Tag: Caterham Graduates Championship

Champions to be crowned as BARC speeds into Silverstone

Champions will be crowned at Silverstone this weekend (October 10/11) as the British Automobile Racing Club takes centre stage for what should be a blockbuster two days of track action around the famous National layout.

In what has been an unprecedented year which has seen a scaled down and condensed 2020 season, several championships will bring the curtain down on their campaigns at the Home of British Motor Racing – and it is not to be missed.

The Caterham Graduates Championship kicked off their season with a taster day at Silverstone in February and it feels only right that things have come full circle for the one-make series as it caps off another stellar year of on-track entertainment.

Bumper entry lists have produced enthralling wheel-to-wheel battles throughout the field this year and that theme is set to continue as champions are decided in Classic, Sigmax, 135 and 150 classes.

Titles will also be decided in the Classic Touring Car Championship as the battle for supremacy comes to a head between the main protagonists across each category.

Action from the Classic Race Engines Pre ’66 Touring Cars, Shell Oil Pre 83′ Touring Car Championship, Laser Tools Pre-93 Touring Cars Championship, Simply Serviced Pre-2003 Touring Cars Championship, Toyo Tyres Pre-2005 Production Touring Car Championship, Burton Power Products Blue Oval Saloon Series and the Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder Saloons Championship will undoubtedly set pulses racing.

Silverstone could see Lewis Saunders take a step closer to title glory in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as well. Looking to become the first double champion in the series, Saunders has been perfection personified this year – winning every race so far.

Leading the chase for Ciceley Motorsport-backed teenager is Charlie Hand, Alex Solley, Benjamin Greenhill and Molly Dodd, to name but a few.

Edge of the seat entertainment will be provided by the Dunlop Endurance Championship across both days as its Endurance and Trophy categories take centre stage with a pair of races eacg. Marking the penultimate round of the season, every point is set to be crucial in deciding the destiny of each title come the end of the year.

Notable names to look out for during the course of both days include Paul Bailey in his Ferrari 488, VR Motorsport’s Jack Fabby and Garry Townsend, Barry McMahon and the Peugeot RCZ duo of Rob Smith and Charlie Campbell – amongst many more.

Sunday will also see the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship and Max5 Racing Championship join forces and amalgamate their grids for two all-action contests around the challenging 1.64-mile circuit.

Joining the BARC over the course of the weekend will also be the BRSCC Formula Ford Championship and the Tiedman Trophy.

To view more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Silverstone, including where to follow live timing and to view the event timetable, click here.

BARC publishes COVID-19 guidelines for Competitors and Officials

With the restart to racing in the UK now well underway the British Automobile Racing Club has updated its guidelines on how events will be run for both Competitors and Officials.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to adjust some of our practices and procedures in order to satisfy the requirements laid down by the government and most importantly to provide the safest environment possible for everyone involved.

In line with the guidance provided by Motorsport UK, the BARC will operate their race meetings as follows:-

BARC Competitors Guidance (v3 21 July) – CLICK HERE

BARC Officials Guidance (v2 22 July) – CLICK HERE

These guidelines have been put in place with the well-being of staff, competitors, officials and all potential visitors to our venues and events remaining at the forefront of our considerations at all times.

As it stands, all race meetings and events remain provisional and subject to change in accordance with the latest directives from the UK government.

To view the remaining post-lockdown 2021 events schedule, head to https://www.barc.net/events/.

Four championships put on a Saturday show at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage at Oulton Park this past Saturday (September 12) where four championship basked in the Cheshire sunshine to serve up a feast of entertainment.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the one-day meeting had a host of thrills and spills as each category continued their condensed 2020 campaigns.

Headlining the day’s action was the much-loved Dunlop Endurance Championship, which was home to all manner of eye-catching pieces of machinery. Two races, one for the Endurance class and the other for the Trophy class set pulses well and truly racing.

In the hour-long Endurance encounter, VR Motorsport’s duo of Jack Fabby and Garry Townsend reigned supreme in their Praga R1T to triumph whilst the Honda Integra Type R pairing of Danny Casser and Nigel Ainge did the same in the Trophy category.

Harry Senior enjoyed a near-perfect weekend in the Caterham Graduates Championship as he tallied two wins from three races. Senior controlled proceedings in races one and two before missing out on the hat-trick in race three, where Andrew Whitton ran out as the victor.

The North West Centre’s flagship category – the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – boasted a near 30-car entry list for its two races and close-quarter, wheel-to-wheel battles were present throughout the field.

Paul Woolfitt was to be the driver to beat, powering his Lotus Exige to an impressive pair of wins ahead of Luke Armiger. The spoils for third place were ultimately shared between Jon Woolfitt and Danny Bird.

Capping off the day’s action were two races from the Kumho BMW Championship, which showcased some of the best machines that have been produced by the Bavarian manufacturer from down the years.

Michael Pensaville proved too much for the competition at the wheel of his BMW M3 E36 to score an impressive brace of race wins whilst Brad Sheehan finished hot on his heels in both encounters. Lucky Khera and James Card each took a podium apiece as well.

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

BARC heads to Oulton Park for one-day meeting

The British Automobile Racing Club heads to Oulton Park this weekend (September 12) for a one-day meeting that will is bound to get pulses racing, as four championships continue their 2020 campaigns.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the Cheshire venue is set to play host to a breathtaking day of high-octane autumnal action in front what will undoubtedly be a bumper crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

Headlining the day’s timetable will be two pulsating encounters from the Dunlop Endurance Championship. Showcasing an eclectic mix of jaw-dropping machinery across multiple classes, the series has starred at Croft and Brands Hatch already this year and that theme is only set to continue.

VR Motorsport’s Danny Harrison and Jem Hepworth hold the early initiative in the Endurance Category whilst Barry McMahon holds a slender advantage in the Trophy Class. Keen to extend their leads respectively, the duo will need to be in top form as the list of contenders that are hot on their heels continues to grow.

Boasting bumper grids and producing blockbuster wheel-to-wheel entertainment, the Caterham Graduates Championship has been at its brilliant best this year and Saturday’s visit to Oulton Park is set to be no different.

The Kumho BMW Championship will be back in action after starring at Mallory Park, with two races scheduled to take place. Home to all manner of models that have been produced by the Bavarian manufacturer, rear-wheel-drive rules the roost and is a sight to behold across all classes.

Notable names to look out for include James Card, Brad Sheehan, Darren Morgan-Owen and Rick Kerry, amongst many others.

Rounding out Saturday’s action will be two races from the North West Centre’s flagship category, the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship.

Open to all manner of machinery, the multi-class championship has seen its fair share of excitement and drama already this year, with events taking place at Cadwell Park and Donington Park. With the likes of Paul Rose, Paul Dobson and Danny Bird battling for supremacy, it’s all to play for at the top.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, head to https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-oulton-park/.

Snetterton primed for 2CV Racing 24-hour spectacle

The 2CV Parts.com Classic Racing Championship will headline the British Automobile Racing Club’s late summer visit to Snetterton this coming weekend (August 28/29/30) for its yearly 24-hour race.

In what is one of the standout events on the Club motorsport calendar, the Norfolk venue will play host to a blockbuster three days of track action with several other categories all in action too.

Traditionally run as the series finale for the much-loved single-make championship, revisions to the 2020 calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic has meant that the annual 24-hour encounter will serve as the second event of a condensed schedule.

Roaring into life at Cadwell Park at the start of July, Alec Graham and Luca Proietti shared the spoils across two frenetic encounters but that was only half the story of what proved to be an enthralling spectacle.

Boasting a bumper entry list of not only competitors in the UK series but also in mainland Europe, this weekend’s 24-hour race is set to have pulses racing from start to finish and its anybody’s to win.

Prior to the 2CV Racing Championship taking centre stage at Snetterton, several other BARC categories will continue their campaigns including the Caterham Graduates Championship.

Serving up plenty of entertainment already this year, the one-make series is bigger and better than ever this year and is renowned for producing exhilarating wheel-to-wheel action. Notable names to keep an eye on over the course of the weekend include Andrew Whitton, Kevin Barrett and Barry White – amongst a host of others.

The Kumho BMW Championship will be back in action as well, with two races scheduled to take place. Home to all manner of models that have been produced by the Bavarian manufacturer, rear-wheel-drive rules the roost and is a sight to behold across all classes.

James Card emerged as the man to beat at the Brands Hatch curtain-raiser and the E36 M3 driver will be hard to beat once again, however a host of contenders will undoubtedly not make it easy for Card to remain unbeaten.

Further tin top thrills and spills will be provided by the Hyundai Coupe Cup and BARC Saloon Series – both of which will amalgamate together to form one grid. Providing a low-cost means of going racing, each series has enjoyed great success in recent years and that trend will surely continue into this weekend.

Rounding out the action around the 200 layout of Snetterton will be a handful of races from the British Superkarts Championship.

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Snetterton, including links to live timing and the event timetable, click here.

BARC championships serve up scorching weekend of racing at Croft

The British Automobile Racing Club’s second race meeting in as many weeks since UK motorsport restarted proved to be a resounding smash-hit this past weekend (July 11/12), as six championships served up a feast of entertainment at Croft.

As the sun beamed down on the North Yorkshire venue across both days, competitors and officials continued to adjust to the ‘new normal’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic; with temperature checks, wearing of face masks and social distancing all being carried out.

Spoils were shared in the opening two rounds of the Dunlop Endurance Championship as a bumper entry list took centre stage around the challenging 2.1-mile circuit.

Race one saw the RAW Motorsport pairing of Steve Burgess and Ben Dimmack power their Radical RXC Coupe to the chequered flag before VR Motorsport’s Danny Harrison did the same in race two at the wheel of his Praga R1T.

The Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres delivered six spellbinding encounters and produced three deserving winners.

Saturday’s action saw Jack Parker take an impressive brace before Sy Harraway closed out proceedings with a win of his own. On Sunday, defending champion Miles Rudman opened his account for the season before Harraway returned to winning ways once again, netting another two victories.

Lewis Saunders maintained his advantage at the summit of the Junior Saloon Car Championship as he bagged another pair of wins. The former champion swept the opposition in the opener before narrowly edging out Charlie Hand in race two to maintain his perfect record.

The Mighty Minis Championship saw a dominant double-winning display produced as well as Neven Kirkpatrick reigned supreme to kick-start his 2020 campaign in fine style; getting the better of Ian Clark and Steven Rideout in both races.

Jon Halliwell completed a fairytale comeback in the Max5 Racing Championship as he also claimed a sensational two wins. Having watched from the sidelines for a few years, Halliwell was back behind the wheel and back at the front to lead Paul Roddison home.

Rounding out the weekend were a trio of races from the Caterham Graduates Championship, which boasted a bumper entry list throughout each of its classes that added up to an impressive 34-car starting grid.

Henry Heaton proved to be the driver to beat throughout the weekend however as he was perfection personified, taking victory in all three races and by some margin as well.

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

Croft set to play host to bumper BARC weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club speeds into North Yorkshire this weekend (July 11/12) with six championships all set to take centre stage at Croft Circuit.

One week on from what proved to be a hugely successful season-opener at Cadwell Park for the Club since lockdown restrictions were eased, a total of 17 races are set to take place around the challenging 2.1-mile circuit across both days – with edge-of-the-seat entertainment guaranteed.

Having taken on a starring role last weekend, the Junior Saloon Car Championship is back in action with another bumper entry list of talented 14 to 17-year-old’s and two high-octane encounters scheduled to be run.

After notching two wins at Cadwell Park, all eyes will be on former champion Lewis Saunders as he bids to extend his early points lead over the rest of the field. Leading the chase for the Mac Tools-backed ace will be the likes of Charlie Hand, Ben Greenhill and Ruben Hage, amongst others.

Kickstarting their campaign at Croft will be the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres. Small in stature but packing a real punch under the bonnet, these 5/8 scale machines are renowned for producing breathtaking wheel-to-wheel moments.

Miles Rudman returns as defending champion but the threats to his throne come from all angles, with multiple title winner John Mickel, Connor Mills and Sy Harraway set to be the lead protagonists across the weekend’s six races.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship boasts a coveted entry list too with all manner of jaw-dropping machines revved up to launch their season with a pair of 50-minute spectacles.

Elsewhere, the Caterham Graduates Championship has continued on its upward trajectory of recent years and with a blend of experienced and new drivers, it is set to be quite the display on-track.

This weekend will also mark the start of a new season for the Max5 Racing Championship, which looks set to showcase one of its biggest grids in some time.

Paul Roddison has proven to be the driver to beat in recent years in the one-make series however the return of Jon Halliwell could well make it an intriguing weekend for the formidable race-winner.

Rounding off what is set to be a blockbuster weekend’s action at Croft will be races from the Mighty Minis Championship, with the usual thrills and spills likely to be delivered.

Please note that this event will be run behind closed doors and spectators will not be permitted to attend.

To view more information on this weekend’s event, such as the full entry list and timetable, click here.

BARC announces revised provisional 2020 calendar for remainder of the year

The British Automobile Racing Club can today (June 22) reveal its revised provisional calendar for the remainder 2020; kicking off on July 4/5 and running right the way through until November 22.

Following on from the suspension of UK motorsport in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club has worked tirelessly to put together a calendar with the dates available that will suit each individual championship.

Unfortunately, both the British Hillclimb Championship and BARC Connaught Speed Championship have elected to cancel their 2020 campaigns, with the focus now on 2021.

To view the full revised list of 2020 British Automobile Racing Club race meetings, CLICK HERE.

All dates remain provisional and subject to change in line with the current and ever-evolving government guidelines. Spectators are currently not permitted to attend events at this moment in time.

Those wishing to enter a race meeting can do so via the BARC Competitor Entry System.

For those that do not have a Username to access the BARC Competitor Entry System or if you have a general enquiry, please contact BARC Competitors secretary David Wheadon via 01264 882209 or dwheadon@barc.net.

Guidelines for Competitors and Officials have also been published in relation to how BARC race meetings will operate moving forward. They can be viewed by heading to https://www.barc.net/barc-publishes-covid-19-guidelines-for-competitors-and-officials/ 

Caterham Graduates Championship set for blockbuster year after exceeding membership expectations

The Caterham Graduates Racing Club has confirmed that it has already closed its membership for the forthcoming 2020 race season, with more than 90 drivers signed up across its four classes.

Steeped in a rich history that stretches back more than two decades, the popular single-make championship has been one of the cornerstones of the British Automobile Racing Club and has continued to flourish.

Coming off the back of a memorable 2019, the category has seen membership grow by over a third this year, prompting the Club to close membership two months ahead of the seven-round campaign that lies ahead.

Andrew Outterside, Club Director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in racing with us in 2020 and have taken the unusual decision to close membership this early, to ensure that our members will have the opportunity to race at as many meetings as possible.

“We think our success in retaining existing members and attracting new members is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, our continued focus on having fun in a sociable environment for racers and their families. Safety and driving standards are taken very seriously, with a dedicated Driving Standards Team (DST), made up of experienced and respected members. The DST act on inconsiderate or poor driving and educate drivers on avoiding incidents.

“We have a tried and tested formula which provides a cost-effective ‘level playing field’ approach, where it’s the driver that makes the difference. This is achieved by strictly controlled specifications and a limit of three sets of tyres per season.

“In addition, this season we’ve introduced two new types of membership, which have proved popular. They cater for those drivers that are short on time but would still like to compete in a limited number of rounds (the CGRC Trophy) or just have the occasional outing with the Club during the year.

“Our calendar this year also has a great blend of circuits, including an overseas round at the  recently undated Zandvoort GP circuit, and I’m sure that is only going to add to the spectacle.

“Along with the British Automobile Racing Club, we are shaping up to have a busy year ahead and we’re looking forward to the continued growth of the CGRC into 2021.”

In addition to the healthy grid size, the Club has also confirmed that it has selected Mission Motorsport and Purple 4 Polio as its two charities that it will be supporting throughout the coming season.

The 2020 Caterham Graduates Championship kicks off its season around the Silverstone National circuit with its annual pre-season track day on February 29 before returning on March 21/22 for the season-opener.

To find out more information on the Club and championship, visit www.cgrc.co.uk.

Tickets on sale for prestigious BARC Championship Awards Evening in February

Champions, marshals and officials are set to be honoured at the British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Championship Awards Evening on Saturday 8th February 2020, with the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth confirmed to once again host the prestigious event.

Celebrating the 2019 season in fine style, 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 another unforgettable night.

Whilst those who emerged victorious from their respective categories over the course of the season will take centre stage, several other ‘secret’ awards will be handed out during the evening as well – adding further excitement to the spectacle.

Hosted by Alan Hyde, the star-studded evening is set to include a three-course dinner and raffle in addition to the customary trophy presentation. Entertainment will come in the shape of popular cover band ‘The Torn Off Strips’.

Tickets for the BARC Championship Awards Evening are priced at £75.00 for BARC Members whilst £85.00 for Non-Members. Click HERE to view and complete the ticket booking form.

For more information regarding the event, please contact: Mandy Curley, BARC Ltd, Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hants SP11 8PN | Tel: 01264 882202 (direct) | Fax: 01264 882233 | Email: mcurley@barc.net

A limited number of rooms have been allocated at Chesford Grange Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis at Double £112 per room and Single £98 per room.

Once allocation has gone, the full rate may be charged. To book and pre pay for your accommodation with the hotel’s central reservations line, contact 0845 074 0060 and quote ‘BARC event’.

BARC championships make a splash at Cadwell Park

Champions were crowned and title battles intensified at Cadwell Park this past weekend (October 5/6) as the British Automobile Racing Club braved challenging conditions to deliver a blockbuster two days of edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Wet weather proved to be a constant theme across the weekend at the Lincolnshire-based venue but that didn’t deter those in attendance being treated to a feast of action.

With champions having already been decided prior to its season finale, the Kumho BMW Championship still had plenty to shout about as Garrie Whittaker wrote his name into the series’ folklore after triumphing once again.

Two more races wins around the undulating Cadwell layout completed an unprecedented clean sweep for Whittaker – who has been in a league of his own from behind the wheel of his E36 M3.

The Caterham Graduates Championship crowned its 2019 champions on the same weekend that Barry White, James Gilmour, Stephen Clark and Jamie Ellwood shared the spoils across four spectacular encounters.

Overall, Robin Webb walked away as the victor of the Classic category, Adam Harrison the amalgamated Sigma class, Samuel Wilson in the Sigmax and Kevin Barrett in the Mega category.

A nail-biting finish took place in the KW Automotive Classic VW Cup over the course of the week, with Nick Penfold emerging as the inaugural champion in the single-manufacturer category.

Further tin top thrills and spills were produced by the Uncle Luke’s BARC Saloon Series, TDi North Honda VTEC Challenge and the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup.

Wayne Rockett brought the curtain down on a memorable year with two more race wins in the Coupe Cup, whilst Steve Rothery and Mark De’ath triumphed in BARC Saloons.

The destiny of the Junior Saloon Car Championship looks set to go down to the wire at Brands Hatch next month following a rollercoaster race day. Points leader Scott McIntyre put himself on the fringe of the coveted crown with victory in race one but then was forced into retirement in the second encounter.

Reigning champion Lewis Saunders took advantage of the Team HARD driver’s misfortune to record a long overdue win. With double points on offer at the Brands Hatch season finale, McIntyre remains in the pound seat with two races remaining.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Cadwell Park, click here.

Title-deciding weekend lies ahead for BARC categories at Cadwell Park

The British Automobile Racing Club will make its final visit of the year to Cadwell Park this weekend (October 5/6) for an action-packed two days of title-deciding track action.

Having played host to plenty of BARC thrills and spills around its challenging layout already this year, the Lincolnshire-based venue will welcome no less than seven different categories  – with the curtain drawing on another season for many.

Despite the fact that they will sign their season off at Brands Hatch next month, the Junior Saloon Car Championship could well be settled over the course of the weekend if things fall the way of Scott McIntyre.

In what has been another ultra-competitive year for the 14 to 17-year-old series, McIntyre has been a tour-de-force since the beginning and enters the weekend in a commanding position at the top of the standings.

Bidding to add the main crown to his Scholarship title from last year, the Team HARD will have to be wary of the likes of Alex Jay and Lewis Saunders, who will be keen to taste success once again.

Titles will be decided in the Caterham Graduates Championship, which has enjoyed another vintage year of multi-class, wheel-to-wheel competition. The Classic, Sigma 150, Mega and Sigmax class titles will all be decided and if the championship has demonstrated anything this year, it is to expect the unexpected when it comes to Caterham racing.

Notable drivers that will be worth keeping an eye on include Robin Webb, Luke Balmforth, Kevin Barrett, Samuel Wilson and Gareth Cordey, amongst many others too.

Garrie Whittaker, Jas Sapra, Trevor Ford and James Card have already wrapped up their respective classes in the Kumho BMW Championship, meaning this weekend’s finale will be more of a coronation of sorts.

For Whittaker, a unrivalled clean sweep could be completed if the E36 M3 driver can triumph twice. Winning every race up until this point, Whittaker could write his name into the history books whilst a whole host of drivers will be keen to halt his momentum.

Outright honours will be battled for in the KW Automotive Classic VW Cup, Uncle Luke’s BARC Saloon Series and the TDi North Honda VTEC Challenge. Having gained championship status by Motorsport UK at the start of the year, the very first VW Cup champion will be crowned.

Capping off the weekend’s action will be two races from the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup. Despite not having a championship up for grabs, overall honours have still been fiercely fought over throughout the year, with Wayne Rockett claiming the mantel of being the most successful driver in the series.

With two more race wins up for grabs around Cadwell’s undulating twists and turns, expect the penultimate meeting of the Coupe Cup campaign to be jam-packed with action.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Cadwell Park, including links to live timing and the race meeting timetable, click here.