Category: Barc

Motorsport Expo to launch at Excel London in 2027

A brand-new motorsport exhibition and live experience, Motorsport Expo, will take place at Excel London from the 26-28 February 2027.

Built as a motorsport-first platform, the event is being created to serve as a new annual meeting point for the UK’s motorsport industry, active competitors and the wider community.

The three-day spectacle will be designed to connect the people behind the sport — from teams, engineers and suppliers to championships, clubs, organisers, sponsors and media — while also giving enthusiasts a fresh, immersive way to experience the sport beyond the circuit.Founded by Simon Bennie, the Managing Director of CarShowCo, the show will combine an expansive exhibition floor with live content, interviews, demonstrations and experiences aimed at celebrating the breadth of UK motorsport and its world-leading ecosystem.

At the centre of the event be a 3,000-seat Live Action & Experience Arena, delivering high-energy sessions and “live moments” across all three days. The arena will be supported by feature content and activations designed to keep the show moving.

In addition, the Motorsport Expo will be complemented by a co-location with Car Culture UK (running 27–28 February 2027), a separate event celebrating modern car culture, modified builds and the aftermarket scene.

Having been a part of the founding group that will help steer the event, the British Automobile Racing Club will have a presence at the inaugural show in just over a years’ time.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, added: “The BARC is excited to be involved in helping grow this event to become a regular fixture on the motorsport schedule for years to come.

“Through the Full Send events at Thruxton we have built up a fantastic relationship with Simon and we have been more than happy to help connect him to various people within the industry as this event concept has developed.

“Motorsport Expo is designed to connect the industry and we’re looking forward to being in attendance next year.”

“The UK is at the heart of a multi-billion-pound motorsport industry… there is clear demand… for a dedicated motorsport show that champions the network of businesses, clubs, teams and drivers that make the UK such a strong player across every sector”, added Bennie.

For further information and ticket news, visit www.motorsport-expo.com to register.

 

 

Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris awarded BARC Gold Medal

The British Automobile Racing Club and its Council is delighted to announce that it has bestowed 2025 Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris with its highest honour, a BARC Gold Medal.

Awarded by the Council of the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects, the prestigious prize is only distributed when the Club considers it to be merited.

Dating back to 1955, previous winners of the coveted accolade include Stirling Moss, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Norris is now the latest name to be added to that roll of honour after claiming a maiden FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship title with the McLaren F1 Team last year.

Having enjoyed karting success from a young age, the 26-year-old soon began to make waves when he made the step up to car racing in 2014, where he claimed multiple wins in the Ginetta Junior Championship.

The following year, the Bristol-born racer stepped up to MSA Formula (now known as British F4) and swept aside the opposition in commanding fashion, claiming a total of eight victories on his way to the Drivers’ title.

At the time, both the Ginetta Junior Championship and MSA Formula featured across race meetings that were organised by the BARC.

Norris’ rise through the ranks continued to make headlines in the subsequent years with success in the likes of Eurocup Formula Renault, the Toyota Racing Series and FIA Formula 3. In 2019, he finally secured a full-time seat in Formula 1 with McLaren.

Aligned with the Woking team ever since, Norris claimed a maiden win in 2024 before going on to finish second in the standings. That in turn set him up for a meteoric 2025 campaign which culminated in him beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to the World Drivers’ Championship.

Becoming the 11th British driver to lift the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, Norris’ awe-inspiring rise to superstardom made him a fitting recipient for the highest accolade that the Club can present.

In January, the BARC headed to the McLaren Technology Centre – home of the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Champions – to catch up with Norris and award him with the coveted BARC Gold Medal.

“To receive the BARC Gold Medal is a true honour so thank you – I really appreciate it,” said Norris. “Being called a Formula 1 World Champion has just about sunk in and it is still the best thing to hear as it cements the fact that we achieved that dream last year.

“I started racing in karting for pure fun but when we made that jump up to Ginetta Juniors and Formula 4 we set that goal that Formula 1 was where we as a family wanted to reach. Every step though always felt like we were still so far away.

“We did it though, and then we managed to win a race, a few more races and the championship. I have to say a big thank you for all the support, especially from the marshals that I see all around the world. Many of them come up to me and say they were there back when it all started.

“To have support from anyone is amazing but it is extra special when it comes from the people that help make the sport what it is; I always try do my best for McLaren and my country. Now it’s time to see if we can do it all over again this year.”

Jonathan Moore, Hannah Chapman and Simon Allaway top list of special accolade winners at BARC Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s Annual Awards Evening didn’t just see prizes handed out to those that achieved championship glory in 2025 as there were also a number of other special accolades that were bestowed up some hugely deserving, and unsuspecting, winners as well.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was two-time CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship title winner Simon Allaway who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level.

More than a decade on from his maiden triumph in the BARC North Western Centre’s flagship category, Allaway reigned supreme in dominant fashion as he hustled his stunning Lotus Esprit V8 to a total of 11 race wins.

“This was a total yet very pleasant surprise,” said Allaway on the night. “To have had such a fantastic season was one thing but to now be awarded a prize as coveted as this sort of underlines what we were able to achieve.

“We managed to keep on winning, sometimes being on the right side of luck, but you have to be in it to win it. It was a great season, this has been a great evening and hopefully I can be back here again next year.”

Jonathan Moore’s charge to the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain Clubsport Pro title didn’t go unnoticed either as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising junior driver competing in a BARC championship.

After coming oh-so close to clinching the Junior Saloon Car Championship crown in 2024, the talented teenager embarked on new pastures last year and made an instant impact as he claimed 14 wins on his way to championship superstardom.

Moore said: “It is a real privilege to have won this. Seeing my name alongside the likes of drivers that have gone on to race in Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship is pretty special.

“I’m so thankful to the BARC for this honour, it’s very humbling. It’s also validation of the hard work that we put in because more often than not you don’t get the chance to take stock and reflect on what has been achieved. Thank you to everyone for this.”

Moore wasn’t the only Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain competitor to be honoured either as Hannah Chapman – who triumphed in the Clubsport Amateur Category – was the winner of the Densley Trophy, which is handed out to the leading female.

“This was so unexpected,” admitted Chapman. “If I’m honest I missed the original email inviting me to this but I’m so glad to be here and to collect The Densley Trophy – especially as last season was a real rollercoaster.

“We managed to get a deal together at the very last minute and was on the back foot going into round one. We didn’t have any expectations but we made a flying start, had to battle some budget issues but managed to get the job done in the end. This is a nice way to round it all off.”

There was raptures of applause for the hugely deserving BARC Marshal of the Year, Jake Southcombe, and for Chris Davenport, who was once agin the winner of the Sir Clive Bossom Trophy after completing the most volunteering days in 2025.

“I’m excited and somewhat lost for words,” said Southcombe. “Being named the BARC Marshal of the Year was a real shock. I’ve been going to events from a young age and I’m a third generation marshal, so to be voted for this accolade is really special.”

Davenport added: “Winning the Sir Clive Bossom Trophy once is quite something but to have now won it three times is amazing. I didn’t count how many days I did this year but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my wife, who essentially kicked me out the house 36 times.”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was Dan Smith, who lifted the Goodwood Marshal Trophy and Madison Maskell whose name was engraved on The Peter Harris Trainee Marshal of the Year Trophy.

Champions and volunteers honoured at BARC Annual Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s Annual Awards Evening delivered a star-studded night of celebrations on Saturday 7th February, as some of the biggest names in British motorsport came together to look back on what proved to be a successful 2025 season.

Staged at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort in Warwickshire for the first time, the glittering evening saw more than 200 guests attend to celebrate the achievements of last year’s champions, officials and volunteers.

Hosted by the sublime Alan Hyde, guests not only had the opportunity to look back on the year that was but they also heard from BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews, BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor and Motorsport UK Chief Executive Hugh Chambers.

Championship silverware was dished out too with the likes of Tom Ingram, Ian Bower, Ryan Smith, Adam Smalley, Dominic Malone and Alex Keens being just some of the deserving title winners that were in attendance.

One of the biggest accolades to be handed out over the course of the evening was the coveted BARC Gold Medal, which is awarded by the Club’s Council for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects.

Following his monumental charge to a maiden FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship last year, McLaren ace Lando Norris – who grew up competing at BARC race meetings – was merited with the Club’s highest honour.

Alongside Norris’ triumph, a number of other secret accolades were also presented to some unsuspecting winners throughout the night as well.

Chris Davenport scooped The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy – which is for conducting the most volunteering days in 2025 – for a record third time whilst Jake Southcombe was announced as the BARC Marshal of the Year.

Madison Maskell was bestowed with the Peter Harris Trophy for being the leading trainee marshal of the year and Dan Smith was the recipient of the Goodwood Marshals Trophy, a returning award designed to celebrate those marshals at Goodwood events.

Jonathan Moore was a deserving winner of The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising newcomer competing in a BARC championship, whilst his fellow Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain competitors Hannah Chapman clinched The Densley Trophy.

Two-time CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship title winner Simon Allaway was the final secret award recipient as he was handed The President’s Cup after a flawless season which included 11 victories.

In addition to the prize-giving, more than £1000 was raised during the annual raffle for the BARC Marshal and Rescue Fund, with prizes including a signed Lando Norris McLaren hat, tickets to events and more.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “It was once again another fantastic evening of celebrations and this year’s event has seen our biggest turnout of champions, which is absolutely brilliant.

“More than 200 people joined us to commemorate the achievements of last season and I think what was great to see that it wasn’t just drivers. We had marshals, officials, council members and venue representatives all in attendance.

“The 2025 season was super busy for the BARC and of course came with its own challenges. We had some headwinds to overcome such as the economic climate and some personnel changes but everyone worked hard to ensure it was a success.

“At the end of the day we are a club and a club is a collection of like-minded people that want to do the same thing. Events like this are a celebration of what it means to be a part of the BARC and the perfect opportunity to give ourselves a pat on the back before starting all again.”

Full list of Award Winners

BARC Gold Medal: Lando Norris

The President’s Cup: Simon Allaway

The Densley Trophy: Hannah Champion

The Peter Collins Trophy: Jonathan Moore

The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy: Chris Davenport

BARC Marshal of the Year: Jake Southcombe

The Goodwood Marshals Trophy: Dan Smith

The Peter Harris Trophy: Madison Maskell

2CV Classic Racing Championship: Nick Crispin

Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 135: Tom McEwing

Caterham Graduates Championship – Sigma 150: Paul Goldstein

BARC Speed Championship: Neal Bateman

OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires: Nathan Williams

CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship: Simon Allaway

Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship: Jim Baynam

MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport: Oli Wilmott

Junior Saloon Car Championship: Oliver Kerr

Milltek Civic Cup: Liam McGill

Caterham Academy Championship: Max Richardson

Caterham Roadsport Championship: William Harris

Caterham Seven 270R Championship: Ben Wheatley

Caterham 310R Championship: Taylor O’Flanagan

Caterham Seven Championship UK: Matt Armstrong

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre-66 Touring Cars: James Ibbotson

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre-83 Touring Cars: Jonathan Corker

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre-93 Touring Cars: Ian Bower

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Pre-03 Touring Cars: Dave Cave

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Blue Oval Saloon Series: Tim Mizen

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Classic Thunder: Ian Bower

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Historic Thunder: Rikki Cann

Classic Touring Car Racing Club – Super Tourer Series: Roger Stanford

TCR UK Championship: Adam Shepherd

Britcar Endurance Championship: Dominic Malone & Adam Smalley

Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy: Alex Keens

Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW Sport: Archie Johnson

Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW: Tom Ovenden

Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain – Clubsport Pro: Jonathan Moore

Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain: Tom Bradshaw

Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain: Andrew Rackstraw

British Hillclimb Championship: Matthew Ryder

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 2: Jake Evans

British Truck Racing Championship – Division 1: Ryan Smith

Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA: Fionn McLaughlin

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship: Tom Ingram

Kwik Fit to continue as BTCC title partners

Kwik Fit will continue as the title partner of the British Touring Car Championship for an eighth successive season thanks to its ongoing collaboration between TOCA and Goodyear.

Renowned for being the UK’s leading automotive retailer, Kwik Fit has held the role since 2019 and has been a huge supporter of the UK’s most popular motorsport championship ever since.

Contributing to the continued success of the BTCC through its activations and promotional efforts, the brand has also worked closely with the championship and Goodyear – ensuring that they together deliver value to all stakeholders and fans.

“We welcome the continuation of this flourishing partnership and look forward to strengthening the collaboration between TOCA, Goodyear and Kwik Fit even further,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive.

“The team at Kwik Fit have fully embraced this partnership since joining our distinguished list of loyal partners back in 2019 and they’ve never looked back.

“The activations trackside, online, on television and in its centres – in collaboration with our own dedicated media team – has shown the ways in which such a partnership should be delivered.”

Andy Lane, Kwik Fit Marketing Director, continued: “This will be our eighth year partnering the BTCC and we’re still as excited about the upcoming season as we were for our very first.

“Our aim from day one has been to add to fans’ enjoyment of the races, whether they’re at the circuits, watching on TV or following the championship online.

“This year we are looking forward to bringing an even bigger interactive area to the race weekends. A huge part of the excitement of the BTCC is the atmosphere created by the fans, and we thoroughly enjoy playing our part in that.”
 

Jason Hughes: From Two Wheels to Touring Car Traditions

Jason Hughes’ long association with touring car racing was never part of the original plan. In fact, his motorsport career began far from the saloon cars he is now best known for.

Hughes started racing motorcycles at the age of 10 and continued into his early twenties, but injuries brought that chapter to an end.

“I raced bikes from 10, right up to 20 or 22,” he explains. “I damaged my leg with the bike racing, and then after that I had a bad car accident.” With his time on two wheels over, Hughes found himself searching for a new challenge.

That search led him into car racing in the mid-1990s, thanks to connections forged through motocross. Introduced to Jason Minshaw at Demon Tweeks, Hughes made his competitive debut in Fiesta racing in 1995, competing as part of the TOCA support package. The move proved to be a natural fit, and after several seasons learning his craft, success followed.

“In ’99, I won the Fiestas,” Hughes recalls. That title opened the door to the next rung on the touring car ladder, with a move into the V6 Super Coupe category in a Vauxhall Vectra. Further experience came in Production Touring Cars with an ex-works Nissan Primera, although the programme was ultimately short-lived. “We only did four or five meetings in 2003,” Hughes says. “It was unreliable, and then they scrapped the production class.”

The turning point came later that year when two MG ZS touring cars became available. Hughes purchased one from West Surrey Racing at the end of 2003, a decision that would define the next phase of his racing career. “That was it, basically,” he explains. “We went into the BTCC with the MG and stayed there until about 2009, until the car went out of date.”

Although the MG’s competitive lifespan was limited, its popularity was anything but. The car attracted one of the most passionate fanbases of the era, something Hughes remembers fondly. “There was a massive following,” he says. “All the MG fans, the X-Power lot – it was brilliant. You’d go to Brands Hatch and there’d be 50 or maybe 100 of them all camped out together, and it was nice to have that support even as a privateer at the end of the cars life.”

Two decades on, those memories still resonate. When Hughes returned to Brands Hatch in 2025 for the Super Touring Power event, he was reunited with familiar faces from the MG faithful. “One of the lads, Jerry, who was one of the main MG supporters back in the day, was there. It was really good to see him again. You don’t realise it’s 20 years ago until you think about it. It only feels like five or six years not 20!”

The MG’s return to action in the Classic Touring Car Racing Series also allowed Hughes to share the car with a driver who has a deep personal connection to the marque – Colin Turkington. “I’ve known Colin since the Fiesta days,” Hughes explains. “The MG was his first touring car, and he’s still got his original one at home with the V6 engine in it.”

Allowing Turkington to drive the car was an easy decision. “It’s a big part of his history,” Hughes says. “And he can drive, can’t he?” he adds with a smile.
Alongside the MG, Hughes has also fulfilled a lifelong ambition by owning and racing a Super Touring car. In 2018, he acquired a Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra – a life long held moment finally arrived. The chance to experience the pinnacle machinery of the era he grew up watching. “From when I started in ’95, Super Tourers were the ultimate,” he says. “That was always the dream.”

The experience has lived up to expectations. “They’re just totally different cars,” Hughes explains. “They’re actually easier to drive than the MG, but they’re so much quicker. Around the full Silverstone circuit, the Vectra is seven seconds a lap quicker can you believe!.”

Even today, the Super Touring car remains remarkably competitive. “We’ve matched times that Plato did back in the day,” Hughes says. “So it’s still on the ball and has plenty of life.”

With Jason Plato’s name also adorning the side of the car, the idea of seeing another BTCC legend back behind the wheel has been discussed. “We’ve talked about it,” Hughes admits. “He’s always been mega busy, but never say never.”

From his early days on bikes to his enduring presence in historic touring car racing, Jason Hughes’ story is one of perseverance, passion and a deep-rooted love for classic touring cars – one of many stories continuing to unfold in the BARC paddock.

British Truck Racing Championship confirms capacity entry list for 2026 season

The British Truck Racing Championship has confirmed that experienced champions, credible race winners and proven contenders will go wheel-to-wheel for title honours this year, following the official announcement of the 2026 entry list.

Announcing a capacity grid for a second successive campaign, the UK’s premier super-sized series has arguably never been in better shape and that statement is reinforced by the depth in talent that make up this year’s sublime line-up.

Last year saw records tumble as the title races in both Division 1 and Division 2 went down to the wire; and the expectation is for more of the same this time around as the ‘Class of 2026’ look to stake their claim.

Ryan Smith made it a decade of dominance in the series’ premier class last year and the Worldwide Truck Racing driver is back for more in 2026 as he looks to make history by clinching the title for a record 11th time.

Smith’s superlative championship-winning campaign last year saw him draw level with Stuart Oliver on ten titles and now the race is on to see who can become the first driver to lift the coveted prize on 11 different occasions.

Oliver is likely to be one of the biggest threats to Smith’s title defence over the course of the season however not to be discounted from the conversation ether is his Team Oliver Racing team-mate and son, Michael Oliver.

Another former champion that will be worth keeping an eye on is David Jenkins. The MAN driver remained in the mix right the way throughout last season and he’ll be eager to return to the top of the tree once more.

Elsewhere, 333 Motorsport’s Steven Powell and Neil Yates – both podium finishers in 2025 – are back again, so too is Scotsman Tom O’Rourke, who will be hoping to add to the popular victory that he scored in his International Navistar at Thruxton.

Other returning names include John Bowler, Richard Collett, and Nathan Smith, the latter of who is replacing his father David on a full-time basis. He provided a glimpse of his ability at Brands Hatch last November as he charged to a sensational win on his debut.

Completing the Division 1 grid are two returning faces to the championship, brothers Simon Reid and Craig Reid. The Reid Trucksport duo last competed in the series in 2023 and after two years of cutting their teeth on the European stage, they’re back to challenge the established order.

Division 2 delivered action-packed moments at almost every turn last year and the category is poised to serve up even more in 2026.

Jake Evans came out on top of a thrilling head-to-head battle with Callum Eason to ultimately walk away as the champion and the young racer will return this season to defend his crown.

As he will be all too aware, the level of competition in Division 2 is set to be as fierce as ever and Evans will undoubtedly come under pressure in his pursuit of going back-to-back.

Leading the charge for the reigning champion is last year’s runner-up Eason. The WDE Motorsport driver came of age in his debut campaign and with a years’ worth of experience under his belt, he’ll be eager to go one better this time around.

Finnish ace Sami Ojanen tallied multiple wins in his rookie season and he too is another driver that will be one to watch as he looks to secure championship honours for the first time.

Another driver that will no doubt be in the title picture is Simon Cole. Without question one of the most experienced drivers on the Division 2 grid, the Kent racer enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season before mechanical issues brought his challenge to a close.

Lining up alongside his son Archie Handy, the Cole Trucksport duo will no doubt catch the eye of those watching – especially as the team will be taking the covers off to reveal a striking new look in the cmning months.

Cole and Handy won’t be the only ‘Dad and Lad’ pairing in Division 2 either as Weaver Motorsport will field Bradley Harvey – a double winner at Thruxton last year – and his father, debutant Warren Harvey.

Former champion John Powell will also make a triumphant return to the class this year. After lifting the coveted crown in 2024, Powell graduated to Division 1 with a new truck last year however he was unable to show his full potential – something he will be keen to achieve this time.

There are now less than 75 days to go until the Easter extravaganza curtain-raiser at Brands Hatch.

Tickets for all seven race meetings are available to purchase via each circuit website, with many venues providing discounted prices for a limited time only.

Further announcements regarding official championship partners and 2026 truck liveries are due to be made over the coming weeks and months.

Back to the ’80s: Rediscovering the Timeless Appeal of the Audi 80

We meet Andy Foyle who has turned his boyhood dream into automotive reality

One of the joys of perusing around the British Automobile Racing Club paddocks, is stumbling across a gem of a story. The chatter from the owner, unearthing fabled and feel good stories that makes the BARC community so very special. And there are so many of them!

Whether it’s telling us about their own motor racing history, how they obtained their pride and joy, meeting their idols, a milestone completed or bucket list item ticked, or the strenuous hurdles of getting to the grid.

All of the above can be used to sum-up Andy Foyle – who made his first foray onto the Classic Touring Car Racing Club grid at Silverstone this season, using the home of British motorsport as a test event in his head-turning Audi 80.

Ahead of that early October race meeting at Silverstone, the entry list showed a new name and more intriguingly a new car. An Audi 80 – racing in this country again… surely not? Well on the Pre ‘83 grid, the German saloon was down in writing – we had to go and find out more.

To read the full article, members can find the interview in the latest edition of the Apex Magazine.

To become a member of the BARC and to receive a copy of the magazine, head to https://www.barc.net/membership/ today to join the ever growing motorsport community.

Stuart Murray assumes role of BTCC Sporting Director

Stuart Murray has begun his new role of British Touring Car Championship Sporting Director, having taken over from long-serving Championship Co-ordinator Dan Mayo.

In what is a new all-encompassing position, Murray will oversee the sporting and administrative operation of the BTCC, issuing regulations, managing team/driver relations, and ensuring smooth event delivery among many other tasks.

The Northern Irishman’s first significant motorsport position came in Dubai with the ASN of the United Arab Emirates, where he oversaw a vast range of sporting, technical and safety responsibilities.

From there, Murray then joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 2018 – most-recently based in Geneva as Deputy Director of Circuit Sport.

During his storied career he has also held the position of Category Manager for Touring Cars and GTs, which included the overseeing of the FIA GT and Touring Car Commissions, as well as organising the FIA GT World Cup in Macau.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said the hugely experienced Murray. “It’s a major change and the next step of my career. I’ve been working away at international level for a number of years, but this is the pinnacle of motorsport in the UK, and the role has far greater scope.

“It’s certainly a step up in prestige in terms of the championship and role. It’s cliché but like so many others I grew up playing the TOCA game and went to watch a BTCC race weekend at Donington Park in 1994. Growing up in Northern Ireland though it was mainly motorcycle road racing, karting or watching F1 on TV with my Dad.

“This opportunity gives me the chance to get involved from the ground up and I can’t wait for that. Working as part of a compact, highly professional and experienced team is something I’m immensely looking forward to.”

Murray has had the benefit of an extensive handover from Mayo and now works closely alongside both the Communications and Technical Directors, as well as under the stewardship of Chief Executive Alan Gow.

Mayo also stays within the British Automobile Racing Club family having undertaken the role of Circuit Manager at Croft Circuit.

“I had the opportunity to work alongside and shadow Dan for the final three events of last year,” concluded Stuart. “He has been doing this job for 25 years and his phone would ring 20 times an hour about anything and everything.

“They are big shoes to step into, it will be a great challenge, but he has left this role in a fantastic position for me to continue with. He hasn’t disappeared of course and his new role at Croft means we’ll often be crossing paths. If I can do nearly as good a job as Dan has done over many years, then I’d be absolutely delighted.”

Become a Race Secretary with BARC

Behind every successful race meeting is a dedicated team of officials working seamlessly to keep the event running smoothly. One of the most vital roles within that team is the Race Secretary. A position that places you right at the centre of the action, communication and decision-making on a race weekend.

As the British Automobile Racing Club continues to deliver exciting motorsport across the race season, we are looking to recruit new officials to join our team and the Race Secretary role is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved.

 

What Does a Race Secretary Do?

The Race Secretary is arguably the crucial link between all aspects of Race Control, the officials, competitors and the Motorsport UK Steward. Depending on the size of the meeting, up to two Race Secretaries may be appointed, with one acting as Senior Secretary of the Meeting. Importantly, the role is very much a team effort, responsibilities are shared and handled collaboratively to ensure nothing is missed.

Rather than working in isolation with rigidly defined tasks, Race Secretaries operate as a unit, adapting to the demands of the meeting and responding to what is needed at any given moment. This flexible approach is essential in the fast-paced environment of a race weekend.

From the moment you arrive at the circuit, the role is hands-on. There are key people to meet, documents to manage and systems to prepare, all before the first car even turns a wheel. Quite often, the overall success of the event depends on the foundations laid during these early hours, making the Race Secretary’s preparation and organisation absolutely critical.

 

A Role at the Centre of Communication

Race meetings are dynamic, high-pressure environments and clear communication is essential. The Race Secretary ensures a healthy cross-flow of information between all parties, keeping everyone fully informed and up to date as situations develop.

While the workload can be intense at times, it is also incredibly satisfying. You are trusted with responsibility, relied upon by officials and competitors alike and play a key role in ensuring that events run fairly, efficiently and safely.

 

Why Do People Love Being a Race Secretary?

Current Race Secretary Julie Hill perfectly captures what makes the role so special:

“Being a race secretary offers you the chance to do something you truly love and indulge your passion for motor racing. Being the primary contact for all officials allows you to experience the variety of the role, the fast-paced environment and the satisfaction of contributing towards the success of any race events you attend.”

Julie highlights several aspects that make the role so rewarding:

  • Connection to the sport – You are fully immersed in motorsport, not just watching it from the sidelines.
  • Variety and dynamism – No two meetings are the same and every day brings new challenges.
  • Sense of accomplishment – Knowing your work has helped deliver a successful event.
  • Interaction with people – Working closely with officials, competitors and stewards as part of a larger team.

The role suits individuals who enjoy being organised, calm under pressure and adaptable. Strong administrative skills are important, but so is the ability to respond to the unique demands of each race meeting.

 

Why Get Involved?

Becoming a Race Secretary with BARC is more than volunteering. It’s about becoming part of a passionate community that keeps British motorsport thriving. You’ll gain valuable experience, build lasting friendships and enjoy a front-row seat of the race action, all while making a real difference behind the scenes.

Whether you’re already involved in motorsport or looking for a new and exciting way to get closer to the sport you love, this role offers challenge, responsibility and genuine enjoyment in equal measure.

 

Register Your Interest

If you’re ready to play a vital role at race meetings this season and beyond, we’d love to hear from you.
Register your interest today by completing this form – https://www.barc.net/newvolunteer/

Luke Browning named Atlassian Williams F1 Team Reserve Driver

Former British F4 Championship title winner and Junior Saloon Car Championship competitor Luke Browning has been announced as the official 2026 Formula 1 Reserve Driver for the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.

The 23-year-old will play a pivotal role in helping the team with its bid to return to the front of the grid as Formula 1 enters an all-new era of regulations.

In addition to being on weekend stand-by duties, Browning will also continue to help develop the car over the course of the year through data analysis and simulator work.

Browning’s fledgling car racing career began with the British Automobile Racing Club back in 2016, when he stepped up to the ultra-competitive Junior Saloon Car Championship. In his rookie campaign, the British racer claimed a maiden victory before then being voted the Henry Surtees Teen Racer of the Year for 2016.

Further success would follow for Browning in the Ginetta Junior Championship before he made the switch to single-seaters in 2019. A stellar maiden campaign in the British F4 Championship certified by FIA was quickly followed up by title success a year later as he came out on top of a tense showdown at Brands Hatch.

From that point on, the Kingsley-born ace hasn’t looked back since; winning the coveted BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award as well as competing in FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3. He has also made a number of practice session appearances in Formula 1.

“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team this year,” said Browning on his graduation to Reserve Driver having been a long-standing member of the Williams Academy.

“The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through both Formula 3 and Formula 2 while giving me the chance to get up to speed with modern F1 machinery through testing and FP1 sessions. I look forward to working alongside Alex and Carlos to drive the team forward in this new era for Formula 1.

“I’m also happy to confirm that 2026 will be my rookie season in Super Formula. This will be a completely new challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!

“As my next step up towards a full-time Formula 1 seat, this gives me another chance to show how I’ve developed on track and continue to build my skills in a new environment and culture.”

Nova Motorsport named official tyre partner of Caterham Motorsport

Caterham Motorsport has announced a new multi-year agreement with Nova Motorsport, naming them as their Official Tyre Partner.

This partnership formally transfers the highly successful, long-standing association between Caterham and Avon Motorsport to the new Nova Motorsport brand.

Nova Motorsport will supply its performance tyre products across four official Caterham Motorsport Championships – Roadsport, Seven 270R, Seven 310R and Seven Championship UK.

This tie-up ensures that competitors will continue to race on tyres designed, developed, and manufactured for the unique demands of the Caterham Seven.

Alex Read, Head of Motorsport – Caterham, said: “Nova Motorsport is the perfect fit for Caterham Motorsport. Our products demand specialist tyres, and the Nova team, with its heritage rooted in Avon Motorsport, understands this implicitly.

“The tyres supplied are uniquely designed for our Sevens, meaning our competitors will directly benefit from Nova Motorsport’s renewed dedicated focus on the Caterham product.

“We are fully confident in the quality and service our drivers will receive and are looking forward to getting the 2026 Caterham Motorsport racing season underway with our new partners.”