Author: Chris Ashby

Achieving a childhood dream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BARC Marshal Training dates confirmed for early 2026

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

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

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

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

2025 BARC MARSHAL TRAINING DATES

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

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

Sunday 15th February: Pembrey (All grades)

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

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

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

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

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

Jewel in the Crown for the MG Owners Club in 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I don’t think there is a single answer really. We have a grid split into thirds. Two thirds are MG ZR160 and the other third is made up of Midgets, MGBs, Maestros and the MGF. The guys with the older cars love racing for class honours and keeping the history of the championship and cars alive, while the MG ZR really offers a fantastic car to go racing in. One of the most fun and budget friendly front-wheel-drive classes in Club level motorsport. Cars with 170bhp are a lot of fun and you can buy a competitive and ready to race ZR160 around ÂŁ6,000 – making it very cost effective entry into the exciting world of Club motorsport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caterham confirm exciting 2026 race programme

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

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

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

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

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

Academy Race Dates

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

Roadsport Race Dates

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

270R Race Dates

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

310R Race Dates

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

Seven UK Race Dates

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

Silverstone tees up grandstand finish to brilliant BTCC season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodwood completes 2026 calendar with Revival dates

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

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

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

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

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

How to Watch: Silverstone Showdown up next for the BTCC

The British Automobile Racing club supported Club Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads back down the country from a thrilling weekend at Donington – now speeding into Silverstone in Northamptonshire for the penultimate trio of rounds in the championship and it couldn’t be closer!

When is the next BARC weekend?
This weekend – 20-21 September

Where are the events being held?
Silverstone Circuit
Address: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TN

What is racing this weekend?

Out on track this weekend at Silverstone: Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, the VERTU MINI CHALLENGE, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain and the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.

How can I watch in person?

Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person at Silverstone?

Tickets are available on the day or on the Silverstone website from ÂŁ27 for a Saturday ticket or ÂŁ45 for a Sunday ticket – with weekend options available from ÂŁ55. Children under 16 go free.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/british-touring-car-championship

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

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

Qualifying will be available to all on ITVX on Saturday while race day will move to ITV4 in the UK. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout Sunday with coverage starting just ahead of the first BTCC race at 11:30.

International audiences will be able to watch the action on the BTCC YouTube channel with races live on the RACER network in the US and Canada.

What time are things happening on track at Silverstone?

Free Practice and Qualifying head the order on Saturday with on track action from 09:00 with the first race at 13:30. On Sunday we begin at 09:15 with the first race – with racing through to early evening.

Do you have any more information?

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

Silverstone
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/253803
Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/toca-race-meeting-silverstone-national-september-20-21/
Live Coverage: https://www.itv.com/btcc

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Summer is sadly over, the nights are drawing in and we are heading into the final few months of the season.

New Junior Championship to join BTCC package in 2027

Organisers of the British Touring Car Championship – TOCA – have announced plans to welcome an all-new Junior Championship to its support package in 2027.

Having ended its association with the previous proposed organisers, TOCA has confirmed that Power Maxed Racing will be design, develop and build the all-new fully bespoke car that will race in the new series.

Sister company, Power Maxed Motorsport, will undertake all aspects of the new programme, including the role of championship promoter.

The full specifications of the car and details of the championship (including the championship name) will be released over the coming months and has already received outline approval for 2027 by MSUK, subject to the normal final ratification process.

The cars will be designed and built to significantly exceed the current stringent safety standards, for racing by junior drivers from the age of 14.

All races will take place on the support bill to the BTCC, ensuring that young drivers, teams and all stakeholders benefit from the huge public trackside audience, as well as the substantial and unrivalled media and television coverage.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to announce the introduction of a dedicated Junior championship within the BTCC package, commencing in 2027.

“Having received expressions of interest it was clear that Power Maxed Racing were best placed to independently develop, build and supply the bespoke car for this exciting new championship. 

“We look forward to sharing these plans as the programme progresses. We remain committed to creating the ideal and highest profile stepping stone for emerging talent and supporting the UK’s ongoing legacy of producing top level racing drivers.”

“This is fantastic news, and we are proud to be producing a bespoke car for a new Junior championship on the TOCA package from 2027,” added Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Director.

“Having been closely involved in all levels of British motorsport, we know what is needed for a successful Junior programme and PMR obviously possess the high-level of design and engineering expertise to build an outstanding car. 

“This marks the early phases of this exciting development as shown by this initial render image of the car, and we look forward to sharing further information and updates with interested parties and the public in the coming weeks and months.”

Britcar Endurance Championship to race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2026

The Britcar Endurance Championship will head to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium next year after announcing its calendar for the 2026 season.

As the popular multi-class endurance category heads towards a thrilling crescendo this season, preparations are already underway to ensure the series continues on its upward trajectory.

Donington Park’s Grand Prix circuit will play host to the opening round of 2026 campaign with a 90-minute contest before the championship heads to Oulton Park in late April.

The end of May sees the home of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps, welcome Britcar as they feature on the same bill as the Dutch Supercar Challenge staging two one-hour races.

Returning to British soil, Snetterton hosts the first of two races meetings in mid-July whilst the Donington Park National circuit, Silverstone International layout and Brands Hatch Indy also features.

2026 Britcar Endurance Championship Calendar

March 21 – Donington Park (Grand Prix) – 1x 90 mins
April 25 – Oulton Park – 1x 90 mins
May 29-31 – Spa-Francorchamps – 2x 60 mins
July 11 – Snetterton – 1x 90 mins
August 8 – Donington Park (National) – 1x 90 mins
August 29 – Snetterton – 2x 45 mins
October 3 – Silverstone (International) – 1x 90 mins
October 31 – Brands Hatch Indy – 2x 45 mins

Goodwood splashes through the pages of history to deliver spectacular Revival

Not even heavy rainstorms could damper the spirit of those in attendance at the Goodwood Revival this past weekend (September 20/21) as the West Sussex venue closed out its season with a spectacular trip down memory lane.

In what is always one of the highlights of the historic racing calendar, the three-day meeting brought together iconic competitors and glorious machines for a truly captivating battle for honours – all in ever-changing weather conditions too.

As has been the case for a number of years, the British Automobile Racing Club played its part in the three-day meeting with many of its hugely admired officials and volunteers attending the event to fulfil a number of operational and marshalling roles.

One of the headline races at the Revival every year is the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration, which is for closed-cockpit GT & Protoype cars that race in the spirit of the RAC TT contest from yesteryear.

Sunday’s showdown more than lived up to all expectations as British Touring Car Championship ace Tom Ingram became the first driver to win the coveted contest in successive years, and in different cars. Ingram teamed up with Richard Kent to guide a Jaguar E-Type FHC to victory.

The St Marys Trophy presented by Motul is another firm favourite for race-goers with a stellar line up of global motorsport stars going wheel-to-wheel in production-based saloon cars from 1950-1959.

Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen powered his Ford Thunderbird to victory in race one before James Dorlin then triumphed in race two. However, on combined results it was the team of Gordon Shedden and Chris Ward that emerged as the overall winners in their Jaguar Mk1.

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button ended his wait for a victory at the Goodwood Revival as he joined forces with Alex Buncombe to dominate the Freddie March Memorial Trophy – which is for cars competing in the spirit of the Goodwood Nine Hours from 1952-1955 – in a Jaguar C-Type.

Elsewhere, Mark Gilles narrowly beat Patrick Blakeney-Edwards to win the Goodwood Trophy whilst just three tenths of a second separated William Nuthall and Max Bartell in the prestigious Madgwick Cup.

Production sports and GT cars from the mid-1960s were showcased in the Fordwater Trophy where Andrew Smith converted pole position into a flawless victory in his stunning Porsche 904 Carrera GTS.

The Whitsun Trophy – which is for Sports-racing prototypes between 1960 and 1966 – saw Alex Brundle underline his talents as a standout name of historic racing as he charged to the top step of the podium in his Lola-Chevrolet T70 Spyder.

Andrew Jordan and Matthew Holme were the stars of the show in the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy as they trounced the opposition, hustling their immaculately prepared Ford Cobra to the chequered flag almost a minute clear of their nearest rivals.

Other winners included Andy Ellis sweeping to victory in the Richmond & Gordon Trophies, Stuart Roach prevailed in the Chichester Cup, Stuart Hall triumphed in the Glover Trophy and Chris Ward claimed the spoils in the Sussex Trophy.

It wasn’t just four-wheel machines that had those in attendance captivated either as the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy showcased some jaw-dropping 1950s motorcycles. Glen English and Steve Plater punched in two strong results to secure victory when it came to the combined classification.

Concluding what was a momentous – yet slightly sodden weekend – was the Settringham Cup, which saw a total of 64 youngsters line up in Austin J40s for two feel-good dashes to the flag. On combined results, Cyrus Majzub claimed outright honours.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at this year’s Goodwood Revival, CLICK HERE.

Big BARC weekender delights fans at Snetterton

One of the biggest British Automobile Racing Club meetings of the year had everyone on the edge of their seats this past weekend (September 20/21) as a number of high-profile championships took centre stage at Snetterton.

With the end of the 2025 campaign drawing closer into sight, every point proved to be crucial around the Norfolk venue as a whole host of leading contenders positioned themselves for what promises to be a captivating title run-in.

Heavyweight thrills and spills were dished up by the British Truck Racing Championship where a total of eight different drivers charged to race-winning glory across Division 1 and Division 2.

The series’ premier class saw reigning nine-time champion Ryan Smith enjoy a flawless Saturday as he snared pole position and two race wins; and he would back that up with a trio of podiums on Sunday as John Bowler, David Jenkins and Michael Oliver also triumphed.

In Division 2, the pendulum in the title race swung back and forth with points leader Bradley Harvey firstly enduring engine issues. His travails opened the door for Jake Evans and Simon Cole to win – as did Sami Ojanen and for the first-time ever, Callum Eason.

The TCR UK Championship saw a shake up in the race for its coveted crown as the tin top series staged two races in contrasting conditions. When all was said and done, Adam Shepherd walked away as the man in the box seat ahead of the series finale in November.

Shepherd arrived at Snetterton trailing Callum Newsham by six points in the standings however he flipped things on his head as he firstly set a sublime lap in qualifying to net pole position before then going on to triumph in race one.

The Capture Motorsport driver was in a league of his own as he romped to victory ahead of the charging Newsham in his new Hyundai Elantra N TCR and series debutant Maximus Hall, who was competing for the first time in a Lynk & Co.

While race one was held in overcast conditions, the weekend’s second contest saw the heavens open and it was a case of who could keep it on the track. George Jaxon emerged as the driver for the job as he splashed his way to a maiden TCR UK win over Brad Hutchinson and Hall.

Adding to the Snetterton spectacle over the course of the weekend was the latest instalment of the Britcar Endurance Championship, which also saw its competitors have to battle treacherous conditions.

The Amspeed duo of Dom Malone and Adam Smalley proved to be the class of the field though in their Porsche 991.1 Cup car as they lapped the entire grid on their way to victory. Team BRIT’s Noah Cosby and Aaron Morgan were second, with the Brookspeed duo of Andrew Dawber and Nathan Wright completing the podium places.

Elsewhere, there was nothing to separate Wilf Butler and Josh Selvadorai in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as they bolstered their title chances with a win apiece whilst Oli Willmott and Andy Langley shared the spoils in the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport.

Liam McGill was perfection personified in the Milltek Civic Cup as he cruised to a dominant double before the Caterham Graduates Racing Club ended its association with the BARC with a quartet of races that were won by James Hapgood, Thomas Gunter and Henry Heaton.

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

Every race from the weekend is also available to watch via the BARC YouTube channel HERE.