Category: Barc

Cosworth Electronics awarded BTCC Hybrid System contract

British Touring Car Championship organisers TOCA have confirmed that Cosworth Electronics have been awarded a contract for the design, supply and servicing of the BTCC Hybrid System, which will be introduced for the 2022 season.

The first major touring car championship in the world to announce the move to hybrid technology, Britain’s premier race series

Following the tender process for the contract, Cosworth Electronics met the challenging specifications  – particularly those regarding packaging, performance and low-cost – that TOCA had outlined. 

The additional hybrid power will be used by each driver for either passing or defending and will introduce new competitive strategies and opportunities during each BTCC race.

Performance simulations carried out by Cosworth show that the most significant gains will be achieved at the low engine RPM ranges; the hybrid power burst bringing the engine up into the turbo ‘window’ more quickly. This will provide drivers deploying the system the chance to pull alongside or gain ground on the opposition.

After the opening lap of a race drivers will have control over the amount of their hybrid energy they use or regenerate – and when – during the course of each race.

Drivers will have a steering wheel mounted button to engage the hybrid once full traction has been achieved whilst the system will deactivates on a second button press, the use of brakes, on reaching the time or energy limit, a reduced throttle pressure or sudden acceleration/deceleration.

Prior to be introduced to the championship, rigorous testing and simulations will refine the more exact nature of the driver-selectable hybrid power delivery (i.e. how many seconds per lap, when/how it can be used etc.) as well as configuring the varying amounts of regeneration and hybrid power that will be used to replace the current success ballast system.

A full technical and performance overview of the system can be found at http://www.btcc.net/2019/07/23/cosworth-electronics-awarded-btcc-hybrid-system-contract/

TitansRX gearing up for show-stopping weekend at Lydden Hill

Lydden Hill will open its doors to international rallycross for the first time since 2017 this weekend (July 27/28) as the inaugural season of the TitansRX Europe series continues by hitting British shores for rounds three and four.

Renowned around the world as the birthplace of rallycross, the Kent-based venue stages the second meeting of the year for the category with the British Automobile Racing Club taking on the role of

Having played host to the Great Britain round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in previous years, as well as continuing to be a focal point of the Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship, Lydden Hill has a rich history in producing exhilarating on-track action and TitansRX is set to be no different.

Pitting a number of high-profile names from the world of motorsport against each other, the new-for-2019 TitansRX series has proven to be a smash-hit already with two rounds having taken place in France.

Running as a single-make category, all drivers will drive Pantera RX6s that have been developed by MJP Racing and have a similar level of performance to that of the thoroughbred machines competing in the FIA World Rallycross Championship currently – albeit for a fraction of the price.

Leading the entry list are five Briton’s that will all be keen to score victory on home soil, including 2013 BTCC champion Andrew Jordan. The West Surrey Racing driver has enjoyed a stellar season in the BTCC so far and will be keen to continue his rich vein of form.

The Grand Tour test driver Abbie Eaton will be lining up on the grid and likely be in the mix too, as will former Top Gear ‘Stig’ Perry McCarthy.

Rounding out the UK entries will be 2016 British Rallycross champion Dan Rooke and Oliver Webb, who has cut his teeth within the world of endurance racing in recent years.

In addition to the homegrown drivers are a host of star drivers including the maiden Formula E champion and ex-F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jnr and the current top two in the FIA World Rallycross Championship; brothers Kevin and Timmy Hansen.

There will be plenty of support race action over the course of the weekend too from the likes of the Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship, Retro Rallycross and Junior Rallycross too.

For more information on this weekend’s event, click here.

Stars of two wheels and four Hampshire-bound for Thruxton’s spectacular summer of motorsport

Over the next four weeks, the UK’s fastest riders and drivers will be Hampshire-bound for a double bill of entertainment in the form of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli and Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – as Thruxton’s sizzling summer of high-octane action enters full swing.

The British Superbike Championship (2-4 August) is Thruxton’s busiest race meeting of the year, with a capacity field of beefed-up production bikes tackling the track’s legendary curves at speeds approaching 200mph – mere inches apart.

Piloted by some of the world’s most talented riders – including former MotoGP podium-finisher Scott Redding and local favourite Tommy Bridewell from nearby Devizes – the spectacle of almost 30 Superbikes slipstreaming one another through the Hampshire circuit’s flat-out sweepers is always an awe-inspiring sight. Indeed, more than anywhere else, Thruxton truly showcases the BSB heroes’ supreme skill, pinpoint precision and razor-sharp reactions.

Just a fortnight later (16-18 August), the stars and cars from the country’s biggest motorsport series – the fast-and-frantic BTCC – will race into Thruxton for the second time in 2019. The championship’s first visit of the season here back in May delivered thrills ‘n’ spills aplenty, doorhandle-to-doorhandle duels and seven different podium-finishers, underscoring its famously close-fought and unpredictable nature.

With the title battle reaching fever pitch, the racing looks set to be even more on-the-edge next month, and with 30 of the world’s pre-eminent tin-top protagonists all disputing the same piece of tarmac, fireworks are guaranteed.

“August certainly promises to be a busy and tremendously exciting month for all of us here,” acknowledged Thruxton Operations Manager, Pat Blakeney. “There’s no question that BSB and the BTCC are the UK’s two major motor racing series, so fans are in for a real treat with both of them dropping by in the next few weeks – a double bill of fast-paced entertainment.

“As a track, Thruxton always brings the best out of competitors, demanding maximum commitment and favouring the brave. To succeed here, you need to be smooth, consistent and precise, with absolute focus and nerves of steel and be willing to push the limits without overstepping them – and the ultimate winners are always the fans.”

Advance tickets for the BSB race meeting are available from just £5 for Friday (free practice), £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day). All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a unique and exclusive pillion ride around the track on race day.

Advance tickets for the BTCC event are on sale from £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day). All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be in with a chance of waving the chequered flag at the end of the first race.

Accompanied children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge on both occasions.

For further information or to buy tickets, visit thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/bsb (BSB) / thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-aug (BTCC) or call 01264 882222.

For more information on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, visit www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

TOCA extends contract to operate BTCC until the end of 2026

The British Touring Car Championship will continue to be operated and run by TOCA until at least the end of the 2026 season after signing a contract extension with UK governing body Motorsport UK.

Motorsport UK had previously appointed BARC (TOCA) Limited as the organiser and promoter of Britain’s premier race series for five years from 2017, with the option to extend for a further five years from 2022.

With the championship continuing to reach new heights, TOCA has extended the agreement early in order to provide for the organisation to enter into major obligations beyond 2021.

BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said: “It’s important for the long-term stability of the BTCC for us to be able to confirm that we will continue to operate this great Championship until at least the end of 2026.

“This enables us to now embark on firm planning and making those extended commitments – including the introduction of hybrid energy – that are vital to ensure the continued growth of this fantastic championship.”

David Richards CBE, Chairman of Motorsport UK, added: “The British Touring Car Championship is one of the best-loved and most successful Championships in the world, let alone the UK, with packed grids, high profile manufacturer support, live television coverage and crowds of up to 40,000 attending every event.

“TOCA has done an exceptional job in organising and promoting the Championship, which continues to deliver exceptional, action-packed racing at circuits throughout the UK. Motorsport UK is delighted to be extending its agreement with them until at least 2026.”

Goodwood Festival of Speed ready for ultimate summer motorsport showcase

‘Motorsport’s Record Breakers’ are set to head to Chichester this week (July 4/5/6/7) for the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled summer garden party as the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard roars into life.

Billed as the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture, the four-day extravaganza will welcome tens of thousands of fans to the Goodwood estate as they showcase the past, present and future.

As has been the case in years gone by, Festival of Speed has selected a theme for the event, with the 2019 edition being Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers; where they will bring together the most celebrated and successful drivers, riders, cars, motorcycles and teams that have gone further than their contemporaries in the pursuit of victory.

Those attending will be able to feast their eyes on what is likely to be another awe-inspiring Goodwood Central Feature. Situated at the front of Goodwood House, this year the centrepiece will be dedicated to Aston Martin in honour of the 70th anniversary of brand winning its first race at Goodwood.

Further celebrations and homages will be made surrounding the career of seven-time Formula 1 champion, the legendary Niki Laura and the Monaco Grand Prix, amongst much more.

One of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the event will be the coveted Hillclimb shootout, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary. With all manner of machinery set to go against the stopwatch, blistering times are expected to be set on the 1.16-mile course.

Stars of motorsport will also be in attendance across all four days with the likes of Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo, Alex Albon, Ken Block, Petter Solberg and Tom Kristensen as just a handful of names to be confirmed so far.

Major car manufacturers will all be present at FoS too as they showcase some of their new and innovative models.

With plenty to see and fun for all of the family on every day, the 2019 edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is not to be missed.

Find out more information on the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard by heading to https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed/.

Classic Touring Cars and MG Owners Club revved up for Castle Combe event

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club and Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship will continue their 2019 campaigns at Castle Combe this weekend (July 6/7) as they fly the flag for the British Automobile Racing Club.

Home to some of the most iconic saloon cars that have spanned countless decades, the Classic Touring Car Championship is renowned for producing all-out action; and this weekend should be no different.

Boasting a rich history which spans more than three decades, the championship has become a cornerstone of the British Automobile Racing Club and continues to deliver bumper grid and exhilarating competition.

Those in attendance during the weekend will be able to see the Paul Inch – Classic Race Engines Pre ’66 Touring Cars, CTCRC Group 1 Touring Car Championship, Envirotec Hygiene Services Pre-93 Touring Cars, Simply Serviced Pre-2003 Touring Cars, Toyo Tyres Pre-2005 Production Touring Car Championship, Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series and Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder Saloons Championship all in action.

Notable names to cast a watchful eye over include Stephen Primett, AJ Owen, Patrick Harris, Mark Osborne, Richard Wood and Piers Grange, amongst others.

Kicking off the second half of their season in Wiltshire, the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship is primed to set pulses racing with two races scheduled to be run around the 1.85-mile circuit.

Having already produced show-stopping performances at Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Oulton Park, the category will continue its campaign this weekend with it all still to play for in the championship battles.

Spanning several decades, variety is the spice of life when it comes to the MGOC with an eclectic mix of models representing the iconic manufacturer, all of which go wheel-to-wheel in the battle for supremacy.

Split into multiple classes, race-winners come throughout the field with drivers such as Jim Baynam, Simon Kendrick, Steve Darbey and Stuart Plotnek just a handful of drivers to keep a close eye on as the weekend progresses.

Alongside both categories will be action from a host of Castle Combe Racing Club championships as well as the Monoposto Championship, all adding up to a memorable two-day spectacle.

For more information on the event, including links to live timing and the race timetable, click here.

Thruxton serves up scorching weekend of BARC championship action

The British Automobile Racing Club served up a scorching two days of racing around the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton, this past weekend (June 29/30) as a host of championships took centre stage in Hampshire.

Basking in the searing sun, spectators that lined the bankings across both days were treated to a feast of entertainment as temperatures continued to rise both on and off the track.

Headlining the weekend were no less than seven races from the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, all of which delivered exhilarating thrills and spills.

Division 1 of the heavyweight behemoths saw Ryan Smith serve up a perfect performance as he clinched pole position and then all four race wins. David Jenkins was to be Smith’s closest challenger but the former champion could do nothing to stop the MAN driver.

Luke Garrett came close to doing the same in Division 2 as he secured a hat-trick of race wins around the high-speed venue. Clinching pole position, Garrett won the opener and then a further two races on Sunday, with Steve Powell the only driver able to knock him off the top step of the podium.

Having thrown up plenty of unpredictability leading into the event, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship continued to deliver a nail-biting battle towards the sharp end of the grid – with Mark Willis and Michael Smith sharing the spoils.

The Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship produced a spectacular pair of races, rolling back the years in emphatic style. Tim Harvey enjoyed a near perfect weekend around the ultra-fast venue to take the lead in the overall standings.

Triumphing in the opening encounter, the former BTCC champion narrowly missed out on a second win by 0.187 as Rick Morris bounced back from a frustrating race one to round out the weekend on the top step of the podium.

There was plenty of drama in the Mighty Minis Championship as those in attendance were treated to a raft of slipstreaming thrills and spills. Just 0.024 separated Stuart Coombs and Greg Jenkins in race one, with Coombs getting the better of his rival to score a hard-earned win.

Jenkins would strike back in the second race of the weekend as he fended off a swarm of challengers to narrowly pip Neven Kirkpatrick to the chequered flag.

Elsewhere, the BARC Clubmans Sports Prototype Championship in association with King Henry’s Taverns provided plenty of entertainment with Clive Wood in dominant mood as he swept his way to a hard-earned hat-trick of wins.

In the Kumho BMW Championship, Garrie Whittaker continued his winning streak with a dominant performance, extending his unbeaten run in 2019 as well. Arriving as the man to beat in the single manufacturer category, the E36 M3 driver exerted his status as the man to beat by scoring wins in both races by more than 30 seconds.

Rounding out the weekend’s action at Thruxton was a pair of races from the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup. Wayne Rockett recorded his fifth win on the bounce in the opener but saw his winning streak come an end later in the day as Nick Moore struck to notch his first win of the year.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions across each championship, click here.

Thruxton’s next major event of the year takes place on August 2/3/4 in the shape of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli.

TOCA support championships shine at Oulton Park

Oulton Park played host to a memorable two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (June 29/30) as the sun shone and the Cheshire venue welcomed a bumper crowd.

Fresh off the back of producing a flawless performance in the Clio Cup Open at Paul Ricard the weekend previous, Jack Young enjoyed further success as he triumphed in the opening Renault UK Clio Cup encounter.

Having narrowly missed out on pole position, the Northern Irishman got the better of Max Coates and Jamie Bond to power his way to a third victory of the season. In race two, Young’s chances of a second win were extinguished exiting the first turn as he hit the barriers hard exiting Old Hall, ending his race on the spot.

Coates would take advantage to lead Bond and Ben Colburn across the line to record his fifth win of the year and with it, snatch back the lead in the points after four events.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB had a familiar face leading the way as Daniel Harper reigned supreme around the picturesque venue. Topping the times in qualifying, the JTR driver fended off a race-long challenge from Lewis Plato to record his latest victory in the one-make series.

George Gamble came to the fore in the second race as he converted his front row start into a commanding victory in front of a packed-out crowd.

In the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, spoils were shared between Tom Hibbert and Harry King – the latter who remains in control of the championship standings. Hibbert blasted his way to pole position and onto victory in the opening race but was unable to do the same later in the weekend.

King, as he has done on multiple occasions already this year, proved to hot to handle in race two as he piloted his Elite Motorsport machine to the chequered flag in style.

There was plenty of doorhandle-to-doorhandle thrills in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship too, however none of that fazed Will Martin who continued his impressive run of form in recent events.

Riding a wave of momentum into the weekend, the Richardson Racing driver was perfection personified as he powered his way to victory in both races – throwing himself firmly into title contention at the same time.

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend’s action was a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Honda. Zane Maloney continued his recent run of form with victory in all three races, which not only extended his winning streak to seven in-a-row but also saw him awarded with ÂŁ10,000.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions across each championship, click here.

All five TOCA support championships will now press pause on their 2019 campaigns before resuming battle in little under six weeks at Snetterton on August 3/4.

Colin Turkington scores 50th BTCC win on dramatic BTCC weekend at Oulton Park

Colin Turkington produced a stellar performance at Oulton Park this weekend (June 29/30) as he tallied a half-century of Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship victories, extending his advantage in the standings in-doing.

Marking the final stop on the calendar before the annual six-week summer break, the picturesque Cheshire venue served up a blockbuster race day with Turkington and Stephen Jelley sharing the spoils.

Reigning champion Turkington entered the fifth event of the season ladened with success ballast but that didn’t stop him from scorching his way to pole position in qualifying. The Team BMW driver powered his way to the top of the times early in the session and was ultimately never headed.

Turkington converted his front row start into a flawless victory in the opening encounter as he dominated proceedings, leading lights-to-flag. Despite being kept honest by the Honda of Dan Cammish throughout, the Northern Irishman had enough in hand to record his third win of 2019.

Andrew Jordan, the form man of recent events, continued his impressive run of results with a third place finish to round out the podium.

The latest chapter of Turkington’s storied career was written in the second race of the day as the triple champion swept his way to a milestone 50th BTCC win.

Storming off the line, Turkington hit the front and despite two safety car periods, the 330i M Sport driver commanded every lap to lead Jordan across the line for West Surrey Racing 1-2 – whilst Dan Cammish just prevented Tom Oliphant from making it a clean sweep on the podium.

Race three around the 2.23-mile circuit proved to be action-packed from start-to-finish with Team Parker Racing’s Jelley triumphing for the first time since his last BTCC win ten years ago.

Trade Price Cars’ Jake Hill took the chequered flag however a post-race penalty for the Audi driver saw his maiden victory in the series taken away.

Hill started on pole position virtue of the reverse grid draw but came under early pressure from Matt Neal. The pivotal moment in the race came on lap three as the Halfords Yuasa Racing driver passed Hill into the first turn. As Neal tucked ahead, contact was made and the triple champion was sent spinning across the grass and track.

Several cars took avoiding action and when the dust settled, Rory Butcher and Jelley found themselves in second and third. With a gap of more than five seconds to close down, Butcher soon began to eat into Hill’s advantage and by the penultimate lap had caught him.

Pushing hard, Butcher overcooked it into the hairpin and dropped down the order – all but confirming Hill’s victory with Jelley and Oliphant rounding out the rostrum. Hill’s celebrations were short-lived after the race as he was handed a 20-second time penalty for his part in the Neal incident, thus handing Jelley a first win since Rockingham 2009 and the team its first-ever in the series.

Leaving Oulton Park, Turkington holds a 33-point advantage at the top of the BTCC standings ahead of Jordan and Josh Cook.

To view the full classification of results across all sessions during the fifth event of the season, click here.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will now pause for six weeks before the kicking the second half of the season off at Snetterton on August 3/4. Before that, a majority of teams will venture to the Norfolk venue on July 16/17 for the annual two-day in-season test.

BTCC set for scorching weekend as series reaches halfway marker at Oulton Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will speed into its annual summer break this weekend (June 29/30) at Oulton Park with three races set to bring the curtain down on the first half of the season – and it is all to play for in the battle for the UK’s biggest motorsport prize.

In what has been an ultra-competitive campaign to date, the picturesque Cheshire venue is set to add more fuel to the title fire as all 30 drivers bid to head into the six-week break on a high.

Following a pulsating event at Croft earlier in the month, reigning champion Colin Turkington finds himself in the pound – topping the standings by 11 points. West Surrey Racing’s new-for-2019 BMW 330i M Sport has been a potent weapon this year and Turkington has already reaped the benefits.

Doing the double at Donington Park, the three-time champion has been the epitome of consistency as always, banking solid points at every turn so far. With a proven track record around Oulton too, the Northern Irishman could well be in contention for more success too.

BTC Racing’s Josh Cook is Turkington’s nearest challenger and he too has impressed, scoring two wins and a podium at every weekend thus far. Ashley Sutton – who is yet to win a race this season – has been steadily accumulating the points and could well strike this weekend in his Subaru.

Andrew Jordan is arguably the form man heading to Oulton Park having won five races already this year. Following a trip to the hospital at Donington the 2013 champion has done the double at both Thruxton and Croft – throwing himself back into title contention.

Honda duo Matt Neal and Rory Butcher have been firmly in the mix too whilst Motorbase Performance’s Tom Chilton scored victory last time out to boost his title chances.

Dan Cammish, Tom Ingram and Jason Plato have all also enjoyed success this year and can’t be discounted out from the weekend’s trio of encounters around the challenging Island layout.

Beyond the championship top ten sit a host of drivers that are all keen to not only throw themselves into contention further up the standings but also cap off the midway marker in style.

Adam Morgan, Rob Collard, Sam Tordoff, Aiden Moffat, Jake Hill and Senna Proctor are just a handful of drivers to keep a keen eye over the course of Sunday’s race day.

With events at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Thruxton and Croft already in the books, this weekend’s triple-header at Oulton Park is set to play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of where this year’s title will end up.

To find out more information on the event, including links to timetables, live timing and commentary, click here.

Oulton Park to play host to blockbuster TOCA support package action

Oulton Park will bring the curtain down on the first half of the season for all five TOCA support championships this weekend (June 29/30) as the Cheshire venue stages the latest Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event.

Taking centre stage alongside Britian’s premier race series, all five support categories will be looking to put on a show in front of an expected packed-out crowd before heading into the annual summer mid-season break.

Coming off the back of a double-winning performance on home turf, Max Coates will be looking to further close the gap to Jack Young in the Renault UK Clio Cup across the weekend’s two races.

Having shared the spoils up to now, both Young and Coates are set to continue their battle at the summit of the points as they each fight to gain the upper hand. However, the ultra-competitive nature of the tin top category will mean they will have to look over their shoulders too.

Ethan Hammerton, Brett Lidsey, Ben Colburn, Jade Edwards and Jamie Bond, among several others, will all been keen to throw themselves into race-winning contention and get on the podium.

Harry King heads to Oulton Park in control of the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup standings and the Elite Motorsport driver looks set to be a hard man to displace from the summit as the series continues with two races scheduled to take place.

Scoring a brace of wins at Croft, King rocketed to the top of the points and will be focused on extending his advantage around the Island layout. Reece Somerfield, Tom Hibbert and Mike Epps are just three drivers that can threaten King’s hopes of succeeding.

In the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, James Hedley will be looking to protect his healthy points advantage in the latest double-header of the season. Having triumphed three times already, the former Winter Series champion is in the pound seat as it stands but will need to keep the points ticking over.

Behind, the likes of Zak O’Sullivan, James Taylor, Gus Burton and Will Martin will all have their sights on closing the gap to the Elite Motorsport pace-setter.

Two more races from the jaw-dropping Porsche Carrera Cup GB will also take place over the weekend, with Daniel Harper currently residing as the man to beat. Victory at Croft last time out helped the Northern Irishman’s quest for the title but he will need to maintain his momentum.

Former champion Josh Webster along with George Gamble and Lewis Plato are just some of the protagonists with theirs sights set on Harper’s position at the Carrera Cup GB summit.

Rounding out the TOCA support action, as ever, will be a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford Ecoboost. Zane Maloney is the form man in the single seater category arriving at Oulton, riding high after winning the past four races in-a-row.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, including links to live timing, timetables and commentary, click here.

Thruxton revved up for blockbuster BARC race weekend

The home of the British Automobile Racing Club, Thruxton Circuit, will play host to a blockbuster two days of track action this weekend (June 29/30) as the MV Commercial BTRA Championship descends on Hampshire with a bumper supporting cast.

In what is one of the highlights of the season for the fastest track in the UK, a total of seven championships will go wheel-to-wheel around the much-loved venue as they each write the latest chapter in their 2019 campaigns.

Headlining the weekend’s action will be no less than seven races from the MV Commercial BTRA Championship. Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, the heavyweight behemoths have delivered all-out action so far this year, and it’s only set to continue.

Division 1 currently sees three-time champion Ryan Smith in control of the points after making a flying start to the year. Aiming to become a four-time title winner, Smith has a wave of momentum behind him however fierce rival David Jenkins will be keen to halt his progress and close the gap.

Luke Garrett meanwhile has taken on the role of defending champion in Division 2 with relative ease, leading the way in the points after two events. Notching four wins so far, Garrett will be one to watch as he bids to extend his advantage over the chasing pack – made up of Paul Rivett, Steve Powell, Brad Smith and more.

Whilst Division 1 and Division 2 will compete in three races each, the fourth and final encounter will see both grids combine – bringing the curtain down on the weekend in sensational style.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship has kicked off the year in ultra-competitive fashion with six different winners from the first seven races. George Turiccki leads the pack into the weekend’s two races however staying there may prove difficult, with the competition being as fierce as it is.

Dale Gent, David O’Regan, Reece Jones, Paul Tompkins and Michael Smith are the other victors so far and any one of them could top the podium over the course of the two days.

Slipstreaming will be on full display in the Mighty Minis Championship as a bumper entry list of the iconic car duke it out for supremacy. Renowned for producing edge-of-the-seat thrills, both the Mighty Mini and Super Mighty Mini classes will be in attendance for a pair of thrilling races.

Notable names to keep an eye on over the course of the event include Alex Comis, Owen Edgley and Neven Kirkpatrick, amongst many more.

Speaking of cars from a bygone era, fans of single seaters will be well catered for in the shape of the Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship. Rick Morris and Tim Harvey have emerged as the form men early on, the pair separated by just a point, however a whole host of contenders could come to the fore and challenge their status. 

Open-wheeled action will also be served up in the shape of the BARC Clubmans Sports Prototype Championship in association with King Henry’s Taverns. Unique in every manner, the championship has packed grid and delivers non-stop entertainment, with the likes of Peter Richings, Barry Webb and Pippa Tanner-Wood just some of the stars of the show.

Tin top thrills will come in the shape of the Kumho BMW Championship, where Garrie Whittaker will be aiming to extend his winning streak. Showcasing some of the most awe-inspiring models from the Bavarian brand, the Kumho BMW contingent have become a haven for doorhandle-to-doorhandle thrills and spills, with Thruxton set to be no different.

Rounding out the weekend’s action will be a pair of races from the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup. Continuing to grow in stature as each year passes, the Coupe Cup contingent have raised the bar each year and the 2019 crop of racers are in demand by fans.

Wayne Rockett has won every race run so far and you’d not bet against him from being amongst the front-runners, alongside Alex Cursley and Nick Moore, either.

Tickets are available to purchase on the gate from ÂŁ15 on Saturday and ÂŁ20 on Sunday. Further information regarding ticketing can be found at http://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/trucks.

For more information on this weekend’s event at Thruxton, such as links to timetables and live timing, click here.