Motorcycle Racing

June 24/25 – 750 Motor Club

July 8/9 – Darlington & District Motor Club

July 29/30 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

August 12/13 – British Automobile Racing Club

September 2/3 – Historic Sports Car Club

September 16/17 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

September 30/October 1 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club

October 14 – Classic Sports Car Club

Legends Cars Championship set for exciting evolution in 2023

The Legends Cars Championship is poised for an exciting 2023 season following confirmation that there will be two standalone championships for next season – covering a planned eight events.

Headed by the highlight three-weekend support slot alongside the British Touring Car Championship, the 5/8 scale series will also be racing as part of a separate five event championship which itself features some outstanding race meetings.

The six round championship will appear alongside the BTCC at Brands Hatch Indy on May 6/7 and Croft on July 29/30 before culminating north of the border at Knockhill on August 12/13.

In the second Legends Championship campaign, Cadwell Park will provide the backdrop for the curtain-raiser before trips to Brands Hatch Indy and a yet to be confirmed destination in September. The championship will then conclude at Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy.

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “We’re delighted to be able to reveal our calendar for 2023, the September race meeting should be confirmed in due course, and obviously very excited to officially announce the plan to run as two distinct championships for the new season. 

“With the three race meetings alongside the BTCC next year, it made absolute sense to us for those to be a standalone six-round Legends Championship.

“Now, we can also confirm what will be either a nine or 10 round Legends Cars Championship across five other events which will comprise some of the big race meetings our competitors have come to expect, the American Speedfest and the season finale with the Trucks. 

“It’s great to be returning to race at Cadwell with BARC for the first two rounds and we’re excited to be racing with MSVR at Snetterton as well. All in all we feel we have a fantastic offering next year for drivers, teams and, of course, the race fans!”

2023 Legends Cars ‘BTCC’ Championship Calendar:
Rounds 1 & 2 – Brands Hatch Indy – May 6/7
Rounds 3 & 4 – Croft – July 29/30
Rounds 5 & 6 – Knockhill – August 12/13

2023 Legends Cars Championship Calendar:

Cadwell Park – April 15/16
Brands Hatch Indy – June 17/18
TBC – September
Snetterton – October 7/8
Brands Hatch Indy – November 4/5

Pembrey Circuit reveals full-throttle 2023 race meeting calendar

Pembrey Circuit is gearing up for a full-throttle season of motorsport next year after unveiling what is a bumper schedule of race meetings for 2023.

With the dust settling on what has been a memorable year of track action at the home of Welsh motorsport, 2023 is shaping up to be even bigger and better at the picturesque Pembrokeshire venue – with tickets for many events set to go on sale in the coming weeks.

Drift League GB will kick off the action in early April next year before the BMCRC Motorcycle Racing Championship and BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship add to the edge-of-the-seat entertainment in the weeks that will follow.

May is poised to begin with the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club before the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy and British Truck Racing Championship each make the first of two visits to South Wales.

For the second year in succession, the British Truck Racing Championship will be the headline act on the billing for Convoy Cymru – which is billed as the ultimate festival of all things trucking; with a feast of attractions set to wow those in attendance both on and off the track.

As the months continue to tick by; the likes of the British Sprint Championship, VMCC Historic Motorcycle Racing, NGRR Championship Motorcycle Racing and CMC Welsh Summer Tarmac Rally will all take centre stage.

Returning thrills and spills from the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy, Drift League GB and BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship are the headline acts of August and early September before a second BARC Wales Sprint and BRSCC C1 Endurance contest star. 

Bringing the curtain down on the season is the annual October meeting for the British Truck Racing Championship; which is then followed by some Christmas fun as the Jaffa Stages Rally closes out the year on December 27.

Pembrey Circuit 2023 Race Meeting Calendar 

April 1/2 – Drifting Championship

April 8/9 – BMCRC Motorcycle Racing Championship

April 22/23 – BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship

May 6/7 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club

May 13/14 – Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy

May 20/21 – Convoy Cymru including British Truck Racing Championship

June 3/4 – British Sprint Championship

June 10/11 – VMCC Historic Motorcycle Racing

June 24/25 – NGRR Championship Motorcycle Racing

July 23 – CMC Welsh Summer Tarmac Rally

August 12/13 – Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy

August 28 – Drifting Championship

September 2/3 – BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship

September 9/10 – BARC Wales Sprint Championship

September 23/24 – BRSCC C1 Endurance Championship

October 7/8 – British Truck Racing Championship

December 27 – Jaffa Stages Rally

Morphmy becomes new Caterham Graduates Racing Club title sponsor

The Caterham Graduates Racing Club has announced that Morphmy will become the title sponsor of its CGRC Championship and CGRC Trophy for the 2023 season. 

Owned by Rob Oldland, the design and print company has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the popular one-make series and that is now only set to expand moving into next year. 

Marc Noaro, CGRC Chairman, said: “Rob has been a friend of the club for a few years now, he is more than just a supplier who delivers to the specification, he’s been invested and engaged personally over a long period and we are delighted to be able to take this next step together.

“We think this will benefit our members, the Club, Morphmy and our causes immensely – such as the BARC Marshals Fund – and there are some immediate benefits that will be felt before a single wheel turns next year.”

Rob Oldland, Morphmy Owner, added: “I cannot tell you how proud I am to have my company name as the title sponsor and on the sharp end of every car! I’ve loved racing with CGRC whose members were kind enough to help me with advice and guidance during my Academy year.

“I hope that my passion for racing in general – but particularly club-level racing, and especially so in Caterhams – shows in what I do with Morphmy and this association allows me to do more for the club and its members.”

The 2023 Caterham Graduates Championship will blast into life in April for what promises to be a blockbuster seven-event season whilst the Trophy will consist of three race meetings.

Thruxton Circuit confirms blockbuster 2023 events calendar

Thruxton Circuit has announced a blockbuster events schedule for 2023, where visits from both the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli are set to headline once again.

Coming off the back of an action-packed 2022 campaign, the fastest circuit in the UK is set to play host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of the season, staging a total of six race meetings from early May through to mid-August. 

The Hampshire venue will hold an exclusive test day for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Porsche Carrera Cup GB on April 12 before the Classic Sports Car Club kicks off the race schedule less than a month later on May 6/7.

Following that, the UK’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – will make its one and only visit of the year to Thruxton at the slightly later date of June 3/4. 

Spectators will step back in time for the Thruxton Historic in mid-June before the heavyweight behemoths of the British Truck Racing Championship rumble into town for Convoy on the Plain.

The British Automobile Racing Club will run an additional meeting at its home track in 2023, with a Summer Festival scheduled to take centre stage on July 29/30.

Bringing the curtain down on the full-throttle thrills at the circuit is the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli, where the best riders in the world will battle it out for outright honours at speeds of more than 190mph. 

Thruxton Circuit – 2023 Calendar

April 12 – Test Day | British F4 & Porsche 

May 6/7 – Classic Sports Car Club

June 3/4 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

June 17/18 – Thruxton Historic

July 8/9 – Convoy on the Plain 

July 29/30 – British Automobile Racing Club 

August 11/12/13 – Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli

Tickets for all 2023 race meetings are now available to purchase from https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing.