Category: Barc

British F4 races into new season at Donington Park

Single-seater hopefuls from around the world are poised to descend on Donington Park’s National track configuration this weekend, as the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA takes centre stage for its opening meeting of the 2025 season.

Providing the first rung on the ladder to Formula 1, the UK’s premier single-seater category has served as a springboard to the likes of Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan in recent years – so the question now is who will be next to follow in their footsteps.

A bumper field of returning contenders and new faces are poised to hit the track for the first three races of the new season, with the entry list set to see more cars joining over the coming weekends as more standout talents prepare to join the grid.

Leading this weekend’s entry is last year’s Teams’ Cup winners Hitech TGR. Leo Robinson joins the squad after an impressive debut season and he’s partnered by the talented Thomas Bearman, Red Bull Academy racer Fionn McLaughlin and Australian prospect Xavier Avramides.

Rodin Motorsport need no introduction to British F4 fans and their bid for glory rests on a three-pronged attack that is led by the returning James Piszcyk, F4 Middle East race winner Adam Al Azhari and McLaren F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd – who is coming off the back of an impressive maiden F1 Academy victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

At JHR Developments, Rowan Campbell-Pilling will be looking to build on the strong foundations he laid last year while Harri Reynolds, who debuted with the team at Silverstone in 2024, will be eager to make his mark.

There is an exciting new line-up at Argenti Motorsport with reigning world karting champion and Mercedes F1 Junior Ethan Jeff-Hall being joined by rapid American hotshot Henry Mercier and Sweden’s August Raber, who rejoins the grid for a second successive campaign.

Over at Xcel Motorsport, Chinese driver Yuhao Fu will be one to watch during his second season in the series, while Chase Fernandez – last year’s Ginetta Juniors vice-champion – and rookie Cole Hewetson have joined to further bolster the team’s second year of British F4.

Chris Dittmann Racing has shown plenty of pedigree in recent years and their trio of Tommy Harfield, Charlie Edge and F1 Academy driver Alba Larsen will be worth keeping an eye on. The same can be said for Ginetta Junior race winner Henry Joslyn at Fortec Motorsport.

Completing the entry list is last year’s Rookie Cup champion Martin Molnár, who has synced up with Virtuosi Racing once again and is now looking to chase down the main prize in his sophomore year.

With F1 Super Licence points on offer in addition to a number of other career-defining prizes provided by the likes of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, the stakes couldn’t be higher in British F4.

Qualifying for the opening event of the season kicks off at 09:10 on Saturday, followed by Race 1 later that afternoon at 14:30. Two more races will then play out on Sunday at 09:50 and 15:15 respectively.

More attractions announced for Croft Motor Show

Excitement is mounting as the momentum gathers for the Croft Classic to Modern Motor Show with a host of additional attractions lined up for the event at Croft Circuit, near Darlington on Saturday 10th May 2025.

With a jam-packed schedule of motorsport, entertainment, and family fun already in place, organisers have been hard at work to make sure the event is unmissable for motoring enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, as part of a celebration of everything automotive for the first time in the region for many years.

This year’s new show offers so much more than just incredible car displays. With hundreds of classic and modern vehicles, plus a chance to explore the Motorsport and Supercar Zones as well as interactive experiences for all ages, the latest attractions add to an already mouth-watering feast.

  • Barford Raceway Live Showcase – Enjoy thrilling demonstrations featuring Mini F2 Stock Cars, Teen Two’s, Junior Bangers, Formula 2 and Formula 1 Heritage Stock Cars, Bangers, and Hot Rods.
  • The Mad Mark Rally Team will be displaying rally cars, with adrenaline-fuelled passenger rides available to book on the day.
  • Local race and rally organisers, Darlington & District Motor Club, presents a line-up of prized competition cars.
  • See Troy Bayliss’ British Superbike Championship-winning Ducati up close.
  • Marvel at dream machines in the Supercar Showcase, featuring McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche and more.
  • Live Music & Food at Hangar 50 where visitors can relax and enjoy live performances by Hayley McKay and Dave Neil Crabtree, alongside a great selection of food and drinks.
  • Northallerton’s Dakar Rally star, Robbie Wallace, will be present with his bike.
    British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC North East) will be on hand to answer any questions on how to become a motorsport marshal.

All of this is in addition to the Family Fun Zone, which includes dodgems, a giant bouncy slide, and other attractions including teen driving experiences with qualified instructors, hot laps, auto tests, track parades, club and retail stands and much, much more.

To make sure of your place at a unique day of speed, excitement, and fun, contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk to book your tickets now with general adult admission in advance starting at just £9.50. Children aged 15 and under go FREE and check out the website and social media links too for availability of remaining places for circuit rides.

BARC delivers Easter extravaganza of entertainment at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club served up a bank holiday blockbuster at Brands Hatch this past weekend (April 19-20) as the British Truck Racing Championship rumbled into life for the first time this season.

In front of a packed crowd at the world-famous Kent venue, the heavyweight behemoths lifted the curtain on a brand-new campaign with five colossal contests that had everyone perched on the edge of their seats.

Reigning nine-time champion Ryan Smith entered the weekend as the serial favourite and he duly lived up to all expectations as he underlined his credentials by powering his Worldwide Truck Racing Daimler Freightliner to pole position in qualifying.

Smith converted his front-row start into an impressive lights-to-flag victory in race one however he far from had things his own way as he was pushed all the way by fellow former title winners Stuart Oliver and David Jenkins.

While Smith would go on to triumph twice more over the course of the weekend, ten-time champion Oliver also made a welcome return to the top step of the podium as he chalked up a brace of his own.

Further back, fans were treated to plenty of breathtaking moments as the likes of Tom O’Rourke, Martin Gibson, David Smith and John Bowler all found themselves in the thick of the action across both days.

In Division 2, youthful exuberance and wily experience was on full display as debutant Jake Evans and last year’s runner-up Simon Cole enjoyed a share of the spoils. Evans reigned supreme on Saturday by triumphing twice before Cole came to the fore on Sunday, tallying a hat-trick of wins.

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club made its second appearance of the campaign and the first of three trips to Brands Hatch this year. Armed with a bumper grid of iconic saloon cars, a trip down memory lane proved captivating for all involved.

Defending Pre-66 Touring Cars champion Ian Thompson was wheel perfect in his Lotus Cortina as he claimed two wins while Jonathan Corker ruled the roost in his Datsun 510 in the weekend’s two Pre-83 Touring Car contests.

Elsewhere, Piers Grange proved too hot to handle in the amalgamated Pre-93 Touring Car, Pre-03 Touring Car and Blue Oval Saloon Series races, winning both in impressive fashion from behind the wheel of his monstrous Ford Escort.

Rounding out the CTCRC entertainment were two races from the flame-spitting Classic Thunder and Historic Thunder categories. Colin Voyce showcased why he was the driver to beat last year as he followed suit and guided his Ford Escort to a clean sweep of race wins.

Variety was the spice of life when it came to the Milltek Civic Cup – which was back in action after a pulsating curtain-raiser at Donington Park last month – as three different drivers stood on the top step of the rostrum.

Former TCR UK champion Lewis Kent clinched the bragging rights in the opening bout however he was unable to repeat his heroics in race two as Jack Ruddell edged out Jake Hewlett to win. Liam McGill then added his name to the honours list with a commanding race three victory.

The Junior Saloon Car Championship wrote the latest chapter of its 2025 season with a thrilling two races around the 1.2-mile Indy layout. Unfortunately, the series’ third race was abandoned on Sunday due to barrier damage from a previous race.

In the contests that were run, Josh Selvadorai took the chequered flag on the road in race one however a ten-second penalty for exceeding track limits dropped him down the order and in-turn, handed Luca Masarati a maiden victory.

Fuelled by the disappointment of missing out in race one, Selvadorai made no mistake in race two as he came out on top of an almighty battle with Wilf Butler to claim a hard-fought victory.

Rounding out the weekend at Brands Hatch were also races from the moobob Caterham Academy Championship and the Track Action Racing Club.

Home to drivers that are taking their first steps into motorsport, the Caterham Academy delivered its traditional close-quarter racing that culminated in Max Richardson beating Kyle Townend by just a tenth of a second.

In Track Action, TCR UK race winner Adam Shepherd got behind the wheel of a Honda Integra DC5 to win in somewhat commanding fashion. Like the JSCC, the series’ second race was unfortunately abandoned due to barrier damage on Sunday.

To view the full classification of results from Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Every single race is also available to watch at the click of the button on the BARC’s official Youtube channel, HERE.

As big as it gets for the BARC at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend

This weekend, it’s perhaps one of the biggest and busiest weekends on the calendar. Not only is it Easter weekend at Brands Hatch, for the first time in 2025 the British Automobile Racing Club are ready to unleash the big ones, the monsters – the British Truck Racing Championship has arrived.

Squeezing onto the Indy layout, the 1000 horsepower, five-tonne behemoths are one of the star attractions in a packed racing schedule this weekend 19th/20th April. Let’s take a look and see what is happening in Kent.

As well as five, yes FIVE truck races across the two days there are a plethora of championships set to entertain audiences track side and thousands more watching live from around the world. Starting their championship at Brands Hatch is the moobob Caterham Academy championship who are racing on Saturday, while the Track Action Racing Club begin their racing schedule on Sunday.

Supporting them across both days are the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club classes and the Miltek Civic Cup.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 19th/20th April

Where are the events being held?
Brands Hatch – Indy Circuit
Address: Brands Hatch – London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 6FS

What is racing this weekend?
British Truck Racing Championship, moobob Caterham Academy championship, Track Action Racing Club, Miltek Civic Cup, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Classic Touring Car Racing Club classes including Pre 66, Pre 83, Pre 93, Pre 03, Blue Oval Saloon Series and Classic and Historic Thunder.

How can I watch?
The Brands Hatch BARC race weekend will be broadcast live and for free on our YouTube channel. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first race on Saturday at 12:15 and 10:10 on Sunday.

Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Brands Hatch website from £19 for a Saturday ticket or £26.00 for a Sunday ticket.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:00 on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday. Qualifying heads the order in the morning and just after 12:30 Saturday and 10:25 on Sunday, we go green with the first races of the day.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy your weekend.

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/251621
Timetable*: www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-brands-hatch-indy-april-19-20/

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing. We hope you have an eggcellent weekend!

BTCC launches 2025 season at Donington Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has lifted the curtain on the forthcoming 2025 season by confirming a stellar entry list that is made up of former champions, proven race winners and young chargers.

Starting at Donington Park today for its annual Season Launch, the UK’s premier motor racing series will once again travel the length and breadth of the country – staging 30 races across ten full-throttle weekends.

Headlining this year’s 24-car grid is reigning champion Jake Hill, who is now the team leader at West Surrey Racing. Remaining with Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport and his trusty BMW, Hill has the number one adorning his car this year and he’ll be eager to not let it go.

Joining Hill at the multiple champions is exciting young racer Daryl Deleon, as well as the duo of Aiden Moffat and debutant Charles Rainford, both of whom will run under the LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR banner.

Looking to take the fight to the BMW quartet is Team VERTU, which is spearheaded by 2022 title winner Tom Ingram. Having finished as runner-up in each of the past two seasons, the Hyundai driver will be all guns blazing to clinch a second crown this time around.

Ingram is joined at EXCELR8 Motorsport by the experienced Tom Chilton once again, while Adam Morgan makes a return to front-wheel-drive after a number of years competing in the aforementioned BMW. Completing the line-up is returning fan favourite Michael Crees, although it will only be for half a season as Senna Proctor will take on driving duties from Croft onwards.

Both Hill and Ingram won’t be the only drivers battling for the coveted crown though with NAPA Racing UK fielding an unchanged line-up that is led by Ash Sutton – who is looking to make history by becoming the very first five-time champion of the BTCC.

The Ford Focus ST squad boasts strength in depth with Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom no doubt keen to make their mark also. Sam Osborne is the fourth and final driver that will represent the striking yellow and blue outfit in 2025.

Over at Speedworks Motorsport it is all change for a second successive season. Three-time champion Gordon Shedden returns after two years away and he’s joined by last year’s Independent Drivers’ champion Aron Taylor-Smith, Ronan Pearson and rookie James Dorlin.

One Motorsport took a sabbatical in 2024 but they’re back with their Honda Civic Type Rs and the ultra-competitive pairing of Josh Cook and Stephen Jelley. Elsewhere, Mikey Doble has remained with Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing for a third successive campaign.

Rounding out the grid is Chris Smiley and Daniel Lloyd in Restart Racing’s two new Hyundais while Un-Limited Motorsport have gone from one to three cars, with Dexter Patterson, Nicolas Hamilton and Max Hall locked in to drive Cupras.

With the removal of hybrid and the introduction of sustainable fuel, along with a host of other elements remaining the same, this year’s fight to be crowned British Touring Car Champion could well be one of the closest in years.

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Entry List

No. 1 // Jake Hill // Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 2 // Daryl Deleon // West Surrey Racing // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 3 // Tom Chilton // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 12 // Stephen Jelley // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 14 // Ronan Pearson // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 16 // Aiden Moffat // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 17 // Dexter Patterson // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 22 // Chris Smiley // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 27 // Dan Cammish // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 28 // Nicolas Hamilton // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 32 // Dan Rowbottom // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 33 // Adam Morgan // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 40 // Aron Taylor-Smith // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 52 // Gordon Shedden // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 66 // Josh Cook // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 77 // Sam Osborne // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 80 // Tom Ingram // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 88 // Mikey Doble // Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing // Vauxhall Astra
No. 93 // Maximus Hall // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 99 // Charles Rainford // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 116 // Ash Sutton // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 123 // Daniel Lloyd // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 132 // James Dorlin // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 777 // Michael Crees // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback

Donington Park provides the setting for the opening three rounds of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season on April 26-27.

Goodwood rolls back the years at 82nd Members’ Meeting

Goodwood Motor Circuit rolled back the years in superlative style this past weekend (April 12/13) as the West Sussex venue kicked off its 2025 motor racing season with the 82nd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.

Marking the start of what promises to be another unmissable year of full-throttle thrills at the former home of the British Automobile Racing Club, iconic drivers and machinery descended on the world-famous grounds for a frenetic two days of nostalgic track action.

Basking in the Spring sunshine, the Members’ Meeting is open to members and fellows of the Goodwood Road Racing Club and is staged to recapture the intimacy and camaraderie of race weekend’s from Goodwood’s heyday.

One of the undoubted highlights of the weekend came in the Gordon Spice Trophy, for Group 1 saloon cars that are over 2.8-litres, that delivered two frenetic races that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Reigning BTCC champion Jake Hill guided his Ford Capri to first place in the opening encounter before Fred Shepherd triumphed in race two in his Ford Mustang Boss. On combined results, that win was enough to give the overall victory to Shepherd and Romain Dumas.

After missing out on outright honours in the Gordon Spice Trophy, Hill was perfection personified in the Win Percy Trophy as he teamed up with Kerry Michael to power a 1980 Ford Escort RS2000 to victory lane by more than ten seconds.

The Gurney Cup – which was for sports racing prototypes from yesteryear – saw the familiar names of Frank Stippler and David Franklin work together to ultimately triumph in their stunning 1960 Ferrari 206S.

One of the biggest ever grids of Edwardian cars since the First World War assembled for the S. F. Edge Trophy and it didn’t disappoint. Mark Walker claimed victory in race one however he was unable to repeat the feat in race two after suffering a scary accident – thankfully he was ok.

With Walker sidelined, race two went the way of Julian Majzub although a second and a third place finish was enough for Ben Collings to clinch the overall victory on combined results in his 1907 Mercedes 120hp.

Elsewhere, rear-engined junior cars were represented in the Arundell Cup ft Taylor Trophy where Sam Wilson pipped Alexander Ames to victory while Guy Smith reigned supreme in the Whitmore Cup, which was for Pre-66 Touring Cars under two-litres.

British-built pre-war sportscars proved popular in the Earl Howe Trophy, which was won by Gareth Burnett in an Alta Sports machine. In the closed-cockpit GT cars Moss Trophy, John Spiers narrowly beat Gregor Fisken to victory in his Shelby Cobra 260.

World Championship sports cars from between 1955 to 1960 were well represented in the Salvadori Cup where Bonamy Grimes led home a Lotus-Climax 15 one-two finish. Roger Willis finished hot on Grimes’ heels at the finish.

Two-wheel action was also part of the billing at Goodwood with Hailwood Trophy ft Sheene Trophy for Grand Prix Motorcycles delivering an abundance of thrills. Dan Jackson swept both races to claim the ultimate bragging rights on his Harris-Yamaha TZ350.

The 82nd Members’ Meeting also saw a special GT3 shoot-out take place, which was won by former BTCC champion Andrew Jordan in 2012-specification Chevrolet Corvette Z06.R GT3.

To view the full classification of results from all races at the Goodwood 82nd Members’ Meeting, CLICK HERE.

Snetterton stages weekend to remember for BARC championships

The British Automobile Racing Club soaked up the Snetterton sunshine this past weekend (April 12/13) as Caterham Motorsport and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy delivered a spectacular two days of racing in Norfolk.

Becoming the latest catalogue of championships to kick-start their 2025 campaigns, a total of 16 races played out around the near three-mile circuit – serving up spades of entertainment to both those in attendance and watching online.

If you were wanting to succeed in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship then having the surname Harris was the way to go as both Charles Harris and William Harris proved to be the class of the field, claiming a win apiece.

Neither driver was able to top the times in qualifying however their race craft shone through in the opening encounter as they carved their way to the head of the field, with Charles pipping William to the chequered flag by the slender margin of 0.031s.

Locking out the front row of the grid for race two, the duelling brothers renewed their battle at the head of the pack although this time it was William that reigned supreme, taking the spoils by six tenths of a second.

Ben Wheatley – who in the past has cut his teeth in Caterham Graduates – was perfection personified in the EDGE Caterham Seven 270R Championship as he scored three wins from three races.

Setting the pace from the get-go by claiming pole position in qualifying, Wheatley was flawless from start-to-finish as he clinched a clean sweep of triumphs. Adam Kene and Lyonel Tollemache would prove to be his nearest competitors.

Over in the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship, pre-season favourites Taylor O’Flanagan and Lars Alexander Hoffman lived up to all expectations as they enjoyed a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Just a few tenths of a second separated the race winner from the chasing pack on each occasion and in the opening encounter, O’Flanagan narrowly got the better of Alexander Hoffman in race one . That however would be the only time the latter would be beaten as he won the remaining two contests.

Rounding out the Caterham Motorsport thrills were a trio of races from the manufacturer’s premier category, the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven UK Championship, where three different drivers stole a majority of the headlines – Matthew Armstrong, Paul Donkin and Harry Senior.

Kicking off what promises to be another vintage year for the series, Armstrong got the better of Senior to win race one by just 0.045s before Donkin did the same in race two.

After two near misses, Senior would finally get his moment on the top step of the podium at the end of the weekend however as triumphed by yet another small margin to beat Armstrong and with it, grab the early advantage in the championship standings.

The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy is renowned for close-quarter racing year-on-year and that proved to be the case over the weekend as a bumper grid of tin top titans went wheel-to-wheel for the first time this year.

Joshua Wilby gave Team Avago their maiden victory in a frenetic opening bout before Leo Purches beat last year’s Junior Saloon Car Championship title winner Harry Smith to the chequered flag in a dramatic end to race two.

Reigning Teams’ champions Westbourne Motorsport – who up until race three had enjoyed their fair share of bad luck – finally came good as former Rookie Cup champion Rhys Hurd hit the front and never looked back to win ahead of Gabe Fairbrother and Olivier Algieri.

Completing the weekend’s action at Snetterton were two races from the Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, which had lifted the curtain on its 2025 season at Donington Park last month.

Like its season-opener, race day on Sunday for the single-marque series belonged to the father-son duo of Steve McDermid and Jake McDermid. Multiple champion Steve struck first with his third win of the season in race one before Jake claimed a popular maiden win in the finale.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Snetterton, CLICK HERE.

If you missed any of the action from the latest BARC weekend, head over to our YouTube channel and watch it all back HERE.

North Western Centre makes full-throttle start to season at Oulton Park

The British Automobile Racing Club’s North Western Centre enjoyed a full-throttle start to the 2025 season at Oulton Park this past Saturday (April 12) as three different categories took centre stage on the famed International layout.

As momentum for the new campaign continues to build around the country, it was the turn of the Club’s North Western Centre at the weekend as both the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship and OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires made their first appearances of the year.

For the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – which is the centre’s flagship series – competitors were undoubtedly chomping at the bit to hit the track given the fact that a bumper 47-car entry list was confirmed for the opening two rounds.

Such was the enormity of the grid, organisers opted to double the amount of races on the day, amalgamating those in Class A, B and G together for two races and those in Class C, D, E and F together for a further two races.

Simon Allaway proved to be in a league of his own in the two Class A, B & G contests as he made the perfect start to the new season by powering his Lotus Esprit V8 to a commanding brace of victories.

Race one saw Allaway quickly make his escape from the chasing pack and he ultimately never looked back, taking the chequered flag by more than 20 seconds ahead of Bod Buckby and Ben Roberts. In race two, his winning margin was to be eight seconds at the end.

Over in Class C, D, E and F, Chris Roberts showed similar levels of dominance as he too claimed a clean sweep of front-running results – winning both races by more than ten seconds in his sensational BMW M4.

There was plenty of edge-of-the-seat entertainment when it came to the OT Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires, with the budget-conscious tin top series serving up two frenetic bouts around the picturesque 2.692-mile circuit.

With last year’s victor Daniel Munro moving onto new pastures, all bets were off when it came to the battle for supremacy at the front of the field – although three drivers staked their claim with exemplary performances.

Nathan Williams underlined his credentials as one to watch as he fended off the race-long advances of Adam Jones to win the season-opener before Jones turned the tables in race two to open his account for the season.

While both Williams and Jones claimed a win apiece, Max Papworth demonstrated that he will undoubtedly stand on the top step of the podium in the near future as he tallied a pair of top-three finishes.

Rounding out the North Western Centre’s race day at Oulton Park was the P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Championship, which was back in action after competing at Donington Park last month.

In the Sigma 150 Class, it didn’t take reigning champion Jamie Ellwood long to pick up where he left off last season as he bagged two wins from two races. Max Haynes, Stephen Clark, Harry Cramer and Ben Winrow all scooped podium finishes behind the charging Ellwood.

The Sigma 135 Class – which had almost 40 entries – saw spoils shared as Giles Derry and Tom McEwing maintained their strong starts to the season by tallying a win apiece.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Busy weekend of motorsport action coming up for the BARC

This weekend, there is a lot to be excited about, with the British Automobile Racing Club hosting not one, not two but three events over the weekend of the 12th/13th April. Let’s take a look and see what is happening.

Snetterton, located in Norfolk is the first port of call for the BARC this weekend – with two days at the 300 layout. The Caterham championships get their season underway with Roadsport, 270R, 310R and UK Seven’s all in action. Joining the Caterham brand will be the Vertu MINI Challenge Cooper Challenge providing that tin-top saloon car fix, while the Adrian Flux MG Owners Club Championship will venture into their second meeting of the year on the Sunday.

Oulton Park in Cheshire is next on the itinerary, with a one-day meeting on the Saturday hosting a plethora of BARC supported series. The OT Publishing Coupe Cup and CNC Heads Championship begin their eagerly anticipated season at the undulating British classic, while the P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Sigma 135 and 150 classes go head-to-head once again. If their exploits at Donington Park are to go by – spectators will be enthralled with the position swapping racing.

Last, but by no means least – the Goodwood motor racing calendar kicks off with the 82nd Members’ Meeting at the famous Goodwood circuit in West Sussex. Stars, cars, packed racing schedule, exciting track demonstrations and fun for all the family is guaranteed at the two-day event on the south coast.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 12th/13th April

Where are the events being held?
Snetterton – 300 Circuit
Address: Snetterton Circuit – Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2JU

Oulton Park – International Circuit
Address: Little Budworth, Tarporley, CW6 9BW

Goodwood – Goodwood Motor Circuit
Address: Goodwood, Motor Circuit, Chichester, PO18 0PH

What is racing this weekend?
Caterham Roadsport, 270R, 310R and UK Seven’s. Vertu MINI Challenge Cooper Challenge and Adrian Flux MG Owners Club Championship at Snetterton. OT Publishing Coupe Cup, CNC Heads Championship and P4 Emergency Lighting Caterham Graduates Sigma 135 and 150 classes at Oulton Park.

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting has a whole host of historic racing going on – check out our preview right here.

How can I watch?
The Snetterton BARC race weekend will be broadcast live and for free on our YouTube channel. The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first race on Saturday at 14:00 and 09:10 on Sunday.

Those who want to catch the Members’ Meeting action can do so over on the Goodwood Road and Race channel on both days HERE. Sadly there is no live coverage from the racing at Oulton Park

Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Oulton Park and Snetterton websites from £16.
Goodwood Members’ Meeting tickets are sold out for Saturday – but there are still some left at the time of writing for the Sunday – but you will need to be a member of the GRRC to purchase Member tickets.

What time are things happening on track?

Snetterton
Track action begins at 09:30 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday. Qualifying heads the order in the morning and just after 14:00 Saturday and 09:25 on Sunday, we go green with the first races of the day.

Oulton Park
Track action begins at 08:30 on Saturday. Qualifying is up first with the first ace at 11:00 with a whole afternoon of racing to follow.

Goodwood
The track opens for demonstrations, qualifying and racing from 09:00 on both days.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy your weekend.

Snetterton
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE

Oulton Park
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE 

Goodwood Members’ Meeting
Live Timing and Commentary: FOLLOW & LISTEN HERE
Timetable*: VIEW HERE
LIVE Stream link – WATCH HERE

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing. It’s going to be some weekend!

Regulations changes locked in for 2025 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE season

The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE has confirmed a number of regulation changes ahead of the opening rounds of the 2025 season, which take place this month. 

Snetterton provides the setting for the Cooper class curtain-raiser this weekend, with the JCW and JCW Sport classes getting underway at Donington Park on April 26-27.

Ahead of the lights going out, amendments to the regulations across all three classes have been ratified and communicated to all competing teams and drivers. 

Race distances for the ten meetings that are held alongside the British Touring Car Championship – covering the full JCW/JCW Sport season and three events for the Cooper class – will see drivers offered additional track time.

For JCW and JCW Sport entrants, the final race of the weekend will run a duration of 25 minutes at Donington Park, Oulton Park, Croft and Knockhill.

Over in the Cooper class, the four non-TOCA race meetings will comprise of three 15-minute races. The meetings on the TOCA bill (Thruxton and Donington Park GP) will offer more track time for the final contest. 

For all classes, race one on the Saturdays on the TOCA programme will run to a duration of 20 minutes with an opportunity of five minutes contingency added in the event of a safety car, as with BTCC races. Race two will continue to run to a fixed duration of 20 minutes.

The points-scoring system remains unchanged however an additional six points will be given to the fastest time in qualifying in each class. Furthermore, the fastest race lap in each class will now be worth three points instead of six. 

Dropped scores have been revised too, with every race now being counted in both the JCW and JCW Sport categories, In the Cooper class, drivers will now drop their worst score from the season rather than their two worst scores. 

Entries have also been looked out with teams now limited to running maximum of four cars in any individual class. Should a team wish to run more than four cars, it will need to submit a request in writing to the Championship Organisers. 

Finally, the rules around the reverse grid have been tweaked for the JCW and JCW Sport classes, bringing them inline with the Cooper class. 

As a result, on those weekends where there are three races, the grid for race two will be decided by a random draw that will see anywhere from the top six to top ten overall from the previous race reversed.

BARC North West Centre revved up for CNC Heads Sports/Saloon opener

This weekends opening round of the CNC Heads Sports Saloon Car Championship boasts a massive 47-car entry; with defending Champion Steven Parker heading the entry in his Ford Fiesta ST – but there is healthy competition in most of the classes.

Simon Allaway’s mighty Lotus Esprit V8 heads class A. The overall Champion back in 2013, Simon will be looking for a podium finish this weekend. Garry Wardle was last years Class A Champion. He is entered in his Audi A3 TCR car, but is well-known for turning up with something entirely different.

A Championship debutant at Cadwell last year, Ryan Nelson has changed his Class D Mini for a Ginetta G56 and joins Class A too this weekend. Thomas Frankland is another newcomer to Class A, as his Renault 5GT Turbo was in Class B last year. He has a new engine this term, a 1781 turbo. Championship debutant Ash Hicklin will be one to watch, with his Bentley GT. He has previously raced a Radical in 750MC Bikesports.

After a few years away, it’s a welcome back to the fastest breadman in the North West, Jason Hennefer. A former XR racer, he has been out in the Fiesta Championship and returns in an ST180 Fiesta. Piers Grange is due out in his Ford Escort 2.6, as his RSR Turbo isn’t ready yet. Richard Blockley, Dad of Fiesta Junior Billy makes his championship debut in another Ginetta G56A and completing the class is returnee Wayne Spiller, having swapped his Mazda for a Seat Leon.

Most of Class B are returnee’s from last season, with the top seven from last years final standings. Champion Paul Masters is back with his Westfield Wide Body, to renew his rivalry with class runner-up Connor Modro’s Westfield Aero and they will be up against Bod Buckby’s Caterham and former double Champion Jamie Cryer’s Ginetta G20. Roddie Paterson’s Caterham will be vying for overall victory too as will Ben Roberts’ Locost 7, both having visited the top step of the podium.

If all is well with Mark Primett’s Banks Lotus Europa he should be another strong contender, but with Deri Davies’ Darrian T90 and Rob Wakelin’s Peugeot 205, joined by Alek Modro now in a Westfield Aeo too, competition for the Class will be intense. Tim Foxlow’s Escort RSR is back too and he is joined by newcomers Jon Price in a Vauxhall Tigra and Baz Johnson in his Pontiac Coupe.

With no starters due in Class C, Champion Parker has plenty of rivals to challenge him in Class D. Riccy Walker and Clive Dix were second and third in class last year, and both return with their respective Mini F56 and Mazda RX7, but Marshall Groves’ Vauxhall Vectra should be a challenger again too, along with Philip White’s BMW. Fiesta racer Sam Beckett swaps to an Audi TT to make his Championship debut and newcomers Simon Graveley, Carl Bennett and Anthony Sullivan make their debuts in a VW Golf Gti, BMW M3 E46 and Mini JCW.

Paul Goodlad hopes to be back with his VW Scirocco, if the car s ready and seasoned campaigners Bob Claxton and John Madoc-Jones are due out in their VW Golf Gti and BMW E46 330. The Class is completed by George Foxlow, son of Tim, out in his Fiesta Challenge ST240.

As well as winning Class E last year at his first attempt, Lee Bull only just missed out on the overall title with a late retirement in the last race at Oulton. He’s back with his Renault Clio, but will have some stiff competition from Paul Rotheroe, who returned to the Championship last year with his Citroen Xsara VTS to take second in the Class. Julian Wood, brother of Championship sponsor Ric is back with ex Steven Parker BMW Compact, along with Matthew Jones in his Ford Focus.

Cavan Taylor joined the championship too last season as a relative novice with his Renault Clio and Louie Dobson, son of former Champion Paul, had his first race ever at Anglesey last season and returns with his Fiesta ST150. Nick Haynes joins in too in another Fiesta ST150, while two shared cars complete the class. William and Georgina Bartlett in a Renault Clio and Richard and Matt Hibbert with a Honda Civic Type R.

There are three entries in Class F too, with two novices challenging Champion Helen Allen’s Ford Fiesta Zetec S. Errol Taylor has a Toyota Yaris T Sport and Jonathan Lee a Mini Cooper.

Classes A & B qualify from 9.25 and race at 12.05 and 15.25 and Classes D,E & F qualify at 10.25, with races at 12.40 and 16.40. All four races are of 20 minutes duration.

Goodwood and BARC ready to open the vaults of motorsport history

It’s Spring time and that can only mean one thing – it’s time for the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting held at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit in West Sussex (12-13 April).

The British Automobile Racing Club are working side-by-side with the Goodwood events team to bring together and deliver a tightly compact, two-day schedule of motor racing. The BARC are an integral part of the racing stewarding, officiating and running of the race meeting which is one of the biggest in the busy British motorsport calendar.

The Goodwood Race Circuit stopped hosting contemporary motor racing events in 1966, and now promotes the Revival meeting at the end of summer to celebrate the period glory days, while the Spring time Members Meeting was revived in 2014 – and focuses on a wider timeline of motorsport eras – from early pioneers to the latest cutting edge machines.

In 2025, there is a lot to celebrate. Racing at Goodwood this weekend include single seaters in the form of Formula Juniors, Edwardian and Pre War monsters, fifties and sixties sports cars, Touring cars from the sixties, seventies and eighties as well as two wheel icons from Formula 750, 250cc and 350cc machines.

Demonstrations are one of the major attractions at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and the 82nd edition will have plenty of exciting cars – some hitting the Goodwood track for the first time.

The late, great Aryton Senna’s first F1 win will be remembered – with the iconic JPS liveried Lotus 97T being driven by Aryton’s nephew Brunno Senna – who will evoke just some of those memories from 40 years ago. Fast forward to 2025 and Hertz Team JOTA will be rolling out the thunderous Cadillac Hypercar. The car which is more at home on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans will be put through its paces by factory drivers Alex Lynn and Will Stevens across the two days.

For sports car fans, as well as the golden Cadillac, there will be several GT3 demonstrations as well as two invitational shootouts for eight cars between 2005-2012 on both Saturday and Sunday.

Complementing the motorsport demonstrations will be the glorious sounds from Gordon Murray Automotive – with the famed designer and his team bringing both the T.33 and T.50 models for high-speed demo runs around the 2.367 mile circuit. Stretching the legs of the supercars will be Four-time IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti – who is one of the development drivers for the GMA outfit.

Tickets are sold out for Saturday – with only Sunday now available. For those who want to get a taste of the event can watch the action on the Goodwood Road & Racing YouTube channel this weekend HERE.