Chris Ashby – Welcome to the BARC

Silverstone spoils celebrated as BARC crowns more champions

Silverstone has played host to many crowning moments down the years and this past weekend (October 4/5) proved to be no different as a number of British Automobile Racing Club championships closed out their campaigns around the Home of British Motor Racing.

On what was a title-deciding two days in Northamptonshire, the Club staged the first of several thrilling crescendo race meetings over the coming weeks – with both Caterham Motorsport and the Classic Touring Car Racing Club taking centre stage at this one.

The moobob Caterham Academy Championship – which is run for those embarking on their first year of racing – delivered one final show-stopping contest as Kyle Townend claimed the race victory and Max Richardson, the overall title.

Over in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship, Brian Thornton and Scott Helme enjoyed a share of the spoils as they claimed a win apiece however neither of them could stop William Harris from securing an unassailable lead at the head of the standings.

Ben Wheatley has by and large been the toast of the competition in the EDGE Caterham Seven 270R Championship and his season-long efforts were rewarded as he finally wrapped up the title with a race to spare.

While Wheatley reigned supreme over the course of the season, the weekend’s trio of races around the 1.850-mile International layout belonged to Louis Darling and Nick Sampson, with Darling triumphing twice.

Taylor O’Flanagan had already wrapped up the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship and his notable absence from the action opened the door for Charlie Lower and Ryan Wilby to come to the fore and triumph.

Rounding out the list of Caterham Motorsport winners was Matt Armstrong, who cemented his status as the driver to beat in the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship UK.

Armstrong went into weekend with a small points buffer over his nearest rival Harry Senior and victory in the opening encounter guaranteed him as champion. Not to dwell on missing out on the crown, vice-champion Senior then went on to win the remaining two races.

In the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, tin top fever was on full display and it started with Jonathan Corker and Neil Philpotts taking a hard-fought win apiece in the amalgamated Pre-66 and Pre-83 Touring Car contests.

The Super Tourers, Pre-93 and Pre-03 protagonists joined forces for two breathless bouts however nobody could stop Jason Hughes and his trusty Vauxhall Vectra from reigning supreme ahead of Ian Bower – who clinched two titles.

Elsewhere, James Janicki was a tour de force in his Nissan Skyline GTR R32, sweeping his way to both wins in the Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons and Blue Oval Saloon Series encounters.

Completing the weekend’s action were a trio of races from the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport, where Jamie Ringer blasted his way to a commanding hat-trick of race wins.

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

You can also watch all of the action back on the official British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel.

Titles decided on TOCA support package at Brands Hatch

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 4/5) as titles were also decided across the four support championships that make up the TOCA support bill.

On what was an action-packed finale around the famous Grand Prix circuit, the capacity 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 climax.

Hitech TGR’s Fionn McLaughlin capped off a scintillating season to be crowned champion at the first time of asking and in-doing so, bagged himself an invaluable 12 FIA Super Licence Points – which he will take with him into FIA Formula 3 next year.

The Red Bull Junior driver entered the final meeting of the season with a commanding 61.5-point lead, and a podium in a captivating curtain-raiser at the Kent venue was enough for him to clinch the highly-coveted crown.

In what has been a ground-breaking campaign, McLaughlin’s path to title glory has been nothing short of sublime, with the Irishman tallying a total of two pole positions, five race wins, an additional eight podiums and seven fastest laps on his way to championship superstardom.

Jimmy Piszcyk helped guide Rodin Motorsport to a second successive Teams’ Cup as he won twice around the 2.43-mile circuit whilst Chris Dittmann Racing’s Tommy Harfield also ended the year on the top step of the podium.

Over in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, just two points separated the top two in the standings however it was Rosland Gold by Century Motorsport’s Andrew Rackstraw that emerged victorious to secure title honours.

The South African driver entered the weekend holding a small advantage in the points over Will Martin and knowing that he just needed to shadow his chief title rival at best to ensure he walked away with the main prize.

Eden Motorsport’s Martin certainly pushed Rackstraw all the way by tallying a brace of podiums although two top-fives proved to be enough for the latter to follow in the footsteps of his team-mate George Gamble and end the year as champion.

Things were just as close in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain too with Tom Bradshaw holding off a late charge from Joe Marshall to become champion.

Marshall proved to be irresistible around the flowing Grand Prix layout, winning all three races, however that sadly wasn’t to be enough as Bradshaw tallied just enough points to bring home the coveted crown.

Rounding out the list of champions was EXCELR8 Motorsport’s Tom Ovenden, who clinched the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW title.

Arriving at Brands Hatch with one hand on the title, Ovenden – who is a previous winner of the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy – held his nerve on a weekend that saw Le Mans 24-Hour winner Nick Tandy win twice to claim the biggest prize on offer.

To view the full classification of results of Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Tom Ingram clinches second BTCC title at Brands Hatch

Tom Ingram returned to the summit of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship mountain at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 4/5) as the Team VERTU driver was crowned champion for the second time in his career.

On what proved to be a momentous final day of the season around the Grand Prix circuit, the Hyundai i30 N driver held his nerve in front of a capacity crowd to cement his place as one of the true greats of the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Arriving at the Kent venue holding a commanding 33-point lead over four-time champion Ash Sutton, all eyes were on Ingram as he bid to join an exclusive club of double title winners that includes Alain Menu, John Cleland and James Thompson.

The final day of the season began with NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish claiming a fairly routine victory after pole sitter Daryl DeLeon failed to take the start following sudden a loss of power on the formation lap.

Resisting an early challenge from his team-mate Dan Rowbottom, Cammish quickly found his rhythm out front and cruised to victory ahead of the Hyundai duo of Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan.

Crucially, Ingram moved forward and managed to extend his lead further – which in-turn presented him with the opportunity to wrap things up in the penultimate contest of the year.

Starting on the soft tyre for race two, Ingram did just that as he wasted no time in scything his way to the front before then cruising to a seventh win of the season and more importantly, a second title.

Josh Cook then brought the curtain down on the season by becoming the 13th different winner in his Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Corolla as he came out on top of a tense reverse grid finale.

Whilst being unable to stop Ingram from triumphing, multiple title-winner Sutton ultimately settled for runners-up laurels whilst Cammish, Hill and Rowbottom completed the top five in the standings.

Elsewhere, NAPA Racing UK and Ford claimed the Teams’ Championship for the fourth season in-a-row although they weren’t able to overhaul EXCELR8/Hyundai in the Manufacturer-Constructors Championship, who clinched the title for the very first time.

Daniel Lloyd and Restart Racing were the toast of the Independents’ as they were crowned Drivers’ and Teams’ champions respectively. DeLeon meanwhile managed to overhaul his West Surrey Racing team-mate Charles Rainford to lift the prestigious Jack Sears Trophy.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Brands Hatch, as well as the final championship standings, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in 2026, with the start of the brand-new season poised to start around Donington Park’s National layout on April 18/19.

How to Watch: BARC showdown at Brands Hatch and Silverstone

The British Automobile Racing Club are entering into the final phases of the season. With October here – that can only mean one thing…finale time!

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will be decided at Brands Hatch while ten other BARC series will also crown a champion. Throughout the TOCA support package in Kent and the Caterham International event at Silverstone. Strap yourself in and get ready for the first title fight weekend of the year.

When is the next BARC weekend?
This weekend: 4-5 October

Where are the events being held?

Brands Hatch
Address: Brands Hatch Circuit, London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 6FS

Silverstone Circuit
Address: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TN

What is racing this weekend?

Out on track this weekend at Brands Hatch: Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and VERTU MINI Challenge JCW

At Silverstone we have: moobob Caterham Academy Championship, EDGE Caterham 270R Championship, Vertex Caterham 310R Championship, Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship and Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship UK from the Caterhams and MINI Challenge Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport will decide their points table by Sunday evening.

It is also the penultimate round for the Everard Pre-66 Touring Cars, Shell Oils Group 1 Pre-83 Touring Cars, Trackhub.UK Pre-93 Touring Cars, Burty Pre-03 Touring Cars, Burton Blue Oval Saloon Series and PRG Trailers Classic and Historic Thunder Touring Cars as well as Super Tourers!

Phew!

How can I watch in person?

To go ringside at Brands Hatch, tickets start from £22 for an adult ticket for Saturday and £35 for a Sunday pass. Weekend tickets are from £48 in advance with discounts for teens and senior citizens, as children aged 13 and under go free.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.brandshatch.co.uk/2025/october/kwik-fit-british-touring-car-championship

Wanting to soak up the on-track action at Silverstone?
Tickets are available on the day or on the Silverstone website from £17 for single day ticket or £30 for a weekend ticket. Children under 16 go free.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/barc-caterham-international

If I can’t get trackside or I am outside of the UK?

The TOCA Brands Hatch race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Saturday and Sunday in the UK.

Qualifying will be available to all on ITVX on Saturday while race day will move to ITV4 in the UK. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout Sunday with coverage starting at 11:00.

International audiences will be able to watch the action on the BTCC YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@OfficialBTCC – with races live on the RACER network in the US and Canada

To follow everything from Silverstone, the BARC YouTube channel has you covered – no matter where you are around the world this weekend. Be sure to subscribe for the latest streams – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

What time are things happening on track at Brands Hatch?

Free Practice and Qualifying head the order on Saturday with on track action from 09:00 with the first race at 13:15. On Sunday we begin at 10:00 with the first race – with racing through to early evening.

What time are things happening on track at Silverstone?

Qualifying gets us underway on Saturday with cars taking to the track at 09:00, with lights out for the first race at 14:15. On Sunday, it’s wall to wall racing from 09:00 until early evening.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy your weekend. Wherever you are!

Brands Hatch
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/254003
Information*: https://www.barc.net/event/toca-race-meeting-brands-hatch-gp-october-4-5/
Live Coverage: https://www.itv.com/btcc

Silverstone
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/254021
Information*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-silverstone-international-october-4-5/
Live Coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

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

It’s going to get busy! TOCA package on the TV, BARC LIVE from Silverstone on the tablet or mobile and soak it all in. Are you ready?

The race to the titles: Who can win this weekend

There is not just one, but over ten British Automobile Racing Club titles that can be decided at both Brands Hatch and Silverstone this weekend.

Over in Kent, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship tops the billing with the showdown between Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton set to keep spectators on the edge of their seat. Brands Hatch GP race goers will also see the final stages of the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB and Vertu MINI Challenge JCW be played out.

Meanwhile in in Northampton, the MINI Challenge Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport series comes to a head as does the fleet of Caterham classes all ready to jostle for those vital championship points. Supporting them will be a plethora of Classic Touring car classes – who will enter into their penultimate round. We will catch up with them in November, in the meantime here’s who to look out for.

Brands Hatch

BTCC
The big one – the rivalry of the modern BTCC era. Ingram v Sutton. Ash Sutton is gunning for a record breaking fifth title in his Ford Focus, while Hyundai i30 hotshot Tom Ingram is looking to double up his title tally.

Ingram holds the advantage by 33 points. That sounds like a lot, but for 20 points for a win and one DNF – that could swing momentum very quickly. With three races – anything can happen!

In the Independents – its game on! Daniel Lloyd, Mikey Doble, and Chris Smiley will go head-to-head-to-head at Brands Hatch with just 13 points separating them all.

British F4
Could we be witnessing a future F1 driver carve his name into the history books alongside the likes of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri? Red Bull backed driver Fionn McLaughlin has one hand on the trophy after a scintillating debut season so far which has already seen him wrap up the Rookie Cup.

Now the eyes of the Irishman are on the outright crown. In his way are Jimmy Piszcyk and Martin Molnár. Both will need a monumental weekend behind the wheel to overhaul the 61.5 point deficit – but anything is possible! Will McLaughlin hold under the pressure?

Porsche Carrera Cup GB
In the glorious sounding Porsche Carrera Cup GB ranks, it’s close at ever turn. In the Pro series, Andrew Rackstraw holds the reins but will be looking over his shoulder at Will Martin who is just ten points behind. In the Pro-Am division, Oliver White will lock-horns with former BTCC peddlers Max Coates and Ollie Jackson – with all having a mathematical chance, while Jonathan Beeson and Sebastian Hopkins are all but sure of the Amateur and Rookie titles.

Porsche Sprint Challenge GB
In the Sprint Championship – it’s a close run affair with Tom Bradshaw, Jacob Tofts and Joe Marshall all in the hunt for the Professional Category crown, while Oliver Meadows is in the driving seat in the Amateur category with Matthew Kyle-Henney and Reece Somerfield due to breathe down his neck at Brands.

Vertu MINI Challenge JCW
The popular single-make MINI championship is a favourite on the TOCA package and these rapid tin-tops will entertain and fight for supremacy until the very end. Former rallycross man Tom Ovenden has switched superbly to circuit racing and has a strong 70 point grip over NAPA Racing duo Jamie Osbourne and Lewis Selby, and 82 points over Max Edmundson. With over 150 points on offer however – all four have a chance of taking the top prize on Sunday afternoon.

Silverstone

Caterham Seven Championship UK
After a brilliant season in the top-flight Caterham class – Matt Armstrong comes to the Silverstone Showdown with a 37 point buffer over Harry Senior and Harry Cook, who has a mathematical chance of netting the title too – but he will have to rely upon those in front to falter to pull in the disadvantage.

Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship

It will be close in the 310R division between Taylor O’Flanagan and Lars Hoffmann – the pair have been the class acts of the season. However, with dropped scores Phillip Bianchi and Charlie Lower are also ones to watch at Silverstone this weekend.

Edge Caterham Seven 270R Championship

It appears to be a two-horse race for glory as the season long sparring match between Ben Wheatley and Louis Darling comes to a crescendo. The scales of success are just tilting in the favour of Wheatley as the middle rung on the Caterham ladder will be the last title to be decided on Sunday evening.

Blistein Caterham Roadsport Championship

The race for first place is wide open in the Roadsport series, with seven drivers still within a possible hunt for the number one spot. William Harris comes to Silverstone with the target on his back but between him and his brother Charles in seventh, the top seven are bookended by 52 points, with Brian Thornton, Scott Helme, Craig Evans, Alastair Morton and Daniel Crawley will all be ready for the tussle. This could well be the championship to watch this weekend!

Moobob Caterham Academy Championship

Max Richardson has the wind in his sails coming to Silverstone, with the Englishman having won the last round at Snetterton. Winning his first car racing title would be the icing on the cake in his first season of circuit racing – but out to stop him will be the constant friendly thorn in his side Matt Fox – who is also a race winner in 2025 and could go well this weekend. Look out too for Richard Davies and Kyle Townend who will be out for a late season surprise as they look to mix up the championship fight.

MINI Challenge Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport

Last, but by no means least – the Clubman MINI Challenge brigade. After an action-packed season, everything comes down to this weekend. Expect flat-out racing, close battles, and plenty of drama as the grid fights for glory at one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
Oli Willmott is in the driving seat in the S56 class with the likes of Freddy Hewitt and Steve Webb nipping at his heels. In the S53 category Andy Langley is in control, as is Dan Truman in the Cooper class.

You follow all the action from Silverstone live on our YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub and all the racing drama from Brands Hatch on ITV4 this weekend. You don’t want to miss it!

Achieving a childhood dream

Getting to the grid of any motor race takes time, dedication, finance and commitment. It’s a bold first step and for many it’s a fulfilment of a dream to race side-by-side on tracks such as Brands Hatch, Thruxton and Silverstone – the culmination of that dream is to perhaps stand on the podium, lift the trophy and spray something nice and fizzy. In the Caterham Academy – the entry level category in the Caterham cars ladder of progression – a whole new cohort took to the track for the first time at Brands Hatch in April.

Nearly six months on – three drivers have managed to wrestle their way to the top and seal a victory in their first ever season racing cars. The British Automobile Racing Club got talking to George Hawkins, Matt Fox and championship leader, Max Richardson on how they have found their first year in cars!

George Hawkins claimed his first race win at BARC HQ – Thruxton earlier this year. The Englishman started with track days and has nudged up plenty of miles over the past 10 years, and in recent times looked more into the competitive racing, with getting his fix in rental karts. The lure of a level playing field, close competition and supportive network pulled him towards the Caterham Academy.

“Caterham really does put the arm around you. We meet drivers from previous years, tour the factory and get everything explained – every step of the way. You meet your fellow drivers, do your ARDS test together which really puts everyone at ease as everyone is in the same boat making the same steps forward… and making the same mistakes too. We did Track Days and a Sprint event which got us ready and reduced the nerves before taking on Brands Hatch for the first time.”

Hawkins broke his victory duck at the fastest venue on the calendar – and the weekend took him by complete surprise!

“I actually didn’t get on with Thruxton before – but now I am a bit of a fan boy! I really enjoyed the strategy of racing there and getting the most out of the tow, when to break – that was quite interesting. It was amazing to get pole and convert that into a win – I really wasn’t expecting it. I hoped for a podium and thought that a podium was on, but to win was just an amazing feeling!”

The second man to take a victory this season was Matt Fox, who did the double at Anglesey. Motorsport is quite new to Matt, in fact before 2022, he hadn’t done any track days or motorsport races before. However, an invitation came through work to join a PalmerSport day and shortly after…the bug bit! Four track days followed in 2023 before ten or so last year. Matt was one of the first to sign-up to the 2025 Academy class.

“The buzz is incredible. On a track day, the thrill you get is maybe a 3/10 but for racing in these – it’s the top end of the scale – it’s night and day and so much fun. The paddock atmosphere is unbelievable as well, we have a WhatsApp group chat and the friendliness is what Catherham sells to you. Yes it’s competitive but it’s really good fun first and foremost! For those that want to, you can take the same car and work your way up to Rodsport, 270R, 310R classes which is incredible to think about. The cars are unbelievable. I put a second seat in and took some friends out at Thruxton and they couldn’t believe the power and grip the car had, especially on the Toyo road tyres. The cars and programme teaches you so much – I think I am lapping six seconds faster compared to a year ago.

“It’s very exciting to be fighting at the front with Max [Richardson] – he’s a class act and I was very happy to edge him twice at Anglesey. It was a great weekend and I would love another before the year is out.”

The man they have all been chasing in 2025 – Max Richardson. Max was car crazy from a very young age and at just 18 months, the word Lamborghini rolled off the tongue – so he was destined to be around cars! At the age of five, he started in go karts, and raced until the age of 13 when school, work, university and life took over. But on one Friday in November 2024, Richardson made a spontaneous decision to book the last place on the grid for the 2025 season.

“I seem to do everything spontaneously – but I don’t regret joining Caterham – I have had a blast! We had a test day at Castle Combe before the start of the season and 28 out of the 30 drivers showed up and it was hilarious. We were all watching each other going, he might be good, she might be quick – he might not be, oh wait scrap that he is set a blinder lap time and everyone was figuring each other out – it was great fun.

“Everyone is so friendly and chatty and willing to help each other out. I lost my jack earlier in the year and had people lend me theirs, I helped someone with tools – we all muck in to share things. Caterham has been really good in walking us through things – no question is a stupid question – there is nothing they can’t answer. Apart from how to find a good lap time! If I had any advice. Do it – you won’t regret it!”

You heard the man! To find out more about the Caterham Academy and how to join the grid in 2026 or 2027 – head to caterhamcars.com/en/models/the-range/academy-race-package

Pickup Trucks return to BARC to join with British Truck Racing Championship

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that the Pickup Truck Championship will return to the BARC in 2026 and be managed and promoted by the TruckSport organisation that runs the British Truck Racing Championship.

Set up in 1997 by SHP, the company of Sonny and Barbara Howard, the Pickups have been racing with BARC for almost 30 years. In that time, the championship has become hugely popular with both fans and drivers and has been a mainstay of the truck racing package for many years. This new arrangement will see the series not only return to the BTRC programme after a one-year hiatus, but also join the TruckSport stable.

TruckSport has been responsible for the management and promotion of the British Truck Racing Championship since 2020. In that time, they have helped to grow the sport, raise standards, increase the audience and attract commercial partners to be part of one of the most exciting packages in British motorsport.

The Pickups will enjoy a 7-round championship in 2026, supporting all six of the UK rounds of the BTRC, delivering some of the biggest spectator audiences in UK motorsport, as well as being live streamed around the world. They will also make their regular annual appearance at the American Speedfest event at Brands Hatch in June.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive: “I would like to pay tribute to Sonny and Barbara, as well as all the team at SHP, who have given so much to this amazing championship over the years. Very few people realise just how much work it takes to run a championship and the success of Pickups has been entirely down to their commitment and dedication. I believe that this new structure enables us to preserve their legacy and continue their excellent work.”

Stuart Oliver, Director TruckSport: “We are very excited to bring Pickups into our operation and continue Sonny and Barbara’s great work. Over the past five years we have taken the BTRC to new levels, improved the spectacle and brought new partners to the sport. We believe that there is a natural synergy between the big trucks and the Pickups and I sure the audiences both live and online are going to love the complete package.”

Sonny Howard, Director SHP: “Barbara and I believe that handing over the Pickup Truck Racing Championship to TruckSport will give Pickup Racing an exciting long-term future. We would like to thank the BARC and the TruckSport management team for their hard work securing its legacy and carrying on what was conceived and has been built on over the years, ensuring its growth, longevity and success.”

Further details, including a full 2026 calendar, will be released in due course.

BARC Marshal Training dates confirmed for early 2026

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it will run a total of eight marshal training days prior to the start of the 2026 motorsport season.

Thruxton, Croft, Pembrey and Harewood will host the aforementioned training days across the months of January, February and March next year.

Every event organised and run by the BARC needs marshals and all marshals, whatever they are doing, are contributing to the success and smooth running of the meeting.

With training provided to cover a wide range of topics such as fire safety to pit lane operation and teamwork; marshal training covers a wide variety of key attributes in preparing those that are heading trackside for the forthcoming season.

2025 BARC MARSHAL TRAINING DATES

Saturday 17th January: Thruxton – Novice/Registered Marshals (less than 5 days attended)

Sunday 18th January: Thruxton – Speed Training (All grades)

Sunday 15th February: Pembrey (All grades)

Saturday 21st February: Croft – Novice/Registered and Grade 1 Marshals

Sunday 22nd February: Croft – Grade 2 & Grade 3 Marshals and Off-Track (All grades)

Saturday 28th February: Thruxton – Registered (more than 5 days) and Grade 1 Marshals

Sunday 1st March: Thruxton – Grade 2 & Grade 3 Marshals and Off-Track (All grades)

Sunday 8th March: Harewood – Speed Training (All grades)

Jewel in the Crown for the MG Owners Club in 2025

The MG Owners’ Club Race Championship celebrates 45 years since the idea was plotted, with a rich history and partnership with the British Automobile Racing Club dating back to 1980. The first season followed in 1981. For those not old enough to remember or for those of us who need a little refresher, Margaret Thatcher was PM, John McEnroe shouted “you cannot be serious” at an umpire, the first London Marathon was held, and the UK won the Eurovision song contest thanks to the efforts of Bucks Fizz. How times have changed!

In its sapphire year, we opened the history books with championship promoter Jim Baynam who was there in the early days and instrumental to the continued success of the series in recent times. We look back and celebrate the cars to have proudly displayed the Morris Garages emblem and rolled out of the retrospective Abingdon and Longbridge factory gates.

We go back in time to the early eighties – the start of an exciting decade and to March 1980 in particular. With Going Underground by the Jam dominating the airwaves – we hope this sets the score we delve into the history books. Jim helps us recount how it all began.

“Back in 1980 – the MG Owners Club were looking to bolster its numbers and drive membership numbers and the racing idea was explored, as had been done by other one-make car clubs. It was March 1981 and I had decided to start motor-racing and bought an MGB race car off some guys in Hounslow who had previously entered it in the 1980 Willhire 24 Hour race at Snetterton. I was already an MGOC member and heard that a meeting was being held in a pub to discuss the way forward in starting a race championship. I hadn’t yet started my racing career but was intrigued and who can say no to a trip to the pub so I went along primarily listen and learn. Lots of ideas were mulled around, cars, regs, circuits and the Club decided that they wanted to promote a racing championship but didn’t know quite how to organise it and pull it together so the BARC was mooted as the place to approach to help us organise something and the rest as they say is history ! ”

From that first initial meeting, things moved very quickly, with the BARC playing a major part in setting up Technical Regulations and dates for races for the inaugural season starting at Brands Hatch a few months later on 7th June 1981.

“From small acorns. There were eight cars on the grid for the first race. It was a slow burner but entry levels increased to 15, then 20, then 25 and then over 30 and by the time we got into the mid and late 1980s it had really taken off!”

In those early halcyon days the grid was made up mostly of the MGB and Midget, but there was one car in particular that moved the championship onto the next level. The arrival of the MG Maestro…

“In the latter part of the 1980s cars that were coming off the Austin Rover production line were perfect for racing. You had the Metro, Montego and in between them both – the Maestro. There was an evolution. People who had MGBs discovered the Maestro was a good fun car that offered a bit more speed and performance and when one person buys one and does well… that just started a trend. So much so that for a few years in the late eighties we had a separate grid for the Maestros.”

The grids swelled – all filled with the great and good of the British road going MG models. It was a sight to behold in national racing up and down the country. Robb Gravett… heard of him? He started his racing career in the MGOC championship and won the Championship in 1985 then moved on to Production Saloons before being crowned British Touring Car Champion in 1990.

The evolution didn’t stop with the Maestro. Competitors started to look at the next best thing. The MGF was launched in 1995, the nimble, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car offered another challenge and performance edge on the much loved Maestro. That was swiftly followed by the MG ZR at the turn of the millennium – bringing us up to date with the car that has provided close and exciting racing for over 20 years.

“What is great about the championship – is that there is a home for all of these as we look back down the line. In 2025 we have our history book coming to life. We have representation from all periods of the 45 years with the MGB and Midgets standing the test of time. With historic racing really taking off in this country, people are always talking to me about our MGs and the older cars in particular.”

So why is the format and the championship still popular today?

“I don’t think there is a single answer really. We have a grid split into thirds. Two thirds are MG ZR160 and the other third is made up of Midgets, MGBs, Maestros and the MGF. The guys with the older cars love racing for class honours and keeping the history of the championship and cars alive, while the MG ZR really offers a fantastic car to go racing in. One of the most fun and budget friendly front-wheel-drive classes in Club level motorsport. Cars with 170bhp are a lot of fun and you can buy a competitive and ready to race ZR160 around £6,000 – making it very cost effective entry into the exciting world of Club motorsport.

“We keep things simple – that is a big strength. Back in the eighties, the British Production Saloon Car Championship was immensely popular. When we got going in 1981 we wanted to follow suit with our cars based on production, road going models. Other series went with higher spec regs, but we have stuck by our principles over the 45 years – with a few refinements to keep up with the times. Our aim is to offer cost effective racing and encourage newcomers into the sport. We have seen a lot of new faces in 2025 alone and now we even have two generations, with fathers racing with their sons and daughters – which is great to see.”

The MG Owners Club always have packed grids – and the blue riband weekend of the season was at Thruxton in June for the Retro themed event.

“2025, I think has been one of our strongest in the last 20 years. We had 42 cars entered for the Retro meeting at Thruxton, this was the biggest single grid we’ve ever had in our 45 years which was very heart warming to see.”

Going forward where does Jim see the series going – how do you build on what you have?

“People come and go. We have at least 10 drivers who have raced with us for over 20 years and they go and tell their friends, who tell their friends and they come along to watch and like what they see and they decide to come and join the fun. It’s a great form of promotion.

“When the MG Car Club decided to pull out of organising race championships, we put the hand out to those competitors who still wanted to race their MG’s. Some were initially sceptical as they were used to running to slightly different technical regulations, but they have gradually moved over to us and are enjoying life in the MGOC Championship.

“In 2025 we have gained several drivers from other championships and recruited a number of new drivers including a couple of youngsters and three brothers all of whom chose to join MGOC for their debut season. These new faces have increased the entry levels and added new impetus to the championship and will guarantee the ongoing success of the championship for many years to come. We look forward to seeing how the championship plays out this year and of course we are already looking at 2026 which will be 45 years since that first race meeting at Brands Hatch way back in 1981.”

For more information on the MG Owners Club Race Championship – head to www.mgocchampionship.co.uk or contact Jim on raceteam@mgownersclub.co.uk

Caterham confirm exciting 2026 race programme

British sports car manufacturer and race series promoter Caterham Cars, have this week confirmed their 2026 calendar for the Academy, Roadsport, 270R, 310R and Seven UK Championships.

Visiting UK classics such as Brands Hatch, Croft, Cadwell Park, Donington, Knockhill, Oulton Park, Silverstone and Snetterton as well as a visit to the Ardennes region in Belgium for an overseas visit to Spa-Francorchamps – 2026 will feature plenty of variety for the five championships – supported by the British Automobile Racing Club.

The year kicks off in April for the Roadsport, 270R, 310R championships. All three will venture into the continent for the Spa away weekend as well as an exciting August which sees the return of the non-championship Three hours of the 300 at Snetterton and the new for 2026 – Super-header at Knockhill which will see races run in both directions.

Also on the billing will be four rounds under the BTCC umbrella with the 310R drivers enjoying a May weekend under the ITV4 camera spotlight while the Seven UK Championship will have three occasions on the biggest stage at Knockhill, Donington and Brands Hatch.

The Academy, the first step on the Caterham ladder, will welcome a completely new class of drivers as well as the eagerly anticipated all-new Academy race car. The new cohort will begin with a day at Curborough for a Sprint event before five events including a double-header at Donington for the first time.

Academy Race Dates

R1 – 9th May – Curborough (Sprint)
R2 – 20th June – Donington Park (Double -Header)
R3 – 1st August – Brands Hatch Indy
R4 – 15th-16th August – Knockhill (Super-Header)
R5 – 12th September – Snetterton
R6 – 3rd October – Silverstone International

Roadsport Race Dates

R1 – 11th-12th April – Cadwell Park
R2 – 2nd-3rd May – Croft
R3 – 29th-31st May – Spa Francorchamps
R4 – 20th June – Donington Park
R5 – 18th July – Oulton Park Fosters
R6 – 15th-16th August – Knockhill (Super-Header)
SE – 29th August – Snetterton (3 Hours of 300 Special Event)
R7 – 12th-13th September – Snetterton 300

270R Race Dates

310R Race Dates

R1 – 11th-12th April – Cadwell Park
R2 – 9th-10th May – Brands Hatch Indy (BTCC Support)
R3 – 29th-31st May – Spa Francorchamps
R4 – 20th June – Donington Park
R5 – 18th July – Oulton Park Fosters
R6 – 15th-16th August – Knockhill (Super-Header)
SE – 29th August – Snetterton (3 Hours of 300 Special Event)
R7 – 12th-13th September – Snetterton 300

Seven UK Race Dates

R1 – 2nd-3rd May – Croft
R2 – 29-31 May – Spa Francorchamps
R3 – 18th July – Oulton Park Fosters
R4 – 8th-9th August – Knochill (BTCC Support)
R5 – 22nd-23rd August – Donington Park (BTCC Support)
R6 – 12th-13th September – Snetterton 300
R7 – 10-11 October- Brands Hatch GP (BTCC Support)

Silverstone tees up grandstand finish to brilliant BTCC season

The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will go down to the wire in less than two weeks’ time at Brands Hatch with Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton going head-to-head for the biggest prize in UK motorsport.

Holding a 33-point lead over his long-time adversary, Ingram will go into the finale in the box seat having been one of three drivers to triumph during the penultimate event of the season at Silverstone this past weekend (September 20/21).

In what was a feel-good visit to the Home of British Motor Racing, the battle for supremacy began in a wet-dry qualifying session on Saturday which culminated in West Surrey Racing’s Daryl DeLeon becoming the first Filipino driver to snare a BTCC pole position.

DeLeon would sadly be unable to convert his front row start in Sunday’s opening contest as Daniel Lloyd delivered a masterful performance to claim his first win in more than 1000 days and the first win ever for Restart Racing.

Dispatching former champions Gordon Shedden and Jake Hill in quick succession, Lloyd held his own out front and never looked like faltering. In the end the race would finish behind the safety car following a fire for Nicolas Hamilton’s Cupra, giving Lloyd the win ahead of Hill and Shedden.

Having battled his way into the top ten in race one following a lacklustre qualifying, all eyes were rightly on Ingram for race two and the Team VERTU lived up to all expectations as he cruised to his sixth win of the campaign.

Bolting on the soft tyre to his Hyundai i30 N, the 2022 title winner was up to third place at the end of the opening lap and then moments later, he was clear of the entire field. Despite having to contend with a late safety car, Ingram cruised to victory ahead of Sutton and Hill.

Arguably the biggest cheer of the weekend was saved for the reverse grid finale as NAPA Racing UK’s Sam Osborne produced a flawless driver to clinch a memorable maiden victory.

Starting from pole position virtue of the reverse grid draw, the Ford Focus ST driver had to contend with race-long pressure from Josh Cook in the Toyota however Osborne was wheel-perfect as he charged to the chequered flag ahead of Cook and Sutton.

Heading to the legendary Brands Hatch circuit, Ingram holds a 33-point advantage however with 67 points still up for grabs, nothing is guaranteed. The battle for third place has also closed up between Hill, Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom.

Alliance Racing/Ford hold a two-point lead in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ order over EXCELR8 Motorsport/Hyundai, whilst the same two outfits under their NAPA Racing UK and Team VERTU names are separated by three points in the Teams’ table.

Lloyd, Mikey Doble and Chris Smiley are blanketed by just a handful of points in the Independent Drivers’ Championship while Restart Racing have already secured an unassailable lead in the Independent Teams’ Championship.

In the battle for Jack Sears Trophy supremacy, just eight points is the difference between BMW stablemates DeLeon and Charles Rainford.

Elsewhere on the TOCA support bill, Fionn McLaughlin edged closer to the Wera Tools F4 Championship certified by FIA title as he extended his lead in the standings to 61.5 points over James Piszcyk and Martin Molnar.

The Hitech TGR driver was perfection personified to win race one of the weekend however the Red Bull Junior ace could do nothing to stop Ethan Jeff-Hall and Tommy Harfield claiming a win apiece in races two and three.

Tom Ovenden remains on course to lift the VERTU MINI CHALLENGE JCW crown after title rival Jamie Osborne was forced to sit out Silverstone on medical grounds. Max Edmundson enjoyed his strongest outing to-date as he claimed two wins while Nathan Edwards was also a winner.

Elsewhere, Matthew Kyle-Henney and Samuel Harvey shared the spoils in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain while Andrew Rackstraw and Sebastian Hopkins claimed a win apiece in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.

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

Goodwood completes 2026 calendar with Revival dates

Goodwood has revealed its complete calendar for the 2026 season following the announcement that next year’s Goodwood Revival will take place on September 18-20.

Just a few days removed from a retro-thrilled weekend in West Sussex, the world-famous venue has completed its schedule of events for the year ahead.

The 83rd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport will kick things off on April 18-19 before one of the biggest events of the summer – the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard – plays out from July 9-12.

Vintage fanfare will then take centre stage in mid-to-late September as one of country’s most prestigious historic race meetings – the Revival – closes out the calendar campaign.

Tickets and more information for all three events can be found by visiting the Goodwood website HERE.