Category: Barc

Mixed weather adds to BARC spectacle at Croft

Mixed weather conditions only added to the spectacle at Croft this past weekend (August 7/8) as the British Automobile Racing Club served up a motorsport bonanza in North Yorkshire.

In what is always a popular trip to the north of England, five championships continued their campaigns in front of an enthusiastic trackside crowd.

Miles Rudman maintained his position at the top of the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres standings after producing an impressive performance around the 2.12-mile circuit.

Chalking up two wins, the former champion was one of the leading lights over the course of the weekend whilst there were also victories for John Mickel, Will Gibson and a brace of Jack Parker.

The Caterham Graduates Championship produced its fair share of thrills and spills with no less than four races taking centre stage too. Wheel-to-wheel action ran throughout the entire Sigma 135 class as James McCall and David Read each scored victory.

Elsewhere, the amalgamated Sigma 150 / Sigmax bouts also saw a different driver stand on the top step of the podium in each encounter. Harry Senior – one of the in-form drivers heading into the event – starred in race one as he powered to victory before Ben Winrow came to the fore in race two.

There was unmissable action in the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship. Jon Woolfitt powered his Spire GTR to top spot in race one before Paul Rose bounced back from a retirement to end the weekend on a high, winning race two.

It proved to be an emotional weekend for the Silverlake C1 Racing Series as the Club paid tribute to the late Angela Lucas, who tragically passed away at an event at Snetterton last month.

Following a poignant tribute lap, the 31-car grid embarked on an action-packed three-hour race which saw Team Davies ultimately prevail. The team of John Davies and Matthew Davies delivered a commanding drive to claim the chequered flag by more than 30 seconds.

Capping off the weekend’s track action were two contests from the ever-entertaining MINI CHALLENGE Trophy. Boasting a near 30-car field, Joe Wiggin and Nicky Taylor enjoyed a share of the spoils as they claimed a win apiece.

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

Croft Circuit ready to welcome BARC for full-throttle weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club heads north to Croft Circuit this coming weekend (August 7/8) for two days of full-throttle action from no less than five championships.

In what is always a popular visit to the North Yorkshire venue – which is owned and operated by the BARC – Croft’s 2.12-mile layout of sweeping curves and precise braking points make it real challenge and a firm favourite for those behind the wheel.

One of the headline acts for the anticipated bumper trackside crowd will be the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres. Renowned for producing edge-of-the-seat wheel-to-wheel moments, the pocket rockets will duke it out in six contests over the course of the weekend.

Former champion Miles Rudman finds himself in the box seat as the driver to beat currently however the likes of Will Gibson, John Mickel, Sean Smith, Jack Parker and Nick Bridgeman are all hot on his heels.

The Caterham Graduates Championship has arguably enjoyed one of its best years to date so far and it looks set to continue at the home of motorsport in the north of England. With near capacity entry lists for its Sigma 135, Sigma 150 and Sigmax classes, the series has gone from strength-to-strength in 2021.

With the business end of the season now rapidly approaching, every point will be critical in deciding who will end the year crowned champion. Notable names to look out for across both days includes Harry Senior, Jamie Ellwood, Ben Winrow, James McCall and Harry Cramer, amongst many more.

Fans will see plenty of variety courtesy of the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship too. Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the multi-class category has been a smash-hit for more than three decades now.

Also boasting a bumper grid, some names that will be worth casting a watchful eye over during the weekend’s two scheduled races include Paul Dobson, Jamie Cryer and Graeme Smith.

The Silverlake C1 Racing Series is poised for an emotional return to the track at Croft this weekend as it prepares to pay tribute to the late Angela Lucas.

Whilst competing in the series’ four-hour race at Snetterton last month, Lucas sadly lost her life following an accident in the final hour of the contest at the Norfolk venue. A popular figure amongst the C1 Racing Club members and well-known throughout the motorsport community, Lucas’ tragic passing has seen the sport unite in recent weeks.

The one-make category will take centre stage on Sunday for a three-hour bout and it is expected to boast an ultra-competitive entry as well. Before that however, a parade lap will take place with the entire grid in honour of Lucas.

Rounding out the weekend’s action will be a pair of races from the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy. Matt Hammond currently leads the way however a sizeable accident at Oulton Park recently has left him in doubt to compete; if he doesn’t then the likes of Dominic Wheately, Harry Nunn and Charlie Mann will all be aiming to close the gap to the standings summit.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event, including links to live timing and the entry list, CLICK HERE.

Further information in regards to tickets and what time gates open can be found HERE.

BTCC Hybrid car set to make race debut at Silverstone

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced that its new-for-2022 hybrid system will likely makes its race debut at Silverstone on September 25/26.

Driven by 2013 champion Andrew Jordan – who will compete in the series for the first time since the 2019 finale – the Toyota Corolla will take part in both free practice sessions, qualifying and all three races.

As such, the outing will mark the maiden event for the new 2022 customer TOCA engine – developed by M-Sport – which has been run in the hybrid car throughout its testing programme this year.

Jordan is no stranger to the car having conducted a majority of the testing behind the wheel. Although scheduled to compete in all six sessions, the car will take each start from the pit-lane at Silverstone so as not to interfere with the ongoing championship.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “It’s not set in stone – it depends on how we’re getting along in the development cycle, but the plan is to run at Silverstone in free practice, qualifying and the three races.

“It will be invisible as far as points go; it will qualify, but wherever it qualifies it won’t start there. It’s more of a demonstration than a race – it won’t get involved in any dicing with anyone else.

“Competing at our Silverstone event is part of its full development cycle; although the hybrid components and engine have done far in excess of a seasons worth of running, we want it to also go through a normal race weekend procedure.

“So whilst it won’t get involved in any real dicing with other cars, it’s important that our fans and partners have the opportunity of seeing the hybrid car in action ahead of 2022.”

Lucy Hart appointed new BARC Speed Championship Coordinator

The last few years have seen the BARC Connaught Speed Championship go from strength to strength, firmly establishing itself as one of the UK’s most popular speed series. After the planned departure of Bob Adams a few weeks ago, BARC Midlands Centre is truly delighted to announce that Lucy Hart has joined us as Championship Coordinator.

“I hadn’t expected to be running such a well-loved series again quite so soon. I’m really excited about collaborating with the BARC and I’m sure that together we can make this Championship even more enjoyable for competitors and everyone else involved.”

BARC Midlands previously supported Lucy during her time as Championship Coordinator for Caterham, where she was responsible for delivering the UK’s largest single make series. However, we’re sure many speed competitors will know Lucy best from her association with the Midland Automobile Club (MAC), working at Shelsley Walsh as Competition Secretary and Secretary of the Meeting. Lucy’s involvement with the MAC also allowed her to develop the Autocar-Shelsley Walsh Young Drivers’ Championship and she remains passionate about making motorsport accessible to a far wider and younger audience.

A true motorsports enthusiast, Lucy frequently spectated at Shelsley during her early years and marshalled from the age of sixteen. She’s also passionate about bikesport and regularly enjoys the thrills of the British Superbike Championship and MotoGP.

Lucy and BARC Midlands Centre share many common ideals and goals, so we’re delighted to be working together again. The knowledge and experience she brings, backed by her sheer enthusiasm, is sure to help realise many of the ideas discussed during recent years. We’re already planning the 2022 season together, with the aim of introducing new venues, further simplifying regulations, providing more opportunities for new competitors and delivering even more fun.

We hope everyone associated with the Championship and BARC will give Lucy a very warm welcome. Need to contact her? Then simply email lucy@barc-midlands.co.uk We’re sure she’ll be delighted to hear from you.

Words: BARC Midlands

BARC Statement – Saturday 31st July [Updated on 2/8/21]

The British Automobile Racing Club is saddened to confirm that as a result of an accident that occurred during a race meeting at Brands Hatch circuit on Saturday 31 July, Rob Foote, a volunteer marshal and BARC member, tragically lost his life. The rest of the day’s racing activity was cancelled.

The meeting resumed on Sunday morning with a moving tribute on the grid attended by marshals, officials, drivers, teams and staff. Similar tributes were held across the country on Sunday and at events around the world as the motor sport family came together to mark their fallen colleague.

On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of our amazing volunteer marshals who do so much to enable the sport to take place. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Rob’s family and friends at this time, as well as those of the other people involved.

ENDS

Daniel Rowbottom, Rory Butcher & Senna Proctor join BTCC winners’ list at Oulton Park

Daniel Rowbottom, Rory Butcher and Senna Proctor scored a win apiece during what was an action-packed fourth Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event of the season at Oulton Park this past weekend (July 31/August 1).

The trio emerged as the leading lights from a truncated meeting as they became the latest winners this year, taking the number of different victors to nine from 12 races.

Prior to triumphing in race three, Proctor signalled his intent during an ultra-competitive qualifying session on Saturday as he stormed to a career-first pole position in his Honda Civic Type R.

Unfortunately, the BTC Racing driver couldn’t convert his front row start into victory as he was swamped by the Halfords Racing with Cataclean duo of Gordon Shedden and Rowbottom, amongst others, as the lights went out for the opening contest.

Shedden and Rowbottom went on to control proceedings until the red flag was brought out following a multi-car incident involving Tom Oliphant, Chris Smiley and Rick Parfitt at mid-distance.

On the restart, Rowbottom made the better start to take the lead and produce a superlative drive during the six-lap shootout to claim his first-ever win in Britain’s premier motorsport series. Shedden made it a Team Dynamics 1-2 whilst Adam Morgan rounded out the podium in his BMW.

Race two would see Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Butcher come to the fore as he claimed a commanding victory in his Corolla. Hitting the front on the first lap, the Scotsman soon put daylight between himself and the rest of the field to comfortably streak home.

Behind, Rowbottom delivered another sensational drive – despite being ladened with 66kgs of ballast – to fend off the race-long charge of Morgan as they finished second and third respectively.

Proctor eventually took the result his pace had deserved in race three as he dominated a truncated reverse grid encounter, upon which he had been drawn onto pole position for.

Drama ensued immediately – a theme that ran throughout the weekend – when the race was red flagged on the first of two occasions, with the latter incident ending the race early.

A number of drivers found themselves in strife as Sam Osborne pirouetted down Cascades and sent many into the gravel trap and needing recovering. Following a lengthy red flag period, the action proved to be just as dramatic on the restart.

Reigning champion Ashley Sutton was sent spinning coming out of turn one as he fought for the lead and despite recovering, further contact at Cascades ended his race on the spot.

When the dust settled, Proctor remained out front and began to build up a comfortable lead over the chasing Stephen Jelley and Shedden before the red flag ended the race early after an incident between Butcher and Carl Boardley.

At the end of a blockbuster weekend at Oulton Park, Sutton remains at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship with Ingram and the emerging Rowbottom his nearest challengers.

Sutton continues to lead the Independent Drivers’ too whilst Laser Tools Racing control the Teams’ and Independent Teams’ categories. BMW head up the Manufacturer standings, with Rowbottom the runaway leader in the Jack Sears Trophy.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship now heads north of the border to Knockhill on August 14/15 for Rounds 13, 14 and 15.

Championship trio take centre stage to star at Mallory Park

The British Automobile Racing Club produced a memorable day’s racing at Mallory Park this past Sunday (August 1) as a trio of championships continued their campaigns.

Spoils were shared in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship as George Turiccki and Allen Cooper claimed a win apiece on the one-mile Oval circuit.

Returning to scene of their 2021 curtain-raiser, a 14-truck grid served up plenty of wheel-to-wheel entertainment. Turiccki proved to be in a league of his own in race as he triumphed by more than three seconds before then going on to be narrowly pipped by Cooper in the second bout.

The penultimate event of the 2CV Parts.com Championship saw Pete Sparrow edge ever-closer to another title. Having been the benchmark from the get-go, the multiple champion showed his class to triumph in both races.

Despite having won every race so far this season, the experienced racer didn’t have things all his own way as he was made to work for his wins by the likes of Luca Proietti and Kris Tovey.

Alex Cursley continued his sensational run of form in the Carbon8 Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires as he scored a brace of wins. Entering the event as one of the pre-race favourites, the former series champion showed his class as he produced a masterful performance.

Powering his way to pole position by more than half a second, Cursley then converted his front row start into a pair of commanding lights-to-flag drives.

Wayne Rockett, Alistair Dendy and Neale Hurren emerged as the nearest challengers to Cursley over the course of the day as they each stood on the podium, Rockett doing so twice.

Rounding out the day’s track action were a pair of races from the Avon Tyres Northern & Super Classic Formula Ford Championship where James Hadfield and Jack Wolfenden reigned supreme to take a win apiece.

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

The British Automobile Racing Club is scheduled to make one final visit to Mallory Park in 2021 on October 17, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club set to take centre stage.

Blockbuster action throughout TOCA support package at Oulton Park

Blockbuster thrills and spills ran right the way through the TOCA support package this past weekend (July 31/August 1) as five championships resumed their 2021 campaigns at Oulton Park.

On what proved to be an action-packed two days where red flag stoppages proved to be a regular occurrence, the bumper crowd that attended the Cheshire venue were treated to plenty of entertaining wheel-to-wheel battles.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship ultimately raced just once due to delays to the timetable on Sunday. Following a lengthy stoppage of their own due to barrier repairs, the one-make series staged a frenetic four-lap dash to the flag.

Liam McNeilly produced a superlative performance to narrowly clinch victory ahead of josh Miller and Aston Millar, and with it, moved to the summit of the points standings. The second race scheduled to take place will now be run at Knockhill later this month.

Tom Hibbert was perfection personified in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup as he established himself as the driver to beat in the battle for the title.

Despite qualifying fifth, the Rob Boston Racing driver underlined his championship credentials with two peerless drives to claim a brace of race wins.

Max Bird strengthened his lead in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship too with a win, although that achievement was to be overshadowed by two sizeable accidents in race two.

Both Jim Loukes and Oliver Barker suffered heavy impacts with the armco barriers but thankfully they were able to walk away unhurt. Barker had been in the lead when he crashed and following the result being declared lap prior to the red flag, he was declared the winner.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB continued to throw up more twists and turns too as the title battle closed up further. Lorcan Hanafin and Kiern Jewiss each scored a win to ensure that just one point separates the top three heading into the next event.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. James Hedley, McKenzy Cresswell and Joseph Loake emerged as the leading lights from the single seater category as they scored a win apiece.

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

The TOCA Support Package now joins the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in heading north of the border to Knockhill next on August 14/15.

Racing comes second on sombre weekend at Brands Hatch

Racing came second at Brands Hatch this past weekend (July 31/August 1) as part of the British Automobile Racing Club’s latest visit to the Kent venue.

Sadly, the Club was saddened to confirm that a major accident took place on the Saturday and a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life. A full statement on the incident can be viewed here.

On Sunday, the mood at the track was a sombre one as a fitting tribute was paid on the grid before racing got back underway.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club delivered a bulk of the action throughout what was a frenetic day around the Indy circuit, with Jason West kicking off proceedings with a win in the Edmundson Electrical Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons Championship.

Malcolm Harding claimed an impressive brace in the combined Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Blue Oval Saloon Series contests whilst Gary Prebble reigned supreme in the Laser Tools Pre 93 Touring Car Championship / Simply Serviced Pre 2003 Touring Cars bout.

Spoils were shared between Barry Sime and Alan Greenhalgh in the Pre 66 Touring Cars ranks as Mark Lucock rounded out the list of winners by triumphing in the Shell Oil Pre 83 Touring Car Championship.

The Britcar Endurance Championship’s Trophy Class staged two one-hour races with Axel Van Nederveen and Adriano Medeiros stormed to victory in the opener before Simon Barker

There was a breakthrough win for Ruben Hage in the Junior Saloon Car Championship too as he strengthened his title challenge. Niall Bradley meanwhile dominated proceedings in the Kumho BMW Championship to net two impressive wins.

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

On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved.

Where to Watch BARC LIVE at Brands Hatch this weekend

After a quiet few weeks, the British Automobile Racing Club returns to action this weekend (July 31/August 1) at Brands Hatch – and our cameras will be there to broadcast it all live on Facebook and YouTube.

In what is set to be a blockbuster two days of track action around the famed Indy circuit, every point is set to be crucial as the 2021 campaign begins to head towards the business end of the season.

Viewers will be able to see both the Endurance and Trophy classes of the Britcar Endurance Championship, no less than 18 contests from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and action from both the Junior Saloon Car Championship and Kumho BMW Championship. 

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 10:20 – Facebook | YouTube 

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, 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.

BTCC ready to blast back into life in front of bumper Oulton Park crowd

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasts back into action at Oulton Park this weekend (July 31/August 1) and the annual visit to Cheshire will mark a major milestone as the series’ first sizeable attendance flock trackside.

Coming off the back of a five-week summer break, Britain’s premier motorsport series is set to return to its brilliant best as it welcomes an unrestricted number of spectators through the gates for the first time since the 2019 season finale at Brands Hatch.

Whilst spectators soaked up the action in June in restricted numbers, this weekend’s fourth event of the campaign will undoubtedly be special for a variety of reasons.

Those attending will have plenty to be excited about too with the ultra-competitive battle for supremacy at the summit of the standings set to continue around the tight and twisting Island layout.

Reigning champion Ashley Sutton currently edges proceedings as he aims to clinch a third crown. The Laser Tools Racing driver has been one of the categories leading lights so far with two wins and points in every race being the backbone of his charge.

Trailing Sutton by three points is Ginsters EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com ace Tom Ingram. Making the switch to Hyundai has proven to be an inspired move for Ingram who has chalked up two wins and he has a wave of momentum on his side currently.

Josh Cook is another double winner, doing so at the Thruxton season-opener, and he arrives at Oulton sitting third in the points ahead of four-time champion Colin Turkington and the hugely impressive Jake Hill.

Team BMW’s Tom Oliphant enjoyed a dream weekend last time out at Brands Hatch, netting his first win of the year, and he will be keen for more success as he bids to make home advantage count in his rear-wheel-drive machine.

Another driver to have impressed so far has been the Daniel Rowbottom in the Halfords Racing with Cataclean Honda Civic Type R. Powering to a first pole and podium last month, Rowbottom has emerged as serial front-runner and will be eager to net a maiden win.

Jason Plato, Jack Goff and Rory Butcher round out the top ten in the points and having enjoyed varying top results, they will all be eyeing another visit to the podium.

Other notable drivers to look out for across Rounds 10, 11 & 12 include Brands Hatch winner Adam Morgan, triple champion Gordon Shedden, Aiden Moffat, Daniel Lloyd and Stephen Jelley – amongst a number of others.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, including links to live timing and the timetable, CLICK HERE.

Coverage for this weekend will see Saturday qualifying aired on www.itv.com/btcc at 15:00 before Sunday’s race day broadcast will be on ITV4 from 11:50.

Leading lights of TOCA support championships head to Oulton Park

Oulton Park not only provides the latest stop on the calendar for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this weekend (July 31/August 1) but also the TOCA support package, with five championships aiming to take centre stage.

Fresh off the back of a five-week summer break, the battle for supremacy across the variety of categories that share the limelight with the BTCC will not want to be missed in front of an unrestricted crowd at the Cheshire venue.

Just three points separate the top four drivers in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship as they make their first appearance at Oulton since 2019.

Despite yet standing on the top step of the podium, consistency has proven to be key for Seb Hopkins who leads the way and he will be eager to clinch a maiden win. Tom Edgar, Liam McNeilly and Will Jenkins are hot on the heels of Hopkins however and all of them will be keen to topple him.

Arguably the one to watch will be R Racing’s Callum Voisin, who arrives at Oulton Park coming off the back of a sensational hat-trick of wins at Brands Hatch.

Things are as equally close in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, with Adam Smalley and Tom Hibbert split by just five points. Expected to be in the mix for the title this year, the pair have made impressive starts to their campaign with Smalley emerging as one of the leading lights.

Behind them, the likes of Josh Rattican , Carlito Miracco, Tom Emson and Steve Roberts will all be worth keeping an eye on as they bid to chase down the top two.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB has made a number of headlines this year already and you can expect that more will be made over the course of the weekend’s two scheduled contests.

The season so far has seen plenty of thrills and spills but it is former champion Dan Cammish that holds the initiative, albeit it by two points over Kiern Jewiss. Throw into the mix the likes of Lorcan Hanafin, Will Martin and reigning champion Harry King and you begin to see why this season is proving to be one of the best for the series.

Blockbuster wheel-to-wheel entertainment will be guaranteed to be provided by the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship too. Providing a pivotal step on the UK motorsport ladder, the one-make tin top series has been in fine form.

Max Bird enters the weekend as the driver to beat however with the likes of Lewis Brown, Dan Zelos, Sam Weller and James Macintyre chasing him down, all bets are off in terms of who could end the meeting on top of the pile.

Rounding out the weekend’s action will be a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certfiied by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. James Hedley leads the way in the single-seater ranks however the duo of Matthew Rees and McKenzy Cresswell aren’t far away.

To find out more information on this weekend’s fourth event of the season, including links to the timetable and live timing, CLICK HERE.