The moment has arrived. The first event on the 2026 British Automobile Racing Club calendar has arrived and what a weekend we have lined-up to kick-start our season.

The first race of the year honour goes to the Classic Touring Car Racing Club with their exciting Pre ’66 grid packed full of Mini’s, Cortina’s, Imp’s and the odd American Muscle car thrown in for good measure.

Track Action is back for a two-day event this weekend with a mix of cars gathered for two encounters over the weekend – look out too for the Peugeot 206 Cup which features in this grid.

BARC’s premier endurance racing series – the Britcar Endurance Championship will feature a 90 minute enduro to kick-start the season with well timed driver swaps and strategy a big part of the race result.

The CTCRC have pulled together a mouth watering collection to take to Donington with Pre ‘93, Pre ‘03, BOSS and Thunder Saloons all mixed together for an epic encounter, while the Pre’83 grid will round out the proceedings on Saturday with a grid pull of seventies and early eighties icons.

The Junior Saloon Car Championship is back and a new intake will all be jostling for position as the close quarters hot hatch formula always produces excellent racing.

As Britcar depart Saturday evening, joining us for even more racing on the Sunday will be the MG Owners Club with a massive 34 car grid, while the door-to-door racing in the Coupe Cup will bring down the curtain on a 16 race weekend.

When is the next BARC weekend?
This weekend: Saturday 21 March and Sunday 22 March
Where are the events being held? Donington Park
Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP
What is racing this weekend?
We have a jam-packed schedule for you this weekend with something for every taste. From the Briticar Endurance Championship, Coupe Cup, MG Owners Club Championship, Track Action, Junior Saloon Car Championship and multiple Classic Touring Car Racing Club grids including Pre ‘66, Group 1/ Pre ‘83, Pre ‘93, Pre ‘03, BOSS and Thunder Saloons.

If I can’t get trackside or I am outside of the UK?
If you can’t make it to the first weekend of the year at Donington… fear not… we have you covered! You can follow everything. The BARC YouTube channel will be broadcasting all the racing action live and for free – no matter where you are around the world on Saturday or Sunday. Be sure to subscribe for the latest streams – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

How can I watch in person?
To go trackside at Donington, tickets start from £17 for an adult ticket for either day online and £19 on the gate. £26 for a weekend ticket, with discounts for teens and senior citizens available and children aged 13 and under go free.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://tickets.msv.com/calendar/donington-park/2026/march/classic-touring-car-weekend/default

What time are things happening on track at Donington?
Free Practice heads the order on Saturday with on track action from 09:10 with the first race at 14:10.
On Sunday Qualifying begins at 09:10 with racing starting at 10:20.

Do you have any more information?
We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy the first event of the year

Donington Park – Key Links

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/261263
Information*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-donington-park-grand-prix-march-21-22/
Entry List: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HQ01-DON-Entry-List-for-WEB-V2.pdf
Live Coverage Saturday: https://www.youtube.com/live/othzQYHPuqg?si=mlG5ynOlYHdfZn-S
Live Coverage Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/live/bqRRuK_GIb4?si=Kmr2720u1zjFyCEF

* Timetable – Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

It’s so good to be back!