Category: Barc

BTCC revved up for Donington Park curtain-raiser

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship makes it long-awaited return this weekend (August 1/2) with three races at Donington Park marking the start of what is set to be an action-packed three-and-a-half months of blockbuster entertainment.

With motorsport having come to an abrupt stop back in March due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Britain’s premier race series has been busy preparing for a safe return and has put together a rescheduled 27-race schedule, taking place across nine of the UK’s best circuit layouts.

Like any championship, the BTCC has been impacted by the pandemic and has subsequently seen the likes of Andrew Jordan, Jason Plato and Mat Jackson all sidelined for the 2020 campaign.

One man that will be on-track however is reigning champion Colin Turkington, who is looking to clinch a record-breaking fifth BTCC title at the wheel of his West Surrey Racing BMW 330i M Sport.

Triumphing in dramatic style last year, the Northern Irishman is back to defend his crown with Team BMW alongside Tom Oliphant and will undoubtedly be hard to beat.

Whilst Turkington heads into the opening event of what is a condensed campaign, the list of challengers that threaten to take his title away from him in 2020 is vast.

Halfords Yuasa Racing came close to overall victory last year and the Honda Civic Type R outfit have retained the services of Dan Cammish and Matt Neal in the hope that they can go one better this time around.

BTC Racing will also field Honda Civic Type R’s once again and they will put their faith in Josh Cook, Tom Chilton and Michael Crees to finally deliver championship silverware.

Tom Ingram meanwhile has a season under his belt with the Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Corolla and his sights are firmly set on clinching a maiden title after finishing runner-up to Turkington in 2018.

Elsewhere, Laser Tools Racing have expanded their driver line-up for this season with former champion Ashley Sutton joining Aiden Moffat whilst Rory Butcher has switched to Motorbase Performance to spearhead its charge with the brand new Ford Focus.

Other notable names to keep an eye on over the course of the weekend at Donington Park include Jake Hill, Adam Morgan, Jack Goff, Senna Proctor, Stephen Jelley, Chris Smiley and Bobby Thompson – amongst others.

With three races scheduled to take place around the 1.9-mile Leicestershire venue, every point is set to be crucial in determining who will lift the coveted title come the end of the season at Brands Hatch in November.

ITV4 will present live coverage of all the race day action on Sunday with the broadcast scheduled to begin at 10:40.

For more information on this weekend’s race meeting, including links to the timetable and live timing, click here.

New BTCC video game set to launch in 2022

The British Touring Car Championship has announced that Motorsport Games has secured multi-year license to create the official video game and associated Esports for Britain’s premier race series.

Scheduled to launch in 2022, the new BTCC game will be developed for new generation consoles, as well as PC, using market leading technology with an option to also develop a mobile version. 

The BTCC proved popular with gamers in the 1990’s thanks to the TOCA Touring Cars series on PlayStation, but hasn’t appeared on PC or console platforms in an official capacity for more than 15 years.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Finally, I’m proud to say that the huge demand from the BTCC and TOCA game fans is being answered.

“Just like the original BTCC/TOCA game, this will be a dedicated BTCC game featuring all the cars, all the teams, all the drivers and all the circuits – not merely some elements partially incorporated into an existing game. 

“It is hugely important to me, our teams, drivers and fans that any new BTCC game reflected exactly what everyone loves about our championship; the incredibly close non-stop action, intense competition and great enjoyment. I’ve no doubt that Motorsport Games will deliver exactly that.”

Stephen Hood, President of Motorsport Games, added: “This partnership is a clear signal of the enormous trust that the BTCC has placed in Motorsport Games. Our team demonstrated real enthusiasm for the project from day one, and our ambitions were immediately aligned.

“The opportunity is clear for all to see and we look forward to deploying the significant and proven capabilities of our esports, game development and media teams to return this series back to the forefront of gaming.”

BARC members to benefit from discounted Autosport subscription

New and existing members of the British Automobile Racing Club can now benefit from a discounted rate on a subscription to Autosport.

Autosport, which has been covering motorsport from Formula 1 to grassroots competition for nearly 70 years, is expanding its UK club racing coverage and has put together an exclusive subscription rate with the BARC that’s only available to Club members.

Members can have Autosport Magazine delivered straight to their door, access the digital magazine archive and have unlimited access to all Autosport Plus premium content on an ad-free version of Autosport.com for as little as ÂŁ8.99 a month – an additional 25% off the current pricing.

For more information or take advantage of this special offer, visit: www.autosportmedia.com/offer/barc

To become a member of the BARC, simply head to www.barc.net/membership.

Survey results praise BARC’s return to racing action

The British Automobile Racing Club’s return to the track in recent weeks has been widely welcomed by competitors, marshals, officials and organisers who have completed a post-event survey.

With major sports having been suspended during recent months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the appetite for national motorsport to resume has been great and bumper grids took centre stage at Cadwell Park (July 4/5) and Croft (July 11/12) for the BARC.

In line with Motorsport UK’s guidance for racing to return, changes to the Club’s protocols as well as guidelines to combat the spread of coronavirus were issued to ensure the safety and well-being of those in attendance at both meetings.

The research data, from more than 150 participants, confirms that this was well received and informative and that overwhelmingly people felt safe in the racing environment.

When asked to rate the information that was communicated to them prior to the event from 1-10, the club scored more than 9.2, with almost 60% scoring a perfect 10.

Similarly, the new method of handling paperwork electronically scored an impressive nine out of ten, whilst more than 94% felt that the BARC’s COVID Guidance covered all of the relevant information they needed.

Other encouraging results from the Club’s survey included 96.8% of people saying they felt safe whilst attending the meeting and only 1.4% of respondents suggested that they were less likely to attend another event after their experiences.

Concerns were registered about adherence to social distancing guidelines and the use of face masks, but more than 90% of people felt that the BARC’s guidance and procedures were generally adhered to during the weekends.

Whilst a high proportion of the results were positive, areas of development are always sought after and the BARC has taken all comments on-board to ensure improvements can be made for the remaining events taking place in 2020 and beyond.

Ben Taylor, BARC Group Chief Executive, said: “There has been a huge amount of work put into getting the sport up and running again, and it’s great to see that these efforts have been well received by the people on the ground.

“We have learned a lot from these first two events and of course we can make further improvements, but it is encouraging that of all our respondents, there was only one person who didn’t have an enjoyable event.

“If we can achieve that level of satisfaction while trying hard to ensure people’s safety and well-being, then that is what it’s all about. We would ask, however, that everyone keeps up their efforts to adhere to the guidelines so that we can enjoy the rest of the season with confidence.”

The Club’s next event will take place at Brands Hatch, with six championships set to compete around the Indy layout on August 1/2. That same weekend will see the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and support categories in action at Donington Park.

Pembrey Circuit completes build of new garage complex

Pembrey Circuit has continued its preparations ahead of motor racing’s return to South Wales by completing the build of a brand new garage complex.

In what is a milestone year as the venue celebrates its 30th Anniversary of being associated with the British Automobile Racing Club, the picturesque track has been a hive of activity.

Despite the global coronavirus pandemic having prevented any race meetings from taking place so far this year, plenty of work has happened behind the scenes.

Situated down the pit lane next to the circuit’s control tower, the new complex is comprised of 12 double garages with capacity to hold 24 cars. In addition, vast paddock space behind the garages will also prove beneficial for competitors, spectators and customers.

Away from the track, further improvements have been made around the venue, including upgrades to the toilet facilities in the paddock.

Phil Davies, Pembrey Circuit Manager, said: “These past few months have been a testing time for everyone but I’m delighted that we have been able to come out the other side in an even stronger position.

“Whilst we haven’t been able to stage motorsport events or welcome spectators, we have been able to continue with our planned improvements to the venue and built our new garage complex.

“I personally think the new garages look fantastic and they are a welcome addition. They will significantly improve the experience for competitors and spectators alike.

“We are working closely with the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council and we are hopeful that we will be able to open our doors and stage top-draw motorsport in the coming months.”

Pembrey is scheduled to play host to its first race meeting since the UK’s lockdown on August 8/9 when the Autosport International BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship in association with Cooper Tires speeds into Wales.

At this moment, all dates and events remain provisional and subject to change whilst spectators are currently not permitted to attend.

BARC Audio catches up with General Manager Ian Watson

In the latest British Automobile Racing Club’s audio interview, we catch up with General Manager Ian Watson.

Speaking to the Club’s official audio partners Cre8Media, Ian talks about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on motorsport, the steps put in place to ensure a safe return, working alongside the BARC’s championships and much more.

Listen to the full interview below:

BARC Audio catches up with Group Chief Executive Ben Taylor

As the British Automobile Racing Club continues to bounce back, both on and off the track, following the UK lockdown caused by COVID-19, we caught up with Group Chief Executive Ben Taylor.

Speaking to the Club’s official audio partners Cre8Media, Ben discusses the impact the pandemic has had on the BARC and its venues, the processes and procedures that have been put in place, what the future of the Club looks like and much more.

Listen to the full interview below:

Clio Cup UK postponed until 2021

Renault Sport Racing has confirmed that its new Clio Cup UK championship has been postponed until 2021.

The single-make series was set to feature on the British GT support package this year, debuting the fifth-generation incarnation of the popular hatchback.

Benoît Nogier, RSR Customer Racing Director, said: “Renault has enjoyed incredible success with its motor sport programmes in the UK for more than 40 years, particularly with Clio Cup brand.

“This therefore is not a decision that we have taken lightly at all. It is important to stress that our decision is based on feedback from the teams as much as anything else.

“There is no escaping the fact that COVID-19 has had consequences for business models – that includes those of teams in the UK. As stakeholders, we have listened carefully to them and, now in July, clearly they would prefer more time to test the New Clio Cup car being introduced in 2020.

“Therefore, we have taken what we believe is a responsible decision to help protect their interest and have already put in place the following.

“We are making sure that track time will be reserved at British GT events for teams to test the New Clio Cup car. This will be at no cost to those teams and drivers taking up this option.

“UK teams are also invited to race their new cars in Clio Cup France and Spain in 2020 to help them gain additional mileage. Our ambition is very much to return with a full Clio Cup UK championship in 2021.

“Our commitment remains as strong as ever to make New Clio Cup UK as accessible as possible for club racers and novices just as much as career-minded drivers; also to build a sense of mutual regard and community on our grid.”

Tickets back on sale for 2020 Thruxton BTCC race meeting

Tickets for the re-scheduled Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship race meeting at Thruxton on September 19/20 have now been made available to purchase.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent suspension of motorsport in the UK, the original date of May 16/17 was postponed and a revised calendar issued was issued by series organisers TOCA.

Ticket numbers will be limited and must be purchased in advance to guarantee admission.

All tickets that were previously purchased for the original date of May 16/17 will be valid for the rescheduled event.

Children aged 12 and under that are accompanied by an adult (maximum of five children per adult) are admitted to the circuit free of charge.

Information regarding camping and grandstands will be provided in due course.

Joining the BTCC on September 19/20 will be support race action courtesy of the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, MINI CHALLENGE and F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost.

To purchase tickets, head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc

Goodwood Speedweek set to take place behind closed doors in October

Goodwood will play host to a celebration of speed, power, grace and beauty this autumn after confirming a one-off extravaganza; Goodwood Speedweek presented by Mastercard.

Having taken the difficult decision to postpone the 78th Members’ Meeting, Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard and the Goodwood Revival due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it looked likely that no racing would take place at the West Sussex venue in 2020.

On October 16-18 however, the peace and tranquility of the surrounding countryside will be broken by the sounds of horsepower as Goodwood Speedweek combines elements of the Festival of Speed and Revival, as well as races from the Members’ Meetings.

The three-day event will take place behind closed doors however spectators will be able to savour all of the action courtesy of a live stream on the Goodwood Road & Racing website.

A statement on the Goodwood website read: “Speedweek will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, bringing together more than a century of motorsport and motoring and celebrating the past, present and future of our shared passions.

“The three-day broadcast will be packed with supercar demonstration runs, new car launches, next-generation technology from FOS Future Lab, and an online auction of beautiful machinery by our longstanding partner Bonhams.

“Of course it is the track action we are most excited to see and Speedweek will be doing it bigger, better and louder than ever. The favourite races from the Revival and Members’ Meeting will bring you three days of wheel-to-wheel action in everything from Edwardian aero-engined monsters to glorious ‘60s GTs and gnarly ‘70s saloon cars.

“There will be action off the track as well with the first-ever Goodwood Gymkhana and a Rally Sprint bringing the action screeching sideways onto your screen. The weekend will culminate in a Speedweek-exclusive Timed Shootout round the challenging 2.4-mile Goodwood Motor Circuit.

“Nothing like Speedweek has been seen before, as Goodwood brings more than a century of world class motorsport to life to celebrate the legendary feats of speed, courage and endurance that make it the most compelling sport on earth. On the track, the most valuable cars will do battle in the closest, most competitive historic racing in the world, driven by a glittering line-up of famous faces.

“Embracing the lack of spectators, a dramatic rally competition will see cars go on, over and even under the circuit, and the inaugural ‘Goodwood Gymkhana’ will literally take over the venue, going to places that would normally be strictly out of bounds.

“Building to a climax on Sunday, a never-to-be-repeated competition will see some of the fastest cars in motorsport history vying for honours in a winner-takes-all shoot-out over one lap. Modern cars have never competed at Goodwood, so the speeds they achieve will be unlike anything previously seen at the iconic venue.

“The official Goodwood lap record has stood for 55 years, and, with modern cars never likely to return, it’s entirely possible that the times recorded at Speedweek will remain unsurpassed for the next 55…”

BTCC announces 2021 calendar

The British Touring Car Championship has today (July 20) announced the official calendar for 2021, with Thruxton most notably set to stage two events in the same season for the second time in three years.

Firmly established as the UK’s flagship motor sport category, series organisers TOCA are already in a position to confirm it’s schedule for next year’s campaign – despite the fact that the 2020 season is yet to start.

Reprising a 30- round schedule over the course of ten events, Brands Hatch will host the opening event of the championship on April 3/4 before the series then moves to Donington Park.

Back-to-back weekend’s will then take place as Thruxton hosts the first of its two events on May 8/9, with Oulton Park following a week later on May 15/16. The annual trip to North Yorkshire and Croft will then round out the first half of the season in June. 

Following the annual summer break, Snetterton will kickstart the second half of the 2021 campaign before trips to Knockhill and Thruxton follow.

Silverstone will stage the penultimate event of the season whilst the iconic Grand Prix layout of Brands Hatch will bring the curtain down on the series, with champions set to be crowned.

BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said: “Well, this is certainly a new first for the BTCC – issuing the following year’s calendar before the current season has even begun… but I’m sure everyone will agree that it’s nice to see some ‘normality’ returning to the schedule.

“Having said that, with our first 2020 event now less than two weeks away at Donington Park, there is phenomenal enthusiasm for getting this season underway amongst our teams, supporters and partners.”

2021 British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds 1/2/3 – Brands Hatch (Indy) – April 3/4

Rounds 4/5/6 – Donington Park – April 17/18

Rounds 7/8/9 – Thruxton – May 8/9

Rounds 10/11/12 – Oulton Park (Island) – May 15/16

Rounds 13/14/15 – Croft – June 12/13

Rounds 16/17/18 – Snetterton (300) – July 31/August 1

Rounds 19/20/21 – Knockhill – August 14/15

Rounds 22/23/24 – Thruxton – August 28/29

Rounds 25/26/27 – Silverstone (National) – September 25/26

Rounds 28/29/30 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) – October 9/10

UK Sports Prototype Cup continues to grow in stature ahead of sophomore season

The UK Sports Prototype Cup is aiming to hit new heights during its sophomore season with the British Automobile Racing Club in 2020, and the signs already look promising following the latest sign-up of two more experienced race teams.

Having debuted in 2019, the series provides a multi-marque racing environment for lightweight sports prototype cars to compete in a premium race weekend package.

Competing within the category is the ever-growing Revolution A-One; an LMP inspired, carbon tubbed, high downforce prototype. Forming the backbone of the UK Sports Prototype Cup, the Revolution Race Cars outfit has become a popular draw for new and existing teams.

The latest editions to the grid for this season have been Greensall Motorsport and competitive Kwik Fit British Touring Car outfit Excelr8 Motorsport.

Excelr8 Motorsport’s Daniel Bishop said: “Prototype racing has always been a huge interest to me personally and also to other members of the team. Within Excelr8 we have the capacity to operate in one more discipline and this fits the bill perfectly.

“We have only had the car for a few days, but there is a huge buzz in the team and following this press launch we cannot wait to get on track with the car to start our programme and select drivers to race with us.”

Nigel Greensall added: “We were delighted to receive the Revolution at our Bruntingthorpe workshop last week and our technicians are very impressed with the car. We are excited for the start of the season and look forward to many years of working with the great team at Revolution.”

The 2020 edition of the UK Sports Prototype Cup is scheduled to begin with a double-header at Brands Hatch on August 1/2 before further events take place at Spa Francorchamps, Snetterton and Paul Ricard.