Issue 2 of Apex Magazine now available to read for all BARC members

Issue 2 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official magazine, Apex, is now available to read, with copies having hit members doorsteps in recent weeks.

Packed with the latest news and centre reports, as well as Martin Hunt’s Marshal Matters and the customary piece from The Intercooler, the bumper edition of the magazine also includes a number of must-read features too.

This latest issues sees the Club sit down with singe-seater star Abbi Pulling while Sam Osborne gives his take on the British Truck Racing Championship, after getting a last-minute call up to race at Pembrey back in May.

To become a member of the BARC and to receive a copy of the magazine, head to https://www.barc.net/membership/.

Job Vacancy: BARC Volunteer Manager

The British Automobile Racing Club is currently recruiting for the role of Volunteer Manager at its headquarters at Thruxton Circuit.

Motorsport can’t happen without volunteers so making sure that they are looked after is fundamental to the operation of the BARC. We are in need of a Volunteer Manager to deliver an excellent experience to the volunteer community.

The successful applicant will support the department to deliver high-profile motorsport events including the British Touring Car Championship and all of the BARC’s race meetings as well as other competition department activities, such as Goodwood.

To view the full job description, CLICK HERE.

To apply, please send a covering letter, plus full CV and salary expectation, to Mark Turner: mturner@barc.net before the end of.

Job Vacancy: BARC Marketing Executive

The British Automobile Racing Club is currently recruiting for the role of Marketing Executive at its headquarters at Thruxton Circuit.

An exciting and creative role, the Marketing Executive will be responsible for delivering the digital marketing output and communications for the BARC Group, including the club and its membership, the five venues and their events, as well as on-site activities including: driving experiences, karting, skid pan, 4×4 and corporate offerings.

Reporting to the Group Head of Marketing and Communications, the Marketing Executive will bring a fresh, creative and consistent tone to the company’s online presence, capture and engage prospective experience/event day purchasers across our digital channels and help to shape how the BARC presents itself to new audiences. 

The role will be predominately based at the Club’s HQ at Thruxton Circuit, but travel to other circuits and events will be necessary. 

The growing team will develop and promote events and activities across the BARC portfolio, playing a large part in marketing new and exciting BARC experiences.

To view the full Marketing Executive Job Description, CLICK HERE. 

All applicants should provide CV and Covering Letter to Ben Norton: ben.norton@barc.net 

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend // April 13-14

The British Automobile Racing Club sets course for Norfolk this weekend (April 13-14) for a full-throttle weekend of racing around Snetterton’s challenging 300 layout.

Two weeks on from a packed 2024 curtain-raising weekend, the Club is back with a bumper two days of track action which is headlined by the British Endurance Championship in association with Motorsport UK.

Elsewhere, four Caterham Motorsport categories – as well as the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy – will be in action for the first time this year whilst the Britcar Trophy Championship also makes an appearance.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Saturday 13th April – Snetterton 300 – 12:20 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 14th April – Snetterton 300 – 09:15 – WATCH HERE

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meetings at Snetterton, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

BARC set to kick off 2024 season with Easter weekend double-header

The British Automobile Racing Club will lift the curtain on a brand-new motorsport season this bank holiday weekend with two race meetings – one at Donington Park and the other at Brands Hatch – making it an Easter extravaganza that is not to be missed.

After months of excitement, anticipation and preparation, the 2024 campaign is poised to blast back into life with no less than four full-throttle days of action-packed competition from some of the Club’s biggest championships.

At Donington Park, the British Endurance Championship in association with Motorsport UK will headline track action across Friday and Saturday – on the world-famous Grand Prix circuit as well no less. 

Boasting a monstrous grid of GT3 and GT4 machines, the BEC will kick off its season with a two-hour contest that is guaranteed to have fans perched on the edge of their seats.

Whilst last year’s champions have not returned to defend their crown, the battle for supremacy still looks to be as competitive as ever with the likes of Peter Erceg in his Audi R8 GT3, Witt Gamski and Michael Lyons in a Bentley Continental and the duo Lamborghini duo of John Seale and Jamie Stanley all set to be in contention. 

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club will mark its 50th year in association with the Club with a plethora of races from the Pre-66, Pre-83, Pre-93, Pre-03, Classic Thunder, Blue Oval Saloon and Super Tourer ranks. 

Variety has often been the spice of life when it has come to the CTCRC and that this year looks to be no different with packed grids and the likes of Stephen Primett, Stuart Waite, Pat Kenneally and Gary Prebble – along with many more – all locked in.

Also in action under the flightpath of East Midlands airport will be the Britcar Trophy Championship – which is set to stage two 50-minute bouts on Saturday – and the Mini 7 Racing Club and British Superkart Racing Championship. 

Hot on the heels of the chequered flag falling at Donington Park, Brands Hatch will take on the mantel of providing BARC entertainment across Sunday and Monday.

Topping the bill will be five colossal races from the British Truck Racing Championship, which returns with another ultra-competitive grid that is headlined by reigning Division 1 champion Ryan Smith and Division 2 champion Paul Rivett.

While the titans of truck racing are set to be the main attractions at the Kent venue, fans will also be able to see a host of other categories including the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, MGOC Championship and Caterham Graduates take centre stage too.

All four days of racing will be broadcast LIVE on the BARC YouTube channel. Event information about both meetings can be found here.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend // March 29 – April 1

The British Automobile Racing Club lifts the curtain on its 2024 motorsport season with an Easter extravaganza double-header, with two action-packed days at Donington Park being followed by two more at Brands Hatch. 

Kicking off what promises to be another blockbuster year for one of the UK’s biggest racing organisations, the Club will be broadcasting live online across all four days via its official YouTube channel. 

At Donington Park, the British Endurance Championship in association with Motorsport UK and Classic Touring Car Racing Club headline proceedings whilst the likes of the British Truck Racing Championship, Junior Saloon Car Championship and MGOC Championship will star in Kent. 

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Friday 29th March – Donington Park GP – 12:30 – WATCH HERE

Saturday 30th March – Donington Park GP – 09:30 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 31st March – Brands Hatch – 13:30 – WATCH HERE

Monday 1st April – Brands Hatch – 09:15 – WATCH HERE

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meetings at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

Issue 1 of 2024 BARC Magazine hits doorsteps for the first time in 2024

Issue 1 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official magazine, APEX, is now available to read, with copies having hit doorsteps of its members this week for the first time in 2024.

Packed with the latest news and centre reports, as well as Martin Hunt’s Marshal Matters and the customary transcript from The Intercooler, the bumper edition also includes a number of must-read features too.

This latest issue sees the Club look back on a momentous night of celebrations at our annual Awards Evening back in February whilst Will Fewkes and Rob Huff delve into the importance of motorsport management, and in particular their company Fewkes Sport Management. 

To become a member of the BARC and to receive a copy of the magazine, head to https://www.barc.net/membership/.

BARC announces bumper live stream schedule for 2024 season

The British Automobile Racing Club will continue its long-standing partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV this season, with no fewer than 14 race meetings set to be streamed live and online for free.

In what will be a fourth consecutive season of broadcasting on the Club’s YouTube channel, the 2024 campaign will once again showcase some of the best edge-of-the-seat racing that the UK national motorsport scene has to offer.

Encompassing all manner of production values, viewers will again be again to soak up the action courtesy of live commentary and presenting by the likes of Ian Waterhouse and Ewan Dunlop. 

Last year proved to be another successful one for the Club’s live platform with more than half a million views being amassed over the course of the season.

The British Endurance Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club, Caterham Motorsport and Junior Saloon Car Championship are just some of the categories that are set to feature throughout the year. 

BARC 2024 Live Stream Schedule

March 29/30 – Donington Park (GP)

March 31/April 1 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

April 13/14 – Snetterton (300)

May 18/19 – Pembrey 

June 15/16 – Silverstone (GP)

July 6 – Oulton Park (International)

July 6/7 – Thruxton

July 13/14 – Cadwell Park

August 3/4 – Knockhill

August 10/11 – Donington Park (National)

August 31/September 1 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

September 14/15 – Snetterton (300)

October 19/20 – Donington Park (National)

November 2/3 – Brands Hatch (Indy)

Note that these dates remain provisional and can change.

Former BARC Press Officer Enid Smith passes away

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of a long serving and continuous stalwart of the British Automobile Racing Club, Enid Smith.

Enid began working for the BARC as secretary to the Press Officer and in 1981 was appointed Press Officer herself. Not only dealing with the press and media, but also producing all the race programmes for Thruxton and Pembrey and later Croft. She also produced the Club magazine at the time, ‘Startline’.

Although being retired since 2005, she often volunteered in her later years to man the media centre during race meetings and support the present Press Officer at Thruxton during the week. 

She was also a well-known figure within motorsport in general, running the press and sign-on offices at the two main Goodwood events and the Silverstone Grand Prix with many ex-F1 drivers still enquiring as to how she was years after stepping down from her roles.

Being quite a private person, she, in her later years, continued to be active helping out at her local church with-in the village of Grateley which is only a couple of miles from Thruxton. 

Our condolences go out to her family at this very difficult time.

Best of BARC Audio: BARC Awards Evening 2023

Championship winners, organisers, officials and volunteers converged on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon this past Saturday (February 3) for the British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening – and it proved to be a night to remember.

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2023, we sat down to talk to some of the key personnel from the Club and some deserving winners. Listen here: 

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sat down to chat about a momentous season 2023 was, honouring the champions of last year and what is to come for the organisation as preparations ramp up for the 2024 campaign.

Mark Turner – BARC Sporting Manager: The Club’s Sporting Manager sits down to reflect on 2023 as a whole as well as a shine a light on some of the highlights that the Competitions Department is set to offer up this year.

Paul Graham-Fielding – BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications: Now a year into the role, we caught up with the Club’s Group Head of Marketing & Communications to discuss how he’s settled in, what he’s focused on over the past 12 months and what is still to come.

Steve Bemrose – BARC Marshal of the Year: Awarded by the BARC Marshals Core Group, Steve was a standout recipient for this accolade having volunteered for a number of events, as well as also providing critical life-saving medical care at the scene of an accident.

Adam Weeden – Winner of The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Awarded to the marshal that completed the most volunteering days in 2023, Adam was a regular attendee to events last year and clocked no less than 36 days in total.

Dan Zelos – Winner of The President’s Cup: Awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level, Dan Zelos was unstoppable in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW last year as he lifted the title for the second title.

Louis Sharp – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising junior driver, the New Zealander was deemed a worthy recipient having charged to the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title with Rodin Carlin.

Dave Beecroft – Winner of The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Awarded to the person that the BARC believes epitomises Gerry Marshall’s philosophy of motorsport, Dave has enjoyed a diverse career in the sport and has been the driving force of the Junior Saloon Car Championship for the past decade.

Sonia Gibbons – Winner of The Densley Trophy: Awarded to the female in the Club that has enjoyed a successful year, Sonia has played a pivotal role in the success of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club from an organisational standpoint for a number of years.

Claire Hedley – Britcar Managing Director: It was once again another busy year for Claire Hedley as she ran both the Britcar Trophy Championship and British Endurance Championship. And she’s set to do the same again for 2024.

Additional audio interviews from the British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening can be found HERE.

BARC enjoys night to remember at Annual Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening took centre stage on Saturday 3rd February with deserving champions, volunteers, officials and organisers coming together to celebrate what was a momentous 2023 season. 

Officially drawing a line under last year’s campaign, the glittering evening – which took place at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon – saw more than 230 guests swap race suits and overalls for dinner jackets and ball gowns.

Hosted by the superlative Alan Hyde, guests not only had the opportunity to look back on the year that was but they also heard from BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews, BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor and Motorsport UK Chief Executive Hugh Chambers. 

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to hear from leading Formula 1 journalist and land-speed record competitor David Tremayne, who was a special guest of Tony Scott Andrews for the evening. 

Alongside the customary championship awards – which were handed out to the likes of Daryl DeLeon, Paul Rivett, Stephen Primett, Joe Warhurst and many more – a number of secret accolades were also presented to some unsuspecting winners on the night as well. 

Adam Weeden scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy for conducting the most volunteering days in 2023 whilst Steve Bemrose was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year, which is named in memory of Dennis Harris.

Two-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Dan Zelos claimed the biggest prize of the night, The President’s Cup, while Louis Sharp’s stellar title-winning ROKiT British F4 season was rewarded with The Peter Collins Trophy – which recognises junior drivers. 

Sonia Gibbons was a worthy recipient of The Densley Trophy for her efforts working with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, with Junior Saloon Car Championship Coordinator Dave Beecroft being bestowed The Gerry Marshall Trophy. 

Special presentations were also made to Kumho BMW Championship stalwart Trevor Ford and Legends Cars Championship Coordinator Phil Cooper, both of whom are moving onto new pastures this coming season. 

“It was once again another fantastic evening,” lauded BARC CEO Taylor. “Although this event is to honour our champions, it’s also for our members and the people that play their part in making the BARC what it is.

“What I really like about this event is that we have taken it from being an awards ceremony to being a sort of a celebration of the BARC as a whole. I wanted to make it feel more than just presenting trophies because those that are involved deserve to be recognised for their efforts behind the scenes just as much.

“Sitting at the start of 2024 you try to take stock of last year and it does feel like a long time ago. It was another successful year for the Group though with competitor numbers being up on our grids, spectator numbers being up at our circuits and the circuits as a whole having strong years. 

“Heading into this season we hope that that all continues in the same vein however you never quite know how things will pan out. I’m sure it will be another fantastic year for everyone.”

Elsewhere, more than ÂŁ1350 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund – which included prizes such as a Draper Tools Set, tickets to the British Touring Car Championship and Demon Weeks voucher.

BARC Award Winners:

The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy – Adam Weeden

The Peter Harris Trophy – Zena Wooller 

BARC Marshal of the Year – Steve Bemrose

The Densley Trophy – Sonia Gibbons

The Gerry Marshall Trophy – Dave Beecroft

The Peter Collins Trophy – Louis Sharp

The President’s Cup – Dan Zelos

2023 Connaught Competition Engines BARC Speed Champion – Matt Bramall 

2023 2CV Parts.com Champion – Kris Tovey

2023 CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Champion – Ian Bamber

2023 Kumho BMW Champion – Kevin Denwood

2023 OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires Winner – Luca Staccini Anzanello

2023 Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Champion – William Sharpe

2023 Junior Saloon Car Champion – Daire Flock

2023 ROWE Britcar Trophy Champion – Rhys Lloyd & Jack Meakin

2023 Pickup Truck Racing Champion – Reece Jones

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigma 135 – Ben Wheatley

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigma 150 – Harry Senior

2023 Morphmy Caterham Graduates Champion: Sigmax – Daniel Livingstone

2023 Mission Motorsport Caterham 270R Champion – Freddie Chiddicks

2023 Motul Caterham 310R Champion – Jack Sales

2023 Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Champion: Green Group – Nick Highton

2023 Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Champion: White Group – Daniel Neale

2023 Vertex Caterham Roadsport Champion – Ben Timmons

2023 Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Champion – Lewis Thompson 

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Jaguar Challenge Champion – Guy Connew

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-66 Touring Cars Champion – Billy Kenneally

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-83 Touring Cars Champion- Stephen Primett

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-93 Touring Cars Champion – Stuart Waite

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Pre-03 Touring Cars Champion – Gary Prebble

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Blue Oval Saloon Series Champion – James Dunkley

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Classic Thunder Champion – Nick Vaughan

2023 Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Laser Tools Super Tourers Champion – Jason Hughes

2023 Legends Cars Championship with AllGrowth Ltd Champion – Will Gibson

2023 Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM Lubricants Champion – Connor Mills

2023 MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport Winner – Stephen Berry

2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Champion – Tom Ovenden

2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW Champion – Dan Zelos

2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain Champion – Joe Warhurst

2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Champion – Adam Smalley

2023 British Hillclimb Champion – Wallace Menzies

2023 British Truck Racing Champion: Division 1 – Ryan Smith

2023 British Truck Racing Champion: Division 2 – Paul Rivett

2023 British Endurance Champions – Bradley Thurston & Daryl Deleon

2023 ROKiT F4 British Champion – Louis Sharp

2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion – Ash Sutton

BARC takes centre stage at star-studded Autosport International

The British Automobile Racing Club lifted the curtain on the 2024 motorsport season in style last week (January 11-14) after taking centre stage at Autosport International in Birmingham. 

Serving as the perfect launchpad for what promises to be another year of top-draw racing, tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans and industry leaders descended on the NEC Arena across all four days to soak 

Making a triumphant return to what is dubbed as Europe’s biggest motorsport show, the BARC stood out from the crowd with a striking stand that welcomed drivers, marshals, officials, co-ordinators and fans aplenty. 

Adorning the stand were a multitude of cars too; solidifying the diversity that the Club offers when it comes to going racing in the UK.

Team BRIT’s British Endurance Championship McLaren garnered plenty of attention while last year’s Britcar Trophy title-winning machine, Dragon Sport’s Renault Clio, also proved to be a real head-turner. 

In addition, the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Track Action, Classic Touring Car Racing Club and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW were also well-represented as well throughout both the trade and public admission days.

Paul Graham-Fielding, BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications, said: “The bustling BARC stand wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a vibrant hub where the club’s diverse championships came together, showcasing the incredible world of racing opportunities under the BARC banner. 

“Autosport International 2024 wasn’t just a successful showcase; it was a reaffirmation of BARC’s vital role in UK motorsport.”