Author: Chris Ashby

BTCC speeds back to Thruxton in 2020 with tickets now on sale

Britain’s premier race series will once again tackle the fastest circuit in the UK in 2020; with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returning to Thruxton on May 16/17 – and tickets are now on sale discounted pre-Christmas prices.

Coming off the back of a memorable 2019 season which saw the home of the British Automobile Racing Club enjoy two bites of the BTCC cherry, Thruxton is revved up for another blockbuster race meeting to kick off a sensational summer of motorsport.

Tens of thousands of spectators descended on the Hampshire venue in both May and August of this past year to see frenetic wheel-to-wheel action; with Andrew Jordan, Sam Tordoff, Josh Cook and Dan Cammish all sharing the spoils.

Staging the fourth event of the season in 2020; Rounds 10, 11 & 12 at Thruxton are likely to play a pivotal role once again in the championship battle as momentum begins to build.

As ever, edge-of-the-seat entertainment alongside the BTCC will come from the TOCA support package; with the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup and the MINI Challenge all set to take centre stage.

With discounted tickets prices frozen until Christmas, tickets to Thruxton to watch the BTCC next May are the perfect present for the petrolhead in your lift.

Head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc to purchase yours now.

BARC to bring the curtain down on 2019 season at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club is set to race into the night and into the off-season at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 9/10) as the famous Kent venue plays host to the final race meeting of 2019.

In what has been another blockbuster year for the Club – which has seen countless events at circuits around the country – the curtain will fall on the 2019 campaign in what is being predicted to be enthralling style.

Taking centre stage with two long-distance races around the Indy layout will be the Dunlop Endurance Championship. With the overall title still to be settled, the Ferrari 488 Challenge duo of Paul Bailey and Andy Schulz find themselves in the pound seat and on the cusp of the glory.

However, before they can savour the spoils of a season-long title challenge, the pair will have to fend off the advances of the chasing pack across two enthralling encounters that will continue into darkness.

Following what has been a historic year, the Distrigo Parts Distribution Citroen C1 Challenge will draw to a close for another year with a bumper entry list revved up for its two-hour finale.

After setting a new British record at Silverstone for the largest-ever starting grid back in April, the popular one-make series has proven to be a smash-hit once again – with more excitement destined to play out over the course of the weekend.

Wayne Rockett has been the cream of the crop in the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup this year, winning ten of the 12 scheduled races so far, and he is looking to add two more to his tally during the weekend.

Enjoying another action-packed year, an ultra-competitive grid has gone wheel-to-wheel from the get-go and expect a host of drivers to challenge Rockett all the way to the final lap of the season.

Ginetta will end its season on a high with its Junior Winter Series; the annual end-of-season spectacular that has become renowned as a proving ground for the stars of the following season.

With the last seven Winter Series champions having gone on to finish in the top two in the main championship the next year, the competition is fierce and this year’s entry list boasts a host of potential winners.

Amongst those to look out for include James Taylor, Josh Rattican, Joel Pearson, Bailey Voisin, Aston Millar and Ben Kasperczak – in addition to a host of others.

Rounding out the weekend’s on-track entertainment will be races from the Dunlop Winter Mini Challenge supported by Mini Spares and a string of Open Tin Top encounters.

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting, including the event timetable and live timing, click here.

Anglesey Circuit revved up for Remembrance Service like no other courtesy of Mission Motorsport

Anglesey Circuit is set to take centre stage this weekend (November 8/9/10) for one of the highlights of the 2019 UK motorsport calendar – Race of Remembrance – and this year’s event is primed to scale new heights.

Returning to the picturesque North Wales venue for the sixth consecutive year, the three-day meeting will once again blend motor racing with commemorating the sacrifices made by all service personnel and their families.

Run by the Forces’ charity Mission Motorsport, the event is very much billed a Remembrance Service with a 12-hour endurance event attached to it.

With multiple classes structured to ensure that all manner of machinery can compete, this year sees another ultra-competitive entry list confirmed with more than 40 teams scheduled to go wheel-to-wheel for overall glory.

Notable drivers in action include BTCC race winners Tom Ingram and Rob Austin,  Mike Conway, four-time IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and his younger brother, sportscar ace Marino Franchitti.

Unique as an event on the whole, Race of Remembrance will be paused at points throughout the weekend, meaning that although it will be a 12-hour endurance race the time it takes to start and finish it will be much longer.

The most notable pause will come at 10:45 on Sunday morning when the racing will stop and the circuit will fall silent for a special service of remembrance, which will take place in the pit lane.

For links to the event timetable, entry list, live timing and more, head to https://www.barc.net/event/race-of-remembrance-anglesey/.

Orders for new Clio Cup UK race car now being taken ahead of 2020 season

Orders are now being taken for Renault Sport Racing’s fifth generation Clio Cup race car, which in 2020 will compete in an all-new championship in the United Kingdom.

With support from Renault Sport Racing in France and promotion by R.S. Promotions, the one-make series is set write a new chapter in its illustrious history after bringing a two-decade association with the TOCA support package to an end this year.

For 2020, a seven-event calendar has been confirmed – with five of them taking place alongside the British GT Championship; whilst a further two will be held overseas.

The Grand Prix configurations of Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone will all feature on British shores, with Magny-Cours and one other track making up the rest of the schedule.

Open to ‘Pro’ and ‘Am’ drivers, Renault Sport Racing has confirmed that the price of the ‘Gen 5’ Clio Cup will be €37,900 (euros) + vat.

Those wishing to place an order can do so by placing a deposit of ÂŁ2,000 per car.

Renault Sport Racing Customer Racing Commercial Director, Benoit Nogier, said: “2020 will mark an important new chapter for the spirit of Clio Cup competition.

“Our philosophy has always been to make competing in Clio Cup accessible and enjoyable for both amateur racing enthusiasts as well as career-minded drivers, and we believe the new Clio Cup is the perfect car to achieve that.”

To view the full technical specification of the car, head to https://www.cliocupuk.com/

Clio Cup UK 2020 Calendar

May 16/17 – Snetterton

June 6/7 – Silverstone Grand Prix

June 20/21 – Donington Park Grand Prix

August 29/30 – Brands Hatch Grand Prix

September 12/13 – Magny-Cours

September 19/20 – Donington Park Grand Prix

Overseas Event – TBA

BARC championships deliver show-stopping weekend at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage at Brands Hatch this past weekend (November 2/3) as five championships battled contrasting conditions to bring the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns.

As champions were crowned in front of a bumper crowd around the famous Kent venue, fireworks flew both on and off the track across a sensational two days of scintillating entertainment.

One of the headline acts of the weekend proved to the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, which served up no less than eight spellbinding encounters.

In Division 1, Ryan Smith secured a fourth successive title as he converted his healthy points advantage over David Jenkins into an unassailable lead.

Storming to pole position, the MAN driver was victorious in race one before then going on to finish in fourth in race two – which was enough to wrap up the title. Jamie Anderson meanwhile proved to be unstoppable on Sunday as he scorched his way to a hat-trick of race wins.

Steven Powell made home advantage count in Division 2 as he powered his way to a hat-trick of race wins. Cementing his status as vice-champion, Powell was in a league of his own for a majority of the weekend whilst John Bowler rounded off the year on the top step of the podium.

Producing plenty of thrills and spills, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres brought its 25th Anniversary campaign to a close in sensational style – with Miles Rudman being crowned champion for the first-ever time.

Entering the finale holding a significant points lead, Rudman made no mistake to get the job done; winning Saturday and Sunday’s finals in show-stopping fashion. Connor Mills, Paul Simmons, Jack Parker and John Mickel also tasted victory across both days too.

Scott McIntyre was another driver to savour the spoils of victory over the course of the weekend as he captured the Junior Saloon Car Championship title.

With double points on offer, a second place finish behind outgoing champion Lewis Saunders in the opening encounter was enough for the 2018 Scholarship victor to secure the championship. Saunders would reign supreme in the final race of the season too.

The Pickup Truck Racing Championship crowned a brand-new champion in the shape of George Turiccki at Brands Hatch, with three blockbuster encounters captivating those in attendance.

Michael Smith, the returning Lea Wood and Declan Jones shared the spoils but nobody could stop Turiccki from capturing his first championship in the series.

Despite 2019 champion Malcolm Blackman electing to miss the season finale, the Super Silhouette Championship was in fine form too during the weekend with Danny Hunn and Lewis Smith signing off with a win apiece.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch from this past weekend, click here.

Croft 2020 BTCC tickets now on sale

Tickets for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s annual visit to Croft Circuit on August 15/16 2020 are now on sale, with discounted prices confirmed in the run up to Christmas.

In what is set to be one of headline events as part of a spectacular summer of motorsport in North Yorkshire, tickets to the seventh event on the BTCC calendar could make the the perfect present for the petrol head in your life.

Having traditionally featured during the first half of the season, the annual BTCC trip to the north east will now take place during the second half of the 2020 campaign, with the venue set to play a pivotal role in the destiny of the title – playing host to Rounds 19, 20 & 21.

Croft’s blend of high-speed and tight technical corners makes it a favourite amongst competitors and spectators alike, with edge-of-the-seat entertainment all-but guaranteed. In 2019, Andrew Jordan and Tom Chilton reigned supreme on an action-packed race day.

In addition to the thrills and spills of the BTCC, fans will also see bumper support race action over the course of the weekend courtesy of the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, MINI Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB and F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost.

Tracey Morley, Croft Circuit Manager, said: “We’re delighted to now be able to allow fans to buy tickets to next year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event – all of which are at discounted prices.

“After several years of hosting the event in June, we are excited to take up a spot on the calendar in August and we’re sure it will be one of the highlights of the summer; especially with three high-octane BTCC races and a bumper bill of support race action too.

“With tickets available to purchase at discounted prices from now right the way up to Christmas, these really are the perfect presents for any petrolhead.”

Visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc to view full tickets offers and prices, as well as more information on 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Thomas Lebbon wins Ginetta Junior Scholarship to secure fully-funded 2020 drive

Thomas Lebbon has secured a fully-funded season in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship for 2020 after winning the coveted Ginetta Junior Scholarship at Blyton Park.

Following three days of intense competition which saw the list of contenders whittled down from 68 to five, the teenage karting sensation produced a superlative performance to clinch one of the most sought after prizes in British motorsport.

Impressing the judging panel, Lebbon starred throughout the variety of driving, fitness and media assessments that were put in front of him, ultimately being selected as the next possible future star the Yorkshire manufacturer as produced.

Running for the tenth year in succession, the Ginetta Junior Scholarship has forged the careers of previous winners such as Stuart Middleton, Daniel Harper, Adam Smalley and Ethan Brooks.

In addition to earning himself a spot on the grid for next year and the use of a Ginetta G40 race car, Brooks will also receive insurance, consumables, tyres and fuel plus professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the 2020 campaign.

Commenting on the achievement, Lebbon said: “What an amazing moment! I never thought this was going to happen, so I’m feeling both delighted and surprised.

“I enjoyed pushing the Ginetta to the limit and I can’t wait to go racing in it for the first time at Donington Park.”

The 2020 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship roars into life at Donington Park on March 28/29 before joining travelling the length and breadth of the UK on the support bill of the Kwik British Touring Car Championship.

Fireworks to fly at Brands Hatch as BARC championships gear up to sign off 2019 season

Fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 2/3) as the British Automobile Racing Club descends on the Kent venue with four championships set to bring the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns in spectacular fashion.

One of the headline events of the season, an awe-inspiring fireworks display on Sunday evening will be proceeded by a feast of on-track action from the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and Super Silhouette Championship.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, the MV Commercial BTRA Championship will arguably take centre stage with eight blockbuster races.

In Division 1, Ryan Smith and David Jenkins will conclude their battle for the coveted crown. Bidding to clinch a four consecutive title, Smith finds himself in the box seat at the head of the standings however Jenkins can’t be discounted from overhauling the MAN racer.

Luke Garrett can rest easy after wrapping up the Division 2 title at Pembrey last time out however there is still plenty to race for. A five-way battle for second place remains keenly fought over so a watchful eye should be cast on Steven Powell, Brad Smith, Paul Rivett, John Bowler and John Powell.

Meanwhile, Miles Rudman sits on the cusp of a maiden Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title as he heads a 30-strong entry list into the final event of what has been a momentous 25th Anniversary campaign for the popular pocket rockets.

Holding a substantial lead over his rivals, the former rookie champion will be keen to convert his advantage into championship silverware and with six races in which to do so, he has plenty of opportunities.

Rudman will have to wary of the likes of John Mickel, Sean Smith, Sy Harraway, Marcus Pett, Will Gibson and many more, all of whom will be undoubtedly in the mix to challenge towards the sharp end of the grid.

The destiny of the Junior Saloon Car Championship will be decided at Brands Hatch too, with three drivers in the mix and double points on offer. Showcasing themselves as the next generation of UK motorsport stars, the JSCC contingent will undoubtedly put on a show to remember.

Scott McIntyre, who at times has been in a league of his own, holds a 54-point advantage at the standings summit and looks on course to convert his lead into title glory. Both Alex Jay and reigning champion Lewis Saunders are the only two drivers to stand in McIntyre’s way.

A first-ever Pickup Truck Racing Championship is within touching distance of George Turiccki, however it isn’t job done just yet. Having been the epitome of consistency, tallying five wins along the way, Turiccki sits on the cusp of glory but he will need to be wary of the chasing pack.

Dale Gent and Michael Smith are the closest rivals to Turiccki as it stands but both will need fortune to fall their way if they are to complete a remarkable comeback.

Only the BARC Super Silhouette Championship is the only category to be settled heading into the weekend, with Malcolm Blackman having attained an unassailable lead last time out.

Having flourished under the stewardship of Sonny Howard, the spaceframe series has scaled new heights this year and a bumper entry list will round out what has been another superlative season of wheel-to-wheel action.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Brands Hatch, such as links to live timing and the timetable, click here.

BARC strengthens ties with British Hill Climb Championship

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to confirm that it will continue in its role of operating and promoting the British Hill Climb Championship in the coming years.

Following a tender process which was carried out by Motorsport UK, the BARC has been issued a new contract to remain in its current position of running the prestigious championship.

BARC General Manager Ian Watson, along with Championship Co-ordinator Tim Wilson and Championship Administrator Jackie Wilson will head up a committee that includes former Midland Automobile Club Operations Manager Robin Webb and ex Bugatti Owners’ Club General Manager Stuart Webster to steer the series moving forward.

In addition to the news that the BARC will remain associated with the British Hill Climb Championship for the foreseeable future, organisers have also unveiled an unchanged calendar for the 2020 season.

2020 British Hill Climb Championship Calendar

April 25/26 – Prescott

May 2 – Craigantlet

May 9/10 – Harewood

May 23/24 – Gurston Down

June 6/7 – Shelsley Walsh

June 13/14 – Loton Park

June 20/21  Doune

July 4 – Barbon Manor

July 5 – Harewood

July 15 – Bouley Bay

July 18 – Val des Terres

July 25/26 – Wiscombe Park

August 15/16 – Shelsley Walsh

August 29/30 – Gurston Down

September 5/6 – Prescott

September 19/20 – Doune

September 26/27 – Loton Park

To find out more information on the British Hill Climb Championship, click here.

BTCC unveils minor rule changes for 2020 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that a number of minor regulation changes will be implemented for the 2020 season following the annual end-of-season meeting between organisers TOCA and teams.

One of the first changes for next year surrounds tyres and comes off of the back of an initiative that was successfully introduced in the summer. At Snetterton and Croft, drivers will now use all three Goodyear tyre compounds – hard, medium and soft.

The way in which tyres are nominated has been altered too, with drivers not specified to select what race they will use the ‘option’ tyre before qualifying. Instead, they will have free choice during the course of race day – thus providing an opportunity to modify their strategies.

Maximum success ballast will increase to 60kgs and then reducing in 6kgs increments down to tenth place. Success ballast for the forthcoming 2020 campaign will be as follows: 60-54-48-42-36-30-24-18-12-6.

Finally, a new qualifying format will be trialled at Snetterton. Instead of the traditional 30-minute session, a shorter 25-minute session will take place to allow drivers to set a lap time.

The fastest top ten competitors will then progress into a ten-minute shootout for pole position to determine the top ten positions on the grid for the opening BTCC encounter of that weekend.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Clearly, the regulations for the BTCC work tremendously well. That’s self-evident from the fantastically close racing and championship battles, but we’re always looking at ways in which they can be improved, so whilst these are fairly minor tweaks, they will certainly add some interesting new elements to next season’s championship.”

For more information on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, head to http://www.btcc.net/

Julian Godfrey clinches sixth British Rallycross Championship title at Croft

Julian Godfrey added another chapter to his illustrious racing history this past weekend (October 26/27) as he clinched a sixth Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship title at Croft Circuit.

Edging out season-long protagonist Derek Tohill at the North Yorkshire venue amidst challenging weather conditions, the Ford Fiesta driver reigned supreme to win his first title since 2015 by just two points.

Locked in a head-to-head fight for the coveted prize since the opening round of the season back in March, the pendulum between Godfrey and Tohill has swung both ways over the course of the year – however it all came to a head at Croft.

Saturday would see Godfrey power his way to a fourth victory of 2019 in sensational fashion; triumphing despite suffering from a transmission and engine issue which resulted in the team working through the night to ensure he could race on Sunday.

Dominating qualifying and starting from pole position in the final race of the season, Godfrey could do nothing to stop Ford Fiesta compatriot Tohill from bagging his fourth win of the season.

Second place on the road however as more than enough for the Heathfield-based racer to claim a record sixth crown and cement his status as one of the great British Rallycross Championship competitors.

“It’s brilliant to win the Championship for the sixth time. I didn’t make the best of starts in the last race so I tucked in behind Derek (Tohill), saw Tony (Bardy) hadn’t made a good start next to me so I had some space and was able to follow Derek round and play it safe,” said Godfrey. 

“I knew I just had to finish second, I pulled a bit of a gap from Steve (Hill) behind and just concentrated on getting to the end with no mistakes to take the Championship. It’s been a good close season, I’m really pleased.”

Elsewhere, Tristan Ovenden completed a third successive title-winning campaign with two more victories to ensure he maintained his unbeaten clean sweep in the two-drive category.

Luke Constantine secured the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship title by a single point over Patrick O’Donovan in the final weekend of the season.

One year on from winning that very crown, Tom Constantine savoured title success once again as he overcame the odds and three other drivers to lift the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship.

Drew Bellerby triumphed on home soil as she clinched the BMW Mini Rallycross Championship whilst Chrissy Palmer recorded an unprecedented fifth consecutive RX150 Rallycross title.

Rounding out the list of victors was Gary Simpson who won the final round of the Retro Rallycross Championship on Saturday to maintain his unbeaten run and claim the crown. 

To view the full classification of results from the weekend’s Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship action at Croft, click here.

BARC makes a splash at Oulton Park title-decider

The British Automobile Racing Club and four of its championships battled treacherous conditions at Oulton Park this past weekend (October 26) for what proved to be a blockbuster title-decider around the challenging Cheshire venue.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the one-day meeting was greeted by heavy rain throughout the day – adding further spice to the on-track excitement and entertainment.

In the Michelin Clio Cup Series, spoils were shared between Ronan Pearson and Ben Colburn; however Pearson had much more to celebrate as he wrapped up the Race Class title due to main rival Simon Freeman not being in attendance.

James Colburn and Nic Harrison had both secured unassailable leads in the Sport and Road classes respectively prior to the event, therefore bringing the curtain down on another memorable year for the one-make category.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship took centre stage for its penultimate event of the 2019 season and it served up two pulsating one-hour encounters.

Valluga Racing’s Ian Humphires was the driver to beat in the opener as he powered his Porsche 991 to a comfortable victory before JPR Motorsport’s Steve Harris and Chris Hart came to the fore to win race two in their Sakar RAPX.

There was title celebrations in the Mighty Minis Championship too, which delivered a show-stopping performance around the flowing bends of Oulton Park.

Neven Kirkpatrick converted his healthy points lead into title glory in the Super Mighty Mini category by romping to a pair of outright race wins and putting himself out of touch of his nearest challenger.

In the Mighty Mini class, the battle for supremacy went down to the wire but in the end it was Greg Daw that reigned supreme to be crowned champion by just a handful of points.

Rounding out the day’s action were two races from the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship; the North West Centre’s flagship racing series.

Open to a variety of different cars, another bumper entry list went wheel-to-wheel for the final time this year with Paul Dobson winning both in his Locost 7.

In terms of the overall championship, Robert Burkinshaw maintained his place at the summit of the standings to triumph in his trusty Honda Integra.

To view the full classification of results from all of the sessions at Oulton Park, click here.