Category: Barc

Ashley Sutton ‘over the moon’ at becoming youngest-ever three-time BTCC champion

Ashley Sutton has shared his delight after clinching a third Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24).

On what proved to be a thrilling final day of the season around the Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue, the Laser Tools Racing driver kept his cool to join an elite club of drivers to have lifted the biggest prize in UK motorsport on three occasions.

The Infiniti Q50 racer held a 32-point advantage going into the final event of the season and a top six finish in each of the first two races around the iconic Grand Prix circuit was enough to wrap things up before he went on to win the finale.

Alongside clinching his third Drivers’ Championship, the 27-year-old also successfully retained his BTCC Independent Drivers’ crown whilst also helping Laser Tools Racing to win both the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ titles – making it a year to remember. 

Sutton’s title treble has now moved him to within one of the all-time record – currently held by Colin Turkington and Andy Rouse – and has made him the youngest ever three-time champion in the history of the BTCC.

Commenting on his title success, Sutton said: “To have been crowned BTCC champion once was a great achievement but to now stand here with three titles is simply incredible! It hasn’t fully sunk in yet but to go back-to-back is just phenomenal – I’m absolutely over the moon!

“Race one and two was just about shadowing what Colin [Turkington] was doing. To wrap it up with a race to spare was great and winning race three was the best way to finish off the season. I could take the handcuffs off and go and do what I wanted which was amazing.

“Coming into the year I knew I had to change my approach a little but early on I was fully focused on getting those big results and more importantly, points on the board. After not finishing at Oulton Park we flicked that switch and since then we’ve been smart, taken our opportunities and extended the lead whenever possible.

“This really has been such a team effort. I’ve got a fantastic group of people around me who have given me an incredible car all year and without them this wouldn’t have been possible. To retain the both the Drivers’ and Independent Drivers’ titles as well as help Laser Tools win the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ is mega!

“I’m now the youngest three-time champion in the history of the series, let’s make it four next year. When all is said and done, I want to be one of the greats of the BTCC and I’m fully focused on winning more championships. Over the past few years I’ve continued to raise my game but I don’t truly think I’ve hit my peak yet; I’ve still got things I can improve on so that is exciting as we move forward.

“We’ll celebrate this and soak up the moment but it won’t be long until the focus starts switching to next year where the goal is to come back and lift this title once again!”

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns in 2022, with Donington Park providing the backdrop for the season-opener on April 23/24.

BARC Championship Awards Evening returns in February 2022

The British Automobile Racing Club’s prestigious Championship Awards Evening will make a glittering return in 2022, taking place at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook on Saturday 26th February.

On what is always one of the biggest prize-giving nights of the year, race suits and overalls will be swapped for black ties and ball gowns as the great and good of UK motorsport come together for what should be an unforgettable evening.

Hosted by Alan Hyde, the star-studded evening will include a three-course dinner, entertainment and raffle, in addition to the customary trophy presentations that celebrate the achievements of drivers, officials and marshals. There will also be a number of ‘secret awards’. 

The evening will be preceded by the inaugural BARC Charity Golf Day around Old Thorns’ Peter Alliss-designed championship golf course, competing for the Graham Hill Memorial Trophy that was last presented in 1978!

Tickets for the 2022 BARC Championship Awards Evening will be on sale shortly, and more information will follow in due course. 

BARC to join several championships at MotorsportDays LIVE

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that a number of its championships will have a presence at the upcoming MotorsportDays LIVE (MsD LIVE) event at Silverstone on November 5/6. 

Heading into its fourth year of running, MsD LIVE has established itself as a world-class trade event with a unique focus of providing on-track experiences for genuine track day enthusiasts, amateur and professional racing drivers. 

Taking place at the Home of British Motor Racing, the two-day spectacle is expected to garner plenty of attention from drivers, championship co-ordinators, engineers, industry leaders, motorsport investors, spectators and more. 

This year, the BARC will be situated in Garage 34 with vehicles from the MINI CHALLENGE, Caterham Graduates Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club all taking to the track.

Furthermore, Britcar will be on hand to showcase the new-for-2022 British Endurance Championship, as will Praga and Ginetta whilst the Sports Prototype Cup will be lifting the covers off the new specification Revolution A-One that will compete in the series next year. 

Staff from all championships, as well as the Club, will be on hand to speak to visitors on a variety of topics. 

Those wanting to find out more information on how to drive a car on-track at the event should contact one of the aforementioned championships. 

For more information on MotorsportDays LIVE and how to purchase tickets, visit https://www.motorsportdays.live/.

Ashley Sutton crowned triple BTCC champion at Brands Hatch GP

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship drew to a close at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24) with Laser Tools Racing’s Ashley Sutton crowned champion for the third time in his career.

Entering the final event of the season holding a 32-point advantage over his nearest title challenger, the Infiniti Q50 driver produced a flawless performance to net sixth place in races one and two to secure an unassailable lead with a race to spare. Then, with the shackles off he cemented his status as champion by charging to victory in race three. 

Sutton also successfully retained his BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship crown whilst he also helped Laser Tools Racing clinch both the Teams’ and Independent Teams titles – making it a year to remember for the West Lothian-based squad. 

Elsewhere, Team BMW wrapped up the Manufacturer/Constructors title for a record-breaking sixth consecutive year. Daniel Rowbottom meanwhile was the final champion of 2021 after he claimed the Jack Sears Trophy in commanding fashion. 

In front of what was undoubtedly the biggest crowd of the year, BTC Racing also enjoyed one of their best weekend’s of the season, kicking things off by securing a front-row lockout in the final qualifying session of the season on Saturday.

Senna Proctor powered his Honda Civic Type R to pole position ahead of team-mate Josh Cook whilst Halfords Racing with Cataclean’s Rowbottom and Gordon Shedden made it an all-Honda top four as the top 12 drivers dipped under the existing qualifying lap record.

Race one saw Cook produce a superlative drive as he got the jump on Proctor at the start and then commanded proceedings out front to notch an impressive 1-2, with Shedden not far behind in third.

In the battle for the championship, Sutton held station in sixth place to further extend his advantage in the standings. 

Sutton’s crowning glory came in the second bout as he once again finished sixth to secure an unassailable lead with one race to spare. As Cook secured back-to-back victories ahead of Daniel Lloyd, the reigning champion shadowed title rival Turkington to put the question of who would be champion beyond doubt. 

With the pressure off, the 27-year-old cemented his status as the driver to beat as he blasted from fourth on the grid in the final round of the year to score victory ahead of Rowbottom and Tom Ingram.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in 2022, with the start of the hybrid era kicking off at Donington Park on April 23/24.

To view the full classification of BTCC results from Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Titles decided throughout TOCA support package at thrilling Brands Hatch finale

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24) with titles also being decided throughout the TOCA support package. 

Dan Cammish wrote his name into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB history books as he wrapped up the title for a record third title. On what proved to be a pulsating last day, the Redline Racing driver held his nerve to cap off a sensational return to the one-make series.

Lorcan Hanafin – Cammish’s chief title rival – stormed to a crucial win in what was a pulsating first race to close the gap to three points however the JTR driver could do nothing to stop the Yorkshireman from netting his second podium of the day and with it, took his place in the record books as a three-time champion.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship was wrapped up during the opening race of the weekend as Aston Millar powered his way to the title. Arriving at Brands Hatch with a comfortable lead in the standings, the R Racing driver charged to victory to put himself out of reach from closest challenger Liam McNeilly. 

With the championship in the bag, Millar then went on to score victory in race two whilst McNeilly brought the curtain down on the season with a win in race three ahead of Rookie champion Robert de Haan.

Adam Smalley wrapped up his third career title in the Ginetta ranks as he was crowned Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion. The Elite Motorsport driver added the GT4 title to the Junior and GT5 crowns he had previously won. In the races themselves, James Kellett and Tom Emson shared the spoils.

The destiny of the MINI CHALLENGE went down to the wire with Dan Zelos beating Max Bird in a nail-biting finale to be crowned champion. Lewis Brown dominated proceedings in races one and two but it was race three that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

With the pendulum hanging in the balance, the pair scrapped hard towards the front of the field but it was Zelos that ultimately did enough to secure the coveted crown. 

It was the end of an era for the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost as Ford concluded its association with the series at the same venue it began at back in 1967. 

JHR Developments Matthew Rees converted his healthy points lead into championship glory as he sealed the overall title and Rookie Cup with a race to spare. McKenzy Cresswell and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak ended their respective campaigns on a high as they won the final races of the year.

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

Donington Park delight for several BARC championships

Donington Park played host to an unmissable two days of British Automobile Racing Club track action this past weekend (October 23/24) in what were autumnal conditions. 

The Britcar Endurance Championship brought the curtain down on its season with thrilling finales for both the Endurance and Trophy classes. 

In the Endurance category, YouTuber turned racer Jimmy Broadbent capped off his maiden season racing in emphatic fashion as he, alongside Gordie Mutch, powered his way to victory in both races.

Praga Championship glory ultimately fell to Richard Wells, Alex Kapadia & Tim Gray whilst Dave Scaramanga and Will Powell led the way in the Endurance standings. 

The Trophy class saw SVG Motorsport’s Mark Lee guide his Ginetta G56A to victory in race one before the Woodrow Motorsport duo of Simon Baker and Ollie Reuben claimed a win of their own.

Continuing to go from strength-to-strength, the Sports Prototype Cup capped off a spectacular year in style with a pair of pulsating races. Ross Kaiser and Richard Webb took centre stage to share the spoils, taking a win apiece, however they weren’t the only drivers of interest.

Freddie Hunt and Matias Launda, sons of former Formula 1 champions and one-time title protagonists James Hunt and Niki Lauda, were also in action in the Revolution Trophy.

Charlie Hand put himself out of reach in the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Having proven himself to be the benchmark from the get-go, the Westboure Motorsport driver enjoyed another superlative showing to secure an unassailable points lead.

Despite narrowly missing out on pole position, the third-year driver went on to reign supreme in race one as he claimed victory before chief rival Harvey Caton struck back with a win of his own. 

The Classic 2CV Racing Club saw two new faces on the top step of the podium in the absence of serial winner Pete Sparrow. David O’Keeffe ruled the roost in the opener before Luca Proietti triumphed in race two. 

Also in action during the weekend was the all-action Mini 7 Racing Club. Connor O’Brien and Mike Jordan claimed a win each in the Se7en class whilst Aaron Smith was victorious in the only Miglia contest to play out. 

Rounding out the track entertainment were a number of races from the rapid British Superkart Racing Club. With an incredible grid of more than 50 entrants, the action proved to be captivating as Sam Moss and Lee Harpham scored wins.

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

BARC North West Centre signs off season in style at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North West Centre closed out its season in style this past Saturday (October 23) with an action-packed day of racing at Oulton Park. 

Capping off another year of organising high-octane events, the North West Centre saw four championships play out an entertaining race day around the International layout of the Cheshire venue.

The CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship fittingly brought the curtain down on another vintage year with a bumper entry list and some captivating wheel-to-wheel battles.

With several drivers all in contention to be crowned champion, all eyes were on the front runners. Despite his best efforts, which included winning both races overall on the day, Paul Rose settled for class title honours as Jamie Cryer powered his way to outright championship glory for the second successive year in a row. 

The Kumho BMW Championship also signed off the year at Oulton Park and as he has done on many occasions throughout the campaign, James Card proved to be the driver to beat as he stormed to a pair of wins.

Much of Saturday afternoon saw the Silverlake C1 Racing Series take centre stage for its latest three-hour endurance contest of the campaign. Having seen plenty of ups and downs take place over the course of the year, the one-make delivered an exciting fight for the win.

When the chequered flag ultimately fell, emaxmotorsport ran out as the winners – more than 90 seconds clear of their nearest challengers after completing no less than 71 laps. 

Rounding out the day’s competition were two races from the Tiedman Trophy, which were won by Ben Powney and Nikita Abramov. 

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

Britcar to run Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship in 2022

Britcar has announced that it will be running the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship in 2022.

Boasting a rich history of organising top-end, club-level endurance competition over the course of the past two decades, Britcar has worked tirelessly to grow into what it is today, showcasing some of the most extraordinary cars and big grids. 

With innovative formats and the popularisation of 24-hour racing in the UK, Britcar – which has thrived under a new management structure in recent years – has continued to re-align its format in response to the sifting competitor demand for endurance racing at a National level.

Now – with the demand as high as ever – it is deemed to be the right time for a return to a true endurance National championship, sanctioned by the UK’s governing body for four-wheel motorsport.

As has been the case in recent years, the traditional one-day format will remain in place moving forward, as well as the tight-knit paddock atmosphere that has been cultivated by competitors and Britcar’s experienced and dedicated team. 

Claire Hedley, Britcar Managing Director, said: “Whilst we accept the responsibility and kudos that administering a National championship involves, we aim to retain the core values that have made Britcar a continuing success over a considerable number of years, which is in no small way due to the skill of our long-serving and loyal staff; past and present.

“We are really pleased with our provisional 2022 dates and circuit venues for 2022, more details about the Championship will follow over the next few weeks. We would like to thank our Championship sponsor Goodyear, as well as our valued commercial partners for their continued support.” 

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, added: “Next year marks the beginning of a new era for endurance racing in the UK with the introduction of the British Endurance Championship, and Motorsport UK is pleased to be partnered with Britcar in its organisation. 

“Claire and her dedicated team have built up a strong reputation over the past two decades in club racing circles and we look forward to supporting them as they take their next steps as the promoters of a national championship. 

“The calendar has a number of headline dates at some of the country’s premier circuits and gives the series a strong footing for its debut campaign. I’m sure each of these venues will serve up plenty of thrills for competitors and spectators alike.”

Provisional 2022 British Endurance Championship Calendar

March 12 – Silverstone (Grand Prix)

April 2 – Oulton Park (International)

May 14 – Snetterton (300)

June 18 – Silverstone (Grand Prix)

August 20 – Donington Park (National)

October 22 – Donington Park (Grand Prix)

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Donington Park this weekend

Donington Park plays host to the British Automobile Racing Club this weekend (October 23/24) for an action-packed two days of track entertainment.

On a weekend which will see the curtain fall on the Britcar Endurance Championship and 2CV Racing Championship, our live TV cameras will be on site to bring every important lap.

Viewers will also be able to see the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Mini 7 Racing Club and British Superkarts Racing Club in action over the course of the weekend at the Leicestershire venue.

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 12:40 – Facebook|YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 10:00 – Facebook|YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Donington Park, 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 announces 2022 dates for FOS, Revival & Members’ Meeting

Dates for the 2022 Goodwood Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard and Revival have been announced.

With the dust having settled on a spectacular season of motorsport at the Sussex venue, preparations are already underway for more of the same next year – with

The 79th Members’ Meeting will return to its customary Spring slot April 9/10 before the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes centre stage on June 23/24/25/26 for the ultimate summer garden party. The theme of next year’s edition of FOS will be announced in due course.

Bringing the curtain down on another season of unmissable track action is the Revival, which is scheduled to take place on September 16/17/18.

Commenting on next year’s events, The Duke of Richmond said: “I am thrilled that our much-loved, sell-out motorsport events will be making a spectacular return in 2022. Thank you to everyone who attended and partnered with the Festival of Speed, Revival and Members’ Meeting this year.

“Your loyalty and support after a challenging 18 months made them more special than ever, and we can’t wait to see you back at Goodwood again next year. It really will be a season not to miss.”

All three events will be running at full capacity, following a reduction for the 2021 Festival of Speed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goodwood ends spectacular year with sensational 78th Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit echoed to the screams of nostalgic horsepower and tyre screeching this past weekend (October 16/17) as the 78th Members’ Meeting took centre stage to close out another year of motorsport at the Sussex venue.

Taking place 18 months later than originally planned after being postponed last year, the two-day spectacle proved to be well worth the wait.

Open to members and fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, the event is staged to recapture the intimacy and camaraderie of the members-only race weekends held in Goodwood’s heyday.

British Touring Car Championship race-winner Jake Hill served up a sensational performance in the Gerry Marshall Trophy final as he piloted a 1978 Ford Capri III to victory ahead of Jack Tetley and Fred Shepherd. 

Nigel Greensall was victorious in the Moss Trophy whilst there was little over half a second separating the top two in the Arundell Cup, with Andrew Hibberd coming out on top in his Lotus-Ford 22.

The Don Parker Trophy – which is open to 500cc Formula 3 machines – saw George Shackleton comfortably reign supreme. Elsewhere the Earl Howe Trophy saw an ultra close finish as Lukas Halusa narrowly pipped Gary Pearson to victory by just three tenths of a second.

Fans were collectively on the edge of their seats during the Goodwood Super Sprint Rally which culminated in Martin Overington leading the way in Class A and Gary Le Coadou doing the same in Class B.

Ford GT40’s ruled the roost in the Gurney Cup, which was open to World Championship sports prototypes between the years of 1960 and 1966, with the team of Cottingham and Smith triumphing.

Nigal Greensall impressed in the Moss Trophy to score victory and there was plenty to be impressed about in the Pierpoint Cup as monstrous V8 saloons went wheel-to-wheel. The duo of Jordan and Willmott piloted their Studebaker Lark Daytona to a comfortable victory.

Other winners across the weekend included Chris Ward in the Salvadori Cup, Hughie Walker in the S.F Edge Trophy and Oliver Bryant in the Ronnie Hoare Trophy. 

Capping off the weekend’s track action was a superb race in the Hailwood Trophy, which catered for 250cc & 350cc GP Motorcycles up to 1983 & early 1970s F750. After a sensational back and forth battle at the front, James Hillier came out on top to win.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at the 78th Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE. 

Classic Touring Car Racing Club closes out season at Mallory Park

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2021 season in style this past Sunday (October 17) with an action-packed race day at Mallory Park. 

Producing edge-of-the-seat thrills throughout what has been a captivating campaign, a mammoth array of tin top machines flocked to the picturesque Leicestershire venue to entertain those lining the spectator bankings.

In the Pre ’66 Touring Car category, being behind the wheel of Ford was seemingly the way to go as victories were shared between two iconic models. Robyn Slater powered his Anglia to the chequered flag in race one before Alan Greenhalgh came to the fore in his Flacon to triumph in race two.

Spoils were also shared in the Pre ’83 Touring Car ranks. Thomas Harvey pipped Stephen Primett to victory in the opener before the latter struck back a few hours later, winning in his Ford Escort MkII.

The amalgamated Pre ’93 and Pre ’03 Touring Car contests boasted a bumper entry list and with it an unmissable opening race as just over half a second separated the top two, with Andrew Neal getting the better of James Everard. 

Race two saw Everard finish in second place once again, although this time it was to Gary Prebble and by the slightly larger margin of more than six seconds. 

Jason West couldn’t be bettered in the combined Classic Thunder and Blue Oval Saloon Series bouts. At the wheel of his BMW M3 E46, West fended off the charging Jason Hughes to win race one before stretching his legs in race two to complete a clean sweep. 

Capping off the day’s action were a pair of races from the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, which was concluding its maiden season alongside the CTCRC. Tom Robinson ultimately proved too much for the opposition as he charged to back-to-back wins in his XJR6.

To view the full classification of results from all Classic Touring Car Racing Club sessions at Mallory Park, CLICK HERE.