Category: Barc

Work begins on Croft Circuit café

Construction of a new café and hospitality facility at Croft Circuit began yesterday (September 22) with the first stage of ground works.

Following planning permission being granted earlier this year, it is anticipated that the new building will be completed in early 2023 for use next season.

Ben Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Automobile Racing Club, which operates Croft, said: “This is an exciting development for the circuit, and we look forward to providing our customers with an improved experience when they visit next year.”

Further updates on the work will be provided in due course.

Ginetta enters extended partnership with SRO, ends long-term relationship with TOCA

Ginetta has today (September 21) announced it is to enter a new three-year partnership with global leader in GT racing, SRO Motorsports Group. 

Under this partnership, Ginetta will run three championships which will compete at Intelligent Money British GT Championship rounds from the 2023 season.

This new setup will allow all the manufacturer’s race series to be under one package, while continuing to enable drivers of all levels, from those looking to kickstart their racing careers to experienced drivers looking to develop and hone their motorsport skills, to progress to the highest levels in the sport, within a safe, efficient and premium environment.

The announcement marks the end of Ginetta’s long-term relationship with British Touring Car Championship organisers, TOCA.

Mike Simpson, Head of Motorsport, Ginetta, said: “Extending our partnership with SRO Motorsports Group is all part of Lawrence Tomlinson’s vision to continue to develop our racing series and experience. It is a great opportunity for us to continue to build our offering for drivers at all levels with ambitions to become professional racers or to go endurance racing.

It makes racing more efficient for teams and drivers and enables Ginetta to expand its renowned racing ladder philosophy to Europe and the USA where SRO already has a presence in GT racing.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Gow and TOCA for the support they have given Ginetta over many years.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We have had a long standing and highly successful partnership with Ginetta and we wish them every success in the future. TOCA will announce plans in due course as to which series’ will be joining the UK’s highest profile motorsport package from the 2023 season onwards.”

The 2023 Ginetta Championships will consist of the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT Academy and new for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship. The details of which can be found below:

Ginetta Junior Championship

The UK’s longest running and most prestigious junior series. Offering the first step on the motorsport ladder for 14 to 17-year-old racing drivers, using the multi-disciplined Ginetta G40. It is a championship that plays a critical function in the development of young drivers. 

Ginetta GT Academy

The Ginetta GT Academy is a unique concept providing the driver a high performance, yet safe and reliable race car, the G56 GTA, to enjoy entry level GT Racing. Drivers of all experience levels compete in GT Academy as the field is split between experienced drivers and novices being trained and supported by Ginetta factory drivers in the ‘Rookie’ class. 

Ginetta GT Championship

New for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship will consist of two main classes, GT Pro and GT5. Due to the success of the GT Academy Championship, Ginetta will now offer both a new car and championship to take drivers to the next level of competition. The full details of which will be announced soon. 

Final details of race format and cars will be confirmed in due course.

Track Attack to race with BARC in 2023

Dave Beecroft, the man behind the successful Junior Saloon Car Championship, has concluded a deal to take over the running of the Track Attack Race Club from Steve Vince, who has run the club since its inception.

The Club currently incorporates the 206 Gti Cup, Deutsche Marque Cup, Nippon Challenge, Tricolore Trophy and TT Trophy. The multi-marque grid comprised 29 cars at Croft this past weekend (September 17/18).

Dave Beecroft said: “Steve Vince has done an amazing job for so many years and has earned a well-deserved retirement. We have been in discussions for a long time about taking this on, and I am delighted that from today that responsibility now lies with us.

“We will build on the great platform that Steve has created and look to grow it further. We also see it as a fantastic opportunity for some of our Junior racers from the JSCC to move into senior racing.”

Beecroft also confirmed that Track Attack will run at BARC events from 2023.

Mark Turner, BARC Sporting Manager, added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Dave Beecroft and the JSCC and have worked together to make that championship the leading junior series in the country.

“We look forward to welcoming the cars, drivers and teams on the Track Attack grid to the BARC next year and working with them to take their club forward.”

The British Automobile Racing Club is the UK’s oldest race organisation club, dating back to 1912. It is a not-for-profit membership organisation, existing to provide motor sport opportunities for its members and reinvesting all revenues in the company. It operates Thruxton, Croft and Pembrey race circuits, as well as Gurston Down and Harewood hill climbs.

Provisional 2023 Calendar

April 15/16 – Cadwell Park

May 20/21 – Pembrey

June 3/4 – Anglesey

July 1 – Oulton Park (International)

July 28-30 – Thruxton

August 25-27 – Snetterton (200)

September 16/17 – Silverstone (National)

BARC championships delivers spectacular Snetterton show

The British Automobile Racing Club produced a blockbuster two days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment at Snetterton this past weekend (September 17/18), with six different categories writing the latest chapter in their 2022 campaigns.

On what proved to be a weekend to remember on the 300 layout of the Norfolk venue, a bumper crowd flocked trackside to witness a sensational 26-race programme where the battle for supremacy had everyone on the edge of their seats. 

Whilst the on-track action took centre stage, the event also saw competitors, officials and spectators come together to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8. 

Two minute silences were impeccably observed across both Saturday and Sunday, with all competing cars and trucks running tributes as well as officials and marshals wearing black armbands. 

There were twists and turns in the British Truck Racing Championship as the fight to be crowned champion intensified, with five colossal contests marking the start of the title run-in.

Division 1 saw Stuart Oliver make serious inroads towards the summit of the standings as he claimed a hat-trick of wins. Bouncing back from a heavy crash at Donington Park, the Volvo VNL driver dominated races one and two before then charging to victory in race five.

Championship leader Ryan Smith endured a rollercoaster weekend as he took to the track in a brand-new truck, having only had six days to build and prepare it; victory in race four would be his reward before he non-scored in the final bout. The remaining race fell the way of Richard Collett, who scored a popular first win of the season.

In Division 2, Luke Garrett endured his own mechanical dramas but still managed to score a pair of wins whilst Brad Smith, John Bowler and Jock Borthwick also visited the top step of the podium.

Miles Rudman and Will Gibson were the big winners in the Legends Cars National Championship as they each triumphed twice. Gibson was the driver to beat on Saturday before series leader Rudman came to the fore the following day – with the second of his two wins being his 50th in the one-make series. 

Matthew Isherwood chalked up his second-ever victory in Saturday’s final whilst Sunday’s finale fell the way of multiple champion John Mickel, who used all of his experience to pip Gibson on the run to the chequered flag. 

Variety was the spice of life when it came to the Classic Touring Car Racing Club as some of the most iconic tin tops from down the years took centre stage across eight unmissable races.

James Ibbotson claimed a dominant double in the Poultec Race Engines Pre 66 Touring Cars, with Stephen Primett repeating the feat in the Shell Oils Pre 83 Touring Cars. James Everard and Robert Crisell meanwhile shared the spoils in the amalgamated Laser Tools Pre 93 and Burty Haulage Pre 03 Touring Car bouts. 

In the combined Edmundson Electrical Classic & Historic Thunder, Burton Power Blue Oval Saloons Series and Berkshire Jags Jaguar Challenge races, Jason Davies was imperious as he guided his Ford Sierra Cosworth to two impressive victories. 

Nelson King closed in on securing the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy crown as he scored his ninth win of the season. The Graves Motorsport driver edged out Nicky Taylor to take a step closer to the title; wins also went the way of Tristen Ovenden and Charlie Mann. 

Steve McDermid was perfection personified in the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship as he added two more wins to his impressive 2022 tally. The MG ZR racer led home Jack Woodcock in two action-packed races – the second of which ended prematurely – to move closer to retaining his title. 

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend were two enthralling contests from the Pickup Truck Racing Championship. On what was a pivotal outing for the series, Dale Gent charged to victory in race one before Reece Jones reigned supreme in a pulsating race two, edging out points leader George Turiccki. 

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

Icons of the past serve up retro-themed thrills at Goodwood Revival

The Goodwood Revival rolled back the years this past weekend (September 16-18) as thousands of avid race fans flocked to the West Sussex race track for an event like no other. 

Bringing together iconic competitors and glorious machines, the Revival – which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the historic racing calendar – brought the curtain down on another entertaining year at the venue in style.

As continues to be the case, the British Automobile Racing Club played its part in the three-day spectacle with many of its hugely admired team officials and volunteers attending the event to run the operational and marshal aspect.  

Along with many other race meetings around the country, tributes were paid to acknowledge the incredible reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8.

Whilst there were to be many headline acts across the three days, the St Mary’s Trophy Presented by Motul proved to once again be an unmissable sight. Showcasing iconic production-based saloons from the 1960s, the Ford Galaxy 500 of Romain Dumas and Fred Shephard did enough to clinch the overall victory. 

Another showpiece spectacle was the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, which was for closed-cockpit GT and Prototypes between 1960-1964. In what turned out to be a scintillating hour, Gordon Shedden and Andrew Smith piloted their AC Cobra to victory lane. 

Friday evening saw sportscars from the late 1940s and early 1950s take centre stage in the eagerly-anticipated one-hour Freddie March Memorial Trophy contest. After narrowly missing out on pole position in qualifying, the team of Frederic Wakeman and Sam Hancock guided their Jaguar E-Type to victory by a little under ten seconds.

The Glover Trophy, which is for 1.5-litre Grand Prix cars between 1961 and 1965, had everyone on the edge of their seats as however out front, nobody could stop Andy Middlehurst as he powered his Lotus-Climax 25 to a famous victory.

Sports prototypes from the mid-1960s featured in the Whitsun Trophy presented by Sky Cinema with Oliver Bryant emerging victorious whilst Miles Griffiths reigned supreme in the Madgwick Cup, which was open to under two-litre sport cars that were produced between 1948-55. 

Grand Prix and Voiturette cars from either side of World War II made up the Goodwood Trophy and after 20 minutes of fierce racing, less than second would ultimately cover the top three. Mark Gillies hustled his ERA A-Type R3A to victory ahead of David Morris by just 0.051s whilst Ian Baxter was hot on their heels in third. 

World Championship sportscars from 1955 to 1960 featured in the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy and they didn’t disappoint. The two-driver, one-hour bout saw plenty of thrills and spills play out, ultimately culminating in the team of Andrew Jordan and Mike Whitaker piloting their AC Cobra Dragonsnake to victory.

Fans of the famous MGB were well-catered for courtesy of the Lavant Cup and the race saw a popular winner in the shape of Ed Foster. Elsewhere, Andrew Hibberd won the Chichester Cup and William Nuthall the Richmond & Gordon Trophies. 

It wasn’t just four-wheel machines that had everyone captivated though as the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy showcased some jaw-dropping 1950 motorcycles. James Hillier and George Thomas teamed up to take the overall win aboard the 1954 Matchless G80 CS.

Rounding off what was a momentous weekend was the Settringham Cup, which saw more than 60 youngsters line up in Austin J40 pedal cars. Esme Graham emerged victorious on combined results. 

To view the full classification of results from this year’s Goodwood Revival, CLICK HERE. 

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Snetterton – September 17/18

The 2022 season edges closer to its conclusion this weekend (September 17/18) as the British Automobile Racing Club speeds into Snetterton for what promises to be an action-packed two days of track action.

Headlining the event will be five blockbuster contests from the British Truck Racing Championship whilst the Classic Touring Car Racing Club will also provide unmissable entertainment with eight scheduled races.

Further thrills and spills are set to be provided by the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, Quaife Mini Challenge Trophy and the Pickup Truck Racing Championship.

As a mark of respect, and to recognise Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s life and service, the race meeting will pause for a two-minute silence at 12:50 on Saturday and 14:25 on Sunday.

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 12:10 – Facebook | YouTube

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

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

Statement: HQ & Venue Closures on 19/09/22

The British Automobile Racing Club and all its venues will be closed on Monday 19th September for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This includes all activity at Thruxton including the circuit, kart centre, skid pan and 4×4 course, as well as the circuits at Pembrey and Croft.

All scheduled activities over the coming weekend will continue as previously planned. This includes the British Truck Racing Championship meeting at Snetterton, the BTRDA Clubmans RallyX at Pembrey, the BRSCC meeting at Croft and the two days of hillclimbing at Harewood Hill. Two minutes silence will be respected within the proceedings as appropriate.

The BARC continues to send its thoughts and best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.

Statement: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On behalf of everyone connected with the British Automobile Racing Club, we are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Her dedication to public service has been an inspiration to the country and the world for more than 70 years.

We remember her and the values she espoused, as we send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

BARC North West Centre brings the action at Anglesey

Anglesey Circuit provided the setting for the British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre this past weekend (September 3/4) where the magnificent surroundings of the coastal track were complimented with some spectacular action.

On what proved to be a blockbuster two days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment in North Wales, the Caterham Graduates Championship, CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and the Junior Saloon Car Championship wrote the latest chapter in their 2022 campaigns.

Delivering six races and boasting bumper grids throughout, the Caterham Graduates Championship was undoubtedly one of the headline acts of the weekend. One of the stars of the show could be found in the Sigma 135 category as the juggernaut that is Jamie Winrow maintained his unbeatable form, chalking up another three comfortable wins. 

In the amalgamated Sigmax and Sigma 150 races, spoils were shared between three deserving winners. Harry Cramer was victorious in the opener before Kevin Barrett came to the fore in race two to triumph ahead of Stephen Clark and Harry Senior. Race three then saw Max Haynes narrowly edge out Barrett to stand on the top step of the podium. 

Harry Hickton got back to winning ways in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as he extended his lead at the summit of the standings, bouncing back in style following what had been a challenging few events for the teenage racer. 

Hickton, like the rest of the field, could do nothing to stop Daire Flock from claiming a well-deserved maiden win in the series in race one but from there the weekend belonged to the championship pace-setter. 

Victory by half a second over Adam Harding set Hickton on his way in race two before he then doubled his tally by edging out Flock in what was a frenetic third and final contest.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – the North West Centre’s flagship category – added to the spectacle with a trio of enthralling bouts although the weekend arguably belonged to one driver, Jon Woolfitt. 

At the wheel of his Spire GTR, the Class B and overall leader maintained his relentless front-running form with another exemplary performance. Comfortably pacing qualifying, Woolfitt charged to a hat-trick of lights-to-flag wins to subsequently strengthen his championship lead. 

The Jordan family had plenty to smile about as they claimed three of the four wins on offer in the Mini 7 Racing Club. Small in stature but packing a real punch under the bonnet, the one-make series didn’t disappoint with thrills and spills playing out at almost every corner.

Former BTCC champion and defending Miglia title holder Andrew Jordan enjoyed a near-perfect weekend as he converted pole position into a commanding double win. Over in the Se7en class his father Mike clinched a victory of his own, with Connor O’Brien picking up the remaining win that was up for grabs. 

On the longer International Circuit, The Super Series by the British Superkart Racing Club had those in attendance on the edge of their seats. As he has done on so many occasions this year, #0 plate runner Liam Morley served up an impressive performance.

Charging to pole position in qualifying, Morley stormed to victory in races one and two before seeing his streak come to an end by Lee Harpham, who was victorious in a pulsating finale. 

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

ROKiT British F4 announces two-day New Driver Test

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA has announced a dedicated New Driver Test at Snetterton on October 27/28 for prospective drivers looking to enter the 2023 season.

The two-day event will aim to give drivers an early opportunity to get to grips with the championship’s industry-leading Tatuus-Abarth-Pirelli package as well as begin building up testing mileage.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Motorsport UK, said: “We’re very pleased to unveil plans for our first official New Driver Test for 2023 at the end of October. One of Motorsport UK’s key objectives, as the organisers of ROKiT British F4, is to create meaningful pathways through the sport for drivers.

“Now, with this initiative, that process can begin even sooner, providing drivers a headstart on winter testing, an opportunity to network within the paddock and immerse themselves at an earlier stage in all that the championship has to offer.

“It’s always exciting watching a new generation of talent come through year-on-year, and we look forward to meeting and working with them in the coming weeks and months.”

Drivers wishing to participate in the two-day test can contact teams currently registered to compete in the championship by clicking here.

Croft celebrates as Nostalgia event returns

After an absence of three years, one of the highlights of the local motorsporting scene will see the tenth running of the popular Croft Nostalgia Event take place at Croft Circuit next weekend (Sunday 4th September 2022).

It’s part of a two-day festival at the North Yorkshire circuit which will see a combination of track action with the Historic Sports Car Club race meeting over the weekend as well as a host of other attractions to savour in another unforgettable weekend which pays homage to the sights and sounds of yesteryear.

The weekend will appeal to all the family with a host of unique events to keep everyone entertained. On Sunday, there is a blend of live music from the wonderful female harmony trio, The Daisy Belles, the five-piece Miss Jean & the Ragtime Rewind Swing Band, Colin Bourdiec (George Formby tribute artist), the North East’s ‘Ambassador of Swing’, Jason Isaacs and Northallerton Silver Band, all of whom will be playing in the marquee in the Infield Show Area from 10.00 to 16.30.

There will be Classic and Vintage car displays including the American Hot Rod-themed ‘Gasoline Alley’ where the cars will be visible close up and as well as watching them in action during the track parades on Sunday morning from 10.05. Vehicles on display include a 1961 Turner Sports Mk2, a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk3, a 1964 MGB GT, a 1936 Rolls-Royce Park Ward Limousine, plus an MG Midget, an AMC Hornet Sportabout Gucci Edition, a Ford Mustang, classic Triumphs and many, many others totalling around 400.

And why not celebrate the day out in style? All visitors are encouraged to come along dressed in period costumes from the naughty ‘40s, fabulous ‘50s and swinging ‘60s to truly create a sense of yesteryear where there are prizes in the Best Dressed Competition.

Other attractions include steam-powered wagons and rollers with trade stands featuring the Pimm’s pavilion, vintage coffee, a hog roast, hot dogs, and Yorkshire ice cream, plus the other usual catering outlets. There will also be a selection of traditional fairground rides which will be free for the under-15s, as part of their free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.

On track, there is a full programme of action across the weekend. Classes include Historic Road Sports, 70s Road Sports, Historic Touring Cars, Guards Trophy, Historic Formula Ford, Classic Formula Ford, Historic Formula 3, Aurora Trophy/Geoff Lees Trophy, Historic Formula Ford 2000, Classic Clubmans and 80s Production.

Ticket prices start at just £15 for Saturday’s race action in advance (£17 on the gate) with the admission fee on the Sunday is £25 per adult on the gate, but currently £20 in advance until further notice. Children aged 15 and under are admitted FREE, there is FREE car parking and FREE paddock access. For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

BTCC title race hots up at Thruxton as Dan Cammish, Ash Sutton and Josh Cook win

Dan Cammish, Ash Sutton and Josh Cook scored victory on what proved to be a blockbuster race day in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton this past weekend (August 27/28) to set up what promises to be a grandstand finish to the season.

Entering the business end of the 2022 campaign, the UK’s premier motor sport series put on  a show around the fastest circuit in the country for the bumper crowd that had flocked trackside. 

With every point proving to be crucial in deciding the destiny of the title, the battle for pole position in qualifying was as important as ever on Saturday afternoon; with NAPA Racing UK’s Cammish ultimately claiming bragging rights by a mere 0.017s.

Leaving it late in the session, Cammish powered his Ford Focus ST to the top of the times to pip Thruxton specialist Cook, who had held provisional pole for a majority of qualifying. Title contenders Jake Hill and Sutton locked out the second row whist Gordon Shedden rounded out the top five.

Cammish cruised to a commanding lights-to-flag victory in the opening contest whilst drama kicked off behind him. Sailing off into the distance as soon as the lights went out, contact between three of the chasing pack had everyone on the edge of their seats. 

Hill, Sutton and Cook came to blows through the Complex however they all emerged unscathed, although the latter was sent plummeting down the field. As the dust settled, Shedden picked his way through to second with Sutton hot on his heels in third; that would be where they’d finish. 

Race two saw NAPA Racing UK’s dream day continue as they recorded their first-ever 1-2 finish, with Sutton marking his 200th race in the BTCC with victory. 

Like he had done earlier in the day, Cammish dominated proceedings and had looked on-course to double his tally before the team made the decision to let Sutton through with two laps to go, allowing him to secure those extra few points in the fight for the title.

After dropping to third on the opening lap, Shedden – who in-turn was celebrating his 400th start in the series – enjoyed a relatively trouble-free run to third whilst Hill was fourth once again.

The third and final race of the weekend saw the ‘King of Thruxton’ Cook charge to a tenth career victory around the circuit. Starting fourth, the Rich Energy BTC Racing driver produced a superb opening two laps to fight his way to the front.

Once there, the Honda Civic Type R racer punched in a string of scintillating laps to pull clear of the chasing pack which was led by four-time champion Turkington. Cook would ultimately romp to a comfortable victory ahead the Northern Irishman and his BMW team-mate Stephen Jelley, who rounded out the rostrum.

Just two events and six races now remain in the 2022 season with Turkington sitting at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship. Elsewhere, Team BMW lead the way in the BTCC Teams’ Championship standings. 

Cook and Rich Energy BTC Racing continue to top the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ categories, with BMW setting the pace on the Manufacturer-Constructors’ leaderboard. In the Jack Sears Trophy, Bobby Thompson remains out front having further extended his lead. 

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

The penultimate event of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will see Rounds 25, 26 & 27 play out around the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, on September 24/25.