Author: Chris Ashby-Brown

BARC championships make a splash at Convoy Thruxton

The British Automobile Racing Club made a splash on him turf this past weekend (May 16-17) as the all-action British Truck Racing Championship rumbled into Hampshire to headline Convoy Thruxton.

Marking the first race meeting of the season at the fastest circuit in the country, thousands of fans poured through the gates to witness a feast of thrilling on-track moments, as well as enjoy plenty of eye-catching off-track attractions too.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the spirits of those in attendance were far from dampened with many being able to soak up entertainment from the likes of show trucks, wrestling, a funfair and much more.

Topping the bill on the circuit was the big rigs of the BTRC, which delivered five captivating contests. When all was said and done, no less than four different drivers triumphed in Division 1, while two more starred in Division 2.

Division 1 – the series’ premier class – saw ten-time champion Stuart Oliver enjoy a fine start to proceedings as he took a commanding win in race one, before fellow former title winner David Jenkins came to the fore to deliver a wet weather masterclass in race two.

After enduring a difficult opening event, 333 Motorsport’s Steven Powell reminded everyone what is he is capable of as he charged to victory in race three. Then, as the heavens opened once more, Jenkins hit the front to once again tally another win.

Having had to spend much of the weekend filling the other steps on the podium, reigning ten-time champion Ryan Smith finally chalked up a victory of his own in the weekend’s finale, despite coming under race-long pressure from Craig Reid.

Over in Division 2, the battle for title supremacy ramped up as Callum Eason ignited his season in style. The WDE Motorsport driver won four of the five races, only being beaten by reigning champion and rival Jake Evans in the other contest.

After a few years away, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship made a triumphant return to Thruxton and the weekend was largely dominated by Aaron Thompson, who snared pole position in qualifying and then followed it up with two race wins.

Thompson had hoped to compete a unique hat-trick in race three but heavy rain and a misted up windscreen hampered his chances. Instead, 2024 champion Dale Gent charged from sixth to first on lap one of the finale, before then going on to reign supreme.

While Thompson and Gent left with the big points, arguably one of the biggest cheers of the weekend came for Dan Fisher, who claimed an emotional maiden podium finish in the weekend’s final bout.

There was no shortage of entertainment over in the Civic Cup as a bumper field of Type Rs were unleashed around the sweeping curves and unforgiving kerbs of Thruxton. The weekend was something of a homage to the past and present of the one-make series too.

Josh Files made a welcome return to the grid and he made an instant impact as he charged to victory in race one. It was then the turn of the championship’s current leading light, Matt Wilkins, to come to the fore to win race two.

Another returning figure, former champion Max Edmundson, then signed off proceedings with a virtuoso performance in heavy rain, as he streaked clear of the opposition to win by more than 11 seconds.

One of the closest finishes pop the weekend came in the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires, as Harvey Cursley got the better of Matthew Watson in race two to claim victory by a staggering 0.029 seconds.

Cursley had finished second to Stephen Slawson in a action-packed opening bout and was determined not to repeat the feat in race two. A tense back-and-forth battle had ensued between the pair however in ever-worsening track conditions, Cursley managed to come out on top.

In the popular MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport, a bumper field jostled for honours across three races however it was last year’s serial winner Oli Willmott that was a cut above the rest as he won twice; while Andy Langley also got in on the act to emerge victorious too.

Closing out what proved to be a weekend that will live long in the memory was a double win for TVR Tuscan driver Michael Saunders in the Bertie’s V8s & Outlaws and three for Ross Makar, who made history by winning the very first three races of the all-new Audi Cup.

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

Classic Touring Car Racing Club serves up retro magic at Oulton Park

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club enjoyed a day to remember at Oulton Park this past Saturday (May 16) as the popular tin top category headlined the first-ever Touring Car Rewind: North meeting.

In what is a new addition to the national motorsport calendar for this season, the one-day spectacle was all about celebrating old-school touring fever; with action including a bumper day of racing, demonstrations, displays and much more.

Fondly remembered by fans for being one of the great periods of the British Touring Car Championship, the Super Touring machines of the 1990s were rumbling once more with the likes of the Volvo 850 Estate and Williams Renault Laguna wowing the crowds.

When it came to the racing, the Pre-66 Touring Cars took fans on a spirited trip down memory lane and it was reigning two-time champion James Ibbotson that emerged as the driver to beat, winning twice in his Hillman Imp Super.

Since winning the title for the second time last year, Ibbotson has not featured on the grid, however he marked his first appearance of the current campaign in style with a dominant double ahead of former champions Ian Thompson and Billy Kenneally.

Nic Grindrod showed similar levels of peerless performance over in the Pre-83 Touring Cars. At the wheel of his Ford Escort, Grindrod got the better of Tom Harvey and Neil Philpotts in a frenetic opener, before then beat reigning champion Jonathan Corker and Nick Williamson in race two.

Fans watching the amalgamated Super Tourer / Pre-93 / Pre-03 and Pre-13 contest could have been forgiven for thinking they’d been transported back to the start of the millennium, owing to the fact that Jason Plato’s old Vauxhall Vectra was setting the pace.

In the hands of former BTCC racer Jason Hughes, the Triple Eight Engineering machine streaked clear as the likes of Vauxhall Cavalier ace Tony Absolom, Ford Mondeo driver AJ Owen and multiple CTCRC champion Ian Bower all gave chase.

Rounding out the CTCRC attractions were two races from the Blue Oval Saloon Series and those in Classic and Historic Thunder. Like others that have gone before him, Joe Collier proved to be the cream of the crop as he too scooped a brace of race wins in his BMW M3.

Also on the billing was the Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, which wrote the latest chapter of its 2026 season in typically thrilling fashion.

Scott Bugner won a race of attrition in the day’s opening contest as he hustled his MG ZR to the chequered flag less than a second ahead of Jack Woodcock, with James Cole a further few tenths of a second back in arrears.

Race two then saw Lee Bull come to the fore to triumph however the encounter will arguably be remembered for the guest appearance of 1992 BTCC champion turned now ITV4 commentator, Tim Harvey.

Making his debut in the series, Harvey starred as he applied race-long pressure to Bull however despite his best efforts, the experienced racer couldn’t find a way past and ultimately had to settle for runner-up laurels.

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

Touring Car Rewind now heads to Brands Hatch for its South edition, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club set to deliver more unmissable moments in early August.

Two big hitters heading to the circuits this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club is once again in two places and once, with two big events this weekend (16/17 May).

Over at Thruxton it is the second round of the British Truck Racing Championship and a whole host of other series including the Civic Cup, Coupe Cup, MINI Challenge Clubsport, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and for the first time this year the Audi Cup.

Also up north at Oulton Park we are helping to bring together Touring Car Rewind: North – with a plethora of classes from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and MG Owners Club in action in Cheshire.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 16th May – Oulton Park and 16th/17th May – Thruxton

Where are the events being held?

Thruxton
Address: Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8PW

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

How can I watch?

At the Venue
Tickets are selling fast for the Thruxton meeting. Tickets can be purchased on the website – thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks and start at £25 per day for an adult – £7 for a teen and under 12 going free. Weekend and Grandstand ticket options are also available. Tickets are also available on the gate.

At Oulton Park tickets are £30 on the gate with Senior Citizens and Teens enjoying a discounted entry – oultonpark.co.uk/2026/may/touring-car-rewind-north

At Home
Both events will have live coverage, so you won’t miss a thing. The BARC YouTube channel will be covering the action from Oulton Park on Saturday, as well as the action from Thruxton across the weekend on www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

What time are things happening on track?

At Thruxton we get underway with Practice for the Trucks at 09:00 – with the first race at 13:25 following a morning of Qualifying. On Sunday we are wall to wall racing from 10:15 to 17:35!

At Oulton Park, this is a one day meeting and starts with Practice at 08:00 with the first race scheduled for 12:25. Racing goes on throughout the day until the final race finishes at 18:10.

Do you have any more information?

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

Thruxton
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/262021
Information and Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-thruxton-may-16-17/
Saturday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/hlCfi9TzGWI?si=d7ZOF18D8jrcmoM-
Sunday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/RnfM7Cfz34E?si=7cSfUcfw55ngMHPM

Oulton Park
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/262027
Information and Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/touring-car-rewind-north-oulton-park-international-may-16/
Saturday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/hMuKu2f4c58?si=LMql1mN6680AJ8k4

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Touring Cars for Trucks is a tough decision – but one thing for certain – it’s going to be an entertaining weekend!

M-Sport named as official engine partner for new Junior Championship

Power Maxed Racing has confirmed M-Sport as the Official Engine Partner for its Junior Championship, supplying the MS Advanced Powertrains engine package for the new PM1 junior car.

M-Sport will provide a championship-controlled, sealed power unit for every PM1 car, forming a key part of the series’ technical platform.

Each car will run the same engine package, ensuring consistent performance across the grid while keeping maintenance requirements and running costs predictable throughout the season.

There is no engine development within the championship. Every driver competes with the same package, ensuring that performance is determined by driver ability rather than technical variation.

The engine itself is built to handle a full programme of racing and testing without the need for ongoing rebuild cycles.

It also provides greater clarity for teams and families, with costs structured and predictable across the season and reduced risk of unexpected escalation.

Despite working with a leading motorsport supplier, the championship remains focused on accessibility, with car pricing competitively positioned at £74,995 + VAT.

However, an initial allocation of ten cars will be available at £69,995 + VAT, supported by a £5,000 sponsorship contribution from car care brand Power Maxed, in return for brand presence on the allocated cars.

The running costs for an entire season will be approximately £85,000 per annum, to include 30 races across ten race weekends and ten test days, alongside the BTCC at all rounds.

Brands Hatch blockbusters on TOCA support package

Brands Hatch witnessed plenty of thrills and the occasional spill on the TOCA support package this past weekend (9-10 May) as several categories shared the limelight with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

On what proved to be a blockbuster couple of days at the Kent venue, a number of leading contenders staked their claim as credible championship challengers as the early battle for supremacy ramped up.

Two new drivers entered the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA winners circle over the course of the weekend before Rodin Motorsport’s Dries Van Langendonck then had the last word with a stunning fightback drive to win race three.

The weekend’s opening contest saw Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior driver Ethan Jeff-Hall open his account for the season as he got the better of Adam Al Azhari to win race one; before Virtuosi Racing’s Jarrett Clark triumphed in a truncated race two.

Van Langendonck – who is part of McLaren’s Development Driver Programme – arguably saved the best until last however as he became the first repeat winner of the season following a remarkable back-to-front performance.

With track conditions transitioning from wet to dry, the Belgian ace elected to pit for slick tyres and following a safety car period, the talented teenager then went from almost 20th on the grid to first within a handful of laps.

Over in the Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Rosland Gold by Century Motorsport’s Callum Voisin stamped his authority on proceedings with a virtuoso performance that saw him claim a brace of race wins.

Having kicked off his season with a win at Donington Park last month, the Porsche GB Junior was wheel-perfect in race one as he overhauled Will Jenkins to win in style, extending his advantage at the top of the standings in the process.

Voisin upped the ante further in race two as he then streaked clear of the opposition to double his tally for the day. What made his second win even more impressive was the fact that he was required to build up a gap of more than five seconds, after being handed a time penalty at mid-distance.

Elsewhere, Max Edmundson closed the gap to Tom Ovenden in the Power Maxed MINI CHALLENGE standings as the pair left Brands Hatch having enjoyed a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Having seen Ovenden take a clean sweep of wins at Donington Park, the Pro Alloys Racing driver knew that he needed to make in-roads to remain close to the reigning champion and that’s just what he did as he claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory in race one.

After delivering a recovery drive from the back of the grid to sixth in race one, Ovenden continued his march in race two as he claimed victory in what was a dramatic reverse grid contest.

Ovenden sat inside the lead pack of the much of the race but as the field streamed onto the final lap, the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver made the decisive move, dispatching team-mate Olivier Algieri on the run from Paddock Hill Bend to Druids. From there, he pulled clear to notch a fourth win of the season.

Edmundson, who finished on the podium in third in that race, then returned to the top step of the rostrum in race three as he battled the elements to fend off the chasing pack.

Finally, the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship made a guest appearance on the BTCC support and as expected, they didn’t disappoint with three captivating races keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

Tom Wyllys proved to be the star of the show across races one and two, with the talented racer claiming a brace of wins – the second of which was snatched on line as he finished 0.029s ahead of William Chadwick.

Despite missing out on top spot, Chadwick made amends in the weekend’s finale as he got the better multiple Caterham champion Paul Goldstein and Ben Lopez-Appleton to claim a memorable victory.

Next up for the BTCC and its support championships is a trip to Snetterton on May 23-24.

Zero to Hero for Ryder as Menzies opens his 2026 win account

The British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport delivered one of the most talked-about contests in hillclimbing history at Craigantlet earlier this month, and the drama continued back across the water at Harewood Hill in Yorkshire last weekend (10th May).

After lowering the Craigantlet record in Northern Ireland, Matt Ryder headed to Harewood with a spring in his step as the championship leader looked to continue that form at the longest hill on the British calendar.

In the opening run-off, round five of the series, it was Wallace Menzies who scooped the 10 points. The Flying Scotsman threaded his Gould up the 1,584-yard course quickest with a 47.11-second run to take his first run-off victory of the year – a confidence booster to get his title tilt back on course.

The reigning number two was pushed hard by the in-form and ultra-consistent Will Hall, who produced another electric performance to bag second place, just seven hundredths of a second behind. Matt Ryder – normally a regular in the podium tussle – suffered a disastrous run, with launch control gremlins affecting the #1 Gould and leaving him 12th in the top-12 shootout and, crucially, without points.

Ryder’s disappointment opened the door for another driver to take the final rostrum spot. Up stepped the evergreen Trevor Willis, who powered the OMS to third – his best result of the season. Alex Coles was another driver in top form as he secured another top-five run-off finish in his nimble Force in fourth.

Paul Haimes, fifth had endured a troubled start to his campaign but was pleased to bank crucial points ahead of Dave Uren in sixth, who confessed Harewood was a challenging hill. Will Hamer, Jonathan Varley and Harry Pick all gathered points in run-off one, while David Tatham collected his first point of the year in tenth. Stephen Owen and Matt Ryder were the unfortunate pair to miss out on points in the opening bout.

The second run-off brought the final action on Harewood Hill on Sunday afternoon.

Having resolved his earlier launch control woes, Matt Ryder went from zero points to hero in the second run-off. The Englishman channelled his earlier frustration to dip below the 47-second barrier – the only driver to do so across the run-offs – and claim the second set of 10 points.

The ever-consistent Will Hall was there in second once more. His brace of runner-up finishes puts him into the overall championship lead after Harewood. Wallace Menzies couldn’t quite repeat his earlier victory and settled for third, while a resurgent Paul Haimes finished equal fourth with Trevor Willis, ahead of Alex Coles in sixth.

Dave Uren, Jonathan Varley, David Tatham and Stephen Owen rounded out the points-paying positions – with Ben Hamer and Will Hamer – missing out this time.

The championship now enjoys a fortnight’s break before Gurston Down looms as the next challenge. The BARC South West event will take place across the weekend of 23–24 May. Who will emerge with the points haul on one of the most extreme hills in the country?

Next stop… Wiltshire.

Ash Sutton, Aron Taylor-Smith and Tom Ingram triumph at Brands Hatch

Ash Sutton extended his advantage at the top of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship standings to a staggering 47 points this past weekend (May 9-10) as the UK’s premier motorsport series wowed the crowds in challenging conditions at Brands Hatch.

Four-time title winner Sutton reigned supreme during Saturday’s Qualifying Race and Sunday’s opener before Aron Taylor-Smith and defending champion Tom Ingram came to the fore to win races two and three respectively.

Hot on the heels of a captivating season-opener, the BTCC rolled into Kent with NAPA Racing UK’s Sutton as the man to beat, with the Essex man having won twice and tallied a further podium in his Ford Focus Titanium at Donington Park.

Saturday would see Ingram strike first as he cruised to pole position in qualifying however contact from the BMW of Daryl De Leon on the opening lap of the Qualifying Race pushed the Team Vertu driver back and opened the door for Sutton to triumph.

Despite being greeted by challenging conditions on race day, Sutton was wheel-perfect as the lights went out in race one as he came out on top of a thrilling back-and-forth battle with Ricky Collard to win, while Ingram progressed to finish third.

Race two proved to be one of the more dramatic BTCC races in recent memory as Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Taylor-Smith charged from 13th on the grid to claim his first victory in ten years.

In ever-worsening wet conditions, the Toyota Corolla driver made move after move while others struggled and once out front, he simply pulled clear to secure his first win in the series in more than 3000 days.

Behind him, Sutton once again starred as he and Collard renewed their on-track rivalry, with the series leader once again getting the better of the Hyundai driver to finish second.

The weekend’s reverse grid bout then brought the curtain down on an exciting day of racing with two-time champion Ingram taking his first triumph of the new term.

Remarkably, it would be Sutton that was the one to watch as the race got underway as he leapt from eighth on the grid to challenge pole sitter James Dorlin as the field plunged down Paddock Hill Bend for the first time.

Having to settle for second as Dorlin defended the place, Ingram soon pounced on both of them and from the moment he hit the front, the Hyundai driver didn’t look back and he went on to win by more than four seconds.

The Audi S3 Saloon of Mikey Doble then got the better of Sutton and Dorlin, only for the championship leader to get him back in the latter stages. By that time though, Ingram was long gone and Sutton cruised home to finish second ahead of Doble.

Leaving Brands Hatch, Sutton has a commanding 47-point lead ahead of Ingram in the Drivers’ Championship while NAPA Racing UK lad the early going in the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ categories.

Doble and LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing are the cream of the crop in the Independents’ early on, with Restart Racing’s James Dorlin heading the Jack Sears Trophy table.

The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues in less than two weeks’ time at Snetterton on May 23-24.

Build process underway for new Junior Championship cars

Power Maxed Racing is proud to announce that the build programme for the Junior Championship cars is now officially underway, marking a major milestone ahead of the series’ debut on the 2027 BTCC package.

Named the PM1, the junior race car is being built from the ground up and engineered specifically for 14–17-year-old drivers while bringing together some of the most respected names in motorsport to deliver this bespoke, purpose-built race car. The involvement of brands considered ‘household names’ in terms of Motorsport, ensures the PM1 will deliver the performance, reliability, and data expected for a top-level Junior Championship.

The championship is designed with cost control, transparency, and sustainability at its core. The price for each ‘ready-to-race’ car is competitively positioned at £74,995 +VAT. However, the first ten cars sold will be available for £69,995 thanks to a £5,000 sponsorship contribution from car care brand Power Maxed in return for brand presence on those cars.

The running costs for an entire season will be approximately £85,000 per annum, to include 30 races across ten race weekends and ten test days, alongside the BTCC at all rounds.

So, the PM1 build – shown above with the AI improved image based on the actual bodywork as per the additional image below – is now underway and PMR is open for discussions with any race team and drivers wishing to be part of this exciting next generation Junior Championship.

Introducing the PM1 — A New Standard in Junior Motorsport
Designed from the ground up as a professional grade junior race car, the PM1 offers young drivers a professional level development platform. Key features include:

Electronics Partner
A full data and ECU package that mirrors high level senior car systems, giving drivers and teams access to elite-level analysis tools and the ability to take car and race data directly into simulator platforms for learning, training, and race preparation. An announcement regarding the secured Electronics partner and the electronics suite is to follow.

Engine Partner
World renowned for its motorsport engineering and engine supply, our partner will supply a championship-spec power unit providing the PM1 with the same technical excellence trusted at the highest levels of competition and parity across competing cars. An announcement regarding this world-class engine partner is to follow.

Drivetrain Package
Each car will be equipped with a proven, high‑spec sequential gearbox and differential; engineered for durability, precision and consistent performance.

Designed and Built by Power Maxed Racing
The car has been developed by the same engineering team behind multiple BTCC race-winning cars, ensuring the PM1 is robust, serviceable and capable of delivering close, competitive racing.

Driver Centric Safety
Class-leading FIA compliant safety systems, plus an adjustable seating and pedal positions are within a cockpit layout designed to prepare drivers for the next step in their careers.

Cost Controlled, High Value Platform
A tightly managed technical spec and scrutineering ensures parity, affordability and a level playing field for all competitors.

PMR’s Proven Pedigree
With more than a decade of experience building and running competitive cars in the British Touring Car Championship, Power Maxed Racing (PMR) brings respected engineering ability to the PM1 project.

From chassis development to electronics integration, PMR’s technical team has delivered performance at the highest level of UK motorsport — and that same capability is now being channelled into a junior platform designed to accelerate driver development.

Excitement Builds as the First PM1 Chassis Nears Completion.
With the first PM1 chassis almost finished, momentum is rapidly growing across the paddock. Teams and drivers have already begun registering interest as the championship moves from concept to reality.

A full test schedule is currently being planned, offering prospective drivers and teams the opportunity to experience the PM1 ahead of the 2027 season. In addition, a major launch event is in planning, where the completed PM1 will be unveiled for the first time.

Over the coming weeks and months, PMR will release:
Key Partner information
Regular build updates from the workshop
Technical deep dives into the PM1’s engineering
Team and driver information packs covering purchase options, detailed running costs and championship structure
Launch event details
Test schedule announcements

Register Your Interest
Teams and drivers who want to be first to receive updates, technical specifications, test dates, and launch event invitations can now register their interest at PowerMaxedRacing.com by completing the online form. Early registrants will receive priority access to:
PM1 technical specifications
Test schedule release
Driver and team package details
Launch event invitations
Championship sponsorship opportunities
Allocation of the available PM1 cars
Early-bird car purchase discount (Power Maxed sponsor contribution)

This is an exciting new era for Junior Motorsport on the BTCC Stage – which is, by far, the highest profile platform in British Motorsport. The Junior Championship represents a major step forward in creating a credible, aspirational, and commercially attractive pathway for young drivers. With key partners onboard, and PMR leading the build, the 2027 grid will highlight the next generation of talent on the biggest stage.

Speedfest North meeting delivers all-out action at Croft

The British Automobile Racing Club faced contrasting weather conditions at Croft Circuit this past weekend (May 2-3) as the likes of the TCR UK Championship and a trio of Caterham Motorsport categories headlined its Speedfest North meeting.

Marking the first visit the Club has made to its North Yorkshire venue this year, a hearty crowd flocked through the gates to witness an action-packed 17 race programme – with many of them braving the wind and rain on Sunday following a dry Saturday.

After kicking off their 2026 campaign at Brands Hatch last month, all eyes were on the TCR UK Championship to see what would come next – and what was next were two frenetic encounters in somewhat challenging weather conditions.

Callum Newsham proved to be the cream of the crop when it came to qualifying on Saturday afternoon as he paced the opposition by more than half a second to snare pole position; and he carried that front-running form into race one the following day.

Despite not making the best of starts in the wet conditions, the Scotsman quickly regained the lead in his Hyundai Elantra N TCR and once out front he was able to control the pace all the way to the chequered flag to win ahead of Lewis Kent and Max Hart.

Race two – which was also held in heavy rain – then saw talented teenager Max Hall write his name into the series’ history books as he produced a wheel-perfect drive to claim a maiden TCR UK victory for himself and his team, Halls Racing.

There was no shortage of edge-of-the=seat entertainment when it came to Caterham Motorsport as the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship, FanDrive Caterham Seven 270R Championship and Motul Caterham Seven UK Championship all starred.

Richard Davies maintained his flawless start to the new Roadsport Championship as he made it four wins from four races; although he faced stiff opposition as he won race one by sixth tenths of a second and then race two by a mere two tenths.

Over in the FanDrive Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Brian Thornton and Paul Oggelsby picked up where they left off at Cadwell Park as they once again proved to be the benchmark at the front of the field.

Thornton struck first out of the two of them as he held off Oliver White to win a pulsating opener before Oggelsby then came to the fore in races two and three, winning both contests in hard-fought fashion.

Finally, the Motul Caterham Seven Championship UK kicked off its 2026 season in spectacular season with a three action-packed races and the renewal of a rivalry that is guaranteed to once again captivate the masses.

Defending champion Matthew Armstrong and runner-up Harry Senior were the standout performers in the series last year and they picked up where they left off at Croft, although it looks as though multiple Caterham champion Taylor O’Flanagan will also be in the mix.

The trio were the stars of the show across the weekend with Senior making the perfect start to the campaign by scoring back-to-back wins, the second of which was by a remarkable margin of 17 seconds.

On his debut in the manufacturer’s premier class, O’Flanagan also underlined his credentials as he charged to glory in race three, while Armstrong’s title defence began with a number of standout podium drives.

Elsewhere, the Junior Saloon Car Championship continued to gather momentum with three more races playing out for aspiring racers aged 14 to 17.

Max Scharfeggar claimed a long overdue maiden win at Cadwell Park and that triumph proved to be the kicker that he needed as he came flying out the blocks to claim pole position in qualifying and then back-to-back victories.

Scharfeggar’s hopes of a sublime hat-trick were sadly dashed in race three however as championship leader Ollie Smith returned to the top step of the podium, which in-turn allowed him to strengthen his stranglehold in the standings.

As they did at Cadwell Park last month, Lee Bull and Marshall Groves proved to be the leading lights when it came to the Track Action Racing Club, with the pair claiming a deserving win apiece.

Bull was the first to strike as he produced a flawless drive in his Renault Clio to reign supreme in race one, beating fellow Clio competitor Robert Buckland by more than six seconds while Adam Croft completed the podium in third.

Having suffered an unfortunate non-finish in the weekend’s earlier contest, Groves bounced back in style as he swept his way to victory in race two. The Vauxhall Vectra Challenge driver was pushed by Bull all the way, but remained resolute out front to ultimately triumph.

Also adding to the weekend spectacle was a guest appearance from the Scottish MINI Cooper Cup. Boasting a compact yet competitive grid, the one-make series wowed the crowds with two races that were won by Jack Irvine and James Hitchen.

To view the full classification of results from Croft’s Speedfest North meeting, CLICK HERE.

Craigantlet record tumbles as Ryder edges the order

The British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport delivered one of the most intense contests in hillclimbing history at Craigantlet on 3 May, where three drivers dipped under the hill record — with a new benchmark laid down on the Northern Irish course.

Matthew Ryder and Will Hall went toe-to-toe during the opening weekend at Prescott just six days earlier, and that rivalry continued across the Irish Sea for Rounds Three and Four on the daunting closed-road hillclimb course on the outskirts of Belfast.

With conditions perfect for the one-day meeting, sights were firmly set on the run-offs in the latter part of the afternoon, which were ultimately decided by the finest of margins as the leading contenders pushed the limits of commitment on the fast and unforgiving public road venue.

Ryder pips Hall in ultra-close Round Three

Round Three set the tone for the day with a remarkably tight finish at the top. Wallace Menzies was first to dip under the 39.12-second benchmark set by Scott Moran in 2016 and later equalled by Dave Uren in 2019 on the 1,300-yard course.

He found a turn of pace to lower the target to 39.03 seconds. However, the new hill record would stand for only a matter of seconds, as Matthew Ryder took to the road and etched his name into the history books with a 38.97-second run — becoming the first driver to break the 39-second barrier.

Will Hall, like his two rivals, also picked up a bonus point as he stormed to a 39.01-second run, leaving the top three covered by just six hundredths of a second.

A gap then opened to David Uren, who secured fourth with a 40.60s effort, while Trevor Willis rounded out the top five on 40.80s. Paul Haimes followed closely in sixth, narrowly ahead of Alex Coles, who was visiting the Northern Irish hill for the first time.

Further down the points, the ever-present David Warburton collected a handful of points, as did first-time scorers Dean Tighe and Gary Warren.

Even closer in Round Four as Ryder doubles up

If Round Three was close, Round Four somehow raised the bar even further.

Ryder again came out on top, this time lowering the benchmark to a blistering 38.60 seconds. Hall pushed him all the way once more but fell just 0.04 seconds short for the second time in succession, recording his first sub-39 run with a 38.64s effort.

Menzies again completed the podium, his 39.12s effort matching the previous record benchmark and reinforcing his consistency across the day.

Behind the front three, Willis moved up to fourth with a strong 40.35s, while Coles improved to fifth ahead of Haimes in sixth — both drivers continuing to bank valuable points in the fight for a top-eight championship finish in 2026.

Further down the order, Tighe, Warren and Warburton remained tightly grouped, separated by only a few tenths as the fight for points stayed fiercely competitive. Tighe, who became the first Australian to qualify for a run-off at Prescott, continued to impress at Craigantlet by scoring his first championship points in only his second event.

Aaron Colbourne completed the top ten, while Darren Gumbley and Uren — who failed to record a time in the second run-off following contact with the wall — rounded out the classification.

Early momentum building

With four rounds now complete, Ryder’s double victory provides a significant early boost in the championship standings. However, Hall’s back-to-back second-place finishes — each by the narrowest of margins — ensure the fight is far from settled.

Menzies’ pair of third-place finishes also keep him firmly in contention, forming a clear leading trio as the season begins to take shape.
The championship now moves on to Harewood next weekend (10 May), where momentum will continue to build. If Craigantlet is any indication, the 2026 title battle could be one of the closest in recent years.

Popular Classic To Modern Motor Show returns to Croft

The Croft Classic to Modern Motor Show returns to Croft Circuit next Saturday (9 May) and once again, it promises to be a huge celebration of everything automotive with a host of attractions for all the family to enjoy.

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the show will offer a jam-packed schedule of motorsport-related events including live action, entertainment, food and family fun as part of the high-octane day – the only one of its kind in the North East.

As well as amazing car club and bike displays, visitors will have the unique chance to get up close to the action with a number of Paddock Experiences including adrenaline-fuelled Rally Experience (£20) and Fast Lap Passenger Rides (£30) available, as well as Autotest and Stunt Show Experiences priced at just £15 each, with discounts for multiple activities.

To book Fast Lap Passenger Ride tickets, head to the Whitley Room near the main circuit building and Dealer Display in Area 2. All other tickets can be purchased from the ticket office near the Autotest area.

There will also be a motorsport zone and a host of local car dealers exhibiting too, plus track parades and driving sessions around Yorkshire’s premier motor racing venue. A variety of trade stands and catering outlets will be on site along with the circuit’s very own Hangar50 Café which will be open all day serving quality food and drinks.

For younger enthusiasts, a Family Fun Zone will play host to fairground rides, facepainting, a miniature train ride provided by the South Durham Society of Model Engineers and live music from the Flat Cap Brass Band, all of which are FREE throughout the day.

General adult admission is £10 in advance with tickets costing £15 on the day. Adults get a FREE Show Guide with Map and other details included, while children aged 15 and under admitted FREE and as usual, there is FREE car and bike parking.

For further information, please visit the website where you can book your tickets online also at www.croftcircuit.co.uk.

Croft Circuit 2026 Calendar

May 9 – Croft Classic to Modern Car Show
May 30/31 – No Limits Motorcycle Race Meeting
June 27/28 – Ginetta Fest Weekend
July 11/12 – British Racing & Sports Car Club Car Race Meeting
August 22/23 – Darlington & District Motor Club Battle of Britain Race Meeting
September 5/6 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Meeting
September 19/20 – 750 Motor Club Car Race Meeting
November 29 – Christmas Stages Rally

Speedfest at Croft and Craigantlet this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club has two headline events this weekend with Croft in Yorkshire and Craigantlet in Northern Ireland headlining the weekend action for motorsport lovers.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 2nd and 3rd May

Where are the events being held?

Croft Circuit
Address: Croft Circuit West Lane Dalton On Tees North Yorkshire DL2 2PL

Craigantlet
Address: Craigantlet Hillclimb, Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2NH

What is racing this weekend?
At Croft in Yorkshire – there is something for everyone. TCR UK headline the billing and if you love saloons you are in for a treat as backing them up we have Track Action and the Junior Saloon Car Championship joining the fray. Caterham are bringing the big guns out to play with the monstrous Seven Championship UK kick-starting its season.

Roadsport and 270R will also enjoy the challenging nature of Croft and we are delighted to be joined by the Scottish MINIs once again.

Over on the outskirts of Belfast, the British Hillclimb Championship will rip-up the fearsome Craigantlet hill for a one-day shoot-out!

How can I watch?

At the Venue
Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person? Tickets are available on the day or on the Croft website at just £18 per person for each day with children under the age of 15 going free! Tickets can be purchased from here: www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/tcr-caterham#tickets

Entrance we understand for the Craigantlet Hillclimb is free for spectators.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at Croft on Saturday at 09:30 with qualifying heading the order with the first race at 13:05. On Sunday we enjoy a slower start on Sunday and kick-start our racing at 12:05 with TCR UK and race through to early evening.

Over at Craigantlet – the action takes place on Saturday only and will feature practice in the morning and two timed runs in the afternoon. The two run-offs are expected at lunch time and 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 at Croft.

Live Timing: www.tsl-timing.com/event/261821
Saturday Stream: www.youtube.com/live/vGjtd_WRlXU?si=NodwCYQWsnxBNKhV
Sunday Stream: www.youtube.com/live/YN2Ip3pnrXQ?si=qzlYxstyvwrhhBSB
Information and Timetable*: www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-croft-may-2-3/

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

May is here and the racing is coming thick and fast! Let’s get to it!