Author: Chris Ashby

BTCC stages spectacular 2025 season-opener Donington Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasted back into life in spectacular style this past weekend (April 26/27) as four-time champion Ash Sutton and the experienced Tom Chilton made a winning start to the 2025 season.

Taking centre stage at the Leicestershire venue in front of a packed crowd, the UK’s premier motor racing series delivered three blockbuster contests to kick-start what promises to be another vintage year of tin top action.

After narrowly missing out on clinching pole position to his team-mate Dan Cammish on Saturday, NAPA Racing UK’s Sutton was wheel-perfect in races one and two as he claimed successive lights-to-flag wins ahead of his long-time rival Tom Ingram.

Bidding to become the first driver in BTCC history to win the title five times, Sutton didn’t have things his own way in either contest however as he was forced to provide a resolute defence as Ingram applied pressure throughout.

The pace of the NAPA Ford Focus ST was further bolstered as both Dan Rowbottom and Cammish snared silverware as they claimed a third-place finish apiece in the aforementioned opening two bouts.

Race three – the reverse grid contest – saw Team VERTU’s Chilton drawn onto pole position and with the soft tyre at this disposal, he showcased all of his experience as he streaked clear to claim a deserved victory.

While Chilton romped to a 17th career triumph, the battle for the remaining podium positions had everyone on the edge of their seats as Ingram and Sutton renewed their tussle on-track – although this time it was Ingram that held on to complete a hat-trick of second place finishes.

Leaving Donington Park, Sutton holds an early advantage in the Drivers’ Championship over Ingram while just one point separates EXCELR8/Hyundai and Alliance/Ford in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

There is nothing to separate Team VERTU and NAPA Racing UK in the Teams’ standings whilst Chris Smiley and Power Maxed Racing are the early pace-setters in the Independent rankings. Over in the Jack Sears Trophy, Ronan Pearson leads the way after three races.

It wasn’t just the BTCC that put on a show under the flight path of East Midlands airport either as the support championship that feature on the TOCA bill also kick-started their campaigns.

The single-seater stars of the future that make up the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA delivered a trio of captivating contests that resulted in three different winners from three races.

Argenti Motorsport’s August Raber was the first to strike as he reigned supreme in race one before Chase Fernandez won a shortened reverse grid bout. Rodin Motorsport’s James Piszcyk then came to the fore in the feature race as he won after the top two were hit with time penalties for exceeding track limits late on.

NAPA Racing UK’s Jamie Osborne was perfection personified in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he clinched a clean sweep of race wins. Despite missing out on pole position in qualifying, Osborne was unstoppable in race one as he charged to victory in commanding fashion.

Race two was arguably even more impressive as, starting ninth, he scythed his way to the front of the field to triumph by more than four seconds. Osborne capped off his weekend with another brilliant display in race three as he pipped Tom Ovenden to the chequered flag.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain made a flying start to the new season with Will Martin and Andrew Rackstraw walking away with a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Tipped by many as one of the favourites for the title in the off-season, Martin produced an exemplary drive in race one as he held off Sid Smith to triumph – with Angus Whiteside completing the podium in third.

Race two saw Rackstraw then convert his pole position start into an impressive lights-to-flag victory as he headed Century Motorsport’s Whiteside and Porsche Junior Driver James Wallis.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were three races from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain which saw Toby Trice stake his claim as one to watch in the battle for supremacy as he chalked up a brace of wins.

Had it not been for some misfortune in the opening encounter Trice could well have scored a hat-trick of wins. Instead, the spoils of the opening bout went the way of Toro Verde GT’s Tom Bradshaw.

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

Ryder ready to run in 2025 British Hillclimb Championship

The 2025 British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport is one of the quickest and most intense series on the British Automobile Racing Club roster. With four-litre V8 single-seater monsters pushing out 700bhp, fighting for hundredths of a second at 10 different hills across the British Isles – the championship is like F1 down a garden path!

Matt Ryder fulfilled a family dream last season by claiming his first domestic title after a season-long battle with rival and friend Alex Summers. Carrying the number one on his Gould GR59 into 2025 – the number one seed speaks to the BARC about his title triumph and what we can look forward to in 2025.

Thank you for joining us Matt – Let’s start with last year. 2024 was a bit special wasn’t it!

“Winning the title last year was an unbelievable feeling. I have grown up with hillclimbing and been around it all my life as my Mum and Dad both competed or have been involved in the sport so in 2024, it was very special – to lift the pinnacle title in the sport in this country in only my third year in the ‘big cars’. The year was so intense, not going to lie, it was a long hard effort, but it’s something I will never forget!”

Hilclimbing was always going to the end destination then? What does it take to be at the top?

“I didn’t really start driving in hillclimbing. We actually took some time away from it when I was younger. I did karting and then a bit of circuit racing in things like Formula Jedi – so I did have some single-seater experience before coming to the hills again in the smaller-engined cars.

“Some people are veterans and have been up these hills so many times they know every lump, bump and surface change – so it is nice to compete against them. It might not be the most physical form of motorsport as people go ‘ how can you get tired after 4-5 runs at 30-60 seconds in length – but because of the speeds and intensity it’s one of the most mentally draining forms of motorsport in my opinion. Having to get it all right in such a small space and short time period needs everything to go right. I have shared a run-off win with someone else as we have matched times to the hundredth of a second – it’s that close!”

The calendar for 2025 features all the classic hills once more and we start off at one of the best – Prescott. You’re the record holder, so you know it well?

“I love Prescott – it’s my home hill. What I like about it is, that it;s quite technical with a few tight hairpins, which you need to get right to get good exits in order to open up the power quickly. In the bigger cars – traction is vitally important to use all the power at your disposal. My favourite part is the final third of the hill. Into a fast chicane – big commitment there picks you up lots of time.

“I got the hill record last season – but also you know what don’t know how at the same time – it wasn’t the cleanest of runs – it was a little scrappy in places. There is plenty more time to be had in the bottom half. The second half however was a special feeling – the car was dancing and I really could use all the power through the chicane and esses – it just felt like you were on the knife edge of grip.”

New season – now you go from hunted to hunter – who will want the top spot from you?

New year, new challenges – I don’t know who will be there come the end of the year. You will have the regular guys, but also some local drivers to certain hills – especially when you get to like the Channel Islands. Wallace [Menzies] is the man to beat before any season – super consistent, quick car and very good driver – he is the one everyone wants to aim at. Alex Summers sadly won’t be doing a full season – but wherever he turns up he will be super quick. Will Hall is getting quicker and quicker and could get onto a roll. Trevor Willis on the right day and right hill will be untouchable, I could keep going on!

There are so many locations and so much variety – talk us through some of your favourites…

“I am looking forward to Prescott – it’s always close to my heart, the atmosphere there is great and it is my home round. I also like Wiscombe Park in Devon. I had the best weekend of hillclimbing there previously. I took 1.2 seconds off my best time throughout the weekend and clinched the record as well.

“Shelsley Walsh is always so magical because of its history. The emotion and pressure is right up there because it’s the ‘home’ of hillclimbing in this country. For 22 or so seconds you have to show what you can do and deliver if you want to be near the front. The car has to be on rails as you fit the car between hedges and banks!

“The most extreme is Doune in Scotland. There is nothing quite like it. You have to be nutty to be at the very front there. Your life flashes before your eyes up as you have no time to think, with no margin for error. Makes Shelsley feel like a race circuit!

“They are all special and I like the characteristics of them all – going over to Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands – all three hills are very different and all offer different road surfaces compared to the English hills.”

Carrying the number one is something everybody wants to do. How does that feel – feel any pressure?

“We used it at a warm up event at Loton Park earlier in the year, it’s an amazing feeling to carry the number one. I get to use that on all the hills I enter this year – which is an honour.”

“As to pressure – think there was more getting to this stage – but it might be different when defending it this season. I think it can be a massive help as you get to run last in the class running order when trying to qualify for the top 12 run-offs. You get to see everyone go up before you so you can manage your own performance a little better, as you know the pace and also the minimum time you need to qualify. Also if you see the record broken – it gives you every confidence to know that it’s possible!”

Matt Ryder will begin his 2025 British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport title defence at Prescott this weekend (26/27 April). The series features 30 rounds across England, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey with the championship decided at Loton Park in September.

More information can be found at www.britishhillclimb.co.uk

Best of British gets underway this weekend

Not one, not two but three Motorsport UK British Championships get underway this weekend as well as a whole host of exciting support series races – guaranteed to excite motorsport fans across the country!

The talking stops and the action begins in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this weekend with 24 tin-top title hopefuls aiming to get their season off to a flyer at Donington. The Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA also begins at the East Midlands venue with the potential F1 stars of tomorrow launching their campaigns on the TOCA package.

Supporting the two British titles will be packed grids on a busy timetable across Saturday and Sunday. The Vertu MINI Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup season also start at Donington.

Elsewhere on the BARC schedule is the opening round of the British Hillclimb Championship Presented by Nova Motorsport. Some of the quickest cars and drivers in the UK head to Prescott to begin their eagerly anticipated season. Single-seaters with up to 700bhp will be unleashed on the Gloucestershire hill – imagine F1 up a garden path!

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 26th/27thApril

Where are the events being held?
Donington Park – National
Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP

Prescott Hillclimb
Address: Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington Cheltenham, GL52 9RD

What is racing this weekend?
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, British Hillclimb Championship, Vertu MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.

How can I watch?

At Home
The TOCA Donington race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Sunday. International audiences will be able to watch the action on TikTok.

The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first BTCC race on Sunday at 11:00

The British Hillclimb Championship runs can be watched over on www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV – with LIVE streams for both Saturday and Sunday available.

At the Track
Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Donington website from £22 for a Saturday ticket or £35.00 for a Sunday ticket – with weekend options available.

Hillclimb fans can head to Prescott with tickets starting from £18 for each day from the Prescott website or you can pay on the gate.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:10 on both days at Donington with BTCC races at 11:50, 14:35 and 17:25 on Sunday. Over at Prescott the course opens for practice at 08:30 with official timed runs to follow on both days.

Do you have any more information?

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

Donington
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/251703
Timetable*: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HQ51-TOCA-Timetable-v5.pdf
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

Prescott
Live Timing: https://www.motorlap.com/live/836
Timetable: https://bit.ly/4lFRMLD
Watch Link: https://www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing – we just love the BARC variety on offer!

British F4 races into new season at Donington Park

Single-seater hopefuls from around the world are poised to descend on Donington Park’s National track configuration this weekend, as the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA takes centre stage for its opening meeting of the 2025 season.

Providing the first rung on the ladder to Formula 1, the UK’s premier single-seater category has served as a springboard to the likes of Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan in recent years – so the question now is who will be next to follow in their footsteps.

A bumper field of returning contenders and new faces are poised to hit the track for the first three races of the new season, with the entry list set to see more cars joining over the coming weekends as more standout talents prepare to join the grid.

Leading this weekend’s entry is last year’s Teams’ Cup winners Hitech TGR. Leo Robinson joins the squad after an impressive debut season and he’s partnered by the talented Thomas Bearman, Red Bull Academy racer Fionn McLaughlin and Australian prospect Xavier Avramides.

Rodin Motorsport need no introduction to British F4 fans and their bid for glory rests on a three-pronged attack that is led by the returning James Piszcyk, F4 Middle East race winner Adam Al Azhari and McLaren F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd – who is coming off the back of an impressive maiden F1 Academy victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

At JHR Developments, Rowan Campbell-Pilling will be looking to build on the strong foundations he laid last year while Harri Reynolds, who debuted with the team at Silverstone in 2024, will be eager to make his mark.

There is an exciting new line-up at Argenti Motorsport with reigning world karting champion and Mercedes F1 Junior Ethan Jeff-Hall being joined by rapid American hotshot Henry Mercier and Sweden’s August Raber, who rejoins the grid for a second successive campaign.

Over at Xcel Motorsport, Chinese driver Yuhao Fu will be one to watch during his second season in the series, while Chase Fernandez – last year’s Ginetta Juniors vice-champion – and rookie Cole Hewetson have joined to further bolster the team’s second year of British F4.

Chris Dittmann Racing has shown plenty of pedigree in recent years and their trio of Tommy Harfield, Charlie Edge and F1 Academy driver Alba Larsen will be worth keeping an eye on. The same can be said for Ginetta Junior race winner Henry Joslyn at Fortec Motorsport.

Completing the entry list is last year’s Rookie Cup champion Martin Molnár, who has synced up with Virtuosi Racing once again and is now looking to chase down the main prize in his sophomore year.

With F1 Super Licence points on offer in addition to a number of other career-defining prizes provided by the likes of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, the stakes couldn’t be higher in British F4.

Qualifying for the opening event of the season kicks off at 09:10 on Saturday, followed by Race 1 later that afternoon at 14:30. Two more races will then play out on Sunday at 09:50 and 15:15 respectively.

More attractions announced for Croft Motor Show

Excitement is mounting as the momentum gathers for the Croft Classic to Modern Motor Show with a host of additional attractions lined up for the event at Croft Circuit, near Darlington on Saturday 10th May 2025.

With a jam-packed schedule of motorsport, entertainment, and family fun already in place, organisers have been hard at work to make sure the event is unmissable for motoring enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, as part of a celebration of everything automotive for the first time in the region for many years.

This year’s new show offers so much more than just incredible car displays. With hundreds of classic and modern vehicles, plus a chance to explore the Motorsport and Supercar Zones as well as interactive experiences for all ages, the latest attractions add to an already mouth-watering feast.

  • Barford Raceway Live Showcase – Enjoy thrilling demonstrations featuring Mini F2 Stock Cars, Teen Two’s, Junior Bangers, Formula 2 and Formula 1 Heritage Stock Cars, Bangers, and Hot Rods.
  • The Mad Mark Rally Team will be displaying rally cars, with adrenaline-fuelled passenger rides available to book on the day.
  • Local race and rally organisers, Darlington & District Motor Club, presents a line-up of prized competition cars.
  • See Troy Bayliss’ British Superbike Championship-winning Ducati up close.
  • Marvel at dream machines in the Supercar Showcase, featuring McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche and more.
  • Live Music & Food at Hangar 50 where visitors can relax and enjoy live performances by Hayley McKay and Dave Neil Crabtree, alongside a great selection of food and drinks.
  • Northallerton’s Dakar Rally star, Robbie Wallace, will be present with his bike.
    British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC North East) will be on hand to answer any questions on how to become a motorsport marshal.

All of this is in addition to the Family Fun Zone, which includes dodgems, a giant bouncy slide, and other attractions including teen driving experiences with qualified instructors, hot laps, auto tests, track parades, club and retail stands and much, much more.

To make sure of your place at a unique day of speed, excitement, and fun, contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk to book your tickets now with general adult admission in advance starting at just £9.50. Children aged 15 and under go FREE and check out the website and social media links too for availability of remaining places for circuit rides.

BARC delivers Easter extravaganza of entertainment at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club served up a bank holiday blockbuster at Brands Hatch this past weekend (April 19-20) as the British Truck Racing Championship rumbled into life for the first time this season.

In front of a packed crowd at the world-famous Kent venue, the heavyweight behemoths lifted the curtain on a brand-new campaign with five colossal contests that had everyone perched on the edge of their seats.

Reigning nine-time champion Ryan Smith entered the weekend as the serial favourite and he duly lived up to all expectations as he underlined his credentials by powering his Worldwide Truck Racing Daimler Freightliner to pole position in qualifying.

Smith converted his front-row start into an impressive lights-to-flag victory in race one however he far from had things his own way as he was pushed all the way by fellow former title winners Stuart Oliver and David Jenkins.

While Smith would go on to triumph twice more over the course of the weekend, ten-time champion Oliver also made a welcome return to the top step of the podium as he chalked up a brace of his own.

Further back, fans were treated to plenty of breathtaking moments as the likes of Tom O’Rourke, Martin Gibson, David Smith and John Bowler all found themselves in the thick of the action across both days.

In Division 2, youthful exuberance and wily experience was on full display as debutant Jake Evans and last year’s runner-up Simon Cole enjoyed a share of the spoils. Evans reigned supreme on Saturday by triumphing twice before Cole came to the fore on Sunday, tallying a hat-trick of wins.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club made its second appearance of the campaign and the first of three trips to Brands Hatch this year. Armed with a bumper grid of iconic saloon cars, a trip down memory lane proved captivating for all involved.

Defending Pre-66 Touring Cars champion Ian Thompson was wheel perfect in his Lotus Cortina as he claimed two wins while Jonathan Corker ruled the roost in his Datsun 510 in the weekend’s two Pre-83 Touring Car contests.

Elsewhere, Piers Grange proved too hot to handle in the amalgamated Pre-93 Touring Car, Pre-03 Touring Car and Blue Oval Saloon Series races, winning both in impressive fashion from behind the wheel of his monstrous Ford Escort.

Rounding out the CTCRC entertainment were two races from the flame-spitting Classic Thunder and Historic Thunder categories. Colin Voyce showcased why he was the driver to beat last year as he followed suit and guided his Ford Escort to a clean sweep of race wins.

Variety was the spice of life when it came to the Milltek Civic Cup – which was back in action after a pulsating curtain-raiser at Donington Park last month – as three different drivers stood on the top step of the rostrum.

Former TCR UK champion Lewis Kent clinched the bragging rights in the opening bout however he was unable to repeat his heroics in race two as Jack Ruddell edged out Jake Hewlett to win. Liam McGill then added his name to the honours list with a commanding race three victory.

The Junior Saloon Car Championship wrote the latest chapter of its 2025 season with a thrilling two races around the 1.2-mile Indy layout. Unfortunately, the series’ third race was abandoned on Sunday due to barrier damage from a previous race.

In the contests that were run, Josh Selvadorai took the chequered flag on the road in race one however a ten-second penalty for exceeding track limits dropped him down the order and in-turn, handed Luca Masarati a maiden victory.

Fuelled by the disappointment of missing out in race one, Selvadorai made no mistake in race two as he came out on top of an almighty battle with Wilf Butler to claim a hard-fought victory.

Rounding out the weekend at Brands Hatch were also races from the moobob Caterham Academy Championship and the Track Action Racing Club.

Home to drivers that are taking their first steps into motorsport, the Caterham Academy delivered its traditional close-quarter racing that culminated in Max Richardson beating Kyle Townend by just a tenth of a second.

In Track Action, TCR UK race winner Adam Shepherd got behind the wheel of a Honda Integra DC5 to win in somewhat commanding fashion. Like the JSCC, the series’ second race was unfortunately abandoned due to barrier damage on Sunday.

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

Every single race is also available to watch at the click of the button on the BARC’s official Youtube channel, HERE.

As big as it gets for the BARC at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend

This weekend, it’s perhaps one of the biggest and busiest weekends on the calendar. Not only is it Easter weekend at Brands Hatch, for the first time in 2025 the British Automobile Racing Club are ready to unleash the big ones, the monsters – the British Truck Racing Championship has arrived.

Squeezing onto the Indy layout, the 1000 horsepower, five-tonne behemoths are one of the star attractions in a packed racing schedule this weekend 19th/20th April. Let’s take a look and see what is happening in Kent.

As well as five, yes FIVE truck races across the two days there are a plethora of championships set to entertain audiences track side and thousands more watching live from around the world. Starting their championship at Brands Hatch is the moobob Caterham Academy championship who are racing on Saturday, while the Track Action Racing Club begin their racing schedule on Sunday.

Supporting them across both days are the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club classes and the Miltek Civic Cup.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 19th/20th April

Where are the events being held?
Brands Hatch – Indy Circuit
Address: Brands Hatch – London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 6FS

What is racing this weekend?
British Truck Racing Championship, moobob Caterham Academy championship, Track Action Racing Club, Miltek Civic Cup, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club classes including Pre 66, Pre 83, Pre 93, Pre 03, Blue Oval Saloon Series and Classic and Historic Thunder.

How can I watch?
The Brands Hatch BARC race weekend will be broadcast live and for free on our YouTube channel. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first race on Saturday at 12:15 and 10:10 on Sunday.

Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Brands Hatch website from £19 for a Saturday ticket or £26.00 for a Sunday ticket.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:00 on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday. Qualifying heads the order in the morning and just after 12:30 Saturday and 10:25 on Sunday, we go green with the first races of the day.

Do you have any more information?

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

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/251621
Timetable*: www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-brands-hatch-indy-april-19-20/

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing. We hope you have an eggcellent weekend!

BTCC launches 2025 season at Donington Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has lifted the curtain on the forthcoming 2025 season by confirming a stellar entry list that is made up of former champions, proven race winners and young chargers.

Starting at Donington Park today for its annual Season Launch, the UK’s premier motor racing series will once again travel the length and breadth of the country – staging 30 races across ten full-throttle weekends.

Headlining this year’s 24-car grid is reigning champion Jake Hill, who is now the team leader at West Surrey Racing. Remaining with Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport and his trusty BMW, Hill has the number one adorning his car this year and he’ll be eager to not let it go.

Joining Hill at the multiple champions is exciting young racer Daryl Deleon, as well as the duo of Aiden Moffat and debutant Charles Rainford, both of whom will run under the LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR banner.

Looking to take the fight to the BMW quartet is Team VERTU, which is spearheaded by 2022 title winner Tom Ingram. Having finished as runner-up in each of the past two seasons, the Hyundai driver will be all guns blazing to clinch a second crown this time around.

Ingram is joined at EXCELR8 Motorsport by the experienced Tom Chilton once again, while Adam Morgan makes a return to front-wheel-drive after a number of years competing in the aforementioned BMW. Completing the line-up is returning fan favourite Michael Crees, although it will only be for half a season as Senna Proctor will take on driving duties from Croft onwards.

Both Hill and Ingram won’t be the only drivers battling for the coveted crown though with NAPA Racing UK fielding an unchanged line-up that is led by Ash Sutton – who is looking to make history by becoming the very first five-time champion of the BTCC.

The Ford Focus ST squad boasts strength in depth with Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom no doubt keen to make their mark also. Sam Osborne is the fourth and final driver that will represent the striking yellow and blue outfit in 2025.

Over at Speedworks Motorsport it is all change for a second successive season. Three-time champion Gordon Shedden returns after two years away and he’s joined by last year’s Independent Drivers’ champion Aron Taylor-Smith, Ronan Pearson and rookie James Dorlin.

One Motorsport took a sabbatical in 2024 but they’re back with their Honda Civic Type Rs and the ultra-competitive pairing of Josh Cook and Stephen Jelley. Elsewhere, Mikey Doble has remained with Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing for a third successive campaign.

Rounding out the grid is Chris Smiley and Daniel Lloyd in Restart Racing’s two new Hyundais while Un-Limited Motorsport have gone from one to three cars, with Dexter Patterson, Nicolas Hamilton and Max Hall locked in to drive Cupras.

With the removal of hybrid and the introduction of sustainable fuel, along with a host of other elements remaining the same, this year’s fight to be crowned British Touring Car Champion could well be one of the closest in years.

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Entry List

No. 1 // Jake Hill // Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 2 // Daryl Deleon // West Surrey Racing // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 3 // Tom Chilton // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 12 // Stephen Jelley // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 14 // Ronan Pearson // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 16 // Aiden Moffat // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 17 // Dexter Patterson // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 22 // Chris Smiley // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 27 // Dan Cammish // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 28 // Nicolas Hamilton // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 32 // Dan Rowbottom // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 33 // Adam Morgan // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 40 // Aron Taylor-Smith // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 52 // Gordon Shedden // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 66 // Josh Cook // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 77 // Sam Osborne // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 80 // Tom Ingram // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 88 // Mikey Doble // Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing // Vauxhall Astra
No. 93 // Maximus Hall // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 99 // Charles Rainford // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 116 // Ash Sutton // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 123 // Daniel Lloyd // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 132 // James Dorlin // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 777 // Michael Crees // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback

Donington Park provides the setting for the opening three rounds of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season on April 26-27.

Goodwood rolls back the years at 82nd Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit rolled back the years in superlative style this past weekend (April 12/13) as the West Sussex venue kicked off its 2025 motor racing season with the 82nd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.

Marking the start of what promises to be another unmissable year of full-throttle thrills at the former home of the British Automobile Racing Club, iconic drivers and machinery descended on the world-famous grounds for a frenetic two days of nostalgic track action.

Basking in the Spring sunshine, the Members’ Meeting is open to members and fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club and is staged to recapture the intimacy and camaraderie of race weekend’s from Goodwood’s heyday.

One of the undoubted highlights of the weekend came in the Gordon Spice Trophy, for Group 1 saloon cars that are over 2.8-litres, that delivered two frenetic races that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Reigning BTCC champion Jake Hill guided his Ford Capri to first place in the opening encounter before Fred Shepherd triumphed in race two in his Ford Mustang Boss. On combined results, that win was enough to give the overall victory to Shepherd and Romain Dumas.

After missing out on outright honours in the Gordon Spice Trophy, Hill was perfection personified in the Win Percy Trophy as he teamed up with Kerry Michael to power a 1980 Ford Escort RS2000 to victory lane by more than ten seconds.

The Gurney Cup – which was for sports racing prototypes from yesteryear – saw the familiar names of Frank Stippler and David Franklin work together to ultimately triumph in their stunning 1960 Ferrari 206S.

One of the biggest ever grids of Edwardian cars since the First World War assembled for the S. F. Edge Trophy and it didn’t disappoint. Mark Walker claimed victory in race one however he was unable to repeat the feat in race two after suffering a scary accident – thankfully he was ok.

With Walker sidelined, race two went the way of Julian Majzub although a second and a third place finish was enough for Ben Collings to clinch the overall victory on combined results in his 1907 Mercedes 120hp.

Elsewhere, rear-engined junior cars were represented in the Arundell Cup ft Taylor Trophy where Sam Wilson pipped Alexander Ames to victory while Guy Smith reigned supreme in the Whitmore Cup, which was for Pre-66 Touring Cars under two-litres.

British-built pre-war sportscars proved popular in the Earl Howe Trophy, which was won by Gareth Burnett in an Alta Sports machine. In the closed-cockpit GT cars Moss Trophy, John Spiers narrowly beat Gregor Fisken to victory in his Shelby Cobra 260.

World Championship sports cars from between 1955 to 1960 were well represented in the Salvadori Cup where Bonamy Grimes led home a Lotus-Climax 15 one-two finish. Roger Willis finished hot on Grimes’ heels at the finish.

Two-wheel action was also part of the billing at Goodwood with Hailwood Trophy ft Sheene Trophy for Grand Prix Motorcycles delivering an abundance of thrills. Dan Jackson swept both races to claim the ultimate bragging rights on his Harris-Yamaha TZ350.

The 82nd Members’ Meeting also saw a special GT3 shoot-out take place, which was won by former BTCC champion Andrew Jordan in 2012-specification Chevrolet Corvette Z06.R GT3.

To view the full classification of results from all races at the Goodwood 82nd Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE.

Snetterton stages weekend to remember for BARC championships

The British Automobile Racing Club soaked up the Snetterton sunshine this past weekend (April 12/13) as Caterham Motorsport and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy delivered a spectacular two days of racing in Norfolk.

Becoming the latest catalogue of championships to kick-start their 2025 campaigns, a total of 16 races played out around the near three-mile circuit – serving up spades of entertainment to both those in attendance and watching online.

If you were wanting to succeed in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship then having the surname Harris was the way to go as both Charles Harris and William Harris proved to be the class of the field, claiming a win apiece.

Neither driver was able to top the times in qualifying however their race craft shone through in the opening encounter as they carved their way to the head of the field, with Charles pipping William to the chequered flag by the slender margin of 0.031s.

Locking out the front row of the grid for race two, the duelling brothers renewed their battle at the head of the pack although this time it was William that reigned supreme, taking the spoils by six tenths of a second.

Ben Wheatley – who in the past has cut his teeth in Caterham Graduates – was perfection personified in the EDGE Caterham Seven 270R Championship as he scored three wins from three races.

Setting the pace from the get-go by claiming pole position in qualifying, Wheatley was flawless from start-to-finish as he clinched a clean sweep of triumphs. Adam Kene and Lyonel Tollemache would prove to be his nearest competitors.

Over in the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship, pre-season favourites Taylor O’Flanagan and Lars Alexander Hoffman lived up to all expectations as they enjoyed a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Just a few tenths of a second separated the race winner from the chasing pack on each occasion and in the opening encounter, O’Flanagan narrowly got the better of Alexander Hoffman in race one . That however would be the only time the latter would be beaten as he won the remaining two contests.

Rounding out the Caterham Motorsport thrills were a trio of races from the manufacturer’s premier category, the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven UK Championship, where three different drivers stole a majority of the headlines – Matthew Armstrong, Paul Donkin and Harry Senior.

Kicking off what promises to be another vintage year for the series, Armstrong got the better of Senior to win race one by just 0.045s before Donkin did the same in race two.

After two near misses, Senior would finally get his moment on the top step of the podium at the end of the weekend however as triumphed by yet another small margin to beat Armstrong and with it, grab the early advantage in the championship standings.

The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy is renowned for close-quarter racing year-on-year and that proved to be the case over the weekend as a bumper grid of tin top titans went wheel-to-wheel for the first time this year.

Joshua Wilby gave Team Avago their maiden victory in a frenetic opening bout before Leo Purches beat last year’s Junior Saloon Car Championship title winner Harry Smith to the chequered flag in a dramatic end to race two.

Reigning Teams’ champions Westbourne Motorsport – who up until race three had enjoyed their fair share of bad luck – finally came good as former Rookie Cup champion Rhys Hurd hit the front and never looked back to win ahead of Gabe Fairbrother and Olivier Algieri.

Completing the weekend’s action at Snetterton were two races from the Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, which had lifted the curtain on its 2025 season at Donington Park last month.

Like its season-opener, race day on Sunday for the single-marque series belonged to the father-son duo of Steve McDermid and Jake McDermid. Multiple champion Steve struck first with his third win of the season in race one before Jake claimed a popular maiden win in the finale.

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

If you missed any of the action from the latest BARC weekend, head over to our YouTube channel and watch it all back HERE.

North Western Centre makes full-throttle start to season at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North Western Centre enjoyed a full-throttle start to the 2025 season at Oulton Park this past Saturday (April 12) as three different categories took centre stage on the famed International layout.

As momentum for the new campaign continues to build around the country, it was the turn of the Club’s North Western Centre at the weekend as both the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made their first appearances of the year.

For the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – which is the centre’s flagship series – competitors were undoubtedly chomping at the bit to hit the track given the fact that a bumper 47-car entry list was confirmed for the opening two rounds.

Such was the enormity of the grid, organisers opted to double the amount of races on the day, amalgamating those in Class A, B and G together for two races and those in Class C, D, E and F together for a further two races.

Simon Allaway proved to be in a league of his own in the two Class A, B & G contests as he made the perfect start to the new season by powering his Lotus Esprit V8 to a commanding brace of victories.

Race one saw Allaway quickly make his escape from the chasing pack and he ultimately never looked back, taking the chequered flag by more than 20 seconds ahead of Bod Buckby and Ben Roberts. In race two, his winning margin was to be eight seconds at the end.

Over in Class C, D, E and F, Chris Roberts showed similar levels of dominance as he too claimed a clean sweep of front-running results – winning both races by more than ten seconds in his sensational BMW M4.

There was plenty of edge-of-the-seat entertainment when it came to the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires, with the budget-conscious tin top series serving up two frenetic bouts around the picturesque 2.692-mile circuit.

With last year’s victor Daniel Munro moving onto new pastures, all bets were off when it came to the battle for supremacy at the front of the field – although three drivers staked their claim with exemplary performances.

Nathan Williams underlined his credentials as one to watch as he fended off the race-long advances of Adam Jones to win the season-opener before Jones turned the tables in race two to open his account for the season.

While both Williams and Jones claimed a win apiece, Max Papworth demonstrated that he will undoubtedly stand on the top step of the podium in the near future as he tallied a pair of top-three finishes.

Rounding out the North Western Centre’s race day at Oulton Park was the P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Championship, which was back in action after competing at Donington Park last month.

In the Sigma 150 Class, it didn’t take reigning champion Jamie Ellwood long to pick up where he left off last season as he bagged two wins from two races. Max Haynes, Stephen Clark, Harry Cramer and Ben Winrow all scooped podium finishes behind the charging Ellwood.

The Sigma 135 Class – which had almost 40 entries – saw spoils shared as Giles Derry and Tom McEwing maintained their strong starts to the season by tallying a win apiece.

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

Busy weekend of motorsport action coming up for the BARC

This weekend, there is a lot to be excited about, with the British Automobile Racing Club hosting not one, not two but three events over the weekend of the 12th/13th April. Let’s take a look and see what is happening.

Snetterton, located in Norfolk is the first port of call for the BARC this weekend – with two days at the 300 layout. The Caterham championships get their season underway with Roadsport, 270R, 310R and UK Seven’s all in action. Joining the Caterham brand will be the Vertu MINI Challenge Cooper Challenge providing that tin-top saloon car fix, while the Adrian Flux MG Owners Club Championship will venture into their second meeting of the year on the Sunday.

Oulton Park in Cheshire is next on the itinerary, with a one-day meeting on the Saturday hosting a plethora of BARC supported series. The OT Publishing Coupe Cup and CNC Heads Championship begin their eagerly anticipated season at the undulating British classic, while the P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Sigma 135 and 150 classes go head-to-head once again. If their exploits at Donington Park are to go by – spectators will be enthralled with the position swapping racing.

Last, but by no means least – the Goodwood motor racing calendar kicks off with the 82nd Members’ Meeting at the famous Goodwood circuit in West Sussex. Stars, cars, packed racing schedule, exciting track demonstrations and fun for all the family is guaranteed at the two-day event on the south coast.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 12th/13th April

Where are the events being held?
Snetterton – 300 Circuit
Address: Snetterton Circuit – Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2JU

Oulton Park – International Circuit
Address: Little Budworth, Tarporley, CW6 9BW

Goodwood – Goodwood Motor Circuit
Address: Goodwood, Motor Circuit, Chichester, PO18 0PH

What is racing this weekend?
Caterham Roadsport, 270R, 310R and UK Seven’s. Vertu MINI Challenge Cooper Challenge and Adrian Flux MG Owners Club Championship at Snetterton. OT Publishing Coupe Cup, CNC Heads Championship and P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Sigma 135 and 150 classes at Oulton Park.

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting has a whole host of historic racing going on – check out our preview right here.

How can I watch?
The Snetterton BARC race weekend will be broadcast live and for free on our YouTube channel. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first race on Saturday at 14:00 and 09:10 on Sunday.

Those who want to catch the Members’ Meeting action can do so over on the Goodwood Road and Race channel on both days HERE. Sadly there is no live coverage from the racing at Oulton Park

Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Oulton Park and Snetterton websites from £16.
Goodwood Members’ Meeting tickets are sold out for Saturday – but there are still some left at the time of writing for the Sunday – but you will need to be a member of the GRRC to purchase Member tickets.

What time are things happening on track?

Snetterton
Track action begins at 09:30 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday. Qualifying heads the order in the morning and just after 14:00 Saturday and 09:25 on Sunday, we go green with the first races of the day.

Oulton Park
Track action begins at 08:30 on Saturday. Qualifying is up first with the first ace at 11:00 with a whole afternoon of racing to follow.

Goodwood
The track opens for demonstrations, qualifying and racing from 09:00 on both days.

Do you have any more information?

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

Snetterton
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE

Oulton Park
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE 

Goodwood Members’ Meeting
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE
LIVE Stream link – WATCH HERE

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing. It’s going to be some weekend!