Tag: Croft Circuit

Star studded entry for Croft Christmas Stages Rally

Rallying returns to Croft Circuit this forthcoming Sunday (November 24) when the Swift Signs & Shirts Christmas Stages Rally takes place with a top-quality entry assembled at the North Yorkshire track.

After a break of a year, organisers Northallerton Automobile Club have attracted a near-capacity field of over eighty cars for the event including a host of national champions to take on a strong local contingent over eight stages.

Leading the way is triple and reigning BTRDA champion Elliot Payne in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 who is making his debut on the event. Along with co-driver Liam Whiteley, the young Harrogate driver will be the man to beat but faces stiff opposition from a number of rivals.

Triple British Rallycross champion and 2024 European Rallycross champion Patrick O’Donovan will be in action in a Ford Escort Mk2 with local Richmond co-driver Sam Clennel on the maps whilst his dad Ollie is no stranger to Croft from his Rallycross days and the former British Rallycross champion will also be in action in the Hyundai i20R5 he’s sharing with Northallerton’s Callum Spoors.

Former National Rally champion, Lancastrian John Stone is a former winner at Croft and will be out in his Ford Escort whilst a strong Scottish contingent is headed by Joe McKeand and Lee Hastings, both in Subarus. David White (Ford Fiesta R5), Mike English (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Mark Holmes (Ford Fiesta R5) and Nigel Worswick (Ford Fiesta S2000T) will also be in the mix.

However, local crews will have a major say in the outcome, headed by eight-times winner Kevin Procter from Scruton. Along with Northallerton co-driver Ian Windress in the Ford Fiesta S2000, Procter will be aiming to land the winner’s trophy which he last claimed in 2018.

Team-mate Joe Cunningham from Aiskew will be hoping to improve on his third place at the 2022 event, this time at the wheel of the Ford Fiesta WRC loaned to him by his uncle Kevin for the event which he’ll share with Bedale’s Josh Beer, whilst in the smaller classes, local hopes are abundant.

Witton Gilbert driver Ed Todd and Durham co-driver Andy Brown are one of the favourites for the two-litre class in their Darrian T9 but will face stiff opposition including from Mickleton’s Alistair Hutchinson and Staindrop co-driver St. John Dykes in their LPG-powered Renault Clio Maxi.

In the 1400cc class, it will be the usual battle between Catterick’s Mark Constantine, with brother Andrew from North Cowton on the notes in their Vauxhall Corsa, and the Durham pairing of Andrew Fawcett/Chris Purvis in their Vauxhall Nova.

North Yorkshire brothers Tom and Luke Constantine will be debuting a pair of Opel Adam R2s in the 1600cc class with 2024 MG3 Challenge champion Luke, with Richmond’s Antony Coates co-driving, and MG3 Challenge runner-up Tom, with Mickleton co-driver Tony Walker on the notes, renewing battle.

Spennymoor’s Steve Sawley, and co-driver Rob Johnson, head Class 4 in their powerful Ford Escort whilst the international flavour is provided by Jamaican Tarik Minott with Saltburn’s Neil Colman on the maps in their Ford Fiesta Rally2.

Runner-up in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB this year, Scorton’s Max Coates swaps his racing overalls to make his co-driving debut in Northallerton driver Larry Carter’s Peugeot 206 whilst other locals to keep an eye on include Brompton on Swale driver Geoff Wright (Ford Fiesta S2000), Mickleton pair David and Andrew Hutchinson (Renault Clio), South Kilvington publican Nick Kitching (Ford RS1800) and North Cowton brothers James and Ollie Constantine (Suzuki Swift) amongst many others.

Gates open at 8am with the first stage getting underway at 9am and running throughout the day with the final couple of stages expected to be in darkness. There will be full commentary, and an event programme is on sale. Extensive free parking on hard standing is also available along with trade stalls and food outlets, including Croft’s very own cafĂ©, Hangar 50, which will be open throughout the day serving hot food and drinks.

Adult admission costs £13 via e-ticket and are available at www.croftcircuit.co.uk or on the gate priced at £15 per adult. Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free.

Christmas Stages Rally set to return to Croft this November

After a two-year absence, Croft Circuit will once again reverberate to the sound of rally cars when the Swift Signs and Shirts Christmas Stages Rally takes place on Sunday November 24th, 2024.

Organised by Northallerton Automobile Club, the legendary event has been a feature at Croft during the winter for many years and following the previous event in 2022 where it was called the Winter Stages Rally, a change back to its original name has been deemed appropriate for this year’s running.

The event over eight stages and totalling around forty miles is expected to attract the cream of UK asphalt rally drivers once again in a capacity 90-car entry list which will feature many local crews and a varied selection of competition cars.

Previous winners include local businessman Kevin Procter who has won the event no less than eight times and more recently, Frank Bird from Penrith and Durham’s David Henderson have added their names to the honours list.

Regulations are now out and entries available from a link on the organising club’s social media page: www.facebook.com/xmasstages

With the return of the event, demand for tickets is expected to be high and once again, Croft are offering advance ticket sales at a discounted price. The cost is just £13 per adult in advance with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free, and to order, please visit https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/christmas-stages-rally

Gates will open at 8.00am and the first car starts stage one at 9.00am with action continuing throughout the day with the final stage being run in complete darkness. Extensive free parking is also available with full commentary, trade stalls and food outlets, including Croft’s very own cafĂ© Hanger 50 which will be open throughout the day serving hot food and drinks.

For further information please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk. You can also keep up to date with the latest ticket alerts by following Croft Circuit on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Croft Circuit unveils 2024 race calendar

Croft Circuit is revved up for another action-packed year of motorsport with no less than 13 race meetings confirmed for 2024 at the popular North Yorkshire venue.

Hot on the heels of what has been a blockbuster campaign, which saw capacity crowds flock through the gates throughout the year, the 2.12-mile circuit is already beginning its preparations for the new year. 

In line with the venue’s new hospitality building – situated in the pit lane towards the Complex – nearing completion, 2024 is set to be a big one for the British Automobile Racing Club operated venue as it plays host to a plethora of spectacular events. 

The British Touring Car Championship will once again headline the billing as the UK’s premier motorsport series makes its annual visit on July 27/28; however that won’t be the only tin top action that takes centre stage as TCR UK is also lined up to make a triumphant return. 

Vintage thrills will come in the shape of the Historic Festival Weekend & Show while other standout events include two visits from the 750 Motor Club, No Limits Racing, a BARC Mini Festival and much more.

2024 Croft Circuit Calendar

April 6/7 – North East Motorcycle Racing Club

April 20/21 – 750 Motor Club

May 4/5 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 18/19 – Darlington & District Motor Club

June 1/2 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club 

June 22/23 – No Limits Racing

July 13/14 – British Racing & Sports Car Club (TCR UK)

July 27/28 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

August 10/11 – Historic Sports Car Club (with Show)

August 24/25 – Darlington & District Motor Club

September 7/8 – BARC Mini Festival 

September 21/22 – 750 Motor Club

November 24 – Winter Stages Rally

Tickets for all 2024 race meetings will be on sale in due course via the Croft Circuit website: https://croftcircuit.co.uk/croft-events 

Croft all set for new-look Historic Race Weekend and Show

The new-look Croft Historic Race Weekend and Show will take place at Croft Circuit next weekend (2/3 September) and as ever, the event will be one of the highlights on the social calendar in the region.

The popular meeting at North Yorkshire’s premier racetrack has been an established fixture on the calendar for over a decade in the guise of both the Croft Nostalgia and Croft Retro meeting, but for 2023, the organisers have planned something a bit special to incorporate classic cars and vintage vehicles from the 1950s up to the 1980s for the first time.

On track, a series of races from the Historic Sports Car Club will take place including Historic Touring Cars where spectators can also see the likes of Mini Coopers, Ford Anglias, Lotus Cortinas and Ford Mustangs in action for saloon cars that were in production before 1966.

The Aurora Trophy, featuring powerful Formula 5000 and Formula 3 single-seaters built and raced between 1967 and 1979, will also race twice over the two days whilst the 70s Roadsports Championship will see road-legal production sports cars produced in the 1970s and provides a varied field with Porsches, Datsuns and MGs among other marques.

Classes for Historic Formula 3, Classic Formula Ford, Historic Formula Ford/2000 and Superkarts will also feature over the weekend along with Scottish Classic Sports and Saloons and the Guards Trophy with Pre ’66 GT cars and Pre ’69 sports racing cars with an international pedigree competing over a mini-enduro format of 60 minutes on Sunday afternoon.

There will be a series of track parades taking place throughout Sunday morning whilst away from the circuit, there will be around 600 vintage vehicles and classic cars of all makes, shapes and sizes on display for fans to get up close to.

The whole event is geared around something for all the family to enjoy on Sunday with live music, dancing, and entertainment ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s as well as FREE fairground rides, all of which is included in the admission ticket. People are encouraged to dress in period costume with prizes for the best.

Qualifying will begin on Saturday morning at 9.30am with the first of nine races starting at 13.42 with a further nine races on Sunday commencing at 9.30am also. Adult admission prices are ÂŁ16 for Saturday and ÂŁ21 for Sunday. All accompanied children aged 15 and under go free with parking and paddock access also free.

For further details and tickets, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk or call 01325 721815.

All go for new-look Croft Historic Weekend & Show

One of the highlights of the local motorsporting scene is set to return later this year with a new-look Croft Historic Race Weekend and Show planned for early September at Croft Circuit.

The popular meeting at North Yorkshire’s premier race track has been an established fixture on the calendar for over a decade in the guise of both the Croft Nostalgia and Croft Retro meeting, but for 2023,the organisers are planning something a bit special to incorporate classic cars and vintage vehicles up to the 1980s.

Many of the favourites remain, including a full programme of action-packed racing on track with various classes from the Historic Sports Car Club over the weekend of September 2nd/3rd, whilst off the track, there is entertainment of all sorts in a hark back to the care-free world of days gone by.

The event is acknowledged as one of the best events in the north of England given its variation of attractions which will again see displays of military vehicles, classic cars and other interesting and rare classics dating from the 1940s through to the 1980s.

There will also be a range of live music ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s, trade stands and steam engines for the crowds to enjoy and the friendly atmosphere at Croft Circuit allows everyone to get close to the race cars in the paddock area along with a display of around 600 vehicles of all shapes and sizes pre-1988.

Application forms to lodge an interest to display a vehicle are now available to be downloaded from the Croft Circuit website until 4th August or until all space is allocated, which ever comes first.

Ticket prices start at just ÂŁ18 for adults in advance each day with children aged 15 and under admitted free, there is free car parking and paddock access.

For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk

Winter Stages Rally to return to Croft in 2024

Following the success of the 2022 Swift Signs and Shirts Winter Stages Rally held last November, Croft Circuit is planning on hosting the event again in 2024.

Rallying returned to the North Yorkshire circuit for the first time in three years and saw a near-capacity entry entertain a bumper crowd in the event organised jointly by Northallerton Automobile Club and Darlington and District Motor Club.

Plans were afoot for the event to return to Croft in November this year (2023) but there is a clash of dates with the bi-annual Roger Albert Clark Rally on the planned weekend, which would take away entries as well as marshals and other organisational resources. As such, discussions took place about Croft hosting a stage of the popular R.A.C. Rally, but geographical limitations on the provisional route made it unfeasible.

As a result, it was agreed that the Winter Stages Rally would return in 2024 at a date to be determined, but likely to be November, and it is hoped that a high-quality entry and a sizeable crowd will once again support the event which was won in 2022 by local ace David Henderson, with wife Katie co-driving in their Ford Fiesta R5.

Meanwhile, Croft has a busy calendar for the 2023 season featuring action on two, three and four wheels as well as numerous corporate and testing opportunities, so for further information and to book advance tickets, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

Croft Circuit poised for action-packed 2023 season

Croft Circuit is revved up for another action-packed year of motorsport with no less than 13 race meetings confirmed for 2023 at the popular North Yorkshire venue.

Two-wheeled thrills from the North East Motorcycle Racing Club will kick-start the action before visits from both the 750 Motor Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club follow not long after. 

The British Automobile Racing Club takes centre stage towards the end of May with a festival of Caterham action whilst the No Limits Motorcycle Racing and 750 Motor Club contingents are renowned for producing blockbuster entertainment.

Local stars will no doubt make their mark during the Darlington & District Motor Club’s annual meeting before the Kwik Fit Touring Car Championship takes centre stage.

Undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year, the UK’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft at the slightly later date of July 29/30 to kick-start the second half of its campaign. 

Following the BTCC, the British Automobile Racing Club, Historic Sports Car Club, British Racing & Sports Car Club, Classic Motorcycle Racing Club and Classic Sports Car Club will come thick and fast to round out the year. 

Croft Circuit 2023 Race Meeting Calendar

April 1/2 – NEMRC Motorcycles

April 15/16 – 750 Motor Club

May 6/7 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 20/21 – British Automobile Racing Club (Caterham Event)

June 10/11 – No Limits Motorcycle Racing

June 24/25 – 750 Motor Club

July 8/9 – Darlington & District Motor Club

July 29/30 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

August 12/13 – British Automobile Racing Club

September 2/3 – Historic Sports Car Club

September 16/17 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

September 30/October 1 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club

October 14 – Classic Sports Car Club

Work begins on Croft Circuit café

Construction of a new café and hospitality facility at Croft Circuit began yesterday (September 22) with the first stage of ground works.

Following planning permission being granted earlier this year, it is anticipated that the new building will be completed in early 2023 for use next season.

Ben Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Automobile Racing Club, which operates Croft, said: “This is an exciting development for the circuit, and we look forward to providing our customers with an improved experience when they visit next year.”

Further updates on the work will be provided in due course.

Croft Nostalgia to return as part of Historic Sports Car Club event

After an absence of three years, one of the highlights of the local motorsporting scene is set to return with the announcement that the Croft Nostalgia Event will feature at the North Yorkshire race track on Sunday 4th September 2022.

This will be the tenth running of the popular event and promises to be another unforgettable event as the North East’s premier racing circuit pays homage to yesteryear once again as part of the Historic Sports Car Club race meeting over the weekend.

The event is acknowledged as one of the best events in the north of England, with an eclectic mix of exhilarating motorsport on track along with displays of military vehicles, classic cars and other interesting vehicles which are registered pre-1976. Most of these vehicles will be able to take part in track parades during the day.

There will also be live music, trade stands and fairground attractions for the crowds to enjoy and the friendly atmosphere at Croft Circuit allows everyone to get close to the race cars in the paddock area along with the display vehicles of all shapes and sizes which are a must for a photo opportunity.

Application forms to lodge an interest to display a vehicle are now available to be downloaded from the Croft Circuit website https://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/nostalgia until Friday 5th August 2022 or until all space is allocated, whichever comes first.

Ticket prices start at just £15 for Saturday’s race action with the admission fee on the Sunday £25 per adult on the gate, but currently £20 in advance until Friday 26th August 2022.

Children aged 15 and under are admitted FREE, there is FREE car parking and FREE paddock access. For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

Croft Circuit to raise funds for Race Against Dementia in 2022

Croft Circuit has announced its chosen charity for 2022 as Race Against Dementia, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, which raises and allocates funds to accelerate global research and development in the race to find a prevention or treatment for dementia.

For Sir Jackie Stewart the love of his life, Helen, with a razor-sharp mind that timed his laps to the millisecond with unfaltering accuracy is living with this devastating disease.

In 2014 Helen Stewart was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Today, Lady Stewart’s short-term memory is fading and dementia is taking hold of her mind and body.

This terrible condition is devastating the Stewart family, as it does for millions of families living with dementia around the world. Race Against Dementia is driven to raise money to fund breakthrough and innovative dementia research. Their vision is to aid a breakthrough in the prevention or treatment of dementia with the greatest of urgency.

“I’m so grateful that the team at Croft have selected Race Against Dementia as their charity for this year. Myself and the Stewart family have fond memories of attending Croft with Paul Stewart Racing and I am really grateful for their support in joining us to beat dementia.” commented Sir Jackie Stewart OBE.

More than 50 million people around the world have dementia. Unless a cure is found, one in three people born today will die with dementia. A new person develops dementia every three seconds.

This crisis cannot continue and Croft feels “very privileged” says Croft Circuit Manager Tracey Morley to support a charity so close to her heart. “As a family we suffered first hand too, as we watched my father’s condition deteriorate with this disease, we sadly lost him in 2020. I feel there is a great link here for Croft to support such a worthwhile charity”

Croft will take charitable donations this racing season for this cause. If you would like to help Croft raise funds for Race Against Dementia this year do get in touch with Tracey at the circuit.

Croft Circuit reveals full-throttle race meeting calendar for 2022 

Croft Circuit is set for a full-throttle year of motorsport in 2022 after confirming its event calendar today (November 18).

Coming off the back of a memorable 2021 season which saw spectators make a triumphant return to the North Yorkshire venue, next year looks to be bigger and better than ever with tickets now on sale.

The North East Motorcycle Racing Club will kick off the new motorsport season on March 26/27 ahead of the 750 Motor Club’s first of two visits to Croft on April 9/10.

Both the British Automobile Racing Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club will take centre stage on April 23 and May 14/15 respectively before the 750 Motor Club returns on May 28/29.

No Limits Racing are renowned for producing edge-of-the-seat entertainment and next year should be no different when the category travels to the home of motorsport in the north east on June 11/12.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year and in 2022, Britain’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft on June 25/26 – returning to its traditional summer slot.

Three blockbuster encounters will headline a pivotal weekend in the series whilst there will also be the usual thrills and spills from the TOCA support package.

Hot on the heels of the BTCC will be a second visit by the British Automobile Racing Club on August 6/7 before the Darlington & District Motor Club stage their unmissable Battle of Britain meeting on August 20/21.

The Historic Sports Car Club will make a welcome return to Croft on September 3/4 whilst further thrills and spills from the British Racing & Sports Car Club will follow two weeks later on September 17/18.

Rounding out Croft’s calendar of events is the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club on October 1/2, which will see a bygone era of two-wheel machinery battling against each other for outright honours.

Tickets for all 2022 events are now available to purchase and with Christmas just around the corner, they’re the perfect present – along with our Season Passes and Driving Experiences – for the petrol head in your life. Head to http://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing and join us trackside next year!

Croft Circuit 2022 Calendar

March 26/27 – North East Motorcycle Racing Club

April 9/10 – 750 Motor Club

April 23 – British Automobile Racing Club

May 14/15 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 28/29 – 750 Motor Club

June 11/12 – No Limits Racing

June 25/26 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

August 6/7 – British Automobile Racing Club

August 20/21 – Battle of Britain

September 3/4 – Historic Sports Car Club

September 17/18 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

October 1/2 – Classic Motorcycle Racing Club

Croft issues revised 2021 events calendar

Croft Circuit have confirmed a number of revisions to its 2021 events calendar as a result of the government issuing its roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions.

As the country continues to gradually open up in a safe manner, Croft will begin to welcome fans in limited numbers from May 17, with tickets for all race meetings after this date only available to be purchased online.

The British Racing & Sports Car Club will kick off the new motorsport season at the North Yorkshire venue on May 15/16, albeit behind closed doors and without spectators being permitted to attend.

Gates will be open for the 750 Motor Club, which will make its annual visit to Croft on May 29/30 before the No Limits Racing on June 12/13 and the Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain taking centre stage on June 26/27.

Despite having a race meeting in April already cancelled, the British Automobile Racing Club will showcase a raft of its championships on August 7/8 before the Darlington & District Motor Club hit the track on August 21/22. The British Racing & Sports Car Club makes its second appearance on September 4/5.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is undoubtedly set to be one of the headline events of the year and this year, Britain’s premier motorsport series speeds into Croft on September 18/19.

Three blockbuster encounters will headline a pivotal weekend in the 2021 campaign whilst there will also be the usual thrills and spills from the TOCA support package.

Rounding out Croft’s condensed calendar of events will is the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club on October 2/3, which will see a bygone era of two-wheel machinery battling against each other for outright honours.

Tickets for all events after May 17 are available to purchase from http://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing now.

Croft Circuit 2021 Calendar

May 15/16 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

May 29/30 – 750 Motor Club

June 12/13 – No Limits Racing

June 26/27 – Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain

August 7/8 – British Automobile Racing Club

August 21/22 – Darlington & District Motor Club

September 4/5 – British Racing & Sports Car Club

September 18/19 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

October 2/3 – Classic Racing Motorcycle Club

To find out more information on how Croft are keeping our customers safe in the battle again COVID-19, head to http://croftcircuit.co.uk/covid-19-information.