Author: Chris Ashby

BARC statement on early-season events

Since the Prime Minister clarified the relaxing of guidance last week (February 22), we have been working hard behind the scenes with venues and championships to evaluate what it means for the start of the BARC’s racing programme this year.

Alongside the need to ensure everyone’s safety, there is a great deal to take into consideration in these decisions, including overnight stays, travelling time for marshals, officials and competitors, the availability of circuits and the knock-on effects of rearranging rounds into an already busy calendar.

However, we are delighted to announce that we have arranged with Silverstone to move the Britcar Endurance Championship event from March 27/28 to April 24/25.

We remain in discussions about our Croft event on April 10 and our British Truck Racing Championship headlining race meeting at Brands Hatch on April 10/11. We hope to make an announcement on those as soon as possible this week.

Silverstone to host BTCC Season Launch in April

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that it will stage its official 2021 Season Launch at Silverstone on April 22.

All 29 cars will be in attendance at the Home of British Motor Racing as teams and drivers take to the track together for the first time this year for the only official pre-season test.

Six hours of testing will take place over the course of the day around the National Circuit in total, with the opening session between 10:00-13:00, before the afternoon segment runs from 14:00-17:00.

Official championship photography and ITV filming will be carried out at the venue, as well as other media interviews and activities.

Following the UK Government’s latest directives surrounding COVID-19, spectators will not be permitted to attend the event.

As of midday on February 26, Series Organisers TOCA have confirmed that the deadline for entries has closed, with all 29 participants signed up for the forthcoming 2021 campaign. The official BTCC entry list will be published either on or just before the Season Launch.

Goodwood pushes Members’ Meeting back to later in the year

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting, which traditionally opens the Goodwood calendar of events, has been postponed until October 16/17 following the UK’s government’s roadmap out of the current lockdown restrictions.

Originally scheduled to take place in May, the two-day event will now conclude Goodwood’s schedule of popular events, with an exhilarating mix of races set to take centre stage.

With a limited number of spectators set to be allowed to sporting events from May 17 at the earliest, organisers of the event have elected to postpone until later in the year.

In a statement, Goodwood said: “While the revived Members’ Meetings, which began in 2014, have always adopted a ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach to motorsport – even racing on in the face of the legendary ‘Beast from the East’ storm that curtailed other events in 2018 – the safety of our spectators and competitors is our highest priority.

“Therefore we will continue to work closely with Public Health England and the UK Government to ensure that any events are run in strict accordance with government guidelines. Plans for ensuring the safety of all at our events, whether behind the wheel, in the paddocks or watching from trackside, are well advanced to ensure that all three Goodwood motorsport events can go ahead this year.

“Where necessary, we have reduced the number of people present on-site to allow for social distancing. This will be regularly reviewed and adjusted in line with the latest official guidance as event planning proceeds.

“Goodwood wants customers to be able to book with confidence and if it is deemed that an event cannot take place on advice from the UK Government due to the ever-changing pandemic, the ‘Ticket Guarantee’ means customers can transfer their ticket to the following year or receive a full refund.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival are still scheduled to take place in their respective July and September slots this year.

Legends Cars renames Masters Award in honour of late Gerard McCosh

The Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres has announced a fitting memorial to much-missed racer Gerard McCosh – renaming its Masters Award to the ‘Gerard McCosh Napoleon Award’.

Presented to the best performing driver in the Masters division at the end of each Legends Cars race day, the re-naming of the award is a poignant tribute to the Scottish racer who tragically lost a lengthy battle with cancer in early February.

Undoubtedly one of the most loved and respected drivers in the paddock, the 67-year-old’s passing has left a notable void on the Legends Cars community.

The ‘Napoleon’ aspect of the award’s new name is a reference to Gerard’s famed mascot which always brought a smile to the faces of competitors and fans alike. His illustrious passenger, a pink pig cuddly toy, was arguably one of the most notable faces in UK motorsport.

In addition to the award, the championship has also confirmed that Gerard’s favoured No.69 will be retired from use in the Legends Cars National Championship – another move to acknowledge and honour the popular racer.

“It’s only right and proper we do something in Gerard’s memory, and specifically something which keeps his name part of the Legends Cars National Championship,” said Legends owner Phil Cooper. “Gerard was a larger than life character and someone who always made people smile. Quite simply, a wonderful sportsman and a true gentleman.

“While it is obviously tinged with great sadness, I am delighted to confirm the winner of the Masters class from every round will now receive the Gerard McCosh Napoleon Award. As well as that, we have decided to retire his famous ‘69’ from use in the Legends Cars as a further mark of respect and way of honouring our much-missed friend.”

JSCC set to begin search for latest Scholarship star

The Junior Saloon Car Championship is set to once again begin its search for the next teenage sensation and provide the opportunity of a lifetime as it stages its Scholarship programme for the 2021 season.

Scheduled to take place at Croft Circuit on Monday 5th April, a number of aspiring racers will all battle it out for a chance to win a fully-funded season in the 2021 Junior Saloon Car Championship as well as several other prizes.

Drivers will face a series of tests which include facing the media, showcasing their fitness and getting behind the wheel to underline their racing prowess. A judging panel made up of championship’s organisers and partners will then whittle down the competition before selecting a winner.

Previous winners of the award include former champion Scott McIntyre, Harry Rice and last year’s victor Deagan Fairclough, who enjoyed a sensational maiden campaign.

Commenting on winning the Scholarship, Fairclough said: “Winning the Scholarship has totally changed my life. I entered it at just 13-years-old as my parents had planned to enter me the following year, however Dave (Beecroft) told my Dad to enter me anyway as I could gain the experience.

“The day was so surreal, I got to drive a car for the first time and I was buzzing all day. After making it into the top three, me and my parents were convinced that one of the older guys had got it and that they wouldn’t pick someone so young but here I am.

“The JSCC has really built me as a person as I’ve had some amazing results and bad luck, the usual highs and lows that everyone has in racing. The experiences has better mentally prepared me for my future career and things to look out for. Everyone in the series has been great and supports each other, that’s what it is all about.

“I’ve made friends for life in the JSCC and it’s been an experience I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to see where this great start to my car racing journey is going to take me.”

To find out more information on the Junior Saloon Car Championship and it’s Scholarship programme, head to https://www.juniorsaloons.co.uk/.

BARC Connaught Speed Championship set for biggest ever season

The BARC Connaught Speed Championship is set for its biggest ever season this year after unveiling a bumper 33-round calendar, of which the ten best scores will decide who walks away as champion.

Having been one of several championships that elected to take a sabbatical from competition in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series is currently gearing up for what will be a record-breaking campaign.

Boasting the biggest ever calendar it has produced, this year’s schedule has been split, with 50% of the venues at hillclimbs such as Shelsley Walsh, Barbon, Prescott, Harewood and Gurston, and the other 50% taking place at sprints including Curborough, MIRA, Snetterton and Anglesey.

New-for-2021 is the introduction of the ‘Studio5009 – Classic Cup’, which is a bonus award designed for cars built prior to January 2001. With a handicap system in place to favour old, standard saloon machines, a balance throughout the field should ensure close results from the get-go.

In addition, Connaught Competition Engines have continued as the categories primary sponsor for the third successive year whilst a further four other sponsors will continue to fund a variety of awards too.

Those interested in competing in the 2021 BARC Connaught Speed Championship should contact Championship Coordinator Bob Adams via bob@barc-midlands.com or by heading to the website where the entry fee is just £35.00.

To view the full 2021 calendar, CLICK HERE.

Pickup Truck Racing Championship gearing up for 2021 return

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship is gearing up to be back and better than ever in 2021 as preparations continue to ramp up ahead of the start of the new season, with no less than 31 drivers already signed up to compete.

Having taken a sabbatical from the track last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-loved series is primed to return and its keen to make up for the adrenaline-filled entertainment that was unable to take place in 2020.

Boasting a bumper entry list that exceeds 30 cars, the battle for supremacy to clinch the coveted title is set to be fierce, with 2019 title winner George Turiccki leading the way. After being unable to defend his crown last year, Turiccki technically enters the season as the reigning champion and he will be focused on securing back-to-back championship victories.

Leading the chase for Turiccki are perennial contenders Michael Smith, Dale Gent, Mark Willis, Reece Jones, David O’Regan and Daniel Petters, amongst many others including a total of eight rookies.

This year’s calendar will see a potential 22 races spread across ten events over the course season. Five of those race meetings will be in support of the blockbuster British Truck Racing Championship whilst a further two will play out around the one-mile oval at Mallory Park.

Visits to Knockhill and Lydden Hill will add further intrigue and excitement to proceedings before three trips to Brands Hatch complete what is set to be a spectacular campaign.

Providing value for money and with a family ethos running throughout the paddock, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship will undoubtedly make its mark throughout 2021 as it looks to bounce back from a quiet 2020.

For more information on the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, visit the categories Facebook, Twitter and Website.

BARC Marshals Training postponed due to government restrictions

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that due to the current COVID-19 government restrictions, BARC Marshal Training days have been postponed.

Traditionally, a total of five training days are normally held across the months of February and March at venues such as Croft, Pembrey and Thruxton.

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 each season.

More information regarding BARC Marshals Training as restrictions are eased will be communicated in due course.

To find out more information on how to become a member of the ‘orange army’ and play a role in the sport you love, head to https://www.barc.net/marshals/.

Champions celebrated as BARC Championship Awards goes virtual

The British Automobile Racing Club rolled out the virtual red carpet this past Saturday (February 6th) as the champions of 2020 were honoured in a unique Awards Presentation on social media.

Whilst this time of year is normally awash with Black Tie events, the current government guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic meant that this year’s BARC Championship Awards Lunch was cancelled.

Originally scheduled to take place at the Thruxton Centre as a low-key replacement for what is traditionally one of the biggest prize-giving evenings of the year, the annual ceremony took on a very different look for 2021 online.

Celebrating the achievements of drivers, marshals and officials via Facebook and Twitter, each champion was honoured with their own individual post, recognising the triumphs they had during the last year.

In addition, the Club also announced the winners of its four secret awards; The Peter Collins Trophy, The Densely Trophy, The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy and the BARC Marshal of the Year.

Tom Lebbon capped off a memorable first season in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship by being the worthy recipient of the coveted Peter Collins Trophy.

Awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, Lebbon made history in the one-make TOCA support series by becoming the first Scholarship winner to take the overall title in their maiden campaign, chalking up five victories along the way.

Having not been presented last year, The Densely Trophy made a welcome return and it saw Esmee Hawkey’s name be the latest to be engraved onto its famous silverware. Bestowed upon the most successful female driver competing in a BARC championship, Hawkey proved to be a deserving winner.

Competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the Team Parker Racing driver produced a near-perfect season-long performance to clinch the Pro-Am title and score an overall podium finish as well.

For the second year in succession, The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy was shared between two winners. Awarded to the person that completes the most volunteering days over the course of the season, 2020 saw couple Alan Stalker and Nikki Hazelwood tally the most to share the prize.

They weren’t the only marshals that have been commended for their dedication and pivotal work during last season as Mark Trimby was announced as BARC Marshal of the Year.

Boasting a rich history, Mark was one of the standout candidates for the award after he bravely helped a driver escape their car as a fire broke out at Thruxton in September.

Look back over our Awards thread on our Twitter page HERE.

To view the full list of British Automobile Racing Club award winners, CLICK HERE.

BARC Red Sports & Saloons confirmed for sophomore season

After breaking new ground in 2020, the British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that its popular BARC Red Sports/Saloons format will return for its sophomore season, with three events currently scheduled to take place over the course of 2021.

Open to competitors who drive open/closed roof Sports & Saloon cars, regardless of what championship or racing club they compete in and providing they met current Motorsport UK safety regulations, the series of races garnered plenty of attention from the outset last year and duly delivered.

Formatted to feature a 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races over the course of a weekend, entries are accepted with a pre declared lap time for the specific circuit upon which competitors have entered into. Classes are then changed post-qualifying and post-race if competitors ran two or more laps faster in a qualifying session or race than their nominated class allowance stipulates.

Now, with experience from last year and interest building, a total of three events will be run during the forthcoming season.

BARC Red will feature at Oulton Park on April 17, Knockhill on May 29/30 and Thruxton on July 3/4.

Those interested in competing should contact BARC Competitions Secretary David Wheadon via dwheadon@barc.net.

CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Championship revved up for 2021 campaign

Preparations are well underway for the start of the new CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship season, with the forthcoming campaign shaping up to be one of the best in its long and illustrious history.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the championship enters its 38th year in 2021 and its popularity continues to grow, with a bumper grid expected to line up and duke it out for the coveted overall title this year.

Such has been the success of the multi-class category that Ric Wood and CNC Heads have continued their unrivalled title sponsorship of the series,

Coming off the back of a COVID-19 affected 2020, the CNC Heads contingent are planning a full season with 13 rounds spread across seven events. In line with their policy of controlling costs by having multi round meetings, five of the events have more than one race taking place.

Three visits to Oulton Park, where the North West Centre takes operational control of the race meeting, as well as trips to Knockhill, Cadwell Park, Donington Park and Croft are set to provide a fitting backdrop for this exhilarating championship.

As usual the championship is open to saloon, sports or GT cars that were originally designed for the road. To encourage competition the cars are split into Specials and Modifieds (based on extent of preparation), with each category further split by engine capacity at 1600 and 2500cc.

Anyone wanting to join this friendly, cost controlled, competitive and clean championship can follow the link to the CNC Heads page on barcnorthwestern.co.uk or contact John Leck at johnleck.racing@hotmail.co.uk.

BARC unveils bumper live stream partnership with FreeSports and 247.TV for 2021 season

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that no less than 16 race meetings will be streamed live and online over the course of the 2021 season after forging a partnership with leading sports production company, 247.TV.

Showcasing the exhilarating, edge-of-the-seat action that is produced by the BARC’s variety of championships and series, all events will be broadcast live on the Club’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, complete with commentary, graphics and full production values.

Footage will then be post-produced to create a weekly BARC highlights show that will be aired on FreeSports, the only free-to-air sports channel in the UK, under the title ‘Full Throttle’. In a first for UK club motor racing, the channel will also broadcast the live footage from a number of events, as their programming schedule permits.

Championships that will feature over the course of the season include the Britcar Endurance Championship, British Truck Racing Championship, Caterham Graduates Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club, amongst many more.

With the 2021 campaign due to begin in two months’ time, this new streaming partnership between the BARC and 247.TV will allow competitors, club members and fans to watch the best of national motorsport from the comfort of their own home.

Boasting more than two decades of experience, 247.TV is an independent production company which specialises in exciting content for both TV and online. Covering approximately 70 events per month across multiple sports, 247.TV has worked alongside the FA, RFL and England Rugby, amongst many others.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have tied up this deal with 247.TV. It is a huge step forward for the club and will be a significant boost for our many championships and competitors. We saw last year how popular it was and we’re sure it will be a big success in 2021.”

Adrian Battersby, 247.TV Head of Production, added: “COVID forced us to change our direction in 2020 so we decided to look at  motorsport’s production. I’m pleased to see that our approach was met with a positive reaction and we can’t wait to get started on the shows this year.”

Richard Webb, FreeSports Director of Programming, concluded: “As many sports were affected during 2020, we took some content from BARC events and were thrilled with the popularity of the shows and the quality of the driving across various different categories at iconic venues around the UK. We are certainly looking forward to the shows in 2021.”

BARC 2021 Live Stream Schedule

March 27/28 – Silverstone International

April 10/11 – Brands Hatch

April 24/25 – Cadwell Park

May 8/9 – Snetterton

May 15/16 – Pembrey

June 12 – Oulton Park

July 3/4 – Silverstone Grand Prix

July 3/4 – Thruxton

July 31/August 1 – Brands Hatch

August 21/22 – Donington Park

August 21/22 – Silverstone

September 18/19 – Snetterton

October 9/10 – Pembrey

October 17 – Mallory Park

October 23/24 – Donington Park

November 6/7 – Brands Hatch

November 13/14 – Brands Hatch

Note: All dates are provisional and subject to change in accordance with the latest government advice regarding COVID-19.

Viewers can watch FreeSports on Freeview/BT/TalkTalk channel 64, Sky channel 422 and Virgin Media channel 553.

Subscribe to the British Automobile Racing Club’s official YouTube channel HERE.