Category: Barc

BTCC announces date changes for Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy events

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced further date changes to its 2021 calendar, in particular the second and third events which are being held at Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy respectively.

Revisions to the schedule now sees Rounds 4, 5 & 6 at Snetterton move to the weekend of June 12/13, whilst Rounds 7, 8 & 9 at Brands Hatch Indy take place two weeks later than originally planned on the weekend of June 26/27.

In accordance with the government’s roadmap to gradually ease lockdown restrictions, the changes to the calendar further maximise the opportunity for spectators to return to race meetings.

As previously confirmed, the 2021 season-opener at Thruxton on May 8/9 will take place behind closed doors and without spectators.

No further changes have been made to the previously issued calendar with the series visiting Oulton Park and Knockhill before returning to Thruxton in later August. Events at Croft, Silverstone and Donington Park will follow before Brands Hatch’s legendary Grand Prix circuit brings the curtain down on the 2021 season.

2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Calendar

May 8/9 – Thruxton

June 12/13 – Snetterton

June 26/27 – Brands Hatch Indy

July 31/August 1 – Oulton Park

August 14/15 – Knockhill

August 28/29 – Thruxton

September 18/19 – Croft

September 25/26 – Silverstone National

October 9/10 – Donington Park

October 23/24 – Brands Hatch Grand Prix

The 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Season Launch is scheduled to take place at Silverstone on April 22, and like Thruxton it will be without spectators in attendance.

Magnificent Murray! BARC pays tribute to Murray Walker OBE

The British Automobile Racing Club, along with the rest of the motorsport community, are deeply saddened over the loss of Murray Walker OBE, who passed away this past weekend aged 97.

Making his first public broadcast at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in 1948, Murray went on to become a legend in the sport as he commentated on everything from bike racing and rallycross to truck racing and touring cars – as well as everything in-between – and all with the same infectious enthusiasm that everyone grew to love.

It was Formula 1 where he really came to prominence though, providing the soundtrack to generations of fans from 1978 through to 2001 on the BBC and later ITV. 

As the ‘Voice of F1’, Murray’s high-octane and knowledgable commentary became renowned, as did what became known as the ‘Murrayisms’ – the mistakes or slips of the tongue that added to the viewing experience.

In 1996, Murray was awarded the BARC Gold Medal – the most prestigious accolade the Club awards – for his outstanding contribution to motor racing. That same year also a saw him appointed an OBE for his services to broadcasting and motor racing.

Over the years Murray remained a dear friend of the BARC and repeatedly gave up his time to help us whenever possible, most recently in 2018. Alongside former Formula 1 and Indycar champion Nigel Mansell, he officially opened the brand-new Thruxton Centre as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The superlatives to describe Murray are endless, he was simply a wonderful man that had an unrivalled enthusiasm for the sport. 

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Murray’s family and friends at this sad time.

Thank you, Murray.

Murray Walker: 1923 – 2021

BARC expands audio listenership to Amazon Music/Podcasts with Cre8media

The British Automobile Racing Club is set to further expand its audio listenership on a global scale this year after confirming that content is available on Amazon’s Music/Podcasts platform.

In conjunction with the Club’s official audio partners Cre8media, Amazon Prime subscribers will have access to the latest news and stories at the click of a button or via Alexa-enabled devices.

Amazon is the latest in a long line of platforms that gives fans freedom of choice as to how they keep up to date with its championships, centres, officials and venues. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio and Overcast are just a number of outlets that are available to stream the Club’s content.

Continuing its long-standing partnership into a 11th year with Cre8media, the 2021 season is set to see yet more unique and insightful interviews take place with the likes of competitors and officials, taking you closer to the action across our race meetings.

Work is also underway on a number of other exciting projects that will further enhance BARC Audio, all of which will be announced in due course.

Matt Jones, Cre8media Founder, said: “I’m delighted to continue providing our services on behalf of the BARC and look forward to working towards the re-opening of the motorsport season as a whole.

“We have used 2020 in the main as a development year for the audio platform and have new and exciting updates coming soon. May I also like to take this opportunity to thank both Ben Taylor and Chris Ashby for their support during the past 12 months.”

To find out more information about the BARC’s audio platform, head to https://www.barcaudio.net/.

Amazon Music os one of the largest on-demand streaming music services. With more than 55 million customers, the platform continues to grow and it is available in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and Japan, to name but a few.

Revolution A-One to feature on F1 support bill once again in Portugal

The Sports Prototype Cup’s flagship category for Revolution A-One machines will take centre stage at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve this year as they play a supporting role alongside the Formula 1 Heineken Grande Prémio De Portugal.

After starring at the event in 2020, the series has been invited back for the second successive year on April 30-May 2. This time the Revolution A-Ones will race as a class within O Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade by Sport TV, with three races currently scheduled to take place.

No less than 17 drivers representing 11 different countries served up a feast of entertainment last October when the Revolution A-One contingent raced in front of 27,500 spectators. It is hoped that crowds will be permitted to attend this years as well.

Places on the grid are limited, with one already having been secured. Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy will once again compete, this throughout the whole season, which is scheduled to begin at Silverstone on May 29.

BARC confirms change of date for Brands Hatch Truck Racing event

The first round of the British Truck Racing Championship, due to take place on April 10/11, has been rearranged to the weekend of June 5/6. Following discussions between BARC and MotorSport Vision, it was decided to push the meeting back by two months to ensure that fans are allowed into the Kent circuit for what is always a popular spectator event.

The truck racing season will now start at Pembrey on May 15/16, assuming that Welsh Government restrictions have been eased by then, and will hopefully feature the first ‘Convoy’ truck show at the Carmarthenshire circuit.

The BARC has been working closely with the championships that were due to attend the Brands Hatch event in April and it is hoped that all will be able to join the rearranged meeting in June.

We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

BARC confirms Croft race meeting cancellation

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that its scheduled race meeting at Croft Circuit on April 10 has been cancelled.

The Club has considered very carefully the implications of the proposed easing of lockdown restrictions in making this decision, particularly with regard to marshals, officials and competitors.

 The C1 Challenge which was due to feature at Croft, will now begin its season with the 24hr Silverstone event at the end of May and the series’ visit to Croft will be rescheduled to August 7/8. The Mini 7s who were also due to race at Croft will now join the rearranged Silverstone event on April 24/25.

We appreciate the inconvenience and disruption that this will cause to existing plans, but we are grateful for everyone’s understanding at this challenging time.

BTCC season-opener to run behind closed doors at Thruxton

Following the announcement of the government’s roadmap for easing of lockdown restrictions, the season-opening Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship race meeting at Thruxton on May 8/9 will be run behind closed doors, without spectators.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that no spectators will be allowed to attend events until May 17 at the earliest. We are disappointed that fans will not be able to join us in May and we are sorry for the inconvenience this decision will cause.

However, it looks as though the circuit will be able to have a full complement of spectators when the BTCC returns to Thruxton on August 28/29.

TICKET HOLDERS HAVE TWO OPTIONS
OPTION 1

We would like to offer you the opportunity to exchange your tickets for the BTCC race meeting in August. If you purchased grandstand seats, these will also be transferred and we will do our very best to allocate you the same seats. However, if your original allocation of seats is not available we will contact you. To exchange your tickets please send your name, address, and postcode to may21transfer@barc.net

Tickets will be posted in June/July. If you have any queries please email info@barc.net and someone will reply as soon as they are able.

OPTION 2

If you would like a full refund, please send your name, address, and postcode to may21refund@barc.net and your refund will be processed within 7 working days. If we do not hear from you before Sunday 11 April 2021, we will automatically process a refund.

We appreciate the disappointment that this will cause to our supporters, but we are grateful for your understanding at this difficult time and look forward to welcoming you back to Thruxton as soon as possible.

BARC statement on early-season events

Since the Prime Minister clarified the relaxing of guidance last week (February 22), we have been working hard behind the scenes with venues and championships to evaluate what it means for the start of the BARC’s racing programme this year.

Alongside the need to ensure everyone’s safety, there is a great deal to take into consideration in these decisions, including overnight stays, travelling time for marshals, officials and competitors, the availability of circuits and the knock-on effects of rearranging rounds into an already busy calendar.

However, we are delighted to announce that we have arranged with Silverstone to move the Britcar Endurance Championship event from March 27/28 to April 24/25.

We remain in discussions about our Croft event on April 10 and our British Truck Racing Championship headlining race meeting at Brands Hatch on April 10/11. We hope to make an announcement on those as soon as possible this week.

Silverstone to host BTCC Season Launch in April

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that it will stage its official 2021 Season Launch at Silverstone on April 22.

All 29 cars will be in attendance at the Home of British Motor Racing as teams and drivers take to the track together for the first time this year for the only official pre-season test.

Six hours of testing will take place over the course of the day around the National Circuit in total, with the opening session between 10:00-13:00, before the afternoon segment runs from 14:00-17:00.

Official championship photography and ITV filming will be carried out at the venue, as well as other media interviews and activities.

Following the UK Government’s latest directives surrounding COVID-19, spectators will not be permitted to attend the event.

As of midday on February 26, Series Organisers TOCA have confirmed that the deadline for entries has closed, with all 29 participants signed up for the forthcoming 2021 campaign. The official BTCC entry list will be published either on or just before the Season Launch.

Goodwood pushes Members’ Meeting back to later in the year

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting, which traditionally opens the Goodwood calendar of events, has been postponed until October 16/17 following the UK’s government’s roadmap out of the current lockdown restrictions.

Originally scheduled to take place in May, the two-day event will now conclude Goodwood’s schedule of popular events, with an exhilarating mix of races set to take centre stage.

With a limited number of spectators set to be allowed to sporting events from May 17 at the earliest, organisers of the event have elected to postpone until later in the year.

In a statement, Goodwood said: “While the revived Members’ Meetings, which began in 2014, have always adopted a ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach to motorsport – even racing on in the face of the legendary ‘Beast from the East’ storm that curtailed other events in 2018 – the safety of our spectators and competitors is our highest priority.

“Therefore we will continue to work closely with Public Health England and the UK Government to ensure that any events are run in strict accordance with government guidelines. Plans for ensuring the safety of all at our events, whether behind the wheel, in the paddocks or watching from trackside, are well advanced to ensure that all three Goodwood motorsport events can go ahead this year.

“Where necessary, we have reduced the number of people present on-site to allow for social distancing. This will be regularly reviewed and adjusted in line with the latest official guidance as event planning proceeds.

“Goodwood wants customers to be able to book with confidence and if it is deemed that an event cannot take place on advice from the UK Government due to the ever-changing pandemic, the ‘Ticket Guarantee’ means customers can transfer their ticket to the following year or receive a full refund.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival are still scheduled to take place in their respective July and September slots this year.

Legends Cars renames Masters Award in honour of late Gerard McCosh

The Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres has announced a fitting memorial to much-missed racer Gerard McCosh – renaming its Masters Award to the ‘Gerard McCosh Napoleon Award’.

Presented to the best performing driver in the Masters division at the end of each Legends Cars race day, the re-naming of the award is a poignant tribute to the Scottish racer who tragically lost a lengthy battle with cancer in early February.

Undoubtedly one of the most loved and respected drivers in the paddock, the 67-year-old’s passing has left a notable void on the Legends Cars community.

The ‘Napoleon’ aspect of the award’s new name is a reference to Gerard’s famed mascot which always brought a smile to the faces of competitors and fans alike. His illustrious passenger, a pink pig cuddly toy, was arguably one of the most notable faces in UK motorsport.

In addition to the award, the championship has also confirmed that Gerard’s favoured No.69 will be retired from use in the Legends Cars National Championship – another move to acknowledge and honour the popular racer.

“It’s only right and proper we do something in Gerard’s memory, and specifically something which keeps his name part of the Legends Cars National Championship,” said Legends owner Phil Cooper. “Gerard was a larger than life character and someone who always made people smile. Quite simply, a wonderful sportsman and a true gentleman.

“While it is obviously tinged with great sadness, I am delighted to confirm the winner of the Masters class from every round will now receive the Gerard McCosh Napoleon Award. As well as that, we have decided to retire his famous ‘69’ from use in the Legends Cars as a further mark of respect and way of honouring our much-missed friend.”

JSCC set to begin search for latest Scholarship star

The Junior Saloon Car Championship is set to once again begin its search for the next teenage sensation and provide the opportunity of a lifetime as it stages its Scholarship programme for the 2021 season.

Scheduled to take place at Croft Circuit on Monday 5th April, a number of aspiring racers will all battle it out for a chance to win a fully-funded season in the 2021 Junior Saloon Car Championship as well as several other prizes.

Drivers will face a series of tests which include facing the media, showcasing their fitness and getting behind the wheel to underline their racing prowess. A judging panel made up of championship’s organisers and partners will then whittle down the competition before selecting a winner.

Previous winners of the award include former champion Scott McIntyre, Harry Rice and last year’s victor Deagan Fairclough, who enjoyed a sensational maiden campaign.

Commenting on winning the Scholarship, Fairclough said: “Winning the Scholarship has totally changed my life. I entered it at just 13-years-old as my parents had planned to enter me the following year, however Dave (Beecroft) told my Dad to enter me anyway as I could gain the experience.

“The day was so surreal, I got to drive a car for the first time and I was buzzing all day. After making it into the top three, me and my parents were convinced that one of the older guys had got it and that they wouldn’t pick someone so young but here I am.

“The JSCC has really built me as a person as I’ve had some amazing results and bad luck, the usual highs and lows that everyone has in racing. The experiences has better mentally prepared me for my future career and things to look out for. Everyone in the series has been great and supports each other, that’s what it is all about.

“I’ve made friends for life in the JSCC and it’s been an experience I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to see where this great start to my car racing journey is going to take me.”

To find out more information on the Junior Saloon Car Championship and it’s Scholarship programme, head to https://www.juniorsaloons.co.uk/.