Category: Barc

BARC Connaught Speed Championship set for biggest ever season

The BARC Connaught Speed Championship is set for its biggest ever season this year after unveiling a bumper 33-round calendar, of which the ten best scores will decide who walks away as champion.

Having been one of several championships that elected to take a sabbatical from competition in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series is currently gearing up for what will be a record-breaking campaign.

Boasting the biggest ever calendar it has produced, this year’s schedule has been split, with 50% of the venues at hillclimbs such as Shelsley Walsh, Barbon, Prescott, Harewood and Gurston, and the other 50% taking place at sprints including Curborough, MIRA, Snetterton and Anglesey.

New-for-2021 is the introduction of the ‘Studio5009 – Classic Cup’, which is a bonus award designed for cars built prior to January 2001. With a handicap system in place to favour old, standard saloon machines, a balance throughout the field should ensure close results from the get-go.

In addition, Connaught Competition Engines have continued as the categories primary sponsor for the third successive year whilst a further four other sponsors will continue to fund a variety of awards too.

Those interested in competing in the 2021 BARC Connaught Speed Championship should contact Championship Coordinator Bob Adams via bob@barc-midlands.com or by heading to the website where the entry fee is just £35.00.

To view the full 2021 calendar, CLICK HERE.

Pickup Truck Racing Championship gearing up for 2021 return

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship is gearing up to be back and better than ever in 2021 as preparations continue to ramp up ahead of the start of the new season, with no less than 31 drivers already signed up to compete.

Having taken a sabbatical from the track last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-loved series is primed to return and its keen to make up for the adrenaline-filled entertainment that was unable to take place in 2020.

Boasting a bumper entry list that exceeds 30 cars, the battle for supremacy to clinch the coveted title is set to be fierce, with 2019 title winner George Turiccki leading the way. After being unable to defend his crown last year, Turiccki technically enters the season as the reigning champion and he will be focused on securing back-to-back championship victories.

Leading the chase for Turiccki are perennial contenders Michael Smith, Dale Gent, Mark Willis, Reece Jones, David O’Regan and Daniel Petters, amongst many others including a total of eight rookies.

This year’s calendar will see a potential 22 races spread across ten events over the course season. Five of those race meetings will be in support of the blockbuster British Truck Racing Championship whilst a further two will play out around the one-mile oval at Mallory Park.

Visits to Knockhill and Lydden Hill will add further intrigue and excitement to proceedings before three trips to Brands Hatch complete what is set to be a spectacular campaign.

Providing value for money and with a family ethos running throughout the paddock, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship will undoubtedly make its mark throughout 2021 as it looks to bounce back from a quiet 2020.

For more information on the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, visit the categories Facebook, Twitter and Website.

BARC Marshals Training postponed due to government restrictions

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that due to the current COVID-19 government restrictions, BARC Marshal Training days have been postponed.

Traditionally, a total of five training days are normally held across the months of February and March at venues such as Croft, Pembrey and Thruxton.

With training provided to cover a wide range of topics such as fire safety to pit lane operation and teamwork; marshal training covers a wide variety of key attributes in preparing those that are heading trackside each season.

More information regarding BARC Marshals Training as restrictions are eased will be communicated in due course.

To find out more information on how to become a member of the ‘orange army’ and play a role in the sport you love, head to https://www.barc.net/marshals/.

Champions celebrated as BARC Championship Awards goes virtual

The British Automobile Racing Club rolled out the virtual red carpet this past Saturday (February 6th) as the champions of 2020 were honoured in a unique Awards Presentation on social media.

Whilst this time of year is normally awash with Black Tie events, the current government guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic meant that this year’s BARC Championship Awards Lunch was cancelled.

Originally scheduled to take place at the Thruxton Centre as a low-key replacement for what is traditionally one of the biggest prize-giving evenings of the year, the annual ceremony took on a very different look for 2021 online.

Celebrating the achievements of drivers, marshals and officials via Facebook and Twitter, each champion was honoured with their own individual post, recognising the triumphs they had during the last year.

In addition, the Club also announced the winners of its four secret awards; The Peter Collins Trophy, The Densely Trophy, The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy and the BARC Marshal of the Year.

Tom Lebbon capped off a memorable first season in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship by being the worthy recipient of the coveted Peter Collins Trophy.

Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, Lebbon made history in the one-make TOCA support series by becoming the first Scholarship winner to take the overall title in their maiden campaign, chalking up five victories along the way.

Having not been presented last year, The Densely Trophy made a welcome return and it saw Esmee Hawkey’s name be the latest to be engraved onto its famous silverware. Bestowed upon the most successful female driver competing in a BARC championship, Hawkey proved to be a deserving winner.

Competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the Team Parker Racing driver produced a near-perfect season-long performance to clinch the Pro-Am title and score an overall podium finish as well.

For the second year in succession, The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy was shared between two winners. Awarded to the person that completes the most volunteering days over the course of the season, 2020 saw couple Alan Stalker and Nikki Hazelwood tally the most to share the prize.

They weren’t the only marshals that have been commended for their dedication and pivotal work during last season as Mark Trimby was announced as BARC Marshal of the Year.

Boasting a rich history, Mark was one of the standout candidates for the award after he bravely helped a driver escape their car as a fire broke out at Thruxton in September.

Look back over our Awards thread on our Twitter page HERE.

To view the full list of British Automobile Racing Club award winners, CLICK HERE.

BARC Red Sports & Saloons confirmed for sophomore season

After breaking new ground in 2020, the British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that its popular BARC Red Sports/Saloons format will return for its sophomore season, with three events currently scheduled to take place over the course of 2021.

Open to competitors who drive open/closed roof Sports & Saloon cars, regardless of what championship or racing club they compete in and providing they met current Motorsport UK safety regulations, the series of races garnered plenty of attention from the outset last year and duly delivered.

Formatted to feature a 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races over the course of a weekend, entries are accepted with a pre declared lap time for the specific circuit upon which competitors have entered into. Classes are then changed post-qualifying and post-race if competitors ran two or more laps faster in a qualifying session or race than their nominated class allowance stipulates.

Now, with experience from last year and interest building, a total of three events will be run during the forthcoming season.

BARC Red will feature at Oulton Park on April 17, Knockhill on May 29/30 and Thruxton on July 3/4.

Those interested in competing should contact BARC Competitions Secretary David Wheadon via dwheadon@barc.net.

CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Championship revved up for 2021 campaign

Preparations are well underway for the start of the new CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship season, with the forthcoming campaign shaping up to be one of the best in its long and illustrious history.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the championship enters its 38th year in 2021 and its popularity continues to grow, with a bumper grid expected to line up and duke it out for the coveted overall title this year.

Such has been the success of the multi-class category that Ric Wood and CNC Heads have continued their unrivalled title sponsorship of the series,

Coming off the back of a COVID-19 affected 2020, the CNC Heads contingent are planning a full season with 13 rounds spread across seven events. In line with their policy of controlling costs by having multi round meetings, five of the events have more than one race taking place.

Three visits to Oulton Park, where the North West Centre takes operational control of the race meeting, as well as trips to Knockhill, Cadwell Park, Donington Park and Croft are set to provide a fitting backdrop for this exhilarating championship.

As usual the championship is open to saloon, sports or GT cars that were originally designed for the road. To encourage competition the cars are split into Specials and Modifieds (based on extent of preparation), with each category further split by engine capacity at 1600 and 2500cc.

Anyone wanting to join this friendly, cost controlled, competitive and clean championship can follow the link to the CNC Heads page on barcnorthwestern.co.uk or contact John Leck at johnleck.racing@hotmail.co.uk.

BARC unveils bumper live stream partnership with FreeSports and 247.TV for 2021 season

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that no less than 16 race meetings will be streamed live and online over the course of the 2021 season after forging a partnership with leading sports production company, 247.TV.

Showcasing the exhilarating, edge-of-the-seat action that is produced by the BARC’s variety of championships and series, all events will be broadcast live on the Club’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, complete with commentary, graphics and full production values.

Footage will then be post-produced to create a weekly BARC highlights show that will be aired on FreeSports, the only free-to-air sports channel in the UK, under the title ‘Full Throttle’. In a first for UK club motor racing, the channel will also broadcast the live footage from a number of events, as their programming schedule permits.

Championships that will feature over the course of the season include the Britcar Endurance Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, Caterham Graduates Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club, amongst many more.

With the 2021 campaign due to begin in two months’ time, this new streaming partnership between the BARC and 247.TV will allow competitors, club members and fans to watch the best of national motorsport from the comfort of their own home.

Boasting more than two decades of experience, 247.TV is an independent production company which specialises in exciting content for both TV and online. Covering approximately 70 events per month across multiple sports, 247.TV has worked alongside the FA, RFL and England Rugby, amongst many others.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have tied up this deal with 247.TV. It is a huge step forward for the club and will be a significant boost for our many championships and competitors. We saw last year how popular it was and we’re sure it will be a big success in 2021.”

Adrian Battersby, 247.TV Head of Production, added: “COVID forced us to change our direction in 2020 so we decided to look at  motorsport’s production. I’m pleased to see that our approach was met with a positive reaction and we can’t wait to get started on the shows this year.”

Richard Webb, FreeSports Director of Programming, concluded: “As many sports were affected during 2020, we took some content from BARC events and were thrilled with the popularity of the shows and the quality of the driving across various different categories at iconic venues around the UK. We are certainly looking forward to the shows in 2021.”

BARC 2021 Live Stream Schedule

March 27/28 – Silverstone International

April 10/11 – Brands Hatch

April 24/25 – Cadwell Park

May 8/9 – Snetterton

May 15/16 – Pembrey

June 12 – Oulton Park

July 3/4 – Silverstone Grand Prix

July 3/4 – Thruxton

July 31/August 1 – Brands Hatch

August 21/22 – Donington Park

August 21/22 – Silverstone

September 18/19 – Snetterton

October 9/10 – Pembrey

October 17 – Mallory Park

October 23/24 – Donington Park

November 6/7 – Brands Hatch

November 13/14 – Brands Hatch

Note: All dates are provisional and subject to change in accordance with the latest government advice regarding COVID-19.

Viewers can watch FreeSports on Freeview/BT/TalkTalk channel 64, Sky channel 422 and Virgin Media channel 553.

Subscribe to the British Automobile Racing Club’s official YouTube channel HERE.

Goodyear Tyres to continue long-standing BTCC partnership until 2026

Goodyear Tyres and TOCA, Series Organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, have confirmed that Goodyear will continue its long-standing partnership with the BTCC for a further five years, through to the end of the 2026 season and into the introduction of hybrid power.

This extended partnership for Goodyear brings with it a number of accolades including owning the bragging rights to entering a third decade of continuous partnership in 2025, as well as continuing its non-stop development of tyres. 

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “The BTCC having a strong technical tyre partner is a key component of our success. As well, being the first major touring car championship to confirm its pathway for introducing hybrid technology, Goodyear is a hugely significant part of it.

“This is a very exciting period for the championship, and I’m pleased that we will continue our partnership with Goodyear through to the end of 2026. Goodyear has been an incredibly proactive and engaged partner of the BTCC for so many years and their ongoing commitment will help the championship continue to thrive into the future.”

Ben Crawley, Director Motorsport Goodyear Europe, added: “We are thrilled to have signed yet another extension to our partnership with the BTCC, continuing as tyre supplier and retaining the naming rights to the championship. We were really drawn to the contract extension as we wanted to be part of the next exciting chapter of the championship.

“With the introduction of hybrid power, new demands will be put onto the tyres and we are able to bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to the programme thanks to our experience working with leading OEMs where we are shod on some of their hybrid and electric vehicles.

“The fact that this contract also brings us fantastic milestones, such as entering a third decade of partnership, makes us feel really proud as we reflect on all of the fantastic things we have done as a company to promote and develop the championship, not only for the teams and drivers, but also the fans. We look forward to entering this new chapter with the UK’s leading racing championship.”

 

Sports Prototype Cup launches ‘Silverstone Open’ event for May race meeting

Silverstone’s legendary Grand Prix circuit is set to host a special double-header for some of the fastest prototype race cars this coming Spring Bank Holiday weekend as PitBox91, promoters of the Sports Prototype Cup, launch the ‘Silverstone Open’.

With neither the FIA World Endurance Championship or European Le Mans Series heading to British shores this year, the event on Saturday 29th May will give fans a chance to see powerful, high downforce endurance racing cars in action.

The Open will feature classes for Le Mans style prototypes (including Ginetta G58, LMP3 and historic LMP cars), the Revolution A-One, Radical SR3 and an Unlimited class for cars such as Jades, Junos, Clubmans, other Radical models and Sports 2000 type cars.

James Bailey, Sports Prototype Cup promoter, said: “Silverstone Grand Prix circuit is the perfect venue for high downforce prototype cars. In 2018, the Open Sportscar Series ran a Silverstone GP event, attracting 41 cars representing twelve different manufacturers.

“Since the demise of that series, we have been lobbied by competitors to recreate that event and we are delighted to be able to provide an hour of racing with our double-header format.”

Entries for the event are now open, with more information being found at www.sportsprototypecup.com.

BTCC announces revised 2021 calendar

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced a revised calendar for the forthcoming 2021 campaign.

In order to maximise the opportunity to have spectators and guests in attendance at events this year, a decision by Series Organisers TOCA has been made to push back the start of the season by five weeks.

The shift in the schedule means that Thruxton will now play host to the opening event of the season for the first time since 2010.

Snetterton will immediately follow before Brands Hatch Indy stages the third event on the calendar. Late July and August will see Britain’s premier motorsport series visit Oulton Park and Knockhill before Thruxton’s second race meeting of the year.

Back-to-back weekends at Croft and Silverstone follow in September before Donington Park welcomes the series to Leicestershire for the penultimate event of the 2021 season.

Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix circuit will hold the Season Finale – as originally planned – albeit at the slightly later date of October 23/24.

2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Calendar

May 8/9 – Thruxton

May 15/16 – Snetterton

June 12/13 – 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

BTCC confirms capacity 29-car grid for 2021 season

TOCA, Series Organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, has announced that a maximum 29-car entry list has been confirmed for the 2021 season.

Following the entry approval deadline, the maximum number of TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs) have been submitted by competing teams. Each team must hold a TBL for each car entered, with 29 being held between teams and a further three by TOCA.

As has been the case in recent years, TOCA has chosen not to allocate any of its TBLs to either existing teams or new entrants in keeping with its previously stated policy of wishing to gradually reduce the size of the BTCC grid.

Notable allocations amongst the grid include a second entry for Speedworks Motorsport, a third car for Laser Tools Racing and the return to three cars for West Surrey Racing.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Although we are all going through this most incredibly gruelling period, it’s enormous testament to the strength and popularity of the BTCC that we have a full entry.

“Even more remarkable is the fact that a third of the grid will be new-build cars that have been constructed in the off-season. All of which means that we have yet another fabulous, and even more unpredictable, season in store.”

2021 TOCA BTCC LICENSE ALLOCATION

Aiden Moffat Racing – 1

BMR Racing – 1

Boardley Motorsport – 2

BTC Racing – 3

Ciceley Motorsport – 2

Excelr8 Motorsport – 2

Motorbase Performance – 4

Power Maxed Racing – 2

Speedworks Motorsport – 2

Team Dynamics – 2

Team HARD – 3

Trade Price Cars Racing – 2

West Surrey Racing – 3

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in March.

The 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season is scheduled to begin at Brands Hatch on April 3/4.

BARC 2021 Awards Lunch cancelled

The British Automobile Racing Club regrets to announce that this year’s BARC Awards Lunch – scheduled to take place at the Thruxton Centre on Saturday 6th February 2021 – has had to be cancelled as a result of the current government guidelines regarding the COVID-19 situation.

The February date was itself already a low-key replacement for one of the biggest black tie prize-giving events of the year, celebrating the achievements of drivers, officials and marshals during the previous season.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We knew that weekend events and hotel stays would be out of the question this year, so a lunch event at the new Thruxton Centre seemed to offer the perfect solution to honour the 2020 achievements of our members.

“As with so many plans, however, we have little option but to cancel that as well and have done so as soon as possible to give people a month’s notice. We will do our best to make sure that all those who would have been honoured will get their moment of glory in due course.

“In the meantime, we will continue our preparations for the 2021 season with a great deal of optimism about the new campaign.”