Author: Chris Ashby

Action aplenty on opening TOCA support package weekend

The TOCA support package was back in business at Brands Hatch this past weekend (April 7/8) with five championships kicking off their 2018 campaigns.

Once again competing alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, there was high-drama throughout each category as they battled challenging conditions across both days.

In the Renault UK Clio Cup, spoils were shared between two title favourites. Multiple champion Paul Rivett showcased his experience in the opening race of the weekend, only after making contact with Max Coates early on.

Coming off the better of the two, Rivett powered away from the pack to the take a memorable victory. Behind him, the wounded Coates was unable to hold of the advances of James Colburn and Daniel Rowbottom, both of whom rounded out the podium.

Coates was the clear race winner in a wet race two, taking control from the start before storming into a lead he would ultimately never lose. Behind him though the tremendous battle for the remaining rostrum spots were decided as Rivett and youngster Jack McCarthy recovered from early struggles to join Coates in lifting silverware.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB produced two different winners as well, with Dino Zamparelli and George Gamble taking a win apiece. Off the back of clinching pole position, Zamparelli asserted himself as one to watch this year with a dominant display in the curtain-raiser ahead of Tio Ellinas and Lewis Plato.

Plato had been on course to take race two honours until a mistake cost him, handing Gamble top spot on his first weekend in the series. Joining him on the podium was Ellinas and Zamparelli, who left the Kent circuit as championship leader.

The Ginetta Junior Championship delivered its usual mix of thrills ’n’ spills in true style, setting up what is set to be another fascinating campaign.

Last year’s scholarship winner Adam Smalley entered the season as one of the drivers to watch and he backed up his pre-season promise by grabbing the early advantage in the championship standings.

Claiming pole position in qualifying, the Elite Motorsport driver bagged victory in race one ahead of Ruben Del Sarte and Fin Green before then finishing hot on the heels of race two victor Luke Browning.

It is set to be a wide-open year in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup too with Charlie Ladell cementing his status as an early title favourite. The Rob Boston Racing was in imperious form around the 1.2 mile Indy circuit, taking two wins, with Carl Boardley capping off the weekend with a win of his own.

Rounding out the action in front a bumper trackside crowd was the British F4 Championship, which saw Ayrton Simmons enjoy a near perfect weekend, scoring a brace of wins. Sebastian Priaulx topped the rostrum in the remaining race.

For the full classification of results across all championships, click here.

Brands Hatch set for BARC Easter extravaganza

Brands Hatch is primed for a bank holiday weekend of blockbuster proportions on Sunday and Monday as the British Truck Racing Association Championship roars into life for another season.

Headlining what is a bumper programme of track action around the Indy layout, a mammoth crowd is set to descend on the Kent venue for an Easter extravaganza of thrills ’n’ spills.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing more than 1000bhp each, nothing quite compares to British Truck Racing. This weekend’s opening event will see a total of seven races run across both Divisions, however the landscape of both has changed.

In the top tier, double and reigning champion Ryan Smith has elected not to return, meaning his title is very much up for grabs. Leading the list of contenders that fans will be looking out for is multiple champion Stuart Oliver, prolific front runner Dave Jenkins and Luke Taylor, amongst others.

Division 2 champion Mika Makinen will also missing from the grid this year, opening the floodgates in the more production-based category. Former title holder Adam Bint will be keen to get back to winning ways whilst the likes of Simon Cole, John Powell and Luke Garrett lead the long list of fellow contenders.

Elsewhere, one man that will be defending his title this year starting at Brands Hatch is Scott Bourne. Climbing to the top of the Pickup Truck Racing Championship mountain in 2017, Bourne is back with a new livery and the coveted number one adorning his truck.

In what has been a strong off-season for the championship as a whole, with an influx of entries being submitted, the popular category is set for another memorable year. Usual protagonists Lea Wood, David O’Reagan, Michael Smith and Mark Willis are all joined by a host of familiar and new faces – making the opening two races impossible to call.

Following on from a memorable opening weekend in mid-March at Oulton Park, the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres are back in action. Making the first of three visits to Brands Hatch this year, a bumper grid of the 5/8 scale machines are set to put on a show across the six races that are set to be run.

Jack Parker’s opening round consistency has placed him at the top of the standings however he has a host of race winners nipping at his heels. Will Gibson and Steve Whitelegg both took wins at Oulton Park and sit second and third in the points, with reigning champion John Mickel not far behind either.

Fans of all things BMW will be drawn to the Kumho BMW Championship, which gets underway this weekend too. Open to all models of the German manufacturer, the championship will once again run a multi-class system depending on specification.

Notable names to look out for during the season-opener include Russell Dack, Giuseppe Callari, James Card and Gareth Montgomery.

Rounding out the weekend’s jam-packed race programme will be the three categories from the BARC’s South East Centre; the BARC Modified Saloon Car Championship, BARC South East Tin Top Championship and Scrapco Metal/Avon Tyres Intermarque Championship.

All bringing together a diverse range of machines to their individual grids, a wealth of local talent is set to shine through over the course of the two days.

One of the big stories will lie in the Modified Saloon Car races as Rod barley bids to get back on track following his high speed crash at the same venue last November, injuring him and causing substantial damage to his Ford Escort RS.

Porsche Carrera Cup GB roars into life for 2018

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB has officially launched for 2018 with a bumper 23-car entry list confirmed during the annual Media Day at Silverstone on Monday 13th March.

Following on from a memorable 2017 campaign where the title went down to the wire, a new name is set to be etched on the coveted championship trophy with Charlie Eastwood and Daniel Cammish both moving on to new pastures.

Introducing the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car as well as a revised points structure and a trip to Monza onto the calendar, the TOCA support series is set for another meteoric year.

In the Pro class, 2017 runner-up Dino Zamparelli leads the list of drivers that will be battling it out for the overall title, this time spearheading Redline Racing’s charge.

Tio Ellinas is also back, this time switching to Slidesports, whilst Lewis Plato is keen to build on what proved to be a strong first season with front-running outfit JTR.

Another familiar face that will be keen to impress is former Ginetta GT Supercup champion Tom Wrigley. Making the jump from IN2 Racing to JTR, Wrigley will be one to watch as he embarks on his second campaign in the series.

Other notable names to look out for include Junior Scholarship winner Daniel Harper, who steps across from the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship.

Elsewhere, the newly renamed Pro-Am class (formerly Pro-Am1) boasts a host of names, all of which can make an impact on the destiny of this year’s championship. Justin Sherwood, Seb Perez, Jamie Orton, Richard Hawken and Rory Collingbourne are just a few of the drivers that will be vying for glory.

The former Pro-Am2 class, now titled AM class, is back too with well-known drivers Shamus Jennings, Peter Kyle-Henney and Iain Dockerill. Add into the mix the likes of former BTCC racer turned team boss Daniel Welch and the level of competition is as stiff as ever in the Carrera Cup GB.

The opening two rounds of the season get underway at Brands Hatch on April 7/8.

Champions celebrated at BARC Championships Awards Evening

Proving to be one of the marquee nights on the calendar, the great and the good of UK motorsport came together on Saturday (17th February) for the annual BARC Championship Awards Evening.

Held at the Mecure Daventry Court Hotel for the first time, Alan Hyde hosted what proved to be a memorable night where a host of prestigious awards were handed out. In-keeping with the new venue there were also new trophies, provided by Aford Awards.

More than 30 drivers were awarded during the evening with Dunlop MSA British Touring Car champion Ashley Sutton leading the coveted list.

Alongside the championship awards, a further three illustrious accolades were handed out to unsuspecting winners.

The Densley Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding female driver in the BARC, went the way of Mighty Minis champion Alice Hughes whilst Junior Saloon Car title winner Will Dyrdal picked up The Peter Collins Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in BARC events.

The Presidents Cup, which is presented to the most successful driver below international level, was awarded to BARC King Henry’s Taverns Clubmans champion Mike Evans.

Prize-giving didn’t just stop with those that sit behind-the-wheel however with two marshals picking up awards too. Di Hardy picked up the BARC Marshal of the Year Trophy whilst Dave Hodgson was bestowed with The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy, virtue of completing the most volunteering days.

Commenting on the evening, BARC Chief Operating Officer Drew Furlong said: “As always our annual awards night proved to be a fitting and memorable night to commemorate our champions of 2017.

“Last year proved to be another memorable season across all of our championships with many of them going right down to the wire and producing non-stop entertainment along the way.

“Evenings like this are a great way to commemorate everyone from the drivers that compete to those that work behind-the-scenes on putting together the events – as well as everyone in-between.

“It proved to be another awards evening to remember and has set everyone up for the season ahead.”

On top of the trophy presentation, the Club also awarded Formula 1 figurehead Bernie Ecclestone with a Gold Medal for his contribution to motorsport, which spanned countless decades.

Finally, as has become a tradition on the night, a total of ÂŁ1595 was raised and donated to the BARC Marshals and Rescue Fund.

Ex-Rosberg 1983 Williams to star at Thruxton’s 50th Anniversary

The Williams FW08C raced by Keke Rosberg in the 1983 Formula 1 World Championship is set to return to the track as part of Thruxton Circuit’s eagerly-anticipated 50th Anniversary Celebration this spring.

Thruxton’s 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place over the weekend of 2/3 June. The first motorsport event to be held at the venue in its current guise was on Easter Monday, 1968 and half-a-century on, a whole host of single-seaters, sportscars and saloons from the last five decades will hit the track for a spirited sprint down memory lane.

Away from the race programme, there will be a raft of eye-catching demo runs and static displays, car club reunions and a smattering of famous faces, as well as a funfair, live music, overnight camping and a fireworks display in evidence of the festival’s family-friendly appeal.

With its 540kg aluminium honeycomb chassis powered by a three-litre Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine punching out 530bhp and a six-speed gearbox, the Williams FW08C will both look and sound phenomenal as it scorches around Thruxton’s flat-out sweepers in the hands of a yet-to-be-confirmed high-profile driver. The last time an F1 car was driven at Thruxton in anger was all the way back in 1993, when Damon Hill averaged an eye-watering 147.25mph in the title-winning Williams FW15C.

“We are thrilled to be able to confirm the attendance of the Williams FW08C for a high-speed demo run at our 50th Anniversary Celebration,” enthused Thruxton Group Managing Director, Bill Coombs. “We are grateful to Williams Heritage for agreeing to supply the car.

“I have no doubt that the FW08C will make for a quite incredible spectacle in June. It is what I would call a ‘proper’ F1 car – with its screeching V8 engine and wide rear tyres – and it will surely bring back many evocative memories for those like me who were lucky enough to have witnessed it competing during its heyday. This really will be very special indeed.

“Best of all, this is only the first of several exciting announcements we have in the pipeline for our 50th Anniversary Celebration, so stay tuned to find out what else we have in store for an event that promises to be a race meeting with a difference and much, much more besides.”

Rosberg was the reigning Formula 1 World Champion in 1983, and the moustachioed Finn remained a major player as the complexion of the sport began to change with the advent of the legendary turbo era. Although the FW08C’s ageing, naturally-aspirated Cosworth powerplant was at a disadvantage around some circuits, at the higher-downforce tracks, it truly came into its own and Rosberg was the architect of a superbly-judged wet/dry victory in Monte-Carlo that year.

He went on to finish fifth in the world championship standings, with the additional points scored by French team-mate Jacques Laffite securing Williams fourth spot in the constructors’ classification.

The FW08C is now part of the esteemed Williams Heritage portfolio, which was created in 2014 to manage the British outfit’s collection of historic Formula 1 cars. It is headed up by Jonathan Williams and run by long-time former Williams mechanic and team manager Dickie Stanford.

Since the team’s debut in the top flight back in 1978, Williams cars have won 114 grands prix and no fewer than 16 world championships.

Advance tickets for Thruxton’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on 2/3 June are available from just £12 for Saturday entry and £15 for Sunday – or £24 for both days. Sunday grandstand seats are an additional £5. Accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Goodwood ready to roll back the years with 20th Revival

West Sussex is set to take a spirited trip down memory lane this weekend (September 7/8/9) as star drivers and iconic machines from a variety of eras come together for the Goodwood Revival.

Running for its 20th year in 2018, the Revival is one of the marquee events on the historic racing calendar with classic cars, bikes and period dress taking centre stage amidst the evocative setting that is produced every year.

Arguably the most eagerly-anticipated set of races will come from the St. Mary’s Trophy where pro/am drivers share some of the greatest saloon cars from the 1960’s. With current touring car stars such as Andrew Jordan, Ashley Sutton, Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal and many more all set go wheel-to-wheel for bragging rights, expect jaw-dropping car control and edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

The Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy is also a two-part race for pre-1959 motorcycles that features some of the biggest names who compete on two wheels, such as Guy Martin – who served up a spectacular performance last year.

In-keeping with the spirit of the original Goodwood Members Meeting and returning to the timetable for the first time since 2015 is the Fordwater Trophy. Open to production-based sports and GT cars, this year’s race will heavily feature the Jaguar XK120, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The Goodwood Trophy is another Revival regular with Grand Prix and Voiturette cars from 1930 to 1951 set to duke it out for supremacy. There will be a feast of spectacular cars from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar in the Freddie March Memorial Trophy whilst unlimited sports cars make up the grid for the Whitsun Trophy.

Jack Sears, the first-ever British Touring Car champion, will be honoured as a glittering array of cars duke it out for supremacy in a 25-minute encounter named after the late BTCC icon.

Two-and-a-half-litre Grand Prix cars that raced between 1952 and 1960 will likely produce an emphatic spectacle in the Richard & Gordon Trophies. High-octane thrills and spills will also be in high demand in the Sussex Trophy, Glover Trophy and Chichester Cup – which is for Formula Juniors.

Capping off the action at this year’s Goodwood Revival will be the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration. The two-driver, 60-minute race is one of the highlights of the event each year as closed cockpit GT cars in the spirit of the RAC TT races from 1960 to 1964 tackle the demanding curves of Goodwood.

With an action-packed three days lying in wait, this year’s Goodwood Revival is set to be the biggest yet. For links to the star-studded entry list and timetable, click here.

Hybrid power set to be introduced into the BTCC

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that hybrid power will be introduced to the series within the evolution of the current technical regulations at the end of 2021.

Currently the hugely successful NGTC regulations are into the second half of its ten-year term. At a recent BTCC Technical Working Group (TWG) recently, a pathway for the introduction go hybrid energy was agreed.

Confirmed at the TWG was that a specified hybrid unit would be fitted to all cars as an addition to their current drive train.

The addition of this part will allow each car to have a reserve supplementary hybrid power available during each race. which drivers can use as part of their overall race strategy.

Detailed engineering aspects of the project are set to commence in close conjunction with the TWG, with technical decisions to made over the coming 12-18 months.

It is possible that some current cars will be fitted with hybrid units during 2020/2021 as part of the project’s test and development programme.

BTCC Series Director, Alan Gow, said: “We’re going through a very important and exciting time for this great championship, so I’m delighted to now confirm that the BTCC will be introducing hybrid energy as part of our evolution.

“This concept was very welcomed at our recent TWG meeting and now the real work begins as to the technical implementation. But different to hybrid development within the likes of Formula 1, this certainly shouldn’t – and won’t – be an ‘extreme’ technical exercise, but rather will be one which we will introduce within our NGTC technical regulations relatively seamlessly and very cost-effectively.

“Just as importantly, by incorporating hybrid it keeps the BTCC absolutely relevant to manufacturers, sponsors and the public… with the added benefit of further enhancing our great racing. Drivers will have a given reserve of additional hybrid power to use during each race, which will provide an extra element of race-craft and excitement to the fantastically close and entertaining racing that is the hallmark of the BTCC.”

Further updates will be provided by TOCA during the course of the project.

British Schools Karting Championship title to be decided at Whilton Mill

The destiny of the 2018 British Schools Karting Championship will be decided at Whilton Mill this Saturday (June 30) as 26 schools and colleges battle it out for the coveted title across what are set to be ten high-octane races.

Following months of local and regional finals that have whittled down the competition, the fastest teams and drivers from around the country are primed to hit the track for one last time.

Of the finalists competing, many will have their sights set on stopping Brentwood School A from completing what would be a sensational hat-trick of wins. Triumphing in 2017 and 2017, the Essex school has been the benchmark for the past two years and were impressive on their path to this year’s final.

Other teams that have come to the fore in the run up to the final include Southend High School, Peter Symonds A and Wymondham College, who picked up victory in the Midlands and East Regional on their first appearance.

Beyond those that have been mentioned, this year’s crop of teams boasts a wealth of talent, all of which is set to be showcased at the Northamptonshire venue.

As has been the case in years gone by, a raft of prizes will be up for grabs for the winners this year. The three students from the winning team and one representing adult will be given the opportunity to enjoy a Heritage Tour of the Williams Grand Prix Collection.

Touring the state-of-the-art, multi-million pound Grand Prix Collection, the winners will be able to walk around the interactive museum that houses around 40 Williams Formula One cars dating from 1978 onwards.

Ginetta Cars will also offer entry into the prestigious 2019 Ginetta Junior Scholarship for the highest placed competition licence holder [whose date of birth falls between 1st January 2003 and 21st March 2005, and who has not previously competed in an MSA circuit car race].

Giving them the opportunity to battle for free entry onto the 2019 Ginetta Junior Championship grid, the prize is one that can spring board any junior race onto great things.

Super Green Racing’s Howard and Ben Green will also continue their support of the BSKC by offering a pair of tickets to an event that Ben competes at later in the year. Now riding high in the British GT Championship, Green is a former winner of the event having triumphed with Debden Park High School in 2014.

BSKC 2018 Finalists:

BGS A

BGS B

BRA A

Bancroft’s A

Barnet & Southgate College A

Bolton School

Brentwood A

Brentwood B

Bristol Grammar School

Bushey A

FHS A

George Heriot’s School

Gordon’s School A

Grange A

Grange B

Grange D

Hanley Castle A

Kingdown A

Kingham Hill A

Peter Symonds A

SHSB A

Sidcot

Williamwood

Woodmill High School

Wymondham College

Information on how your school or college can get involved in the 2019 British Schools Karting Championship can be found by visiting the BSKC website.

Classic Touring Cars and Coupe Cup serve up feast of action at Mallory Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s bank holiday Monday (May 28) visit to Mallory Park proved to be a memorable one as the Classic Touring Car Championship and Hyundai Coupe Cup produced plenty of wheel-to-wheel thrills.

Basking under the bright sunshine, both categories dually entertained those in attendance as ten action-packed races were run on the day.

A majority of the encounters came from the Classic Touring Car Championship, which boasted bumper and diverse grids – of which some were amalgamated together.

The MRF Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons & Burton Power Blue Oval Saloon Series saw Dale Gent score a brace of victories at the wheel of his Subaru Impreza, each by more than six seconds to his nearest rival, which was Adrian Hawkins on both occasions.

Ray West notched a double of his own as he piloted his BMW M3 to two wins in the Envirotec Pre 93, YourITMan Pre 03 & Toyo Tires Pre 05 Touring Cars races. Steve Barden and Simon Ward were the nearest challengers to West in the end, each taking a second and third place finish each.

There was a win apiece for Alan Greenhalgh and David Heale in the two Paul Inch Pre 66 Classic Saloon & Historic Touring Cars races whilst Mark Osboure and Stephen Primett banked a victory each in the Pre 83 Group 1 Touring Cars races.

In the Hyundai Coupe Cup, spoils were shared between Steve Kite and Alex Cursley. Entering the weekend as the man to beat, winning a majority of the races from behind the wheel of his Misty Racing machine, Kite further established himself as the dominant force.

Qualifying third behind Cursely and fellow front-runner Wayne Rockett, Kite scythed his way to the front of the field, bringing the aforementioned duo with him. As the top three scrapped to the chequered flag, Kite held on to score another victory whilst Rockett and Cursely followed.

A mere 0.639s separated the trio as they crossed the line, with the next driver on the road trailing them by more than 12 seconds.

Race two saw Cursely finally land his maiden win of the 2018 campaign. Like Kite, Cursely started the race from the second row of the grid but was not to be denied as he stormed to the front of the field, and on to victory, with less than a second covering himself, Kite and Rockett by the end of it all.

For the full classification of results, click here.

The Classic Touring Car Championship is next in action at Rockingham on June 16 whilst the Hyundai Coupe Cup visits the same venue on August 4.

Britain’s premier motor racing championship poised for high-speed thriller at Thruxton

Thruxton will be the next port of call for what is already proving to be a Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign to remember, with 32 of the best tin-top stars set to take on the UK’s fastest race circuit, 19-20 May.

The BTCC is celebrating its 60th, Diamond Jubilee, anniversary in some style so far this year, with typically fierce competition evidenced at two storming weekends at Brands Hatch and Donington Park – producing five different winners from the opening six rounds. There have been a host of new faces take to the podium, and somewhat of a changing of the guard in the Drivers’ standings with the top eight’s drivers harbouring an average age of just a little over 25.

Thruxton is set to celebrate what is all set to be a special weekend’s racing by offering one lucky winner the chance to wave the chequered flag on the opening BTCC race – with anyone who has purchased or is set to purchase advance race day or weekend tickets for the meeting entered into the prize draw.

Last year at the Hampshire Speedbowl, as Thruxton is affectionately known, BMW secured a landmark 100th victory in the BTCC at the hands of Rob Collard and Colin Turkington, who took a round apiece, while Matt Neal sealed a win on home turf for Honda.

This year, though, the form-book certainly looks to have swung the way of the young-guns – headed at the top of the table by Speedworks Motorsport’s Tom Ingram in the Toyota, who secured a pair of rostrum finishes at Thruxton last time around, and is also the only double winner so far this season.

Incumbent champ Ash Sutton was quickest back at the annual TOCA test-day a month ago and, currently fifth in the standings, he’ll be looking to fire his Subaru Levorg to a maiden top-step appearance of 2018 and the start of his title defence proper. Judging by his pace back at that test, he’ll be one to look out for.

The WIX Racing with Eurotech-run FK2-generation Honda Civic Type Rs have historically gone well around Thruxton’s high-speed sweepers and if the outfit’s start to the season is anything to go by, it would take a fool to doubt their race-winning credentials, especially given Jack Goff has already notched a victory this year and is sitting pretty in fourth in the overall standings.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Classes are perfectly suited to the balance and poise required around the Hampshire racetrack. Adam Morgan is hot on the heels of standings leader Ingram in second spot after his victory at Donington Park and the Lancashireman is twice a winner at Thruxton – it’s shaping up nicely for Ciceley Motorsport. Aiden Moffat, in one of the sister Mercedes’, is a man on a charge, too, after a podium double back in Leicestershire.

A host of other names are vying for top honours, with the intense competition of Britain’s biggest motor racing spectacle making predicting the outcome of any one race, let alone the three that take place over a race weekend, an impossible task. Whatever the outcome, it’s sure to be a day of unmissable action.

Thruxton itself celebrates its 50th Anniversary, and the beloved circuit, a favourite of many a driver, always yields unparalleled racing. In addition to the three touring car races, there are nine more top-tier encounters on the TOCA package – the Renault UK Clio Cup, the Ginetta championships and the F4 British Championship.

Visitors will also get their first proper look at the circuit’s brand-new, industry-leading ÂŁ2 million hospitality facility – The Thruxton Centre – ahead of an official opening on Sunday 3 June amid a weekend of 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Highlights there include 15 special races as well as high-speed demonstrations from Williams’ 1983 FW08C, wielded by ex-F1 star Karun Chandhok, and a number of other iconic racing cars and bikes. There will be appearances, too, from a number of high-profile guests including Murray Walker and Nigel Mansell.

“We’re always thrilled to host what is undoubtedly the premier four-wheeled series in the country,” said Thruxton Group Managing Director, Bill Coombs. The BTCC has storied history – spanning 60 years – and the championship never fails to come up with the goods over a race weekend.

“As we’ve seen this season, it’s entirely unpredictable. You don’t head into a BTCC race weekend knowing who will be coming out on top – it’s just too close to call, and that makes for some of the best doorhandle-to-doorhandle racing around with 32 cars all racing within a second or so.

“The test day a month ago gave us an insight into just how competitive it’ll be come race day. Some of the times were quicker than we’ve ever seen before here from BTCC machinery – it really whetted the appetite.

“The beauty of the TOCA package means that not only do you get the three headline BTCC races, but nine further races of the highest quality across a number of leading championships.”

Advance tickets for the BTCC’s visit, 19-20 May, are available from £12, with weekend passes with paddock access running to just £40. Saturday grandstand seats are an additional £5. Accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Bumper two days of action lie ahead at Rockingham

Rockingham is set for a blockbuster weekend (April 14/15) as the British Automobile Racing Club as a host of championships descend on the Corby venue for two days of flat-out action.

Marking the first of several visits the Club will make to the circuit during the course of the 2018 season, fans are set to be treated to a diverse range of pulsating races over the course of the event.

Boasting a variety of jaw-dropping machinery, Britcar’s Dunlop Endurance Championship is back for another season and the curtain will raise on the 2018 campaign at Rockingham.

With marques such as Ginetta, Ferrari, Porsche, Radical and BMW, to name a few, being represented on the grid, there is something for everyone as the championship roars into life with a 50-minute sprint race and two hour endurance encounter.

The Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championship continues at Rockingham with rounds three and four taking place. A four-car grid will duke it out this weekend with Nicholas Reeve the man everyone is chasing after enjoying a dream debut at the season-opener.

Bagging both victories, Reeve and the Specialized Motorsport squad enter the event as the ones to beat however Lorcan Hanafin, Louis Doyle and Gus Burton will all be hoping to topple the youngster.

There will be tin top action for drivers aged 14 to 17 in the Junior Saloon Car Championship this weekend too. Renowned for how cost effective it is and giving drivers the perfect stepping stone from karting, the JSCC has long been a proving ground for racers to go on to big and better things.

With some familiar names and returning faces making up the class of 2018 this year, it is all to play for however the early title contender is Ben Kasperczak, who bagged a pair of wins at Silverstone in late March. Whilst the likes of Jemma Moore, Tony Rodriguez and others will be aiming to beat the rapid youngster, Kasperczak sits in the box seat as it stands.

Reigning Michelin Clio Cup Series champion Ben Palmer finds himself in a similar position too after coming off the back of two wins at Silverstone. Securing a late deal to be on the grid, Palmer asserted his dominance early on and will be a favourite for sure at Rockingham.

The Lancaster Insurance MG Owner’s Club Championship is another series that is hitting the track for a second time this season at the weekend. Bringing together some of the most iconic cars that the illustrious brand has produced over countless decades, there is something for everyone during

Iconic is one word to describe the Mini brand and in the Mighty Mini Championship, the popular car is celebrated with edge-of-the-seat thrills ’n’ spills. Pitting the Mighty and Super Mighty classes together on the same grid, wheel-to-wheel battles are the norm with notable names such as Scott Kendall and Jo Polley being drivers to look out for.

Capping off what is set to be a frenetic two days of racing this weekend is the BARC Saloon Series, Honda VTEC Challenge and Classic VW Cup. Sharing grids throughout Sunday, these trio of categories are set to provide some of the best saloon races around, with a diverse range of cars and models going head-to-head with each other.

Ultra-competitive BTCC set for Brands Hatch curtain-raiser

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship returns this weekend (April 7/8) at Brands Hatch with arguably one of the most competitive grids in the modern era set to do battle.

In what is a milestone year for the series as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, another capacity 32-car grid will duke it out for the most coveted prize in British motorsport, starting at the Kent venue where three races will be run.

An unparalleled five champions, four manufacturer entrants and 17 race winners make up the bumper line-up, which will hit the track in anger for the first time.

Heading up this year’s entry list is reigning champion Ashley Sutton, who will adorn the prestigious number one on the side of his Subaru Levorg. Remaining with Adrian Flux Subaru Racing for a second successive season, the 24-year-old will look to make it back-to-back triumphs with BMR Racing and is joined once again by double champion Jason Plato.

The manufacturer-backed team are down to three entrants this year with Josh Price filling the final seat, running under the Autoglym Racing Academy banner.

West Surrey Racing are back with the BMW 1-Series and a unchanged line-up with Colin Turkington, Rob Collard and Andrew Jordan flying the flag for the Sunbury-based squad.

Elsewhere it is all change at Halfords Yuasa Racing as the brand new Honda Civic Type R makes its debut in the BTCC. Triple champion Matt Neal remains at the helm of the championship-winning outfit but has a new team-mate in the shape of Daniel Cammish, who replaces three-time title winner Gordon Shedden.

The final Manufacturer/Constructor entrant for the forthcoming season is Power Maxed Racing, who once again fields a pair of Vauxhall Astra’s for reigning Jack Sears Trophy holder Senna Proctor and the returning Josh Cook.

A number of Independent entries will run Honda Civic Type R’s this year too with Jack Goff and Brett Smith locked in at Eurotech Racing, now with WIX sponsorship. Matt Simpson will join them both after switching from Team Dynamics.

BTC Norlin Racing have swapped their Chevrolet Cruze’s for Type R’s and have secured the services of the former Independents champion James Nash, who returns to the series for the first time since 2011. Northern Irishman Chris Smiley remains with the squad for a second full season.

Motorbase Performance will once again run three cars, albeit slightly different to last year. The iconic RS badge has returned to the BTCC on the Ford Focus’ with Tom Chilton and James Cole running under the Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher banner. After a one year sabbatical, 2016 runner-up Sam Tordoff is back and will pilot the third car for Team GardX Racing.

Finishing third overall and wrapping up both Independent titles for Speedworks Motorsport last year, Tom Ingram is set to be one to watch as he bids for outright glory in his Toyota Avensis. Ingram will be the only Toyota on the grid as Rob Austin and HMS Racing switch to the eagerly anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

AMD Tuning have expanded to four cars this year having acquired the two MG6 GT’s formerly run by Triple Eight Racing. Rory Butcher and the returning Tom Boardman will drive the race-winning machines whilst Ollie Jackson and rookie Sam Smelt will drive the teams Audi s3’s.

Another outfit that expands to four cars this year is Team HARD with their quartet of Volkswagen CC’s. Renault UK Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell, Jake Hill, Bobby Thompson and Michael Caine will spearhead Tony Gilham’s quest for silverware.

Podiums will be expected from Ciceley Motorsport this year too as Adam Morgan returns in his Mercedes Benz A-Class, and the former race winner has a team-mate in the shape of Tom Oliphant. Aiden Moffat will also be back in his Mercedes with Laser Tools Racing.

Rounding out the capacity entry list for this year is Stephen Jelley, who has remained with Team Parker Racing. Embarking on his second season with the Independent squad, Jelley will return to his BTCC roots and drive a BMW – a former West Surrey Racing 1-Series.