Tag: BARC Awards Evening

Championship winners, volunteers and officials all converged on the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook this past Saturday (February 1) for the coveted British Automobile Racing Club Championship Awards Evening – and it proved to be a night to remember.

Celebrating the accomplishments of 2024, we sat down to talk to not only a number of deserving winners but also some key personnel from the Club as well. Listen here:

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sat down to chat about the momentous season that 2024 was, honouring the champions of last year and what is to come for the organisation as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2025 campaign.

Pat Blakeney – Thruxton Circuit: After almost four decades at the Hampshire venue, Pat is embarking on ‘semi-retirement’ at Thruxton and he was commemorated for his long-standing service with a special surprise presentation.

Simon Morris – BARC Marshal of the Year: Awarded by the BARC Marshals Core Group, Simon was a standout recipient for this accolade having volunteered for a number of events, as well as displaying great leadership and a superlative skillset.

Matt Jennings – The Peter Harris Trophy Trainee Marshal of the Year: Awarded to the trainee marshal of 2024, Matt joined the orange army in June of last year and subsequently completed 20 volunteering days – often undertaking a number of different roles as well.

Abbi Pulling – The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the junior driver of the year, Abbi made history in the ROKiT British F4 Championship by becoming the first-ever female race winner before then going on to dominate in F1 Academy.

Rob Manger – The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Handed out to the person that the BARC believes to epitomise Gerry Marshall’s philosophy for motorsport, Rob has been a staple of Thruxton and the driving force behind the hugely successful Jochen Rindt Trophy.

Abbie Eaton – The Densley Trophy: Given to the leading female within the BARC in recognition of a successful year, Abbie jumped across to the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain in 2024 and made history at Silverstone by becoming the first-ever female race winner.

More interviews from the BARC Championship Awards Evening can be listened to via https://barcaudio.net/.

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening didn’t just see the title winners of 2024 honoured on Saturday (February 1) as a number of additional special accolades were handed to some hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned F1 Academy champion and ROKiT British F4 Championship competitor Abbi Pulling who claimed The Peter Collins Trophy; which is awarded to the junior driver of the year.

Pulling was one of the standout stars in single-seaters last year as she powered her way to nine wins from 14 races on the Formula 1 support bill, as well as becoming the first-ever female to win a race outright in British F4.

“It’s super special to be recognised for what was a tough but ultimately rewarding year in 2024; there are some great names on this trophy and to now have mine added to the list is a real honour,” said Pulling.

“Winning F1 Academy in the manner we did was amazing and then to have a win and some podiums (I’d have liked a few more if I’m honest) in British F4 was brilliant. My affiliation with the BARC is rather special because after missing out on the Ginetta Junior Scholarship I was in a bit of no man’s land and put a post out on Facebook about whether or not I’d drive again.

“Mark Carter reached out, said I could have a go in his Caterham and it has snowballed from there. I owe everyone that has played a part on this journey I’m on as it might have been over on several occasions.”

One of the biggest raptures of applause deservedly went the way of this year’s BARC Marshal of the Year, Simon Morris. In memory of Dennis Harris and designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals, Morris was a worthy winner after being selected by the Marshals Core Group.

He said: “I’m over the moon to have received this honour. I’m from a motorsport family – my parents got together at club-level rallying – so I’ve been immersed in it since I can remember. I love the sport and I love volunteering; especially what we get out of it.

“I probably do about 60 days a year in total and a majority of them are done at Donington Park, Harewood and Curborough; although I do travel around the country as well. I just absolutely love it and to be recognised by the BARC and my fellow marshals with this award is amazing.”

Chris Davenport and Matt Jennings also represented the volunteering community on stage as they collected The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy and The Peter Harris Trophy for the Trainee Marshal of the Year respectively.

“It’s a real honour to be picking up this wonderful trophy for the second time,” stated Davenport. “I’m extremely lucky that I’ve got such a supportive wife that doesn’t want me under her feet too much so I’m able to attend all of these fantastic events and join some really special people in doing something that I love.

“The marshal community is truly special and this award is for everyone that dedicates themselves to this great sport.”

Jennings added: “I’m absolutely delighted to pick up this award. I’ve been involved in motorsport since I was a little lad and always wanted to get involved in some way.

“Through marshalling I’ve been able to do that and I’m excited to continue my journey; the aim is to hopefully one day work my way up to marshalling at a Formula 1 race.”

The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to to the leading female within the Club in recognition of a successful year went the way of Abbie Eaton, who had just that in 2024 as she made the switch to the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and made history at Silverstone by becoming the first-ever female driver to win a race outright.

She said: “It was lovely to be told that I’d be getting this trophy and now that I have it I’ve spotted some familiar names on it such as Sarah Moore, Alice Powell and a friend of mine Kelly Smith, whose son Harry Smith, is someone I coach – so I’m certainly in good company.

“It was my first year in the Carrera Cup last year so there was a lot to learn but we made progress throughout the season and it all came together at Silverstone in what were really tricky weather conditions.”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Piers Grange, who scooped The President’s Cup after claiming a total of 15 race wins last season and Rob Manger, who lifted The G

“What a way to end what was an amazing 2024 season! Being a part of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club is really quite something and I’ve had the opportunity to race some great cars down the years, with last year being no different,” said Grange.

Manger concluded: “It’s absolutely tremendous – I had absolutely no clue that was coming so it was a massive shock when I realised the person they were describing was me.

“To be sat on a table with some of my old racing pals and then to win this award, it’s a night I’ll remember for some time. Single seaters has always been my passion and while I did ok, I quickly realised that I wouldn’t make it but continued to do club racing.

“A few years ago I bought an F3 car and realised we could make something out it. I went to the BARC to see what they thought and they absolutely got behind what is now the Jochen Rindt Trophy. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.”

The Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hampshire played host to the British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening this past Saturday (February 1) where deserving title winners, volunteers and officials converged to celebrate the year that was.

Officially bringing the curtain down on what was a momentous 2024 season, the glittering black tie event saw more than 230 guests in attendance for an unforgettable night of commemoration and recognition.

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

Champions – including Deagen Fairclough, Dan Zelos, Stephen Primett, John Powell, Harry Hickton, Paul Goldstein, Stuart Waite and Steve McDermid – all took to the stage throughout the night while a number of other honours were also bestowed on some deserving recipients.

Chris Davenport scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy for conducting the most volunteering days in 2024 whilst Simon Morris was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year, which is named in memory of Dennis Harris. Matt Jennings was named the Trainee Marshal of the Year, collecting The Peter Harris Trophy in the process.

Multiple Classic Touring Car Racing Club champion and race winner Piers Grange was another to triumph as he claimed the coveted President’s Cup.

Elsewhere, F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy – which recognises junior drivers – while Abbie Eaton’s efforts in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain were rewarded in the shape of The Densley Trophy.

Rounding out the winners was Rob Manger, who picked up The Gerry Marshall Trophy for his long-standing service to Thruxton and for being the driving force behind the hugely successful Jochen Rindt Trophy.

“It was a fantastic evening – as it always is,” said BARC CEO Taylor. “Although the event is to honour our champions, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate our members and the people that play their part in making the BARC what it is.

“When you think that we organise 25 race events, ten TOCA meetings, three Goodwoods and multiple hillclimbs you realise that there are a huge number of people that are involved in making everything happen.

“It’s a massive organisation – more than 1000 marshals and 1000 competitors – so when you add everyone else into the mix and take a step back you see that we’ve got a community of more than 3000 people that make the BARC what it is.

“The 2024 season was brilliant. Of course it had its challenges along the way but it was a big success and we’ve got some exciting things lined up for 2025 too; great championships, great events and our venues will be going great guns too.”

Speaking of the venues, before the night was out a special presentation was made to Thruxton Operations Manager Pat Blakeney who, after almost four decades, is set to embark on semi-retirement from the Hampshire track.

Blakeney said: “It was a little bit of a shock so thank you for that lovely surprise. It has been an enjoyable journey at Thruxton and I’ve made so many friends along the way – I’ve done just about every job at the circuit and while I’m stepping away on the day-to-day things, I’ll still be involved with the race meetings and a few other bits.”

In addition to the prize-giving, more than £1200 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund – which included prizes such as tickets to the British Touring Car Championship, Thruxton Driving Experiences and subscription to EVO Magazine.

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that its annual Championship Awards Evening will take place on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hampshire.

On what is always one of the biggest prize-giving nights of the year, race suits and overalls will be swapped for black ties and ball gowns as the great and good of UK motorsport come together for what should be an unforgettable evening, held at a venue that has staged the event in years gone by.

Celebrating a momentous 2024 season, the star-studded evening will include a three-course dinner alongside the customary trophy presentations and live entertainment.

Tickets for the Club’s ‘Big Night Out’ will be on sale shortly, with more information set to follow in due course.

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening took centre stage at the Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire on Saturday 4th February to celebrate the achievements of champions, officials and volunteers from what was a sensational 2022 season. 

On what proved to be a night to remember, listen to some of the best interviews from key BARC personnel and winners here: 

Ben Taylor – BARC Chief Executive: The Club’s Chief Executive sits down to chat about what turned out to be a successful 2022, honouring the champions of last year and looking ahead to what 2023 has in store for the BARC.

Mark Turner – BARC Sporting Manager: The Club’s Sporting Manager looks back on the 2022 campaign, the annual BARC Awards Evening and how 2023 is shaping up for the ever-busy Competitions Department.

Paul Graham-Fielding – BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications: Just a few weeks into his new role, we catch up with the Club’s new Group Head of Marketing & Communications – Paul Graham-Fielding – to discuss what he hopes to bring to the BARC this year and beyond.

Alan Gow – BTCC Chief Executive: The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s Chief Executive discusses a momentous 2022 campaign – which included the introduction of hybrid power and the crowning of a new champion – as well as what’s to come in 2023.

Hugh Chambers – Motorsport UK Chief Executive: The Chief Executive for the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK joined us to discuss a number of different topics such as Environmental Sustainability, Equality and much more.

Tom Ingram – BTCC Champion: After previously coming close on a number of occasions, Tingram made his dreams a reality last year as he clinched a hugely popular maiden BTCC title. For 2023, he’s back to defend his title with EXCLER8 Motorsport in his Hyundai i30N Fastback.

Phil Davies – Pembrey Circuit Manager: Ahead of what promises to be another busy year at the venue, Pembrey’s Circuit Manager joined us to discuss everything from future events to the latest developments down in South Wales.

Jon Winter – Winner of The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Awarded to the person that the BARC believes to epitomise Gerry Marshall’s philosophy of motorsport, Jon was a standout winner having been the driving force behind the hugely successful Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires series.

Maximus Hall – Winner of The Peter Collins Trophy: Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event, Maximus was a worthy winner of The Peter Collins Trophy as he scooped the Junior Saloon Car Championship title in his rookie season.

Claire Hedley – Winner of The Densley Trophy: Awarded to the female in the Club that has enjoyed a successful year, Claire had plenty to celebrate in 2022 as she led both the Britcar Trophy Championship and all-new British Endurance Championship to new heights.

Stuart Caie – Classic Touring Car Racing Club: BARC Council Member Stuart sat down to preview what promises to be another bumper season for the Classic Touring Car Racing Club; which has seen 200 entries already confirmed and a new Super Touring event at Brands Hatch set to debut in July. 

Stuart Oliver – British Truck Racing Championship Competitor & Promoter: With ten titles to his name already, Stuart is no stranger to an Awards Evening and despite missing out on the 2022 crown, he was happy to look back on what proved to be a memorable year. As one of the promoters of the BTRC, he also provided a preview for what is in-store for 2023.

Luke Garrett – British Truck Racing Championship Division 2 Champion: Returning to British shores in 2022, Luke produced a masterful season to clinch a third Division 2 crown – doing so at what was a rain-lashed final event at Brands Hatch in November.

Miles Rudman – Legends Cars National Championship Champion: In what was one of the closest finishes in Legends Cars’ history, Miles successfully retained his title and in doing so, became just the third person to capture three championship crowns.

Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson – British Endurance Championship Champions: Last year’s title winners recap what proved to be a groundbreaking year for the British Endurance Championship – where they ultimately reigned supreme in their Rob Boston Racing Mercedes GT3.

Dave Beecroft & Vickie MacClinton – Junior Saloon Car Championship: Dave and Vickie sat down to discuss what was a successful year for the JSCC and how 2023 is shaping up; especially as they get ready to also run the Track Attack Race Club.

The British Automobile Racing Club Awards Evening didn’t just see the champions of 2022 celebrated on Saturday, as a number of other special accolades were handed out to unsuspecting winners on what proved to be a momentous night. 

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was Steve McDermid who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful driver competing under international level within the BARC.

Defending his Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title in supreme style – where he scooped 13 wins along the way – McDermid was chosen to be a worthy recipient for the glittering crown.

“I’m pretty speechless,” said McDermid. “It’s a real honour to be able to receive this award and share the stage with some many great champions. Last year was very competitive in the MGOC but things came together for me and that ultimately is what contributed to not only winning the title again but also picking up this special accolade.”

Jon Winter’s contribution to the continued growth and success of the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made him a worthy recipient of the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy of motorsport that Gerry once had.

“This one really does mean a lot,” Winter enthused. “Gerry was a real friend of the family and as I was growing up around motorsport, he was a constant presence so this award has real poignance for me and is really nice to receive. 

“I’m honoured to have been joined by my 85-year-old father tonight and nothing is going to make me happier than sitting this award on his mantelpiece at home for the next 12 months.”

After a short hiatus, The Densley Trophy – which is awarded to the most successful female in the BARC – was back on stage and being handed to Britcar Managing Director Claire Hedley. 

Having played a critical role in Britcar’s resurgence over several years, Claire had an instrumental part in the Motorsport UK-sanctioned British Endurance Championship’s launch, and under her stewardship it went on to enjoy a sensational inaugural season in 2022.

“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Hedley. “There are some fabulous names on this trophy – many of them remarkable drivers – and to now see mine there is, as a Championship Co-ordinator, is quite something.

“Motorsport is my life but it isn’t just me at Britcar, we have a great team that have all contributed to this as well. We’re growing all the time and I’m sure 2023 will be another fantastic year for us all. I’d like to thank everyone at the BARC that chose me for this award, I really appreciate it.”

Maximus Hall’s remarkable maiden season in the Junior Saloon Car Championship didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship or event. 

In the ultra-competitive one-make category, Hall produced a stellar campaign to become just the second driver in the series’ history to lift the overall title at the first time of asking – doing so with an impressive ten victories to his name.

Hall beamed: “I’m so happy! It’s a total surprise because there are so many other great competitors that could have won it. When you see the names that are already on this trophy it’s amazing to see that mine is now with them.

“It’s the perfect way to cap off what was an incredible season. We had lots of wins and ultimately was able to bring home the title at the final round.”

Drivers and championship organisers weren’t the only one to be celebrated however as a number of marshals and officials were also recognised for their contributions to what was a successful year for the Club.

Ian Seager picked up The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after conducting the most volunteering days – 33 – over the course of the season with his total being 33. Elsewhere, the BARC Marshal of the Year – which is designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals – went the way of Joshua Mendelsohn.

Seager said: “Thank you to everyone at the BARC for this award. Being able to play a part in the sport is something I cherish and hopefully I’ll be able to continue doing so for some years to come as well.”

“It was a really busy year,” added Mendelsohn. “Being a part of the BTCC start-line team was very special and to now be standing here as the BARC Marshal of the Year is the icing on what was an amazing season for me as a marshal.”

The final award to be handed out on the night was one that hasn’t been awarded in over a decade, the John Martin-Lewis Trophy. Given to outstanding marshals and officials that have gone above and beyond in their roles, this year’s victors were the Club’s North West Rescue Unit team.

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening delivered a star-studded night of celebrations on Saturday 4th February, as some of the biggest names in British motorsport came together to look back on what proved to be a successful 2022 season.

Staged at the Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire for a second successive year, the glittering evening saw more than 250 guests attend to celebrate the achievements of last year’s champions, officials and volunteers.

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. 

Alongside the customary championship awards – which were handed out to the likes of Tom Ingram, Alex Dunne, Wayne Marrs, Luke Garrett and many more – a number of secret accolades were also presented to some unsuspecting winners on the night as well. 

Ian Seager scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy for conducting the most volunteering days in 2022 whilst Joshua Mendelsohn was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

The John Martin-Lewis Trophy – which hasn’t been awarded in more than a decade – made a welcome return to the stage and was bestowed to the Club’s North West Rescue Unit for their work both on and off the track. Another returning award was The Densley Trophy, which went the way of Claire Hedley after she enjoyed a stellar 2022 leading Britcar and the British Endurance Championship. 

Maximus Hall was a deserving winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, with Jon Winter picking up the coveted Gerry Marshall Trophy.

Double Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship title winner Steve McDermid was the final secret award recipient as he was handed The President’s Cup after a flawless season which included 13 victories.

Elsewhere, more than £1600 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund whilst further funds were added to the pot by way of an auction – which included prizes such as VIP days to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and BTCC at Thruxton.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a fantastic evening! 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.

“Last season was a really successful one for the Club, right the way through; we had a full calendar of events, full grids and packed bankings of spectators. There were many things we developed too and built upon – one of which was the hugely successful live stream platform.

“We’re now in a really good place ahead of the 2023 season too. We’re going to run more race meetings than we did last year and that is because the demand is there; plus we have a number of new arrivals too which is exciting.”

To view the full photo gallery from the BARC Awards Evening, CLICK HERE.

Full list of award winners:

The John Martin-Lewis Trophy: BARC NW Rescue

The Densley Trophy: Claire Hedley

The Peter Collins Trophy: Maximus Hall

The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Ian Seager

BARC Marshal of the Year: Joshua Mendelsohn

The Gerry Marshall Trophy: Jon Winter

The President’s Cup: Steve McDermid

2022 Kumho BMW Champion: James Card

2022 2CVParts.com Champion: David O’Keeffe

2022 Caterham Graduates Sigmax Champion: Max Haynes

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’66 Champion: Luc Wilson

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’83 Champion: Stephen Primett

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’93 Champion: Andy Cripps

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre ’03 Champion: Cavan Grainger

2022 Classic Touring Car Racing Club Jaguar Challenge Champion: Tom Robinson

2022 Michelin Ginetta Junior Champion: Josh Rowledge 

2022 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge Champion: Mikey Doble

2022 Ginetta GT Academy Champion: Marc Warren

2022 Junior Saloon Car Champion: Maximus Hall

2022 Connaught Competition Engines BARC Speed Champion: Damien Bradley

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class A Champion: David Amphlett

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class B Champion: Anthony Bate

2022 Lancaster Insurance MGOC Class Z Champion: Steve McDermid

2022 Legends Cars National Champion: Miles Rudman 

2022 Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup Winner: Wayne Rockett

2022 Britcar Trophy Champions: Chris Overend & James Whitley

2022 Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB Champion: Harry Foster

2022 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion: Kiern Jewiss

2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Champion: Nelson King

2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Champion: Sam Weller

2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion: Tom Ingram

2022 British Endurance Champions: Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson

2022 British Truck Racing Division 1 Champion: Ryan Smith

2022 British Truck Racing Division 2 Champion: Luke Garrett

2022 ROKiT British F4 Champion: Alex Dunne