Gurston Down hits the 400 barrier this weekend

Milestones should always be celebrated, especially ones of such magnitude. The British Automobile Racing Club South West Centre is holding its 400th meeting at the Gurston Down hillclimb this weekend (2nd August) – a tremendous achievement by the team based at the Salisbury venue.

Gurston Down is a unique venue on the hillclimbing calendar. As well as being known for its Karousel corner and Deer Leep yump – its one of only a few hills in the country that goes down before it starts to climb – a thrilling experience for the thousands of drivers and riders who have lined up for a timed run since its first event in 1967.

Gurston Down’s Press Officer, Tony Record picks up the story. “Tony Marsh, a multiple British Hillclimb Champion, was the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of Gurston Down. He managed to persuade the Hitchings family to allow him to design and build a course on Gurston Farm.”

“Our first event was held in July ‘67. The course is set at 1057 yards or 957 metres in length. It is narrow and fast at the beginning, before getting twistier at the top. The hill record has tumbled over the years as machinery and tyres have developed – with the current hill record being held by Alex Summers in his DJ Firestorm – stopping the clock at an eye watering 25.00 dead. That’s an average of over 85 miles per hour from a standing start!”

“The hill has become a firm favourite destination for many drivers across the country. Gurston has featured on the British Hillclimb Championship since 1971 and held 129 rounds of the British Championship and features once, sometimes twice in a typical calendar year.

“The team at Gurston Down are proud of their venue and the experience they offer. So much so, the BHC has awarded Gurston nine Norrie Galbraith Awards over the years – the honour bestowed to the best run and organised event in the British Hill Climb Championship each season. No other hill has achieved that many accolades.

The Marsh family, who were so instrumental at the beginning of the journey are still actively involved today with Tony’s sons, Peter and Simon – both hands on with the hill. Peter’s company Turbo Dynamics is the hill and championship sponsor at Gurston, while Simon is a tutor at our hillclimb drivers school.”

The 400th meeting on the 2nd of August is a full and packed affair with variety at every turn in the paddock. Over 130 cars will be present and 30 motorbikes will line-up for the latest round of the ACU Hillclimb championship.

“Reaching the 400th Hillclimb event at Gurston Down is a remarkable achievement and is testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved at BARC South West,” enthused Ben Taylor, CEO British Automobile Racing Club.

“Gurston holds a unique place in BARC and British motorsport history, not just for its challenging course and picturesque setting, but for the community that has grown around it over nearly six decades. We’re incredibly proud of the team and what they’ve built, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with competitors, volunteers and spectators this weekend.”

Gates open to spectators on Saturday at 08:15 with practice runs starting at 08:30. Competitive runs will then follow at around 13:00. Tickets are available on the gate. We look forward to welcoming you to the big 400 at Gurston Down this weekend.

Dutch delight as BARC delivers weekend to remember at Zandvoort

The British Automobile Racing Club kicked off the second half of the 2025 season in style this past weekend (July 26/27) as a number of championships made their mark at Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

Making a second visit in as many years to the home of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, a number of single-make categories not only took centre stage but also delivered a blockbuster show – with plenty of thrilling wheel-to-wheel moments putting fans on the edge of their seats.

Spoils were shared in the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA however it was Fionn McLaughlin that ultimately ended up as the big winner as he managed to extend his advantage at the top of the standings.

The Hitech TGR driver’s chief title rival Martin Molnár was victorious in a frenetic opener however McLaughlin went on to crucially outscore the Virtuosi Racing driver in the remaining two, somewhat chaotic, contests.

Fortec Motorsport’s Ary Bansal became the tenth different winner of the season as he reigned supreme in race two before Red Bull Junior McLaughlin came to the fore in a frenetic finale, winning for the third time this year whilst Molnár failed to finish.

Caterham Motorsport had a significant presence at the Dutch track and it proved to be a family affair in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship as Charlie Harris and William Harris each claimed a hard-fought win apiece.

Over in the Edge Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Louis Darling staked his claim as a force to be reckoned with as he marched towards a brace of race wins. Darling had to play second fiddle to Ben Wheatley in race one but after that he wasn’t to be stopped in races two and three.

Remarkably, Darling’s first win in race two came after a breathtaking run to the chequered flag which resulted in him pipping Nick Sampson to top spot by just 0.003 seconds.

Taylor O’Flanagan underlined why he remains the driver to beat in the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship as he produced a flawless performance to snare pole position in qualifying and then go on to win all three races.

Rounding out the Caterham Motorsport action were a trio of races from the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship UK – all of which were staggeringly decided by less than a tenth of a second.

Race one saw Matthew Armstrong get the better of Aaron Head by 0.030 seconds before Harry Senior came out on top of a back-and-forth battle with Harry Cook to win race two by 0.041 seconds. Armstrong then beat Senior to first place by 0.092 seconds in race three.

Also in action over the course of the weekend was the P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Championship. Amalgamating the Sigma 135 and Sigma 150 classes together, those watching at the track and online were able to savour a bumper 39-car grid battle it out for supremacy.

James Emson and Max Haynes emerged as the class of the field as they both took a win apiece, doing so in some fashion too as they both broke clear of the chasing pack and scrapped amongst themselves for outright honours.

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

Watch all of the action back on the official BARC YouTube channel HERE.

Going Dutch – BARC heads overseas for second half of 2025

After a short summer break, the circuit racing calendar for the British Automobile Racing Club kick-starts this weekend for the second half of the 2025 calendar. Restarting the racing action will be a trip to the Netherlands for an overseas holiday weekend at the coastal Zandvoort Circuit.

British F4 head from one Grand Prix circuit in the form of Silverstone to another in Zandvoort. The upcoming experience will help prepare the young-guns as they climb the single-seater ladder. The Dutch round will also provide a learning opportunity for the Caterham Motorsport classes and the Caterham Graduates Racing Championship to experience the thrill of competition on European soil.

When is the next BARC weekend?
This weekend – 26-27 July

Where are the events being held?

Zandvoort Circuit
Address: Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108, 2041 JA Zandvoort, Netherlands

What is racing this weekend?

Out on track this weekend are the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, Vertex Caterham Seven 310R, Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship, EDGE Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Blistein Caterham Roadsport Championship and P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Racing Championship

How can I watch from the UK?

We have you covered. Both days from the Dutch adventure will be live streamed so you won’t miss a second of the racing action across all the classes. Make sure you subscribe to the BARC YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

What time are things happening on track?

Qualifying begins on track at 09:00 local time on Saturday with racing beginning at 12:55. On Sunday we get off to an early start with racing beginning at 09:00 local time and running throughout the day.

Do you have any more information?

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

Live Timing: https://livetiming.getraceresults.com/zandvoort#screen-results
Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-zandvoort-july-26-27/
Live Stream: www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

British F4 title run-in set to begin at Zandvoort

The 2025 British Automobile Racing Club supported Wera Tools F4 British Championship is now on its final approach. The ten event, thirty round calendar is about to tip into the second half of the season, as the championship heads overseas for only the second time, with a return to Zandvoort in the Netherlands next up.

Last time out the young, upcoming drivers climbing the single-seater ladder got to experience the thrill of driving at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix weekend – in front of big crowds, a busy race schedule and the watchful eyes of F3, F2 and F1 team owners. Although a non championship, invitational weekend, the title protagonists now return to the business in hand – the fight for important points as the British F4 series heads from one Grand Prix venue to another, with the home of the Dutch Grand Prix next on the billing.

Leading the charge and one of the revelations of the season has been rookie Fionn McLaughlin from Ireland. With two wins to his name so far, McLaughlin leads the standings by five and half points thanks in part to a further four podiums in the opening chapter of the season. The Red Bull-backed driver is being chased hard by the consistent Martin Molnár. The Hungarian may only have a Thruxton win to his tally in 2025, but the 2024 Rookie Cup winner is setting his sights on the big prize this year and his methodical approach has put him right in the hunt for the number one spot come Brands Hatch in October.

Australian James Piszcyk is hanging onto the coattails of the two in front. The Rodin Motorsport driver has the same amount of wins as the front two combined, but the man from the land down under has two retirements to his name – hampering his overall leaderboard position. With plenty of points on offer, he could well pull himself into the slipstream and make a move for top spot before the year is out.

Top British driver, Henry Joslyn has yet to stand on the top spot, but six podiums has earned the Fortec driver a solid fourth in the standings. Nestled just behind him is August Raber. Despite the Swede clinching victories at Snetterton and a Donington double, the Argenti star has had a yo-yo season with retirements and outside of points finishes preventing him to challenge the drivers at the summit. With plenty of points on offer, the speed is there, if the consistency can follow – he will be a threat for the title.

As will British drivers Tommy Harfield and Thomas Bearman who are beginning to turn the screw and light up the show with recent performances. The pair sit sixth and seventh in the standings respectively and with a podium for both in the Silverstone showpiece earlier this month they will be on a high coming into part two of the championship.

Other drivers who have turned on the performance this year include Adam Al Azhari who has taken wins at Silverstone and Snetterton, Leo Robinson at Thruxton and Chase Fernandez at Donington. All know how to win and lead from the front and will be battling to add more silverware to their trophy cabinets.

One driver to keep an eye on for the future is 15-year-old Salim Hanna who parachuted into the series at Thruxton and scored points in all three races on his debut and won the final round at Britain’s fastest circuit. He did the double at the British Grand Prix supporting event at Silverstone. Remember the name. Those results could well give him the confidence for more glory if he returns for future rounds. We will have to wait and see…

So what can we look forward to on track? Well, close single-seater racing with the next generation of talent at the wheel – it reminds us of the Formula Ford days of old. There are rounds at Zandvoort, Knockhill, Donington Park GP, Silverstone National and Brands Hatch GP still to come. How competitive is the series? Very! 30 drivers have registered for the championship with half of those standing on the podium at some point this year. We have also had nine different winners from five different teams and we aren’t done yet!

Next up is Zandvoort in the Netherlands for the BARC circuit racing away day (26-27 July). You can follow all the F4 racing action along with the best from Caterham Motorsport and Caterham Graduates racing series live on YouTube channel with dedicated LIVE streams on both days.

BTCC reveals updated technical regulations from 2027

The British Touring Car Championship has announced its technical regulations for the next five-year cycle, with this latest evolution set to commence at the start of the 2027 campaign.

This season marks the 15th year since the NGTC regulations were first introduced, with the aim of them being to reduce costs and promote greater parity among competitors. 

Despite there being one remaining year of the existing specifications, series organisers TOCA has put together an evolution of these successful regulations for a further five years – running up until at least the end of 2031.

The goal of the new regulation cycle was to protect the assets of teams by maintaining eligibility for existing machinery, whilst introducing additional car and engine options, thereby expanding opportunities.

From 2027, providing that the vehicle brand is sold within the UK, then any model from that brand can be entered – as long as the car is originally equipped with an internal combustion engine as its primary means of motive power and, of course, conforms to the size and body regulations as per currently.
 
This change will allow a wider variety of cars to enter the BTCC, thus providing teams with greater flexibility and availability in choosing models that fit their goals, as well as giving spectators the experience of seeing cars compete that they may not have seen before.

In addition to that, TOCA has unlinked the engine requirements to each respective car, meaning that any BTCC-homologated engine can be used – not necessarily that from the original manufacturer of that specific car. 

Registered BTCC engine builders will also be bound to supply its engine to any interested team(s) if requested, although no engine supplier can provide more than 50% of the entered cars – with the exception of the TOCA engine, which is always made available to all teams.

Opening up engine availability and supply will enable teams and engine builders to more easily select their optimum base engine and share development costs.

A number of other technical regulations have received modest amendments with the full document due to be released over the coming weeks.

“We’re pleased to announce the BTCC’s technical regulations for the next five-year cycle, to commence in 2027, and I thank all our teams for their invaluable input over the last two years to bring them to fruition,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive.

“Every team wanted the BTCC to continue with the evolution of our great technical regulations… that was unquestioned. Therefore, our current stakeholders now have the assurance that their major components and capital investment will remain valid through 2031. 
 
“This evolution of the regulations also provides teams with more options, through opening the door to a host of new models and engines that can now be eligible for the BTCC.
 
“We value these successful regulations, which will have largely been in place for almost 20 years at the conclusion of this next cycle. The BTCC technical regulations, like the BTCC itself, is a true British success story.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey this September

Pembrey Circuit has confirmed that The Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival will return for a second successive year this September.

Debuting less than 12 months ago and going on to garner rave reviews, the automotive spectacle is back for a second instalment later this year on Sunday 21st September.

As a celebration of all things with an engine, the one-day event will see everything from rare supercars and rally machines to Formula 1 demonstrations and stunt shows – guaranteeing fun for all the family.

In addition, a number of car clubs will feature both on and off the circuit whilst other adrenaline-fuelled activities such as tractor pulling will make it a day to remember.

Tickets for Wales’ biggest motorsport festival are available to buy from https://pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival.

TCR UK and Milltek Civic Cup to stage August Taster Day

Organisers of the TCR UK Championship and the Milltek Civic Cup have announced its latest Taster Day will take place at Donington Park on Wednesday 20th August.

Utilising the Grand Prix layout of the Leicestershire venue, the event will offer drivers the opportunity to sample a car from each championship and learn more about how to get involved and compete.

Drivers will get two on-track sessions at Donington Park in either the EP3 Civic Cup car or the Hyundai i30 N TCR.

For those expressing an interest in taking part in the event, head to https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/2025-donington-park-taster-day/ and complete the form.

Those seeking further information can direct their questions to Championship Manager Jack Finlan via jack@maximumgroup.net.

Foxy’s at 30 – Three decades of volunteering

1995… Pierce Brosnan stepped into the role of James Bond, the Britpop era was at its height with Blur going toe-to-toe with Oasis, while Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League title. Meanwhile, a young Chris Fox, or Foxy as he is known to many in the club, volunteered to marshal at Sleemans corner at Bouley Bay for the first time. 30 years on – Foxy has become a regular fixture on the officials list – helping the team to put on four hillclimbs each year. We let Chris pick up the next part of the story… how did it all begin?

“I remember going down to Bouley Bay as early as 1975 or 1976 to watch, and then I used to go and watch friends compete as I got older, but it wasn’t until 1995 I started to volunteer and help out. I was doing the Jersey Rally and offered to marshal for someone for a couple of hillclimbs, who would in return marshal for me on the rally. Something I still do to this day. I wanted to marshal there as it was my favourite part of the hill, and soon after I was given more and more responsibility – and now look after the Sleemans section of the hill.”

But why was it Sleemans in particular?

“The vantage point at Sleemans – I think it’s one of the best on the hill. You are high up on the bank and you can see quite a lot of the course as riders and drivers come out of Cafe, into Sleemans and off into Les Platons corner. Somebody kindly laid down a concrete plinth for my chair and I also have a banner now which has: Foxy’s since 1995. It’s my home and I love it and I think I would be scared to go anywhere else now!

“I have only missed two events, and I have been lucky enough to compete once on a racing scooter I used to have. I really wanted to say, I had done one and to see what it was like as a competitor – I loved it, but love my place on the bank.”

Foxy has seen it all, from first time competitors to the British Championship hopefuls and everyone in between. Infact, the Jerseyman has seen all but one record set on the hill – quite impressive when you think about it. So in those 30 years – has anything stood out?

“One of my highlights was seeing Guernsey driver Andy Priaulx take the hill record. The atmosphere was incredible, and as a Channel Islander you felt proud. You could see he was just special behind the wheel and to see what he went on to go and do in motorsport speaks for itself.

“But, I think the thing I love is being fortunate enough to witness different generations from the same family compete. For some families they are now into their third generation which is very special for me.”

Now hitting the magic milestone of 30 what does the future hold for Foxy at Sleemans?

“Things have changed in my life over the years, but Sleemans has been the contestant, and I love doing it. I love the respect from the competitors, giving advice to newcomers and enjoy the company of those joining me on the bank. I am only 63 and fit and well, and will keep doing this for as long as I can keep climbing the bank – that is for sure.”

We would like to thank Chris for his 30 years of incredible service to motorsport at Bouley Bay. We would also like to extend our appreciation to every official, marshal and volunteer helping today and all season long. Thank you!

Goodwood locks in dates for 2026 Festival of Speed

Goodwood has announced that the 2026 edition of the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will take place on July 9-12.

Hot on the heels of this year’s motorsport garden party, the famous West Sussex venue is already setting its sights on next year, where a plethora of legendary motorsport personalities, global car launches, futuristic technology and much more will take centre stage.

Further announcements – including the theme of the event, high-profile attendees and iconic machines set to star — will be confirmed in due course.

Ticket information regarding the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed is available to view at https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/festival-of-speed/2026-festival-of-speed-dates-revealed-1/.

Willis: The Wizard of Bouley Bay

Everything turns into magic when Trevor Willis arrives in Jersey. There is something about Bouley Bay that just clicks with the three-time British Champion – nobody is more successful up Bouley Bay. Carrying the #5 on his V8 powered OMS in 2025 – this season marks the 25th anniversary of Trevor qualifying for British round run offs. We sat down with the Worcester driver and explored how he delivers top-notch performances on the Trinity hill year in year out.

To start, let’s drill into the numbers. The Englishman set the outright benchmark nine years ago with an eye watering 36.48 seconds. Willis also dominates the stats chart for total run off wins – with an impressive 10 victories, most points amassed in Jersey and has qualified for 41 rounds and recorded points in over 90% of them. Hillclimbing legend Roy Lane is the only man to have amassed more podiums and appearances than the Wizard of Bouley Bay.

“It’s so picturesque and completely unique with the views, and paddock right next to the sea,” said an enthusiastic Willis.”Every year I come back I have a great fondness and energy when arriving at the hill. It has been good to me over the years!

Why do you love the place and why has it been a happy hunting ground?

“I think it suits my car first and foremost. My car is at a power disadvantage against the latest cars from Gould, and Bouley Bay is somewhere where you need a good chassis, good acceleration and not all about top end speed or sheer grunt, as it’s relatively low speed to other hills. You need experience with this hill to get on the pace and commit for those vital tenths. It is one of the most technical – you have to carry speed and also brake while steering and setting up the car for a corner whilst going through another.

Where did the love affair begin with Bouley Bay?

“I always wanted to win a round – never thought I could though. I remember in 2007 I qualified well and was about to warm up the tyres and the late, great Roy Lane leant into the cockpit and said. ‘You could win this’ – that was all I needed it seemed, as I took my first run off win in Jersey minutes later and with that special memory of Roy as well – it will always be a place and moment dear to my heart.

Can we talk about 2016? Do you remember it all unfolding in those 34 and a bit seconds?

“I held the record and Wallace (Menzies) then took it from me – so that gave me a bit of fire in the belly as I really wanted it back. The record run was really on the edge. I do remember it vividly – even nine years on. I came into Radio Corner way too hot, and way too late on the brakes. When I did brake, the car rotated very quickly and actually got me pointing perfectly for the climb up to the top bend. I came out of Radio in a gear too high as well, but I think the slower exit was made up by a quick entry. Apart from that corner – it was near perfect everywhere. There is more time to be had, for sure.”

It’s been one of the longest standing records on the calendar. Can we see times tumble in 2025?

“Can the record go? Of course it can. Technology is always evolving. Cars are getting more sophisticated, more powerful and more importantly more efficient at putting that power into the road. Tyres are getting grippier and I think there is a big group of drivers now all very closely matched and that spurs you on because if you see a quick time – it shows the conditions are right for everyone.”

There is more in the tank for Trevor. The OMS driver is just two podiums away from equalling hill climb master Roy Lane on the rostrum count on the most southerly trip in the British Isles. You can also bet your bottom dollar he would love to win the final run off of the day – the 100th British round to be held on the island. Another impressive milestone to add to his ever growing collection.

Looking ahead to Guernsey at the weekend – a perhaps even bigger milestone is there for the taking… “Val de Terres is another story. I love that hill – but I don’t think it loves me back. I have won everywhere else on the calendar except in Guernsey and would love to tick that one off. You have to ride and float over the pavements there which does need a car with a good chassis and is also a power venue too. In the wet or damp conditions that does help me, so if it rains I would like to be able to challenge for a win to complete the set.”

Channel Islands crossing for British Hillclimb Championship

Some of the quickest cars and drivers in the UK are about to be let loose for the second half of the British Hillclimb Championship Presented by Nova Motorsport. The Channel Island double header hosts four decisive rounds that make or break a championship campaign – as you start to see who could be lifting the trophy and carrying the number one on the car the following year after a good tour in the most southerly part of the British Isles. Jersey is first up with the fiercely steep amphitheatre that is Bouley Bay on Tuesday and the fast and flowing Val de Terres hill in Guernsey on Saturday.

Single-seaters with up to 700bhp will be unleashed on the closed public roads, when F1 meets garden path for an exciting, thrilling combination. So who will be King of the hills? With 40 points up for grabs – We take a look at who will be eyeing up the points from the island visits.

Defending Champion Matt Ryder has bever won a round in the Channel Islands, despite loving the two hills. The Gould GR59J driver who has won nine rounds this year, wont be sharing the car with owner Sean Gould this week – so the number one seed will be able to dial the fearsome four-litre machine to his liking completely. We tip Bouley Bay to be the location of the Englishman to break his Channel Island duck. Watch this space!

Ryder’s closest opposition this season is four-time British Champion Wallace Menzies – who is back for a full season and eager to claim his fifth title and snatch back the number one spot in the process. The Gould GR59M is perhaps the most state of the art hill climbing car in the country today, and in the hands of Menzies – will be explosive to watch in both Jersey and Guernsey. The Flying Scotsman knows how to do the business across the water having sealed 10 previous run off wins on previous visits – six in Jersey and four in Guernsey. Watch out too for Nicola Menzies who be eyeing further points to add to her previous Channel Island forays.

Trevor Willis is the ‘Wizard of Bouley Bay’ – there is something about Bouley Bay and Trevor Willis that just clicks. The OMS 28 might be an older car and unable to keep tabs on the newer Gould machinery on the faster UK hills, but at Bouley Bay – Willis is a major force and still holds the record nine years on. His 10 wins, 26 podiums and points scoring rate of over 90% makes him the man to beat. Will he lower the record – that will be a challenge. Can he win a round – absolutely.

Will Hall is one of the best drivers to have never lifted the BHC title. The Gould driver on his day is almost untouchable and with two wins already this year at Doune and Prescott – Hall is the person looking to extract the most from this double-header – eyeing the biggest points haul from both Jersey and Guernsey. Having won on both hills, he along with Menzies are the most rounded and can adapt to both closed road challenges..

Dave Uren is a man yet to win a Channel Island run-off, but in the right conditions could well be fighting for one if everything falls into place for the Gould driver. Scott and Emma Rayson in their little one-litre Empire will be praying for wet conditions to make it a level playing field, as will Nigel Pitt in his OMS and Darren Gumbley and Paul Jones in their shared 1600cc Force.

Jersey hopes will be carried by Michael Salmon in his two-litre OMS CF04. The local driver has been the fastest driver of the day on local events over the last few years and is ready to step-up against UK opposition. Salmon qualified last year but missed out on a point by six hundredths of a second. Can the first local points be claimed after a six year wait? This is the man to do it.

Jeremy Phillips was the last Jersey driver to score on home soil back in 2019 in his massive 6.2-litre Gould GR37, and could well throw his hat into the ring if it’s dry. As could Michael’s brother Alex – who is sharing the beastly Gould with Phillips, as he prepares to battle his brother and for his first point on his first BHC round in a top car with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Glyn Moignard will also be eyeing his first BHC points in his 1600cc OMS while Father Barry Moignard – who has been campaigning a V8 Skoda for over 30 years jumps into a OMS single-seater – with locals looking forward to seeing how he gets on, on his first attempt.

Andy Bougourd and Nick Saunders are the two favourites from Guernsey. Both will be using Bouley Bay as warm-up to their home hill Val de Terres, where both will be working towards big points hauls – taking away points from the mainlanders, and in the right circumstances would challenge for a top five or even higher. Wouldn’t that be a treat for the home crowd!

The Jersey round at Bouley Bay will be held on a Tuesday for the first time with the first Channel Island leg on Tuesday 15h July, with the Guernsey round at Val des Terres on Saturday 19th July.

We wish everyone involved in the British Hillclimb Championship a safe and successful second half of the season.

TOCA to operate and promote BTCC through 2031

Motorsport UK and BARC (TOCA) Limited have today (10 July) announced the extension of its current agreement, with TOCA now contracted to operate and promote the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) through to the end of 2031.

The most recent and ongoing reappointment by Motorsport UK – the governing body of UK motorsport – will see TOCA continue to organise and promote the championship beyond the conclusion of the current contract, which ends in 2026. This new term ensures the continuation of that agreement for another five years, through to the end of 2031.

Running since 1958, the BTCC is the third oldest motorsport championship in the world, with only Formula 1 and NASCAR boasting longer histories in the sport. In the modern era, the BTCC welcomes up to 40,000 spectators each weekend, enjoys live free to air UK television coverage on the ITV network and is streamed live across the globe.

Now, thanks to this latest announcement, TOCA – one of the longest standing and renowned motorsport operators and promotors in the world – can continue to plan and invest in the long-term strategy for the UK’s most popular and competitive motorsport championship.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “This agreement is important for the sustained growth of the championship. The BTCC has been in safe hands for many years and this continuity of the commitment between TOCA and Motorsport UK ensures enduring stability for all our teams and stakeholders.

“As well, it enables us to commit to our updated technical regulations for 2027 and beyond, which will be released later this month, as well as all the other important elements in order to ensure the continued success and vibrancy of the BTCC.”

David Richards CBE, Chair of Motorsport UK, commented: “The British Touring Car Championship is one of the oldest, most popular and competitive motorsport championships in the world.

“TOCA have been wonderful custodians of the BTCC, utilising their expertise and know-how to operate and promote the championship with the highest of standard.

“Motorsport UK is delighted to confirm TOCA’s operation of the BTCC through to 2031 and we look forward to continuing and growing our partnership.”