Author: Chris Ashby-Brown

Hall and Ryder go toe-to-toe in British Hillclimb Championship season opener

The 2026 British Hillclimb Championship, presented by Nova Motorsport, burst into life last weekend (26/27 April) at Prescott Hillclimb for the opening two rounds of the series.

Glorious sunshine bathed the Gloucestershire venue, with quick times there for the taking right from the off. After a day of practice on Saturday, allowing competitors two runs to dial themselves into the new season, Sunday was where it all counted — with round one at lunchtime and the second coming in the early evening.

How it played out

All the way from Australia, Dean Tighe became the first Australian to make it into a BHC run-off. Running first, the former Australian champion set the benchmark for others to beat in his 1300cc Empire with a 39.23. The experienced David Warburton was next up and slashed that to 37.67. The times kept tumbling as 2015 champion Alex Summers dragged his 1100cc DJ Firehawk to a 37.61 — an impressive time that would see him high up the order.

Then, the big five were unleashed. Dave Uren (36.09) moved to the top, while Trevor Willis (36.13) slotted in just behind. Wallace Menzies was the first to dip under the 36-second barrier with a 35.65 in his Gould GR59. Reigning champion Matt Ryder produced a clinical run to snatch the lead just minutes later with a 35.29.

Will Hall, who qualified with the same time as Ryder, went last with the tension building. Could he repeat his run-off win of 12 months ago? Visor down, it was super smooth from the off. After 1,128 yards of climbing, three hundredths of a second made the difference. An exciting start to the year.

Elsewhere, fireworks were lit when Alex Coles took to the hill. The exciting Plymouth-based driver has more power at his disposal for 2026 and looked ready to giant-slay on run one — but a few scrappy moments left him in 10th, just enough to score the final point.

Jonathan Varley (GWR) and Harry Pick (OMS) were also delighted with their runs, bagging their first points of the season — both eager to secure a top-10 number in 2026. Sadly, Paul Haimes suffered a difficult weekend, with mechanical gremlins hitting his 1300cc turbocharged Gould, which limped its way to the top of the hill.

The final bout of the day

David Warburton, who produced a strong run in the first run-off, was the first driver to get the final shoot-out underway with a 38.10. Harry Pick went two hundredths slower just a few minutes later, while Jason Tunnicliffe — who qualified for his first run-off of the year — made a small mistake at Ettore’s, scrubbing off speed and losing time. The Empire driver had to settle for a 39.69.

Alex Summers produced more gold in run-off two, confirming a minimum of two championship points with a 37.77 to set the target time — albeit only briefly — before a reinvigorated Jonathan Varley went quicker by half a second.

The bigger cars came next, with Trevor Willis hustling his OMS to a 36.72 before Alex Coles, in the rapid Force, slotted into second behind the experienced Willis.

Paul Haimes was looking to salvage some points after being dogged by mechanical gremlins earlier in the day. Coming into Ettore’s, the Farnham-based driver lost the back end of his Gould as it rotated — ending with the rear of the car in the wall. Paul jumped out unscathed, but the course had to be cleared before proceedings could resume.

After a short delay, Dave Uren in the Gould GR55B was up next and, despite a slower start at the bottom of the hill, produced a pulsating run to snatch the lead from Willis with a 36.65.

Then came the top three. A pressure-cooker environment. The final runs of the day — who would leave Prescott with the bragging rights?

Matt Ryder stepped up first and beat Uren’s marker, lowering the time to beat to 35.41. Will Hall was next, and the Englishman gave it everything, leaving nothing on the table to record a 35.28.

All eyes then turned to four-time champion Wallace Menzies. The flying Scotsman wasn’t fully at one with his Gould but managed to wrestle his GR59 into another third-place finish.

Will Hall and Matt Ryder shared the spoils with a win and a second apiece. Hall left with the bragging rights, having been just one hundredth quicker than Ryder’s first run-off victory. He rounded out the weekend with a celebratory drive up the hill to great applause from marshals and spectators alike.

The next round of the series takes place this weekend, with a first trip overseas to Craigantlet for a one-day tussle on the closed-road course above Belfast on Saturday 2 May.

Photography kindly provided by Tom Gay Photography

North Western Centre lifts the curtain on season at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North Western Centre enjoyed a sublime start to its 2026 season at Oulton Park this past Saturday (April 25) as three championships took centre stage at the Cheshire venue.

On what proved to be a blockbuster one-day meeting around the challenging 2.692-mile International layout, those in attendance were treated to a seven-race schedule that was headlined by the Britcar Endurance Championship.

Having lifted the curtain on their campaign at Donington Park back in late March, the multi-class sports cars series wowed the crowds with a 90-minute contest that had everyone perched on the edge of their seats.

At the head of the field, SG Racing’s Peter Cunningham and Mark Cunningham proved to be the cream of the crop as they swept aside the opposition in their Porsche 991 Cup car to claim a superlative victory.

Topping the times during practice, the duo upped the ante in qualifying as they charged to pole position, giving themselves the best seat in the house for what was the second race of the new season.

Locked in a fierce battle throughout the hour-and-a-half that they were on-track, each Cunningham remained calm and composed during their stints to secure a famous victory and with it, maintain what has been strong start to the championship.

Finishing ten seconds behind the eventual winner was Simon Clark in the FormEvo Racing McLaren 570s whilst CWS entrant Colin White completed the podium in his Ginetta G55 Supercup machine.

Over in the CNC Heads Sports and 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 entry list had been 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, D and G together for two races and those in Class C, E and F together for a further two races alongside the Welsh Sports and Saloon Car Championship.

Spoils were shared in Class A, B D and G contests with Andrew Southcott hustling his MG Midget Lenham to victory in race one before Chris Roberts powered his BMW M4 to the chequered flag in race two, going one better than he had done earlier in the day.

Elsewhere, the remaining CNC Heads classes and additions from the Welsh Sports and Saloons saw Kirk Armitage crush the opposition in his BMW M2 Competition to win race one; and then Matt Hibbert came to the fore in his Honda Civic Type R Ep3 in race two.

Completing the day’s action were two races from the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires. Like Britcar, their season had begun at Donington Park where young upstart Nathan James Boyle made an emphatic impression by claiming a brace of wins.

Keen to continue his front-running momentum in the popular one-make series at Oulton Park, Boyle was narrowly pipped to the post by Mark Eales in a captivating opener – the pair ultimately being separated by just two tenths of a second at the line.

Not to be denied however, Boyle bounced back in style in the day’s finale as he banked his third win of the season in style, having taken the chequered flag by more than two seconds ahead of Matthew Watson and Harvey Cursley.

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

A weekend of contrasts for the BARC this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club is known for its variety and that is well and truly on display this weekend with both ends of the motorsporting spectrum on parade.

From the 90-minute enduro taking place at Oulton Park for the Britcar Endurance Championship to the short, sharp under 30-second blast up Prescott hill for the British Hillclimb Championship – and everything in between!

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 25th April – Oulton Park and 25th/26th April – Prescott

Where are the events being held?

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

Prescott
Address: Bugatti Owners’ Club, Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Worcestershire, GL42 9RD

What is racing this weekend?
At Oulton Park we have the Briticar Endurance Championship and Coupe Cup heading into the second rounds of the season while the CNC Heads Sports and Saloon Car Championship kick off the season with a monster 36 car grid.

At Prescott in Gloucestershire its the opening bout of the eagerly anticipated British Hillclimb Championship

How can I watch?

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 – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

While the Prescott action will be broadcast on Sunday by the Hillclimb TV channel – www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV

At the Venue
Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person? Tickets are available on the day or on the Oulton Park website from £17 in advance or £19 on the day.
Tickets can be purchased from here: www.oultonpark.co.uk

Over at Prescott – a weekend ticket is £30 or £18 for Saturday or Sunday and can be purchased in advance from www.prescotthillclimb.co.uk or on the day at the venue.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at Oulton Park on Saturday at 08:30 with practice and qualifying heading the order with the first race at 12:05. Please remember – this is a one day meeting only.

At Prescott – hillclimb action is due to start at 08:30 each day with practice runs followed by official timed runs with the timed top 12 run offs on Sunday afternoon.

Do you have any more information?

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

Oulton Park
Live Timing and Commentary: tsl-timing.com/event/261763
Information and Timetable*: barc.net/event/barc-north-western-centre-race-meeting-oulton-park-international-april-25/
Watch Link: youtube.com/live/NVrjXXH5EXs?si=fa6s0PAHZr9iFf72

Prescott
Preview: https://www.britishhillclimb.co.uk/post/british-hillclimb-championship-ready-to-launch-into-a-new-season
Entry List and Timetable*: prescotthillclimb.co.uk/post/opening-round-of-the-british-hill-climb-championship-details-announced
Watch Link: youtube.com/live/4t9nArSSXrQ?si=bq_mlzWWcGHuWkc5

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Spring is here and what better way to round out the final weekend of April!

British Hillclimb Championship ready to launch into a new season

The 2026 British Hillclimb Championship, presented by Nova Motorsport, roars into life this weekend at Prescott, where the traditional curtain-raiser once again sets the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

With 26 rounds across 10 venues, and points awarded through the high-stakes Top Twelve run offs, every fraction of a second counts from the very first climb this weekend.

Prescott’s narrow, technical course is a unique early test—rewarding commitment, rhythm, and bravery in equal measure. As ever, the spotlight will fall on the championship’s elite: the Top 12 contenders expected to dominate the run offs in 2026. It isn’t just the top 12 machines in action—there is a whole host of classes, all finely poised and ready for battle. With the weather set to be dry and warm, could the opening weekend see records tumble?

The Leading Contenders

At the head of the field is reigning champion Matt Ryder, carrying the coveted number one on his Gould. After a dominant 2025 campaign, he arrives as the benchmark—if he hits top form early, others may be chasing shadows. However, in hillclimbing it’s never so simple; there will always be a pack eager to snatch the #1 from the defending top seed.

Four-time champion Wallace Menzies remains the most formidable challenger. A relentless competitor with proven title-winning pedigree, Menzies will be eager to strike first and lay down a marker in pursuit of a fifth crown by the time the series returns to Prescott in September.

Close behind, Will Hall continues his push for a maiden title. Having shown front-running pace and Top 12 run off success last season, a strong Prescott weekend could be crucial in converting promise into a genuine championship bid.

Sean Gould is another on the rise, building momentum after a strong 2025. Sharing machinery with Ryder, his pace – particularly on faster hills – makes him a genuine threat for run off wins.

A trio of experienced frontrunners adds further depth. Three-time champion Trevor Willis remains a master at extracting results from his OMS, while Dave Uren continues to edge closer to consistent podium contention across the British Isles. Former champion Alex Summers, even on a partial programme, is always capable of upsetting the established order and, with his self-built AFS P4t, run off wins would taste even sweeter.

The next wave is equally compelling. Alex Coles proved his giant-killing potential last season, especially in tricky conditions, while Jack Cottrill brings consistency and upward momentum after consecutive strong campaigns. Paul Haimes, a perennial top-ten finisher, will once again target a solid points haul from the outset to kick-start his 2026 season.

Who else to watch at Prescott

The opening weekend is about more than just points – it’s about intent. Early victories can define momentum, and with two scoring rounds on offer, Prescott provides an immediate opportunity to seize control.

In the Tin Tops, the tantalising battle between Steven Darley (Subaru Impreza) and Stephen Moore (Mitsubishi Evo 6) enters another season and is always spectacular to watch.

Former champions Roger and Scott Moran return to blow away the cobwebs. 1997 champion Roger Moran will campaign his Skoda Fabia R5 as he continues to dial it into the British hills, while multiple champion Scott is behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Evo 6 for the BHC opener.

In other news, from the land down under, Dean Tighe – an Australian Hillclimb Champion – arrives with his Empire Wraith, shipped from Australia. It will be fascinating to see how he fares on the British hills.

Expect razor-thin margins, evolving track conditions, and a fascinating blend of experience versus rising talent. Whether Ryder asserts dominance, Menzies responds with authority, Hall builds on his 2025 form, or a new challenger emerges, the 2026 British Hillclimb Championship begins with intrigue – and Prescott is ready to deliver.

You can watch all the pulsating action on Sunday courtesy of the fantastic coverage provided by Hillclimb TV – www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV

Dates for Goodwood 84th Members’ Meeting announced

The dates for the 84th Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport have been revealed by Goodwood for next year.

Hot on the heels of a spectacular event last weekend, the 2027 edition of the coveted event will be staged on April 10-11.

The meeting – which is one of the best within the historic racing sphere – will once again be the curtain-raiser for the West Sussex venue.

Tickets are already available for Members and Fellows of the Goodwood Road & Racing Club.

Further details around plans for the event, as well as for next year’s Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard and Revival, will be revealed in due course.

Goodwood serves up glorious 83rd Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit kicked off its 2026 season in sublime style this past weekend (April 18/19) as the 83rd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport delivered two days of retro thrills.

Marking the start of what promises to be another unmissable year of full-throttle action at the former home of the British Automobile Racing Club, iconic drivers and machinery descended on the world-famous West Sussex grounds for a frenetic feast 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 proved to be the Super Touring Shoot-Out, which pitted a number of iconic tin tops from the 1990s and early 2000s against each other in a one lap showdown.

While the modern era of the British Touring Car Championship starred at Donington Park, former FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff reigned supreme at Goodwood as he claimed the bragging rights in a Triple Eight Engineering Vauxhall Vectra.

The Gordon Spice Trophy – which is for Group 1 saloon cars that are over 2.8-litres – wowed the crowds with a ultra-competitive grid and for the second year in a row, honours went the way of Romain Dumas and Fred Shepherd in their Ford Mustang Boss.

Pre-67 Sports & GT cars, inspired by the Sebring 12 Hours, were the stars of the Phil Hill Cup and it proved to be a captivating; even more so when the eventual winner emerged as 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button.

Edwardian, GN Special and cars in the spirit of Brooklands Pre-1923 were the stars of the show in the S.F. Edge Trophy. The two-part race was largely dominated by Julian Majzub as he claimed a first and second to secure the overall win.

Elsewhere, 1000cc F3 screamers starred in the Derek Bell Cup, which was won by Enrico Spaggiari, while Gary Pearson and his Jaguar XK120 Mistral proved to be a winning combination in the Peter Collins Trophy.

Pre-1963 Jaguar E-Types were celebrated in the Protheroe Cup, and on combined results victory went the way of IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti and Gregor Fisken.

The Varzi Trophy for 1920 and 1930s Grand Prix & Voiturette Cars was won by Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, and Phil Keen triumphed in the Bruce McLaren Trophy.

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. Current British Superbike Championship ace Storm Stacey was victorious on a 1980 Yamaha TZ 350 H.

To view the full classification of results from all races at the Goodwood 83rd Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE.

Terrific TOCA supports shine at Donington Park

Donington Park provided the setting for an action-packed bill of TOCA support championships to begin their campaigns this past weekend (April 18-19), with each and every one of them delivering unmissable entertainment.

Tom Ovenden enjoyed the perfect start to his defence of the Power Maxed MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he claimed every point that was on offer.

Returning to defend the crown he won in the one-make series last year, Ovenden stamped his authority on the series in emphatic fashion by firstly claiming pole position in qualifying.

That was to be only the beginning for the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver however as he then swept aside the opposition to clinch three race wins, and accompanied them with a hat-trick of fastest laps as well.

Sam Gornall, Nathan Edwards, Max Edmundson and Charlie Hand emerged as the closest challengers to Ovenden, with each of them standing on the podium at least once over the course of the weekend.

A record 31-car grid lined up for the opening three rounds of the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA, where three different drivers having stood on the top step of the podium.

Title favourite and McLaren Development Driver Dries Van Langendonck claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory in race one before his Rodin Motorsport team-mate Ethan Lennon then came to the fore to win a truncated second contest.

Van Langendonck returned to the head of the field in the weekend’s finale however he was adjudged to have caused a collision with Theo Palmer and was handed a time penalty, which in-turn promoted Joseph Smith to top spot.

Over in the Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Junior GB driver Callum Voisin made the perfect start to the season as he hustled his Century Motorsport machine to victory in a fast and furious opener.

Marking his debut in style, Voisin was the class of the field in race one however he was unable to repeat the feat in the partially reversed grid bout, which was won for the first time by the experienced Ollie Jackson.

The Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain also wowed the crowds under the flight path of East Midlands airport, with three races and one driver standing head and shoulders above the rest.

After narrowly missing out on the coveted crown last year, Joe Marshall is back for a second season and the Team Parker Racing driver made the perfect start to his title challenge as he snared victory in all three races.

Rounding out the support race action on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship bill was a guest appearance from the Legends Cars Championship, which was starting its Elite Cup.

Six breathtaking races culminated in wins falling the way of Aaron Cooke, Tyler Read and Andy Bird.

To view the full classification of results from all championships on the Donington Park bill, CLICK HERE.

Ash Sutton enjoys near-perfect weekend at BTCC opener

Four-time British Touring Car Championship title winner Ash Sutton enjoyed a near-perfect weekend at Donington Park as the UK’s premier motorsport series lifted the curtain on the 2026 season in spectacular style.

In front of a huge trackside crowd, the NAPA Racing UK driver scored two wins and a second place on Sunday, less than 24 hours after being pulled out of the gravel trap during Saturday’s inaugural Qualifying Race.

Elsewhere, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing enjoyed a dream first outing with their brand-new Audi S3 Saloon as Mikey Doble claimed a popular victory in a frenetic opening encounter.

With the introduction of a new Saturday format, edge-of-the-seat entertainment was guaranteed for the first-ever Qualifying Race and that was exactly what was delivered as Cataclean Plato Racing’s Dan Rowbottom wrote his name into the history books.

Run over 13 laps, the contest had it all as Sutton and reigning champion Tom Ingram clashed, resulting in the Ford driver being beached in the gravel. Not long after that Ingram was handed a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits.

Needing to build up a margin over his nearest challenger, Ingram pulled the pin and stretched his legs out front however he fell 0.024s short of his target time, meaning the win went to Rowbottom on his first outing for the new Mercedes team.

Race day saw Ingram look to make amends in the opening encounter as he cruised to victory however there was to be more trouble ahead as he was subsequently disqualified from the result for a significant overboost infringement.

Ingram’s demise opened to door for Doble to take the spoils while Sutton produced a sublime drive to go from the very back of the grid up to second. Completing the podium was the West Surrey Racing BMW of Charles Rainford.

Races two and three under the flight path of East Midlands airport belonged to Sutton as he claimed back-to-back wins, the second of which came in his 300th BTCC start.

Jumping Doble off the line in race two, the Ford ace streaked clear of the chasing pack to lead home a NAPA 1-2 as Dan Cammish finished in second; and on the podium with them was three-time champion Gordon Shedden.

Starting from eighth on the grid for race three, Sutton produced another scintillating performance as he carved his way to the front of the field on the soft tyre to lead home Tom Ingram (who had started at the back) and his Hyundai team-mate Ricky Collard.

Leaving Donington Park, Sutton has a commanding 18-point lead ahead of Rainford in the Drivers’ Championship while NAPA Racing UK lad the early going in the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ categories.

Aiden Moffat and LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing were the cream of the crop in the Independents’, with Dexter Patterson heading the Jack Sears Trophy table.

Th 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues in less than three weeks’ time at Brands Hatch on May 9-10.

BTCC announces 2027 calendar in record time

The British Touring Car Championship has announced its calendar of events for the 2027 season.

Announcing the next year’s schedule prior to this past weekend’s season-opener at Donington Park, this is the earliest that TOCA has ever published its dates for the following year.

The 2027 BTCC season will commence at the Donington Park National circuit, before visiting the Brands Hatch Indy layout and then Snetterton in May.

Oulton Park will remain as the fourth event of the season – and as per 2026 – precedes the annual summer break. Action resumes at Thruxton during the school holidays in July, starting a run of three events in four weekends.

Knockhill and Croft run back-to-back in August, before the trip to Donington Park GP later in the same month.

Silverstone hosts the penultimate event and the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit stages what promises to be an unmissable finale in October.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to announce the 2027 calendar in record time, even before the 2026 season has begun.

“Agreeing our dates so early with our partners at ITV ensures we have locked in the primary slots for our continued all-day-live and free television coverage on ITV4. It also benefits the wider British motorsport community, as other organisers can continue scheduling their own events.

“Furthermore, locking-in our plans so soon for 2027 enables us to look even further ahead to 2028 for what I am sure will provide several unforgettable celebrations for the BTCC’s 70th anniversary.

“I’m told we are probably the first major championship in the world to have already announced next year’s schedule and, if true, then I’m delighted to do so!”

2027 BTCC Calendar

Rounds 1-3 / Donington Park National / April 10-11
Rounds 4-6 / Brands Hatch Indy / May 8-9
Rounds 7-9 / Snetterton 300 / May 29-30
Rounds 10-12 / Oulton Park / June 12-12
Rounds 13-15 / Thruxton / July 24-25
Rounds 16-18 / Knockhill / August 7-8
Rounds 19-21 / Croft / August 14-15
Rounds 22-24 / Donington Park GP / September 11-12
Rounds 25-27 / Silverstone / September 25-26
Rounds 28-30 / Brands Hatch GP / October 9-10

BTCC headlines British battles this weekend

The TOCA package led by the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, organised and officiated by the British Automobile Racing Club is ready for the season opener this weekend at Donington Park (18-19 April).

Supporting the BTCC will be packed grids on a busy timetable across Saturday and Sunday. MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA, Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain all kick-start their seasons under the spotlight of the ITV cameras this weekend.

The BARC will also have a presence in the south downs with the Goodwood Members’ Meeting taking place at the Sussex Goodwood circuit.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 18th/19th April

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

Goodwood Members’ Meeting
Address: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester PO18 0PH

What is racing this weekend?
Donington Park – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA, Porsche Carwow Sprint Challenge Great Britain.

Over at Goodwood there is a whole host of machinery in action. From Formula 1, Touring Cars, Sports Cars and Bikes.

How can I watch?

At Home
The TOCA Donington Park race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Saturday and Sunday in the UK.

This weekend’s race day action will feature on the home of the BTCC, ITV4, from 10:45 on Sunday (19 April), while the ITV YouTube page will host the Qualifying Race and Qualifying on Saturday (18 April) from 13:50.

As in 2025, each race day of the season – including all support series’ races – will be streamed LIVE around the globe on the BTCC YouTube channel, with the exception of the UK and North America, which have existing broadcast arrangements.

The BTCC will be aired LIVE in North America (US and Canada), continuing the multi-year agreement with the RACER Network, streaming live and on demand as part of a long-term agreement with the championship.

The Goodwood Member’s Meeting will be streamed throughout the weekend over on the Goodwood Road and Racing YouTube channel.

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 £23 for a Saturday ticket or £36 for a Sunday ticket – with weekend options available from £49.
Tickets can be purchased from here: https://www.donington-park.co.uk/2026/april/kwik-fit-british-touring-car-championship

Over at Goodwood – the event is sold out for 2026 and race goers are advised to sign-up GRRC Fellowship for ticket updates.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:05 on Saturday and 09:10 on Sunday at Donington Park, with BTCC races at 11:30, 14:40 and 17:30 on Sunday. Don’t forget the Saturday Qualifying Race – that will be at 15:05 on Saturday.

At Goodwood there is a packed timetable with track action from 09:15 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday.

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/261603
Timetable*: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HQ51-Timetable-v5.pdf
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

Goodwood
Entry List: www.youtube.com/@GoodwoodRR
Timetable*: www.goodwood.com/motorsport/members-meeting/plan-your-day/timetable/
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

The TOCA titans are back in business this weekend and always provide great racing in every category.

Goodwood Members’ Meeting – the Elegant Extravaganza

The British Automobile Racing Club’s historic connection with Goodwood comes full circle once again this spring, as the Goodwood Members’ Meeting returns for its 83rd edition on 18–19 April 2026—delivering a spectacular blend of heritage, performance and personality at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. The BARC are once again delighted to assist the Sussex event with administration and organisational support this week.

As ever, the event echoes the spirit of the original race meetings held between 1949 and 1966, but it is the depth and quality of the entry list that elevates the Members’ Meeting into one of the most compelling historic race weekends anywhere in the world.

At the head of the star-studded line-up is Jenson Button, who is set to make his Members’ Meeting debut in the iconic Brawn BGP 001—the car in which he secured the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship. His appearance forms part of a wider celebration of the Cosworth DFV era and the legacy of James Hunt, with a full grid of 1970s Grand Prix machinery from McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus and Tyrrell expected to take to the circuit in tribute to one of Formula 1’s most charismatic champions.

Touring car fans will be treated to one of the headline attractions of the weekend—the Super Touring Shoot-Out—bringing together an all-star roster of tin-top legends. Names such as Alain Menu, Jason Plato, Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Muller headline a grid of 1990s Super Touring machinery—cars often described as “F1 with doors” thanks to their technological sophistication and wheel-to-wheel intensity.

Across the weekend’s race programme, the entry list spans a remarkable breadth of motorsport history. From pre-war machinery and classic GT cars to high-revving single-seaters and motorcycles, each grid is carefully curated to deliver both authenticity and close competition.

Highlights include celebrations of the Barry Sheene era, with full fields of 1970s and 1980s Grand Prix bikes, as well as crowd-favourite contests featuring sports prototypes, touring cars and period saloons.

Adding further depth are special races such as those for Jaguar E-types and thunderous prototype machinery, alongside demonstrations that place some of the most iconic cars ever built directly in front of the fans.

What sets the Members’ Meeting apart, however, is not just the machinery but the calibre of those behind the wheel. The entry list consistently blends seasoned historic racers with household names from international motorsport, creating a unique environment where past and present collide in a relaxed, club-style setting.

With its combination of world-class drivers, unforgettable cars and a programme rich in variety, the 83rd Goodwood Members’ Meeting once again promises to deliver a fitting modern tribute to the BARC’s original Goodwood legacy—where competition, camaraderie and a passion for motor racing remain at the heart of the experience.

TOCA package ready for blockbuster 2026 season

The TOCA weekends are back and the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and its ultra-competitive support package are set to deliver another thrilling year of action in 2026, with packed grids, exciting new names and returning stars across every category.

BTCC: Big stars, new cars and fresh storylines

Britain’s premier motorsport series, supported by the British Automobile Racing Club returns with renewed intensity as the 2026 campaign promises a blend of established front-runners and exciting new talent.

A host of driver changes, technical developments and highly anticipated debuts set the stage for what is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent years.

With the championship continuing to showcase some of the best tin-top racing in the world, fans can expect the usual wheel-to-wheel action across the UK’s most iconic circuits as the battle for supremacy unfolds. Will Ash Sutton drive to five? Will Tom Ingram net a hat-trick? How will the new Plato Racing team fare? Will the Phoenix rise from the flames over at the Power Maxed camp with their new Audis?

So many stories just waiting to unfold. The talking stops and the driving begins.

British F4: Record-breaking grid signals bright future

The Wera Tools, F4 British Championship, certified by FIA continues to go from strength to strength, with a record 31-car grid confirmed for the 2026 season.

As the first step on the single-seater ladder for many young drivers, the championship remains a crucial proving ground for emerging talent graduating from karting. Running alongside the BTCC package, it delivers fast-paced, closely fought racing while helping shape the stars of tomorrow.

The expanded grid highlights the growing interest in the series and reinforces its status as one of the UK’s leading development categories. All eight teams one a race last year with 15 different drivers standing on the top step. We can’t wait to see what happens in 2026!

Porsche Carrera Cup GB: Sprint Challenge adds new dimension

The Porsche Carwow Carrera Cup Great Britain returns with its trademark blend of precision engineering and high-level competition, once again forming a key part of the TOCA support package.

Featuring identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, the championship places the spotlight firmly on driver skill, producing some of the closest GT racing in the country.

For 2026, the addition of the Sprint Challenge GB further strengthens Porsche’s presence on the grid, creating an expanded pathway within the brand’s motorsport pyramid and adding even more depth to race weekends.

MINI CHALLENGE: Tin-top thrills continue

Rounding out the package, the ever-popular Mini Challenge UK delivers its signature close-quarters racing with packed grids across multiple classes.

A long-standing fixture of the BTCC support bill, the championship provides a competitive and accessible route into touring car racing, with many drivers using it as a stepping stone to higher categories.

Its mix of experienced racers and rising stars ensures unpredictable, action-packed contests at every round.

A must-watch season ahead

With the headline British Touring Car Championship supported by a diverse and high-quality roster of categories, the 2026 season is set to deliver full-throttle entertainment from start to finish.

From future single-seater stars in British F4 to elite GT competition in Carrera Cup and door-to-door battles in the MINI CHALLENGE, the TOCA package once again underlines its reputation as one of the strongest national motorsport line-ups in the world.