Category: Barc

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.

TOCA support championships produce Thruxton thriller

High speed thrills and spills were in full effect at Thruxton this past weekend (August 27/28) as the TOCA support championships wrote the latest chapter in what is proving to be another pulsating season. 

With the business end of the campaign coming into view, every point on offer proved critical for those in title contention; all of which led to edge-of-the-seat entertainment for those that had flocked trackside. 

James Kellett took a step closer to wrapping up the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup crown. Having been the driver to beat since the get-go, the Century Motorsport ace added two more victories to his impressive résumé to further cement his place at the top of the leaderboard.

Sunday’s second race had to be restarted following a serious incident on the run up Woodham Hill. As a result of the impact, the drivers involved, Colin White and Mike Brown, were taken to hospital for care and are in stable condition.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship saw an abundance of edge-of-the-seat entertainment as the top two took centre stage. Will Macintyre clinched a pivotal victory in Saturday’s opener however he could do nothing to stop series leader Josh Rowledge from hitting back in race two later that afternoon.

Sunday’s third and final contest saw Rowledge recover from a high-speed on the run to the Complex to take his sixth win of the season and thus further extend his championship lead. 

History was made in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA as Alex Dunne continued his march towards the title. Returning to the Hampshire venue with a healthy lead in the points, the Hitech GP rewrote the record books in commanding fashion. 

Two victories over the course of the weekend – his 10th and 11th of the campaign – saw him break the record for the most victories in a single season and edge nearer to the overall title. Oliver Stewart made it a weekend to remember for the team as he also triumphed for the very first time.

Spoils were shared in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, where the title race took yet another turn. Gus Burton converted pole position into victory in race one before reigning Sprint Challenge GB champion Theo Edgerton came to the fore in race two to claim his maiden win in the series. 

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy’s final appearance on the TOCA support bill didn’t disappoint either as the one-make category delivered a pair of blockbuster races. 

Tom Ovenden became the latest driver to taste victory in the category as he won an action-packed race one before Nelson King added to his victory tally with a narrow win in what was a pulsating finale.

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

The Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, provides the penultimate stop on the calendar for the TOCA package on September 24/25, with the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW primed to rejoin the fray. 

Classic 2CV Racing Club closes out season with spectacular 24-hour race

The Classic 2CV Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2022 season in style at Snetterton this past weekend (August 26-28) as it produced another memorable Citroen 2CV 24 Hour Race.

Billed as one of the most coveted events on the national motorsport calendar, this years edition had it all and after a day-long contest, which had its fair share of thrills and spills, Team Toyshed emerged victorious by the smallest of margins.

In what was one of the most incredible finishes that the series’ centrepiece contest has ever seen, just one second separated the aforementioned winners and Slarky Malarky who finished as runners-up.

Completing a staggering 741 laps around the 200 layout of the Norfolk circuit, the trio of Andy Slade, Chris Slade and Michael Dryden did just enough to get the better of their Mini Grande counterparts. 

That astonishing victory ensured that they made back-to-back wins in the great race, having also triumphed in 2021. 

Team Misfits – who were also in a Mini Grande – rounded out the podium positions and ended up as the only other team to finish the race on the lead lap, albeit nearly 50 seconds adrift of the top two,

That wasn’t to be the only major celebration to take place during the weekend either as David O’Keeffe looks to have been crowned 2CV champion after producing a fine drive to cap off what has been a sensational campaign. 

Teaming up with multiple and outgoing champion Pete Sparrow and Gary Adnitt to run under the 2CV Team Lion 1 banner, O’Keeffe helped guide the squad to fourth overall and the first 2CV entrant across the line – eight laps clear of their closest rivals, Car Caryl.

Drama wasn’t far away though as Nick Crispin, who had looked poised to convert his points lead into championship victory, saw his aspirations slip away. Having seemingly done enough to clinch the crown, the DD Racing team that Crispin was driving for were sensationally excluded post-race after being deemed to drive in a manner incompatible with general safety by stewards.

Elsewhere, the Snetterton Saloons also starred with an unmissable triple-header taking place on Saturday. Russell Dack – who is well known for competing in the Kumho BMW Championship – triumphed either side of Bryan Bransom’s victory.

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

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Snetterton 200 – August 27/28

The Citroen Classic 2CV 24 Hour Race takes centre stage on the British Automobile Racing Club’s YouTube channel this weekend (August 27/28) as the one-make series brings the curtain down on its 2022 season at Snetterton.

In what is one of the standout events on the UK national motorsport calendar every year, the 31st running of the day-long endurance contest will once again play out around the 200 layout of the Norfolk venue.

With the battle for supremacy in the overall 2CV Championship title fight still up for grabs, as well as a number of drivers all being keen to end the year on a high, this is an event that will be worth tuning into.

Coverage for the event will be as follows:-

Saturday Afternoon | 14:30 to 21:00 | Live video with walk-about camera, live commentary and race positions

Saturday Night into Sunday Morning | 21:00 to 06:00 | Live video rotating through three fixed cameras. No commentary.

Sunday All Day | 06:00 to 16:00 | Live video with walk-about camera, live commentary and race positions

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Race Show – Starting from 15:00 – 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. 

Goodwood locks in 2023 date for 80th Members’ Meeting

Goodwood has announced that the 80th Goodwood Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport will take place on the weekend of April 15/16 2023.

Opening the Goodwood motorsport season with a two-day extravaganza of car and bike racing, the ninth running of the revised Members’ Meeting format promises to be one of the best yet.

Iconic machinery and personalties are set to flock to the famous Sussex venue in the Spring, with race highlights such as the Gerry Marshall Trophy, Hailwood Trophy, Peter Collins Trophy and Graham Hill Trophy – as well as many more – set to have fans on the edge of their seats.

Ticket information regarding the Goodwood Members’ Meeting can be found by visiting https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/.

BTCC speeds back to Thruxton as title race gets set to intensify

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns to Thruxton this weekend (August 27/28) for three blockbuster races that could prove pivotal in deciding who walks away as champion come the end of the season.

Now on the home stretch of what has been an action-packed campaign, the UK’s premier motor sport series returns to the fastest circuit in the country for the second time in 2022 and it’s all very much still to play for. 

Team BMW’s Colin Turkington arrives in Hampshire as the driver they’re all vying to catch after enjoying a weekend to remember last time out at Snetterton. Pole position, two wins and two fastest laps allowed the four-time champion to open up a 15-point advantage over his rivals.

Having seemingly found his groove in recent rounds, the Northern Irishman will be keen to extend his lead this weekend, however he’ll be well aware he needs to be at his brilliant best as a long list of contenders are hot on his heels. 

Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com’s Tom Ingram leads the chase for Turkington ahead of Jake Hill and reigning champion Ash Sutton; all three of them having been in fine form since the get-go – in particular since the turn of the summer.

Back in May Rich Energy BTC Racing’s Josh Cook made history as he became the most successful ever driver at Thruxton in the BTCC, winning for the eighth and ninth time. The Bath racer left with the championship lead but he now returns sitting fifth, 72 points shy of Turkington.

Engine performance has hampered the Honda Civic Type R driver recently however if there was anywhere Cook would want to get things back on-track then his home circuit Thruxton would undoubtedly be his first pick.

Other drivers that will be banking on local support include Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Ricky Collard and Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com’s Jack Butel. Collard will be keen to make his mark after he came oh-so close to a podium two weeks ago. 

Jason Plato moved to the county in recent years so Thruxton can be regarded as his local track during what is being touted as his final season in the series. At Snetterton, the double champion showed his class as he clinched a podium in what was his 650th BTCC race. 

Headline names continue to roll off the tongue as you look further down the championship standings with Rory Butcher, three-time champion Gordon Shedden, Daniel Lloyd, Adam Morgan and Stephen Jelley rounding out the top ten.

Throw into the mix the likes of Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom, George Gamble and Bobby Thompson, amongst many others, and you begin to see why the BTCC continues to be as competitive as ever.

As always it won’t just be the BTCC that takes centre stage over the course of the weekend, with a bumper supporting cast revved up and ready to dazzle the thousands of fans that are expected to flock trackside.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy and Porsche Carrera Cup GB will all be in action and putting on a show.

Away from the on-track entertainment there will be plenty to see and do around the venue with a bustling trade village, supercar display, skid pan rides, food stalls, live music, mini karts, face painting and an interactive kids show, all providing fun for all the family.

Fans will also be able to meet the stars and their cars of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship during the Pit Lane Autograph Session on Sunday morning between 10:00 – 10:30. 

Tickets for this weekend’s spectacle are available to purchase on the main gate across both days with children 12 and under admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Programmes and FM receivers will also be on-sale at vendors around the venue.

MotoFest Coventry revved up to return after two-year hiatus

MotoFest Coventry is gearing up for a triumphant return after a two-year hiatus on September 10/11, with the British Automobile Racing Club’s Midlands Centre once again set to play a critical role at the heart of the spectacle. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic meaning the two-day event hasn’t taken place since 2019, MotoFest Coventry is aiming to be back bigger and better than ever this year, with a bumper number of visitors expected to be in attendance. 

Blending live music, theatre and street food along with exhibitors, car and motorcycle clubs and celebrity guests, MotoFest Coventry has been widely recognised as the ultimate urban bikesport and motorsport festival since its inception back in 2014.

This year will see the third MotoFest Coventry Sprint, an event which has previously been a sell-out. Created out of the City’s Ring Road, the Sprtnt will be open to an extensive range of vehicles and members from distinguished clubs. 

The Club’s Midlands Centre is currently aiming to provide one practice run and one competitive run during the first session on Saturday and Sunday, followed by two competition runs to complete a second session later on each day. 

Both days of the Sprint will also form Rounds 27 & 28 of the 2022 BARC Connaught Speed Championship.

If you would like further information about the MotoFest Coventry Sprint please contact Dale Elliott, Event Secretary, on dale@barc-midlands.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’re interested to know more about the BARC Connaught Speed Championship, simply contact Championship Coordinator Adrian Mudge via mudge@barc-midlands.co.uk. 

To find out more on MotoFest Coventry 2022, head to https://www.coventrymotofest.com/.