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.”

BARC to kick off new year at Autosport International Show

The British Automobile Racing Club is poised to kick off the new year in style after confirming its presence at the upcoming Autosport International Show. 

Taking place at the NEC Arena in Birmingham between January 11-14, the four-day show will serve as the perfect launchpad for another year of national and international racing, with thousands of industry experts and fans set to attend.

Making a triumphant return to Europe’s biggest motorsport show for the first time since 2019, the Club will be situated in Hall 3 on Stand 3450.

Showcasing a variety of cars as well as an eye-catching stand, information on all of the Clubs championships, marshal initiatives, venues, membership and much more will be able to be discussed at the event.

Paul Graham-Fielding, BARC Group Head of Marketing & Communications, said: “At Autosport International 2024, the British Automobile Racing Club isn’t just about showcasing cars, it’s about celebrating and growing the community that fuels our sport.

“For the BARC, it’s a chance to showcase our rich heritage and our wide variety of championships. We hope to identify new partnerships, new motorsport talent and continue to grow motorsport in the UK.”

2024 BARC race meetings now available to view

The British Automobile Racing Club is poised for a blockbuster 2024 motorsport season, with all race meetings and marshal training days now available to view online.  

Following on from a hugely successful 2023 campaign, the Club has unveiled a bumper bill of race meetings which will see championships undoubtedly deliver edge-of-the-seat entertainment across the length and breadth of the UK between the months of March and November. 

Categories such as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, British Endurance Championship, British Hillclimb Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club, plus many more, are just some of the series that are set to take centre stage. 

In addition to running more than 50 race meetings, the Club will continue to take up its customary operational and organisational role across all three Goodwood events; the 81st Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival. 

BARC launches 2024 Officials Recruitment Drive

Do you work effectively as a leader and/or a member of a team? Are you a good communicator? Do you possess great listening and management skills?

The British Automobile Racing Club is currently recruiting ahead of the 2024 season for the following roles:

Event Secretaries

Event Stewards

Race Phones / Radio Communications Personnel

Chief Observers / Deputy Chief Observers

Chief Incident Officers / Deputy Chief Incident Officers

Chief Marshals / Deputy Chief Marshals

Rescue Crew

Safety Car Observer

Safety Car Drivers

Fire Car Crew

Scrutineers

Clerk of the Course

Do you have what it takes to fulfil these roles?

If the answer is yes then please send a brief email to officials@barc.net using BARC Officials Recruitment Drive as the Subject Line and stating which of the roles you would like to be considered for and why.

The Club does not expect successful candidates to jump into these roles immediately. The relevant training and mentoring will be provided.

BARC HQ 2023 Christmas & New Year closing dates

The British Automobile Racing Club headquarters at Thruxton Circuit will be closed during the following dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.

From: Wednesday 20th December 2023 at 17:00

To: Wednesday 3rd January 2024 at 09:00

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible trackside throughout 2024; be it if you are officiating, marshalling, spectating or competing!

From everyone at the BARC and all of our venues around the country; we wish you a safe, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Champions crowned across all BARC categories for 2023

The British Automobile Racing Club revelled in a momentous year of motorsport in 2023 and with the dust having now settled, we’re delighted to be able to reveal who reigned supreme across our wealth of championships:

2CVParts.com Championship – Kris Tovey

BARC Connaught Speed Championship – Matt Bramall

British Endurance Championship – Bradley Thurston & Daryl Deleon

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 1 – Ryan Smith

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 2  – Paul Rivett

Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship – Freddie Chiddicks

Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship – Jack Sales

Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Championship – Green Group – Nick Highton

Adrian Flux Caterham Academy Championship – White Group – Daniel Neale

Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship – Ben Timmons

Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Championship – Lewis Thompson

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

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Orange Aero Pre-83 Touring Cars – Stephen Primett

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Laser Tools Pre-93 Touring Cars – Stuart Waite

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Burty Haulage Pre-03 Touring Cars – Gary Prebble

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series – James Dunkley

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Berkshire Jag Components Jaguar Challenge – Guy Connew

Classic Touring Car Racing Club: Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder – Nick Vaughan

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

CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – Ian Bamber

Ginetta GT AcademyNick White

Junior Saloon Car Championship – Daire Flock

Kumho BMW Championship  – Kevin Denwood

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Ash Sutton

Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club ChampionshipWilliam Sharpe

Legends Cars ChampionshipWill Gibson

Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM – Connor Mills

Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship – Freddie Slater

Mini Challenge Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport – Stephen Berry

Morphmy Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 135 – Ben Wheatley 

Morphmy Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 150 – Harry Senior

Morphmy Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigmax – Daniel Livingstone

Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship – Wallace Menzies

OT Publishing Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires – Luca Staccini Anzanello 

Pickup Truck Racing Championship – Reece Jones

Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain – Adam Smalley 

Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain – Joe Warhurst

Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT Championship – Luke Reade

ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA – Louis Sharp

ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship – Rhys Lloyd & Jack Meakin

Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW – Dan Zelos

Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE TrophyTom Ovenden

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 12 – November 17th 2023

Episode 12 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official podcast, BARC’ing Mad, is now live and available to listen to.

In partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, the fortnightly podcast – which is hosted by Alan Hyde and Ian Waterhouse – brings its inaugural series to a close with

Joining Alan – who is in Macau – and Ian on the final episode is former World Touring Car champion and tin top extraordinaire Rob Huff and Driven International’s Matt Birkett.

BARC Event Manager David Wheadon is also back to sign off the season and also help Alan and Ian select some winners for the first-ever BARC’ing Mad Awards.

BARC’ing Mad is available to listen to across all popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

All episodes of the BARC’ing Mad podcast are also available to watch via the Club’s official YouTube channel.

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 11 – November 3rd 2023

Episode 11 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official podcast, BARC’ing Mad, is now live and available to listen to.

In partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, the fortnightly podcast – which is hosted by Alan Hyde and Ian Waterhouse – is packed with full-throttle news, reviews and captivating interviews.

The penultimate episode of the inaugural series sees Alan and Ian joined by legendary commentator and the voice of the British Touring Car Championship on ITV, David Addison. The duo also delve into some possible ‘End of Season’ Awards Categories.

BARC’ing Mad is available to listen to across all popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

You can also watch each episode via the Club’s official YouTube channel.

Tickets for BARC Championship Awards Evening now on sale

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening takes place on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at the stunning Crowne Plaza riverside venue in Stratford upon Avon – and tickets are now on sale.

The evening – hosted by Alan Hyde – will celebrate the great and good of UK motorsport; the BARC community will come together to honour drivers, marshals and officials for their endeavours this season.

The glamorous black-tie evening includes a drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by the awards presentations and evening entertainment.

MEMBERS – BUY HERE

NON-MEMBERS – BUY HERE

MARSHALS – BUY HERE

Accommodation: The Crowne Plaza Hotel offers an impressive range of accommodation, including access to the state-of-the-art health club and spa facilities. We have secured a limited number of rooms on a Bed & Breakfast basis at a discounted rate of £145/£155 per room (Single/Double).

In order to obtain this reduced rate, you must book direct with Crowne Plaza on 01789 279988 quoting ‘BARC event’.  Please note these rates will only be valid until the original allocation is taken up,  after which the best available rate will apply.

If you want to stay for more than one night, we have secured preferential rates for Friday night (£145/155) or Sunday night (£120/130)

Thruxton Circuit announces full-throttle 2024 calendar

Thruxton Circuit is delighted to reveal its calendar for the 2024 season, which will see visits from both the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli once again headline in Hampshire.

Coming off the back of an action-packed 2023 campaign, the fastest circuit in the UK is set to play host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of next season, staging a total of seven race meetings from May through to September.

The season will start in early May with a blockbuster race day from the 750 Motor Club – which makes its first visit to the circuit in more than a decade – before the Classic Sports Car Club makes its annual pilgrimage a fortnight later. 

Following that, the UK’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – takes centre stage for what promises to be three frenetic contests on June 8/9.

In addition to the BTCC, the weekend will also see the likes of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE feature on the support race programme, further cementing it as an event that is not to be missed.

Fans will be able to step back in time at the Thruxton Historic towards the end of June with both the Historic Sports Car Club and Classic Sports Car Club having already confirmed grids for the two-day event.

The super-sized machines of the British Truck Racing Championship will follow in July and the full-throttle thrills are poised to continue into August as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli hits the track, with some of the best riders in the world battling for outright honours at speeds of more than 190mph. 

Concluding the 2024 campaign at Thruxton will be the return of the British Racing & Sports Car Club, which is poised to bring the TCR UK Championship to the venue for the first-ever time.

Also complementing the BRSCC bill will be the four races from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, which celebrates its 50th year of working alongside the British Automobile Racing Club. 

Pat Blakeney, Thruxton Operations Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be able to present our 2024 events calendar, which is once again packed with a fantastic mix of two and four-wheeled action, both old and new.

“Over the past few months we’ve been working hard to ensure we can provide the most complete schedule, both for competitors and spectators alike, and I think we’ve done that with no less than seven different meetings locked in.

“As always, the likes of the BTCC, BSB and our ever-expanding Historic meeting will prove popular and we’re excited to be welcoming back both the 750 Motor Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club; they’ll be well worth checking out. 

2024 Thruxton Circuit Calendar

4 May – 750 Motor Club

18 May – Classic Sports Car Club 

8/9 June – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

22/23 June – Thruxton Historic

6/7 July – British Truck Racing Championship 

9/10/11 August – Bennetts British Superbike Championship

21/22 September – British Racing & Sports Car Club

BARC 2024 Marshal Training booking forms now online

Booking forms for all British Automobile Racing Club 2024 Marshal Training days are now available to be completed online. 

Next year’s edition of Marshal Training – which takes place between the months of January and March – will see a wide range of topics covered at four venues, all of which are geared around preparing marshals for the start of the new season.

20th January – Thruxton: Speed Marshals – BOOK HERE

21st January – Thruxton: New Marshals – BOOK HERE

10th February – Croft – BOOK HERE

18th February – Pembrey – BOOK HERE

3rd March – Harewood Hill: Speed Training – CONTACT competitions@barc.net

9th March – Thruxton: Grade 1/2 Thruxton Registered – BOOK HERE

10th March – Thruxton: Off Track, Grade 3, Assessors – BOOK HERE

Every event organised and run by the BARC needs marshals and all marshals, whatever they are doing, are contributing to the success and smooth running of the meeting.

If you want to become a marshal or wish to find out how to get involved in motorsport, visit https://www.barc.net/marshals/.

BARC’ing Mad Podcast: Episode 10 – October 20th 2023

Episode 10 of the British Automobile Racing Club’s official podcast, BARC’ing Mad, is now live and available to listen to.

In partnership with BP Fleet Solutions UK, the fortnightly podcast – which is hosted by Alan Hyde and Ian Waterhouse – is packed with full-throttle news, reviews and captivating interviews.

BARC Event Manager David Wheadon returns to the show to discuss the latest thrills from inside the Club before former Formula 1 and Le Mans racer turned TV star Tiff Needell stops by for a chat that is not to be missed.

BARC’ing Mad is available to listen to across all popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

You can also watch each episode via the Club’s official YouTube channel.