The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) has completed the sale of its interest in the race circuit operations at Thruxton Circuit to the venue’s freeholder, in a move designed to support the Club’s long-term growth and development.

The agreement marks an important moment for the BARC, creating a stronger financial platform from which the Club can invest in its future.

The focus now turns to enhancing the value of BARC membership, developing its championships and race meetings, supporting marshals and officials, and creating new opportunities for competitors, partners and the wider motorsport and automotive community.

Thruxton has been the BARC’s home since the circuit reopened in 1968, and the Club is proud of the role it has played in shaping the venue over the past 58 seasons. That connection will continue, with the BARC remaining based at Thruxton and continuing to organise race meetings at the circuit.

The Club will continue to operate Croft Circuit and Pembrey Circuit, and hill climb venues at Gurston Down and Harewood, own and operate the British Touring Car Championship through its TOCA division, and provide sporting services to major events including the Goodwood Revival, Festival of Speed and Members’ Meeting.

Tony Scott Andrews, BARC Chairman, said: “This is a significant and positive step for the BARC. Thruxton has been central to our history for more than five decades, and we are extremely proud of everything the Club and its people have contributed to the circuit since 1968.

“The sale of our interest in the circuit operations releases significant capital for the Club and gives us the opportunity to invest with real purpose in the Clubs future.

“Our ambition is to strengthen what it means to be part of the BARC. We want to improve the membership experience, broaden the support we offer to competitors and volunteers, develop our race programmes and explore new initiatives that will help the Club continue to lead and grow for many years to come.

“We are pleased that the BARC will remain based at Thruxton, and we look forward to continuing a strong working relationship with Alex and his team and continuing to play a part in the future of the venue.”

Alex Thistlethwayte (Thruxton freeholder) added: “I am very pleased that the BARC will continue to be based at Thruxton and that we will keep working closely together in the years ahead. The Club’s history here is significant, and its continued presence will remain an important part of the venue.”

What Comes Next

The sale allows the BARC to accelerate plans for the future while continuing to deliver the same core activity that has defined the Club for generations. As the UK’s longest-established and largest motor racing club, the BARC organises a wide-ranging calendar of race meetings each season, and provides the structure, expertise and community that allows motorsport to thrive.

The Club’s focus is firmly on reinvestment, innovation and supporting the people who make motorsport happen – from members, marshals and officials to competitors, organisers, teams and fans.

Further details on the BARC’s future plans will be announced in the coming months, including new initiatives designed to enhance membership and strengthen the Club’s role across British motorsport.

For members, marshals, officials, competitors, partners and fans, this is an exciting moment to be part of the BARC. The Club’s next chapter is only just beginning, and there will be plenty more to come.

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