Category: Barc

BARC signs Armed Forces Covenant

The British Automobile Racing Club last month signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing the club and its venues to supporting serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

The BARC has always had close ties with the armed forces and this has developed in the past decade with its relationship with Mission Motorsport, the forces’ motorsport charity.

Further cementing its reputation as a Forces-friendly organisation, the covenant pledges to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We have a great history with the armed forces, not least because all three of our circuits are former RAF airfields. Thruxton is right in the heart of a huge military community in Hampshire, while Croft too has Catterick right on its doorstep. As a result we have always been very conscious of the military links in our areas.

“Signing the Covenant formalises this commitment and ensures that we will make even greater efforts to support the Service communities in our recruitment, our events and our staffing.”

To find out more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, head to https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/. 

Mission Motorsport celebrates 10th anniversary at Thruxton

At the start of this month, Mission Motorsport celebrated its 10th Anniversary at Thruxton Circuit, the very venue where it had launched exactly a decade before. 

Launched at the Hampshire venue on 1st March 2012, the pioneering charity has gone on to achieve extraordinary success, helping those affected by military operations by engaging them through motorsport. It was a great privilege to be able to host their return to Thruxton in commemoration of such a milestone. 

The charity has grown dramatically since those early days of track days, and now encompasses a wide range of support skills, training and employment opportunities, enabling Mission Motorsport to have helped over 2000 service veterans via their variety of programmes. 

One of the biggest and most notable achievements by the charity has been the establishment of ‘Race of Remembrance’ – which is now an annual fixture on the national motorsport calendar at Anglesey Circuit. Last year Thruxton held the first Karting of Remembrance event on the same date, which was a successful sell-out and will be repeated in 2022.

To find out more on Mission Motorsport’s journey over the past decade, please take the time to watch the following inspiring video with the Charity’s founder and CEO James Cameron: 

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Mission Motorsport’s work since the very early days and I was thrilled to find that BARC was already heavily connected with the charity when I arrived here. We have already hosted many events at Thruxton and Croft and we look forward to building on that and extending our support of the military community.”

Further information on Mission Motorsport and their initiatives can be found here: https://www.missionmotorsport.org/ourmission

Where To Watch BARC LIVE: Silverstone – March 12/13

The British Automobile Racing Club lifts the curtain on the 2022 season this coming weekend (March 12/13) with an action-packed two days of competition at Silverstone – and our cameras will be there to broadcast every lap on Facebook and YouTube.

Viewers will be able to see the new-for-2022 British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy Championship, Praga Cup and British Superkart Racing Club over the course of both days around the Home of British Motor Racing. 

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 11:05 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:45 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Silverstone, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

BARC North West Centre gears up for 38th running of CNC Heads Championship

The BARC North Western Centre is very pleased to announce the 38th running of the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Championship in 2022.

The Championship is being sponsored by CNC Heads owned by competitor Ric Wood for the fifteenth successive season, we thank Ric for his continued support. Without this great support, in so many ways, there is no doubt the Championship would not be as strong as it currently is. Also this season we welcome back Graeme Laslett’s Car Service Packs Company as a valued partner.

The Championship continues the well-trodden path of recent years with very favourable entry fees and few technical changes. We visit the usual popular circuits in the North and Midlands. This season sees a return to our ‘second home’ of Anglesey for a triple header meeting in September. There is another triple meeting at the end of April at Cadwell Park, with double headers at Croft, Donington Park (with the trucks) and at the final round at Oulton Park. The season commences on the 2nd April with a single round at Oulton Park, there is a third Oulton Park visit for the Dave Simpson Memorial round at the end of May.

Registrations have been open for a few weeks and entries are already starting to come in for the opening rounds. Most of the regulars from the last few seasons have registered including six of the top seven in last year’s Championship, these include Champion Jamie Cryer in his Ginetta G20, Jon Woolfitt in his Spire GTR, the Mazda MX5 of Graeme Smith and the Citroen Xsara of Paul Rotheroe. Other returnees include Roddie Paterson (Caterham), Garry Wardle (Seat Leon and Porsche GT3), Ric Walker (BMW Mini) and Tim Foxlow (Escort RSR).

It is great to see the continued support of all the regulars but it is equally important to welcome new blood to the Championship. Newbies (though not necessarily new to the sport) include Richard Armiger (Vauxhall Tigra), Peter Smith (Class A Renault Megane) and Connor Harvey (Caterham 7) – welcome to all of you and those returning after a break from the Championship. Registered numbers are now approaching 50 drivers with 60 cars.

If you have a car and are interested but not sure if it is eligible then why not give Peter Gorrie, our Eligibility Scrutineer a call on 07813 848671 or email him at petergorrieracing@gmail.com  

For those of you thinking of joining the CNC Heads Championship family, details can be found on the CNC Heads page at barcnorthwestern.co.uk or if you have any questions then either mail John Leck at johnleck.racing@hotmail.co.uk or give John a ring on 07889 760872.

BARC confirms extensive live stream schedule for 2022 season

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it will continue its partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV for the 2022 season, with no fewer than 15 race meetings set to be streamed live and online.

Showcasing the exhilarating, edge-of-the-seat action that is produced by the BARC’s variety of championships and series, 2021 proved to be a landmark year as the Club launched its live stream schedule; with it instantly becoming a smash-hit.

Broadcast simultaneously on the Club’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, 2021 saw race meetings exceed a combined total of 1.1 million views – putting championships in front of a new global audience. 

In addition, the BARC YouTube channel saw exponential growth over the course of the year as more than 19,000 people clicked the subscribe button to ensure they didn’t miss a single lap of the action.

For 2022, the Club’s coverage will renewed partnership with 247.TV will allow competitors, club members and fans to watch the best of national motorsport from the comfort of their own home, with enhanced commentary, graphics and full production values.

The British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy Championship, Praga Cup, British Truck Racing Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club are all confirmed to have their events streamed whilst a number of other categories will also feature during the course of the year. 

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We had a huge response to live streaming of a majority of our events last year so it was a no-brainer to continue with it into the 2022 season. 

“Our championships really saw the benefit from the vast online audience they were racing in front of and it helped to lift the level of professionalism too. There are of course lots of things to improve on and that’s what we will do for this year – we’re really looking forward to it.”

BARC 2022 Live Stream Schedule

March 12/13 – Silverstone Grand Prix

March 26/27 – Silverstone International

April 2 – Oulton Park

April 16/17 – Brands Hatch 

May 7/8 – Pembrey 

May 14/15 – Snetterton 300

May 28 – Oulton Park

June 4/5 – Silverstone National 

July 9/10 – Thruxton

August 14 – Donington Park

August 20/21 – Donington Park

August 27/28 – Snetterton 200

September 17/18 – Snetterton 300

October 8/9 – Pembrey

October 22/23 – Donington Park

November 5/6 – Brands Hatch

Croft Circuit to raise funds for Race Against Dementia in 2022

Croft Circuit has announced its chosen charity for 2022 as Race Against Dementia, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, which raises and allocates funds to accelerate global research and development in the race to find a prevention or treatment for dementia.

For Sir Jackie Stewart the love of his life, Helen, with a razor-sharp mind that timed his laps to the millisecond with unfaltering accuracy is living with this devastating disease.

In 2014 Helen Stewart was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Today, Lady Stewart’s short-term memory is fading and dementia is taking hold of her mind and body.

This terrible condition is devastating the Stewart family, as it does for millions of families living with dementia around the world. Race Against Dementia is driven to raise money to fund breakthrough and innovative dementia research. Their vision is to aid a breakthrough in the prevention or treatment of dementia with the greatest of urgency.

“I’m so grateful that the team at Croft have selected Race Against Dementia as their charity for this year. Myself and the Stewart family have fond memories of attending Croft with Paul Stewart Racing and I am really grateful for their support in joining us to beat dementia.” commented Sir Jackie Stewart OBE.

More than 50 million people around the world have dementia. Unless a cure is found, one in three people born today will die with dementia. A new person develops dementia every three seconds.

This crisis cannot continue and Croft feels “very privileged” says Croft Circuit Manager Tracey Morley to support a charity so close to her heart. “As a family we suffered first hand too, as we watched my father’s condition deteriorate with this disease, we sadly lost him in 2020. I feel there is a great link here for Croft to support such a worthwhile charity”

Croft will take charitable donations this racing season for this cause. If you would like to help Croft raise funds for Race Against Dementia this year do get in touch with Tracey at the circuit.

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2021

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening made a triumphant return on Saturday 26th February as champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their achievements from what was a sensational 2021 season.

Check out some of the best interviews from what was a night to remember below:-

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sits down after a memorable night of celebrations to take stock of what has been a challenging past few years, honouring the champions of 2021 and how things are shaping up ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Alan Gow – BTCC Chief Executive: The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship enters a new era this year as hybrid technology is introduced. With the season now less than two months away, BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow speaks on what is shaping up to be another fantastic campaign.

Dennis Carter – BARC Gold Medal Recipient: Spending nearly three decades working for the Club, firstly as Competitions Director and then as Chief Executive, Dennis has contributed an inordinate amount to both national and international motorsport, as well as to the BARC, and it is only fitting that he is honoured with a Gold Medal – the highest honour to be handed out by the Club and its Council.

Ian Watson – BARC Special Recognition Recipient: After spending two decades working for the Club, Ian retired from his role as General Manager at the end of the 2020 season and he was honoured for his services to the BARC at the Awards Evening along with Dale Wells.

Miles Rudman – Winner of The President’s Cup: Awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title winner clinched his second crown in 2021 with 17 wins to his name – making him the standout recipient of the coveted President’s Cup.

Charlie Hand – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, Hand was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy as he dominated the Junior Saloon Car Championship on his way to the title.

Chris Davenport – Winner of The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Designed to recognise and reward BARC Member Marshals for their service and dedication, this award is handed out to the marshal that completes the most volunteering days in a season. Last year saw Chris complete a total of 28 to clinch The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy.

Dan Cammish – Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion: Returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB last year, Cammish re-wrote the history books as he clinched a third title. For 2022, he’s back in the BTCC and teaming up with reigning champion Ashley Sutton to spearhead the NAPA Racing UK entry.

Claire Hedley – British Endurance and Britcar Trophy Championship Coordinator: Having grown exponentially in recent years, Britcar embarks on a new chapter this year as it runs the new-for-2022 British Endurance Championship as well as the Britcar Trophy and Praga Cup. Championship Coordinator Claire Hedley gives us the lowdown on what is to come.

Charlie Hand, Miles Rudman and Stuart Caie head Special Award Winners list

Whilst champions of 2021 took centre stage during the BARC Awards Evening this past Saturday (February 26), a handful of secret awards were presented to unsuspecting winners at the end of the night.

The first award to be handed out was one that was met with rapturous applause in the room as Robert Foote – who tragically lost his life last July whilst on post at Brands Hatch – was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

After powering his way to the Junior Saloon Car Championship title last year Charlie Hand was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship.

Embarking on what was his third campaign in the one-make series, the Westbourne Motorsport driver proved to be in a league of his own as he scored 14 wins on his way to clinching title glory.   

Commenting on the award, Hand said: “I’m over the moon to have won The Peter Collins Trophy – to say it was unexpected is an understatement as I didn’t see it coming at all.

“To share the stage with the other champions and some amazing people was fantastic and I have to say a personal thank you to the whole team and my family as without them this wouldn’t have been possible.

“That trophy is going to take pride of place at home and be on show for everyone to see as soon as they walk in the door I think and it’s winning it is the perfect way to tee up the coming season.”

The commanding, season-long performance of Miles Rudman in the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres didn’t go unnoticed as he scooped The President’s Cup.

Awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC, the now two-time champion chalked up a staggering 17 wins on his way to regaining his crown to make him a fitting winner of the accolade. 

“I’m absolutely shocked and lost for words,” Rudman said. “I can’t believe I have won this award, it really is a true honour. It’s fair to say that I had a good season; I was on top form all the time and hungry to regain the championship.

“We’re going to be back to defend the title this year and the aim is to hopefully replicate what we did in 2021 and be standing where we are now with some more silverware this time next year.”

Stuart Caie’s contribution to the continued success and growth of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club made him a worthy recipient of the The Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy for motorsport that Gerry once did.

Elsewhere, Chris Davenport picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after completing the most volunteering days over the course of the season whilst Alex Tuson was the inaugural winner of the Trainee Marshal of the Year in memory of Peter Harris award.

Dennis Carter awarded BARC Gold Medal at Awards Evening

Former BARC Chief Executive Dennis Carter was the recipient of the highest award presented by the Club and its Council, a BARC Gold Medal, at the annual Awards Evening this past weekend (Saturday 26th February).

On what proved to be a memorable night at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook where champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their 2021 achievements, Dennis took centre stage to be commemorated for the contribution he has given not only to the BARC but international and national motorsport.

Not given out every year, the accolade is awarded by the Council of the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects, with an impressive roll of honour dating back to 1955 already in place.

Predecessors of Dennis that have been awarded a BARC Gold Medal include seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner, Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis and three-time Le Mans 24-hr winner Allan McNish, to name but a few. 

Joining the BARC in 1988 as Competitions Director, he became Chief Executive within a couple of years and went on to hold the position for more than two decades. During that time he played a vital part in the global success of the BTCC, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival as well as playing an integral part in ensuring Formula 1 visited Donington Park in 1993. 

Despite retiring from his CEO status in 2013, Dennis has continued to be involved in the sport as BTCC Race Director and also National and International Race Director and stewarding roles. Recently he has been confirmed, once again, as Race Director for W Series.

Commenting on the award, Dennis said: “It has been a fabulous evening and I enjoyed it for obvious reasons having been awarded the BARC Gold Medal. I was given an award at the Motorsport UK Night of Champions in January so I think people are trying to tell me it is time to retire.

“The BARC means an awful lot to me and it is a privilege to be the recipient of a Gold Medal. I love the sport, particularly the grass roots end of it and it is great to see a lot of up and coming drivers attend the BARC Awards – they’re the future and we need to find a way to ensure we make it cheaper for them to get into the sport.”

Listen to the full interview with the latest BARC Gold Medal recipient, Dennis Carter, HERE.

Champions celebrated as BARC Awards Evening returns in style

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening made a triumphant return this past weekend (Saturday 26th February) as champions, officials and volunteers were honoured for their achievements during the 2021 season.

Rolling out the red carpet for the first time in two years – with the event last taking place just prior to the country going into lockdown in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic – more than 250 guests descended on the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook for a momentous night of celebrations.

Swapping race suits and overalls for dinner jackets and ball gowns; drivers from the likes of Britcar Endurance, Classic Touring Cars, Ginetta, Caterham Graduates, Legends, British Truck Racing, Porsche GB – plus many more categories – were all in attendance and awarded prizes throughout the night.

Hosted by the superlative Alan Hyde, guests not only had the opportunity to look back on the year that was but also hear from BARC President The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews and BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor.

Both the Club’s President and Chairman played their part in a very special presentation to former Chief Executive Dennis Carter, who was awarded a BARC Gold Medal for his contribution to international and national motorsport, as well as the Club.

Presentations to Vickie MacClinton, Ian Watson and Dale Wells also took place before rapturous applause filled the room as the late Robert Foote was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

Alongside the customary championship awards, a number of secret accolades were presented to unsuspecting winners on the night too.

Alex Tuson was the inaugural winner of the Trainee Marshal of the Year in memory of Peter Harris award whilst fellow marshal Chris Davenport scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after completing the most volunteering days in 2021.

Charlie Hand was a deserving winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, with Stuart Caie picking up the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy.

Two-time Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title winner Miles Rudman was the final secret award recipient as he was handed The President’s Cup after a flawless season which included 17 victories.

Finally, a grand total of ÂŁ1680.00 was raised on the night for the raffle and donated to the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund.

Jack James wins 2022 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship

Jack James has been crowned this year’s winner of the Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship, winning a fully-funded season in the popular one-make category for 2022.

Taking place at Croft Circuit on Saturday 19th February, James beat no less than 28 other aspiring teenagers to win a career-starting prize worth more than ÂŁ30,000.

Over the course of the day, the North Yorkshire venue saw competitors take part in a pitstop challenge, fitness challenge, autotest challenge, media presentation and driving assessment as an esteemed judging panel whittled down the contenders.

Following in the footsteps of former Scholarship winners Scott McIntyre, Harry Rice and Chloe Grant – last year’s victor – the four-time Rye House GT Cup vice-champion emerged as one of the leading lights throughout the competition.

James will take his place on the grid for the opening rounds of the 2022 Junior Saloon Car Championship campaign on the weekend of March 26/27 around the Silverstone International circuit.

Thruxton to host 2022 BTCC Season Launch in April

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that its 2022 Season Launch will take place at Thruxton Circuit on Wednesday 13th April.

Marking the start of a brand new era for Britain’s premier motorsport series as hybrid technology is introduced, the ‘Class of 2022’ will be in attendance at the Hampshire venue to showcase their new liveries and hit the track.

Official championship photography and ITV filming duties will be carried out during an exclusive invite-only event on April 12 before six hours of testing will see teams and drivers share the track for the final time ahead of the season-opener at Donington Park the following day.

This year will also mark the first Season Launch in which spectators will be in attendance since 2019, with a limited number of tickets available. Attendees are required to register for the free-to-attend event here in order to secure their tickets.

Gates will open to the public from 1000 as testing gets underway, with further information to follow.

Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with 2022 machinery and meet some of their favourite drivers during the lunch break as the BTCC’s hugely popular Pit Lane Walk returns, while food and refreshments will be served throughout the day at the Thruxton Centre.

As has been the case in the past, the official BTCC entry list for the forthcoming campaign will be released, on or just before the Season Launch.