Tag: F4 British Championship

ROKiT British F4 Championship reveals exciting 2025 calendar

The ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA has announced its calendar for the 2025 season, with two current Formula 1 Grand Prix circuits once again featuring on the schedule.

Eight rounds of the single-seater series will feature alongside the British Touring Car Championship next year however trips to Brands Hatch Indy and Croft have been replaced with two special outings.

For the third year in succession, the next generation of rising stars will experience the legendary Silverstone Grand Prix circuit as the take on the Home of British Motor Racing on the 2/3 May.

In addition, the series will also head overseas again to race around Zandvoort, which is the stage for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.

The weekend format will remain consistent with previous seasons, with each meeting featuring two practice sessions, qualifying, and three races

With 30 races across 10 weekends making up the series, the championship is poised to maintain its status as one of the most difficult open-wheel titles to win.

2025 ROKiT British F4 Championship Calendar
26/27 April – Donington Park National
2/3 May – Silverstone GP
24/25 May – Snetterton
7/8 June – Thruxton
21/22 June – Oulton Park
26/27 July – Zandvoort
16/17 August – Knockhill
30/31 August – Donington Park GP
20/21 September – Silverstone National
4/5 October – Brands Hatch GP

Titles decided across action-packed TOCA support bill at Brands Hatch

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 5/6), as two more titles were also decided in the championships that make up the TOCA support bill.

On what turned out to be an action-packed finale around the famous Grand Prix circuit, the bumper crowd in attendance were treated to a feast of wheel-to-wheel thrills as the battle for supremacy across each of the one-make categories reached an exciting crescendo.

George Gamble came out on top of a thrilling Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain finale to be crowned champion after the Rosland Gold By Century Motorsport driver went into the final race as one of three drivers that could triumph.

Eden Race Drive ace Harry Foster reigned supreme in the weekend’s opening encounter however all eyes were on race two as Gamble, Charles Rainford and Hugo Ellis battled each other, and the elements, in a bid for title glory.

With the pendulum swinging back and forth as the laps ticked by, Gamble took the fight by the scruff of the neck and began carving his way to the front of the field, ultimately dominating proceedings to clinch the Drivers’ Championship.

Things were just as tense in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain where three drivers were also battling tooth-and-nail for the right to call themselves 2024 champion.

Team Parker Racing’s Will Jenkins arrived as the outside bet for the crown and he did everything that he could to overturn the deficit to the top two by winning all three races in commanding fashion.

While Jenkins threw everything he had at it, Sebastian Hopkins kept a cool head to ensure that he was scoring what was required and he ultimately pippex Max Coates to the crown by one point, with Jenkins a further eight in arrears.

In the ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA, the pressure was very much off Deagen Fairclough after he secured an unassailable lead in the single-seater series last time out at Silverstone.

Becoming the tenth different driver to lift the coveted crown, the Hitech Pulse-Eight drivers record-breaking campaign saw a fitting final chapter written as he powered his way to two more race wins – taking his final season tally to 14.

JHR Developments’ Leo Robinson claimed the spoils in the re-run reverse grid contest that was cancelled at Silverstone while series runner-up Alex Ninovic capped off a fine season with his fifth win of the season in the other bout.

Like British F4, the destiny of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW crown was already decided with Dan Zelos having claimed a historic third title when the tin top category was last in action back in August at Knockhill.

Rookie Cup champion Max Hall charged to victory in the weekend’s opening bout before Nathan Edwards underlined his talents with a superlative performance that included a brace of race wins.

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support championships, as well as the final standings for each, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and TOCA support package will return in 2025, with the new season scheduled to get underway at Donington Park on April 26/27.

History-making weekend for TOCA support bill at Silverstone

The fight for front-running supremacy on the support bill of the British Touring Car Championship intensified at Silverstone this past weekend (September 21/22) to set up what promises to be a grandstand finish at Brands Hatch in less than two weeks’ time. 

Taking centre stage on the National layout of the Home of British Motor Racing, thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing played out across four categories with one title – the ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA – being wrapped up with a round to spare. 

Having been the driver to beat for much of the season, Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Deagen Fairclough converted his commanding advantage at the top of the standings into an unassailable lead after producing another superlative performance in the single-seater series.

Fairclough became the latest leading light to claim the coveted trophy in emphatic fashion as he blasted his way to pole position in qualifying before then claiming two commanding lights-to-flag race wins. 

In addition to becoming the tenth champion of the series, Fairclough also set a brand-new record for the championship as he eclipsed Alex Dunne’s record for the most race wins in a single season, raising the benchmark to 12.

Only two of the weekend’s three races took place at the Northamptonshire venue however as two red flags in race two led to the contest being postponed. It would later be cancelled altogether due to heavy rainfall. 

History was made in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain as Team Parker Racing’s Abbie Eaton took centre stage to become the first-ever female driver to win an outright race in the ultra-competitive series. 

Showing plenty of pace around the 1.64-mile circuit during practice, Pro-Am entrant Eaton clinched a sensational pole position in qualifying and then shadowed Charles Rainford in race one after making a small mistake while in the lead. 

Race two was where Eaton made history though as the right tyre call saw the accomplished racer blast into the lead at the start and from there she never looked back, leading all 29 laps to triumph ahead of George Gamble and Daniel Lloyd. 

Max Coates continues to lead the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain standings, despite the fact he didn’t stand on the top step of the podium across any of the series’ three races during the weekend. 

Coates’ nearest challenge Sebastian Hopkins claimed victory in race one before Thomas Bradshaw and Will Jenkins then went on to claim a win apiece. With three races remaining, Coates holds a ten-point lead going into Brands Hatch. 

The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy made its last appearance of the season on the TOCA support bill and it too didn’t disappoint with three action-packed races that had fans on the edge of their seats. 

Chandler Motorsport’s Rhys Hurd continued his recent streak of winning the opening race of the weekend before there was a maiden victory in the tin top category for Graves Motorsport’s James Black in race two.

Sam Gornall concluded the action as he led home a Westbourne Motorsport 1-2-3-4 and with it, opened up a commanding lead at the head of the standings with just one race meeting now remaining. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Silverstone, CLICK HERE.

Championship twists and turns play out across TOCA supports at Donington Park

Championship battles took further twists and turns on the support bill of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park this past weekend (August 24/25) – setting up what promises to be a tantalising title showdown for a number of one-make categories.

With the business end of the 2024 campaign now very much in sight, the legendary Grand Prix layout of the Leicestershire venue was the battleground for a pulsating two days of wheel-to-wheel action, all in front of a bumper trackside crowd.

One of the undoubted leading lights under the flightpath of East Midlands airport was the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, which staged three captivating races and served up three different race winners.

Renowned for producing close-quarter racing, the tin top series returned to action after a near three-month hiatus and wasted no time in making its mark. Rhys Hurd hit the ground running in the opening encounter as he scored a narrow victory to bolster his title aspirations.

Harry Hickton came to the fore in the weekend’s reverse grid race as he converted pole position into what was a relatively commanding lights-to-flag triumph before his Westbourne Motorsport team-mate Sam Gornall capped things off with victory in a thrilling finale.

Deagen Fairclough moved another step closer to securing an unassailable lead in the ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA after powering his way to a sensational tenth win of the campaign.

Having been the benchmark driver for much of the year, the Hitch Pulse-Eight ace was wheel-perfect in the the weekend’s final race – having claimed runners-up honours in the previous three contests.

Despite his best efforts, Faircloiugh could do nothing to stop Rodin Motorsport from claiming three wins on the bounce, the first of which was scored by Alex Ninovic before James Higgins came to the fore to win back-to-back races.

Over in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, Hugo Ellis moved to the top of the championship standings are clinching a crucial win – his third of the season no less – in the ultra-competitive GT series.

The Team Parker Racing driver took advantage of Will Martin’s struggles in race one to assume control at the summit of the leaderboard as he beat to Angus Whiteside and Will Burns to outright honours in a pulsating opening race.

Ellis then added a har-fought podium later in the day as he shadowed George Gamble and brand-new winner Harry Foster across the line in a thrilling second contest.

Rounding out the weekend at Donington Park were three races from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain, which saw Max Coates continue to head the standings despite not standing on the top step of the podium this time around.

Instead, that honour went the way of Joe Marshall who claimed a victory either side of Thomas Bradshaw, who also triumphed.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

The Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, provides the penultimate stop on the calendar for the TOCA package on September 21/22.

Title races heat up across TOCA support championships at Knockhill

Blockbuster entertainment proved to be the overriding theme for the TOCA support package this past weekend (August 10/11) as four championships ventured north of the border to dazzle fans Knockhill.

Making the annual trip north of the border alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, 

Stealing many of the headlines around the undulating Fife circuit was EXCELR8 Motorsport’s Dan Zelos, who claimed a historic third Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW title with one round still remaining. 

Zelos entered the weekend retaining a slim chance of securing an unassailable lead in the standings but after triumphing in race two and then seeing his main title rival Max Hall retire from the finale, the record-breaking feat was achieved. 

“I’m not really sure what to say as no-one told me it was possible going into that race,” said Zelos. “Of course I didn’t want to win the title like that with Max at the side of the road, particularly through no fault of his own, and it’s a shame that we couldn’t battle it out on the track.

“However, the team has done a fantastic job this season to help give me the buffer in the points to wrap things up early, and it might not have been the most flattering way to win the crown, but we’ve got it done with three races to go.”

Zelos wasn’t the only one that had plenty to celebrate as both Dominic Wheatley and Nathan Edwards also scored race wins over the course of the weekend in the ultra-competitive tin top series. 

In the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Deagen Fairclough took a substantial step closer to lifting the coveted crown as he clinched his eighth and ninth wins of the campaign.

Having been the benchmark since the season began, Fairclough was in superlative form as he dominated proceedings in races one and three, claiming lights-to-flag victories and the fastest laps in both contests. 

Had he had a few more laps, there was every chance that Fairclough could have triumphed in the reverse grid contest too as he fought his way from outside the top ten to sixth at the finish. JHR Developments Leo Robinson would instead emerge victorious after overhauling Ella Lloyd. 

The Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain delivered two captivating contests with a monstrous grid of 911 GT3 machines putting fans firmly on the edge of their seats. 

Charles Rainford did a masterful job in fending off Hugo Ellis to win race one before ex-BTCC race winner George Gamble claimed a long overdue – and comfortable – win in the weekend’s remaining contest. 

Rounding out the weekend’s action at Knockhill was the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM. Never short of entertainment, the 5/8 scale series saw drama play out all the way until the final chequered flag being dropped. 

Among the race winners across both days was Jack Parker, Oli Schlup, Will Gibson and Tyler Read. 

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support sessions at Knockhill, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and TOCA support categories continue their campaigns in less than two weeks’ time, returning to Donington Park to tackle the Grand Prix layout on August 24/25.

British F4 enjoys historic weekend at Zandvoort

The ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA made history this past weekend (July 13/14) as the single-seater series staged its first-ever overseas event at Zandvoort; with Deagen Fairclough and Alex Ninovic claiming the all-important race wins. 

On what was a milestone outing in the Netherlands, a record-breaking grid of 27 cars showcased their talents on European soil – just a few weeks before the venue stages the coveted Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix. 

Hitch Pulse-Eight’s Fairclough was the driver to beat in qualifying on Friday afternoon as he mastered the wet conditions to clinch yet another pole position, beating team-mate Reza Seewooruthun to top spot by more than three tenths of a second. 

Fairclough – who has been the driver to chase since the 2024 blasted into life at Donington Park in April – maintained his front-running form in the weekend’s opening contest as he went on to claim a commanding lights-to-flag victory.

In challenging conditions, Fairclough blasted away from the front row of the grid and ultimately never looked back as he built up a comfortable lead over the subsequent laps, taking the chequered flag by over eight seconds in the end. 

Behind, Rodin Motorsport’s Ninovic extended his sensational run of successive podiums to eight as he got the better of Martin Molner in the early exchanges to net second place, with Molnar completing the rostrum in third. 

Unfortunately, the weekend’s second bout would take two attempts to run after a technical issue with the start lights caused a mass pile-up and damage to a number of cars.

When the action did resume on Sunday morning, Ninovic underlined his credentials as a championship contender by making a lightening start from the second row of the grid to take the lead from team-mate Abbi Pulling.

Once out front, the Rodin ace controlled proceedings while Pulling – who is one of the leading lights of the F1 Academy this year – held off the charging Fairclough to secure second, with the race one winner settling for third.

Fairclough returned to the top step of the podium in the weekend’s final bout as he once again didn’t put a wheel wrong after starting from pole position. Like he had done earlier in the weekend, the second-year racer quickly broke free of the chasing pack to comfortably triumph.

Seewooruthun added to his silverware collection by scooping runners-up laurels while Jack Sherwood emerged unscathed from contact with Ninovic – which cost the latter a trip to the pit lane – to finish in third. 

The ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA continues its 2024 season back on home soil as the series ventures to Knockhill on August 10/11.

BARC championships star at the Home of British Motor Racing

The British Automobile Racing Club delivered unmissable wheel-to-wheel entertainment this past weekend (June 15/16) as a number of championships wrote the latest chapter of their 2024 seasons at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone.

Taking centre stage at the Northamptonshire venue just a few weeks before the Formula 1 British Grand Prix rolls into town, the two-day event saw a total of 15 races play out around the world-famous 3.66-mile circuit.

Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton maintained their unbeaten record in the British Endurance Championship in association with Motorsport UK as they guided their PB Racing with JMH Audi GT3 to a commanding victory.

Following an almost two-month hiatus, the monstrous GT machines of Britcar’s flagship category returned to action in superlative style as a bumper grid battled for supremacy in a captivating two-hour race.

Having triumphed at every event so far this year, Erceg and Clutton wasted no time in establishing themselves as the team to beat as they charged to the top of the times in qualifying to clinch pole position by more than three seconds.

As the lights went out for the race, the Audi duo quickly broke clear of the chasing pack and once out front, they were never really challenged. After two hours and 51 laps, Erceg and Clutton claimed the chequered flag three laps clear of their nearest rivals.

Behind the eventual race winners, Witt Gamski and Ross Wylie marked a rare appearance in the Bentley Continental GT3 Gen 2 with a fine drive to snare second place, while Xentek Motorsport’s Josh Steed and Bal Sidhu filled the final step on the podium.

One week on from tackling the high-speed curves of Thruxton, the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA was back in action with three races that were packed with slip-streaming and close-quarter battles.

Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Deagen Fairclough emerged as one of the stars of the show as he maintained his sensational early-season form by charging to a commanding fifth win of the season in the weekend’s opening bout, which in-turn extended his standings lead.

Unfortunately the single-seater ace was unable to repeat the feat in race two as he found himself caught up in a multi-car incident on the opening lap, which wiped out a number of other drivers too.

Up at the front, JHR Developments driver Leo Robinson became the latest first-time winner in the series as he overhauled Ella Lloyd to claim a memorable victory. Rounding out the podium was Rodin Motorsport’s Alex Ninovic.

The weekend’s third and final race belonged to Reza Seewooruthun as he converted pole position into a clinical lights-to-flag victory, leading home Fairclough for a Hitech 1-2 while Ninovic completed the top three.

Four of Caterham Motorsport’s five championships were also in attendance as they continued their all-action campaigns on the hallowed Silverstone tarmac, with each of them serving up their fair share of thrills and spills.

The Caterham Academy Championship, which is for drivers that are taking their first steps into the crucible of motorsport, boasted an entry list of almost 50 cars for their solitary race however nobody was able to stop Bruno van Dyke from claiming a comfortable victory.

Spoils were shared in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship as Paul Goldstein and Jonathan Emery claimed a win apiece, whilst Ben Timmons charged to triumphant clean sweep in the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship.

The Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship capped off the pulsating action from the British manufacturer with Taylor O’Flanagan winning the opening bout before Tom Wyllys bagged himself a double.

Rounding out the BARC’s first visit to Silverstone this year were two races from the Britcar Trophy Championship which, like the British Endurance Championship, hadn’t been in action for almost eight weeks.

Despite the lay-off, there was no signs of race rust from Chris Bialan and Simon Mason as they piloted their Sim Dynamics Racing with Jabbasport Cupra Gen 1 to the top step of the podium in both races.

Shadowing them on both occasions was Datum Motorsport’s Axel van Nederveen, who clinched two second place finishes, with Geoff Steel Racing’s Lee Goldsmith tallying a pair of third place finishes in his BMW M3 E46.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Silverstone, CLICK HERE.

Each and every race is now available to re-watch on the British Automobile Racing Club’s YouTube channel HERE.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend // June 15-16

The British Automobile Racing Club returns to action this weekend (June 15-16) with a blockbuster two days of on-track entertainment around Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix circuit.

Taking centre stage at the Home of the British Motor Racing will be the monstrous GTs of the British Endurance Championship; while potential future stars of Formula 1 will duke it out across three unmissable contests in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

Also featuring over the course of the weekend will be races from the Caterham Academy, Caterham 270R Championship, Caterham 310R Championship, Caterham Roadsport Championship and Britcar Trophy Championship.

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

Saturday 15th June | 12:45 | WATCH HERE
Sunday 16th June | 09:45 | WATCH HERE

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

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

Sun shines on TOCA support championships at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch played host to a spectacular two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (May 11/12) as four categories continued their 2024 campaigns in style around the challenging Indy circuit.

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the Kent venue, a bumper trackside crowd – as well as many more watching on ITV4 – were treated to a feast of thrills and spills in scorching weather conditions.

History was made in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA as Rodin Motorsport’s Abbi Pulling became the first-ever female driver to win a race in the highly competitive single-seater series.

Just a few days on from claiming a double F1 Academy win at the Miami Grand Prix, Pulling didn’t put a wheel wrong in the reverse grid contest as she converted pole position into a flawless lights-to-flag victory. 

Championship leader Deagan Fairclough emerged victorious in the remaining two British F4 contests, strengthening his advantage at the summit of the standings in the process. 

Fairclough edged out Alex Ninovic and Rowan Campbell-Pilling to overall spoils in race one before he then led a Hitech Pulse-Eight 1-2-3 in the finale, as Mika Abrahams and Reza Seewooruthun completed the podium. 

There was plenty of entertainment in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain too, which staged three races over the course of the meeting – one of which was the postponed bout from Donington Park last month. 

Angus Whiteside withstood a torrent of pressure to win the rescheduled race however he went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows as in race two he was tipped into a scary barrel roll exiting Druids. Thankfully he was able to walk away unharmed from the incident.

Following a lengthy red flag stoppage, Hugo Ellis produced a superlative performance to claim victory when the race restarted ahead of Charles Rainford and James Wallis before Will Martin reigned supreme in style in the final race.

Maximus Hall enjoyed a near-perfect weekend in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he firmly announced himself as one to watch, clinching pole position in qualifying before then going on to score two impressive wins. 

The EXCELR8 Motorsport driver was on the pace during Friday practice and ultimately never looked back. In race one he made a late lunge at Druids to wrestle the lead from Zelos to win and then he held the double champion off throughout race three to triumph again.

Zelos would have his moment on the top step of the podium however as he claimed victory in race two, which allowed him to extend his advantage at the top of the standings.

Concluding the weekend’s action were six races from the 5/8 scale pocket rockets of the Legends Cars Championship, which was continuing its popular Elite Cup campaign after kicking off their season at Donington Park a few weeks back.

Reigning champion Will Gibson and now new championship leader Jack Parker claimed two wins apiece while there were also victories for Oli Schlup and Robert Barrable.

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Snetterton provides the next stop on the calendar for a number of championship in less than two weeks’ time on May 25/26.

TOCA support package begins new season with all-out action

Donington Park provided the setting for a pulsating 2024 season-opener on the TOCA support bill this past weekend (April 27-28) as a total of five championships blasted into life in typically action-packed style. 

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the Leicestershire venue, the bumper crowd in attendance was treated to two days of blockbuster entertainment in at times challenging conditions. 

Saturday saw light showers briefly hit the track however action remained to time; something that wasn’t to be the case on Sunday as heavy downpours caused lengthy delays and a number of races having to be cancelled.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain – which this year boasts one of its most competitive entry lists in recent memory – was one of the categories to run just one race however it made a flying start to the new campaign with Will Martin claiming a hard-fought win.

Matthew Rees had looked on course to covert his pole position into victory however a moment at the Old Hairpin allowed Martin to sneak by and once out front he wasn’t to be challenged as he claimed a memorable win.

Behind Martin, former BTCC race winner George Gamble battled a number of car issues to snare second place ahead of the charging Angus Whiteside, who had produced a sensational drive up the order. 

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA began its search for the next possible star of Formula 1 by staging two hotly contested single-seater races.

Pre-season title favourite Deagen Fairclough lived up to all expectations in the opening bout as he converted his blistering start from the second row into a flawless lights-to-flag victory ahead of James Higgins and Alex Ninovic. 

Fairclough could do nothing to stop his Hitech Pulse-Eight team-mate Mika Abrahams from triumphing in race two as he shadowed on-the-road leader Alex Berg to the chequered flag. Unfortunately for Berg, a time penalty for exceeding track limits dropped him from first to third. 

Dan Zelos began the defence of his Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW title in formidable form as he scooped a win and a second place to claim the early bragging rights in the championship standings. 

Zelos joined fellow former champion Ant Whorton-Eales in serving up a captivating battle for the win in the opening contest with Whorton-Eales initially triumphing. That was before officials deemed he had gained an unfair advantage and hit him with a time penalty.

Race two belonged to NAPA Racing UK’s Lewis Selby as his inspired move to switch to slick tyres while everyone else was on wets saw him go from dead-last to the top step of the podium, as he led home Zelos and last year’s Cooper champion Tom Ovenden.

The Legends Cars Championship garnered plenty of attention when it featured on the UK’s premier motorsport package in 2023 and the 5/8 scale machines are back for more this year, with a bumper grid all vying for glory in its Elite Cup.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, the trio of Andy Bird, Jack Parker and Will Gibson reigned supreme on the opening day of track action before Gibson and Parker then added to their tallies 24 hours later.

Concluding the weekend’s action were two races from the Radical Challenge, which was another series to return to the BTCC bill after enjoying an impressive debut last year.

Tipped by many as one to watch prior to the weekend beginning, Chris Lulham duly lived up to all expectations as he powered his way to a brace of victories. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Brands Hatch provides the next step on the calendar – where everything but the Radical Challenge will be in action – on May 11-12.

Dan Zelos, Louis Sharp & Steve Bemrose top list of special accolade winners at BARC Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening didn’t just see the championship winners of 2023 celebrated on Saturday (February 3) as a number of other special accolades were bestowed upon hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned double MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Dan Zelos who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level.

Becoming the first driver in the modern era of the ultra-competitive tin top series to clinch the coveted crown for a second time, Zelos chalked up an impressive ten victories and a further two podiums on his way to championship superstardom.

Zelos lauded: “It was totally unexpected and a complete honour to pick it up. We had an amazing year in 2023 and sometimes when your in the middle of getting deals together in the off season you forgot how much you may have achieved – so to be rewarded with a trophy like this has left me lost for words.

“Me, my Dad and the rest of the family have and continue to work incredibly hard to go racing and this is a fantastic accolade to receive. I think I’ve been part of the BARC for more than a decade now too.”

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

Attending a multitude of race meetings over the course of last year, his actions in particular at the BTCC season-opener at Donington Park played their part in saving the life of a driver following a high-speed accident.

“It is a complete shock I must admit,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of motorsport and I remember reading a review about being a marshal, what it entails and I never really comprehended how close you could get to the action, etc. 

“After I had done my taster day my love for it grew and I’ve never looked back. The marshal community is incredibly tight-knit and if there is anyone out thinking about getting involved then do it, because it is just fantastic.”

Elsewhere, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Track Action Coordinator Dave Beecroft saw his diverse and distinguished motorsport career be celebrated as he scooped The Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy for motorsport that Gerry once had.

He said: “This award really means a lot to me because Gerry Marshall was a childhood hero of mine; I remember watching him at Oulton Park and was fortunate enough to meet him several times – so it was touching to be this year’s recipient.

“I love everything about this industry and its nice to be kicking off the year like this; especially because we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, which is an incredible achievement.”

For the second year in succession, The Densley Trophy – which is bestowed upon the female in the Club that has been deemed to have a successful year – was handed out, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Sonia Gibbons claiming the prize. 

“I never ever expected to be given this award,” she admitted. “I didn’t even think I would be up for it so I am extremely proud to have won. At the Classic Touring Car Racing Club we are all volunteers but it is a real family. It’s a wonderful Club and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Louis Sharp’s charge to the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising junior drive competing in a BARC championship.

After enjoying a hugely encouraging debut campaign in 2022, the New Zealander lived up to the mantel of being a title favourite by edging out Will Macintyre to the single-seater crown in the final race of the season.

“It came as a complete surprise to me and it’s a massive privilege to receive it so thank you to the BARC for recognising me – it was a nice end to a really special night,” he said. “This award is a fantastic reward for everyone that has supported me. 

“My ambition is to one day get to Formula 1 and while it has been a good start to that journey I’m well aware that there is a long way to go and that it will continue to get more competitive. I’m loving the challenge though and can’t wait to see what is next!”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was Adam Weeden, who completed the most volunteering days to lift The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy, and Zena Wooller who was named BARC Trainee Marshal of the Year.

“I’m delighted,” said Weeden. “This award goes to show how much marshals are appreciated because we give our time, which is very precious to us, to show support to the drivers and the championship.”

ROKiT extends British F4 title sponsorship for another season

ROKiT have announced that they will continue to sponsor the F4 British Championship certified by FIA for a third straight season.

Continuing a partnership that began back in 2022, the single seater series has established itself as one of the most competitive first steps on the ladder to Formula 1 in the world – with 2024 shaping up to be another historic year.

“Supporting the ROKiT British F4 Championship is not only a great pleasure for us, but it’s also a privilege to help develop and nurture the racing talent of tomorrow,” said Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman and co-Founder of the ROKiT Group of Companies.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership again, not only with British F4 but also with our very own driver, Deagen Fairclough, who will continue racing in the championship having finished in a brilliant 3rd place in his debut year last season.

“This season will be bigger than ever and we’re already looking forward to the first race weekend at Donington Park on the 27th and 28th April.”

Eve Lake-Grange, ROKiT F4 Championship Manager, added: “ROKiT have been a fabulous and supportive championship title partner these past two years and we are delighted they are continuing into the 2024 season.

“From the start of our partnership, ROKiT explained that the equality and diversity that British F4 offers has always been part of the attraction of the series and we are delighted that as our championship grid develops for the season, we already have seven nationalities and three female drivers represented.

“We look forward to further elevating the profile of ROKiT British F4 in the year ahead with their support.”