Tag: Ginetta G40 Cup

Action aplenty as TOCA support package roars into life at Thruxton

There was no shortage of entertainment on the TOCA support package this past weekend (May 8/9) at Thruxton as a number of championships lifted the curtain on their 2021 campaigns.

On what proved to be an action-packed two days around the high-speed Hampshire venue – headlined by the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – the journey to crown a champion in each category began in exciting fashion.

Boasting its biggest ever entry list for a season opener, the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship underlined why it is the place to be for aspiring drivers graduating from karting. Staging two pulsating encounters around the 2.36-mile circuit, the one-make series showed that it looks set to be another ultra-competitive year.

Tom Edgar struck first as he powered his way to victory in race one ahead of Seb Hopkins and Josh Miller before Callum Voisin came to the fore, capping off his car racing debut with a superlative victory in the second contest.

The Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge made its customary appearance on the TOCA support bill and it too didn’t disappoint as a bumper grid went wheel-to-wheel over the course of both days. John Bennett and Josh Steed shared the spoils in the end, taking a win apiece.

In the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB, Theo Edgerton proved to be in a league of his own. Despite missing out on pole position in qualifying, the TCR driver made no mistake in either race to kick his season off on the right foot by netting a brace of race wins.

There were plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments from the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy as three different drivers stood on the top step of the podium. Matt Hammond picked up where left off from Snetterton a few weeks ago to notch his third win on the bounce before defending champion Harry Nunn ignited his title challenge with victory in race two.

Former Junior Saloon Car Championship front runner Alex Solley then closed out the show with a superlative display to score his first win the in the single make series.

Rounding off the weekend’s action were a trio of races from the F4 British championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. After claiming a trio of race wins last year, James Hedley continued his inspired form around Thruxton by adding a further two wins to his resume before Joseph Loake triumphed in the finale.

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

TOCA support package aims to take centre stage at Thruxton opener

It won’t just be the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship that lifts the curtain on its 2021 season at Thruxton this weekend (May 8/9) as the TOCA support package turns a wheel for the first time.

Marking the start of what is set to be another frenetic season of racing, five categories will descend on the Hampshire venue to tackle what is the fastest circuit on the calendar – and it is not to be missed.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship bursts into life with a mammoth grid of 27 teenage talents – the largest entry list for a season opener in the series’ history – aiming to take centre stage.

With a number of seasoned racers being joined by a raft of rookies, the battle for supremacy this year looks set to be as competitive as ever; especially as reigning champion Tom Lebbon has stepped up to BRDC British F3.

Returning drivers Tom Edgar, Freddie Tomlinson, Will Jenkins, Aston Millar, Josh Millar and Seb Hopkins will hope to utilise their previous experience however the frenetic nature of the championship could see anyone stake their claim to the crown early on over the course of the weekend’s two races.

The Juniors won’t be the only Ginetta representatives at Thruxton either as the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge kicks off its tenth season. The championship is renowned for producing some of the closest and most exciting one-make racing in the UK, and that’s sure to continue this year as the series embarks on a new four-class format after merging grids with the Ginetta G40 Cup.

Notable names to look out for include Josh Steed, Conner Garlick, Connor Grady, Magnus Kriklywi and Owen Hizzey, amongst many more.

Coming off the back of hugely successful maiden season last year, the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB will also be in attendance as it kick starts its 2021 campaign.

Home to the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, the series looks set to grow in stature this year as it fields a grid of second and first year drivers. Some names to cast a watchful eye over include Theo Edgerton, Ethan Hawkey, Jack Bartholomew, Marcus Armstrong and Ambrogio Perfetti.

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Thruxton for the second round of the season this weekend, with action aplenty expected from a packed grid of Cooper class cars.

Matt Hammond grabbed the early initiative at Snetterton two weeks ago and he will be keen to continue his strong start to the year across the weekend’s three races. The chasing pack of Dominic Wheatley, Lee Pearce and defending champion Harry Nunn will undoubtedly be keen to ensure that doesn’t happen.

Rounding out the weekend’s action will be a trio of contests from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. Home to the next generation of single seater stars, the series has garnered a reputation for spring-boarding the careers of many, the most popular being current F1 driver Lando Norris.

Boasting an entry list that encompasses drivers from right around the globe, this weekend looks to be closely fought with the likes of James Hedley, Abbi Pulling, Matias Zagazeta and Roman Bilinski all in the mix for outright honours.

To find out more information on this weekend’s BTCC opener, including the official entry list and timetable, CLICK HERE. Check out the official Digital Programme for the event HERE. You can watch all the action live on ITV4 from 10:50 on Sunday.

BTCC season-opener to run behind closed doors at Thruxton

Following the announcement of the government’s roadmap for easing of lockdown restrictions, the season-opening Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship race meeting at Thruxton on May 8/9 will be run behind closed doors, without spectators.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that no spectators will be allowed to attend events until May 17 at the earliest. We are disappointed that fans will not be able to join us in May and we are sorry for the inconvenience this decision will cause.

However, it looks as though the circuit will be able to have a full complement of spectators when the BTCC returns to Thruxton on August 28/29.

TICKET HOLDERS HAVE TWO OPTIONS
OPTION 1

We would like to offer you the opportunity to exchange your tickets for the BTCC race meeting in August. If you purchased grandstand seats, these will also be transferred and we will do our very best to allocate you the same seats. However, if your original allocation of seats is not available we will contact you. To exchange your tickets please send your name, address, and postcode to may21transfer@barc.net

Tickets will be posted in June/July. If you have any queries please email info@barc.net and someone will reply as soon as they are able.

OPTION 2

If you would like a full refund, please send your name, address, and postcode to may21refund@barc.net and your refund will be processed within 7 working days. If we do not hear from you before Sunday 11 April 2021, we will automatically process a refund.

We appreciate the disappointment that this will cause to our supporters, but we are grateful for your understanding at this difficult time and look forward to welcoming you back to Thruxton as soon as possible.

2020 Season Review: Ginetta G40 Cup

The Ginetta G40 Cup belonged to Tom Golding in 2020 as the CTS Motorsport driver rewrote the history books by becoming the first-ever two-time champion.

Having reigned supreme back in 2018, Golding made a triumphant return to the series to underline his credentials as a true rising star.

Aimed towards drivers that have recently shed their novice skins, the single-make category once again showcased why the Ginetta motorsport ladder has proven to be so effective in bringing the next generation of racers through the ranks.

Taking centre stage on the British GT Championship support package, the G40 Cup served up a total of 15 pulsating races across five events – with a host of thrills and spills along the way.

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to the season-opener and Golding wasted no time in establishing himself as the driver to beat, netting a brace of wins before Giles Dawson prevented him from completing a clean sweep.

Dawson went toe-to-toe with Golding in the early rounds, winning twice at Donington Park, however he could not withstand the juggernaut-like form of the former champion.

Winning the final race of the weekend at Donington Park, Golding went on to be unstoppable at Brands Hatch, winning all three races to put himself within touching distance of the crown.

Golding provisionally wrapped up the title with a meeting to spare as he scored a stunning hat-trick of wins back at Donington Park to extend his winning streak to seven on the bounce. He also ensured he finished the year with a 100% podium record.

Electing to sit out the season finale having secured an unassailable lead at the summit of the standings, Golding rounded off his season by stepping up into the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge where he enjoyed further success.

Next year will see the Ginetta G40 Cup combine with the GT5 Challenge to form one grid, with a calendar of seven events across both the British GT Championship and British Touring Car Championship packages confirmed.

Ginetta announces provisional 2021 race calendars

Ginetta have announced the provisional race calendar for its four one-make domestic championships that will form an integral part of both the British Touring Car Championship and British GT Championship support packages.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship will once again take centre stage on the TOCA support package, with the series being contested over nine weekends. Missing the annual trip to Croft to allow drivers to sit their GCSE examinations, the UK’s longest running and most prestigious junior series will continue to offer a platform for young drivers start their motorsport careers.

The Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup will also feature alongside the BTCC this year with a welcome return to Knockhill confirmed as one of the eight rounds that will be run next year.

A change for 2021 will see the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and the Ginetta G40 Cup combine onto one grid for the first time. The championships will contest seven race events across the BTCC and British GT Championship bills.

Next year will mark the sixth consecutive campaign that the GT5 Challenge has featured across both packages whilst the G40 Cup will make its maiden foray to race alongside the BTCC.

Rounding off the Ginetta action in 2021 will be the brand-new Ginetta GT Academy, which offers entry level racing for drivers of all experience levels, with the field split between experienced drivers and a ‘Rookie’ Class. The inaugural calendar will see it make appearances alongside both British GT and BTCC.

To view the full list of 2021 race dates for all four Ginetta championships, head to https://www.ginetta.com/news/ginetta-announce-provisional-2021-race-calendars.

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Championship Manager, said: “2020 has been a season unlike any other and we’re incredibly thankful to every member of the Ginetta family for ensuring that we’ve been able to go racing in a safe and positive environment.

“With six champions still to be crowned across the GT4 SuperCup, Juniors and GT5 Challenge, we have a great final month of the season ahead of us. Attentions will then turn to 2021, and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting year with these new provisional calendars.

“We are delighted to remain key parts of the support packages for both the BTCC and British GT. Racing alongside these series mean our drivers and teams enjoy the spotlight of live television coverage and online streaming, as well as hopefully the return of large trackside crowds next year.

“We have some more format changes to our championships to announce in due course, which we feel will continue to open up our championships and provide more opportunities to drivers to find their home on the Ginetta ladder.”

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/.

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/ 

Ginetta unveil championship changes ahead of new season

Ginetta have unveiled a handful of changes to two of its leading championships ahead of the 2020 motorsport season.

Taking centre stage on the British Touring Car Championship support bill, the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup is set to expand to house three classes moving forward.

Having operated a two-tier structure since 2014, a new Pro/Am class will be introduced with the aim of continuing to bridge the gap and cater for drivers wanting to work their way through the ranks.

The Am class will return to its original purpose as a home for gentlemen drivers wanting to compete in a more relaxed fashion, with Pro/Am designed to cater for young, less experienced drivers a class to race in before going on to compete with the front-running Pro competitors.

Elsewhere, the Ginetta Racing Drivers Club has also undergone a format change with the introduction if a two-class structure taking place.

Serving as a platform for drivers to make their car-racing debuts in a welcoming, competitive and cost-effective environment, the series has proven to be a smash-hit in recent years.

From 2020 onwards, the main GRDC class will be open to drivers of any experience level; thus providing existing competitors the opportunity to continue their driver development in the series whilst also opening the door for a raft of new faces.

The series will also continue to cater for novice competitors by introducing a Rookie Class. Entrants will continue to benefit from an all-inclusive package, with a first class service seeing their cars prepared and run by the experienced team at want2race.

The GRDC will be amalgamated onto the back of the G40 Cup grid at all five of the UK based events in support of the British GT Championship, with the drivers nominating four rounds to count towards their final championship points.

To find out more information on the variety of different championships that Ginetta have available, head to https://www.ginetta.com/.

BARC champions begin to be crowned as 2019 season heads towards its finale

September; the start of the autumnal season and for the British Automobile Racing Club, a month that marks the start of the title run-in for several of its championships – and several champions having already been crowned.

With the business end of the motorsport season seeing nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat entertainment being provided around the country, a host of BARC categories have already brought the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club, where variety is the spice of life, served up another exciting season and finished with a flourish at Cadwell Park. Patrick Harris reigned supreme in the Paul Inch – Classic Race Engines Pre ’66 Touring Cars whilst CTCRC Group 1 Touring Car Championship honours fell the way of Alan Wilshire.

Envirotec Hygiene Services Pre-93 Touring Cars spoils went to Graham Myers with AJ Owen triumphing in the Simply Serviced Pre-2003 Touring Cars. In the Toyo Tyres Pre-2005 Production Touring Car Championship and Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series, Josh Barber and Piers Grange were the respective victors.

Rounding out the CTCRC winners was Andy Robinson, who was crowned champion in the Edmundson Electrical Classic Thunder Saloons Championship.

Pete Sparrow was the driver to beat in the Classic 2CV Racing Championship once again as he recorded an unprecedented eighth title triumph. Entering the season as defending champion, nobody could ultimately stop Sparrow from writing his name further into the history books.

The Max5 Racing Championship delivered another captivating year of racing too with Paul Roddison, Aaron Bunning and Steve Kite triumphing in Classes A, B and C respectively.

Ginetta’s raft of different categories have wowed crowds wherever they have competed, with both the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and Ginetta G40 Cup going down to the wire. Scott McKenna did enough for GT5 spoils whilst Chris Salkeld was the winner in the G40 Cup.

Whilst the Ginetta Racing Drivers Series is not recognised as a championship, Michael Kidson was declared as the winner for achieving the most successful run of results across the six-event calendar. 

Outright honours in the BARC Connaught Speed Championship meanwhile went to James Hunt.

Finally, the British Schools Karting Championship once again saw another ultra-competitive year of racing however nobody was able to stop Brentwood School from scooping a fourth consecutive title.

With plenty more motorsport action taking place over the next month and a half, championship triumphs are set to come thick and fast before another year of motorsport draws to close.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news and reports from the British Automobile Racing Club, visit www.barc.net.

In addition, you can also follow the BARC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Michelin named as title sponsor of Ginetta Junior Championship

Ginetta have announced that leading global tyre manufacturer Michelin will become the title sponsor for the 2019 Ginetta Junior Championship as part of a new five-year extension to what is an already long-standing partnership.

In what has been an association that has lasted over a decade already, Michelin will remain the sole tyre supplier for all five of Ginetta’s domestic single marque championships.

The Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Ginneta G40 Cup, Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and the Ginetta Racing Drivers Club will all run Michelin compounds through to 2023.

Tim Hoare, Motorsport Manager at Ginetta, said: “We are proud to extend our long-standing sponsorship partnership with Ginetta and strengthen our association with the complete ladder of racing that Ginetta and Michelin can provide for drivers.

“We feel that our two brands work together very well, allowing drivers of all ages and abilities to experience the thrill of motorsport, while providing an excellent springboard for them to progress through the various classes and beyond, if they so wish.

“This partnership also helps us bring to life the Total Performance characteristics of both our motorsport and road tyres, which are developed along similar lines to make driving a sustainable and more pleasurable experience for all.”

Offering the first step on the motorsport ladder for drivers aged 14 to 17. the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship has forged a path for itself as one of the leading lights within the TOCA support package.

Boasting big grids of Ginetta G40 machines, the series is renowned for producing close-fought racing and down the years has served as a launchpad for drivers to enjoy successful careers around the world.

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Motorsport Manager, added: “Michelin are undoubtedly one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the world, and their ethos of providing safe and reliable products to their customers is synonymous with that of Ginetta.

“We are delighted to further our partnership with a company as respected as Michelin into a second decade. This is a testament to the continued success of our domestic championships and together we’re looking forward to a fantastic year of competition in 2019.” In addition to Michelin, Ginetta have also confirmed a technical partnership with Millers Oils, have become title sponsors of the GT4 Supercup and Ginetta Junior Scholarship.

Ginetta reveals 2019 championship calendars

Ginetta has revealed a bumper events calendar for 2019 with all five of its categories once again returning to the track to crown the latest set of champions.

Consisting of 92 individual races and participating at nine different venues around the UK and mainland Europe, the forthcoming 2019 campaign is set to be the biggest yet for the manufacturer.

Both the Ginetta Junior Championship and Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup will fly the flag for the Yorkshire brand as they take their place on the TOCA support package.

Supporting the British Touring Car Championship, both categories flourished in 2018 with Adam Smalley and Charlie Ladell savouring title glory and the two championships will crown new victors next year.

Juniors will feature at all ten BTCC events whilst the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup will miss two events, the first of two visits to Thruxton in May and then later in the season at Snetterton as the second half of the campaign roars into life.

The Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge will also make fleeting visits on the TOCA support package too, filling in the gaps of the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup. The remaining rounds of the GT5 Challenge will be played out on the British GT support package

Alongside the GT5 Challenge on the SRO package is the road-based Ginetta G40 Cup, which in recent years has continued to flourish.

Capping off what is shaping up to be a blockbuster year of track action for Ginetta will see a grid of complete novices begin their journey towards becoming fully-fledged racing drivers, taking the plunge as part of the Ginetta Racing Drivers Club (GRDC).

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Championship Manager, said: “2018 was a brilliant year for Ginetta Championships, with over 130 drivers racing with us across the five grids, and with the announcement of another exciting calendar of events coupled with the current high level of interest already for next season, there is no doubt that 2019 will see an even busier season across all the grids!”

To view the full 2019 championship calendar for each Ginetta category, click here.

Ginetta gears up for milestone year with launch of flagship championships

In what is set to be a milestone year for the manufacturer as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, Ginetta are set to hit the track for 2018 with its flagship championships.

Descending on Brands Hatch on Wednesday 14th March, the Yorkshire-based powerhouse officially launched the Ginetta Junior Championship and Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup for the forthcoming season.

Both part of the highly-regarded TOCA support package, the two categories are set for another blockbuster year with bumper grids confirmed for both.

Catering for drivers aged 14 to 17, the Ginetta Juniors have made a name for themselves down the years for producing plenty of edge-of-the-seat thrills in front of the ITV4 cameras and huge trackside crowds.

This year, another crop of old and new faces are set to duke it out for the coveted crown, all looking to follow in the footsteps of Tom Gamble – who walked away as champion in 2017.

Notable names to look out for as the season goes on include Adam Smalley, Matt Luff and Fin Green, all of which are back for another season and set to battle against a wealth of rookie youngsters.

Elsewhere in the GT4 Supercup, a fascinating blend of youth and experience is set to go wheel-to-wheel with all eyes fixed on replicating Callum Pointon’s achievements last year.

Carl Boardley is set to be one driver many will be keeping a keen eye on having challenged at the front of the field on countless occasions. Harry King graduates from Juniors whilst the likes of Michael Crees, Charlie Ladell and Jac Constable are all ones to watch.

Speaking at Brands Hatch, Sales Manager Ian Fletcher, said: “We are looking forward to the 2018 season, one that is a commemorative one for Ginetta as a whole.

“This year we are celebrating our 60th anniversary and the culmination of our LMP1 FIA WEC programme as well as all of our other championships.

“Once again both the Junior and Supercup championships look to be in great shape and I am sure it will be another memorable year for all involved.”

For more information on Ginetta, head to www.ginetta.com