Category: Barc

British F4 enjoys historic weekend at Formula 1 British Grand Prix

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA made history at Silverstone this past weekend (July 3-6) by taking on a starring role at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2025.

Competing in front of more than 480,000 fans at the Home of British Motor Racing, the UK’s premier single-seater series delivered two captivating races that were both won by Virtuosi Racing’s Salim Hanna.

In what is renowned as being a jewel in the crown of the world motorsport, British F4’s appearance at Silverstone was made extra special by the fact that it was the first time Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4 had all raced on the same bill.

Getting their first taste of action during practice on Friday evening, the 26-car field delivered a frenetic qualifying session on Saturday morning that culminated in Red Bull Junior Fionn McLaughlin smashing the British F4 lap record on his way to pole position.

Second fastest lap times dictated the starting grid for race one however and it was Hanna that made his front row advantage count as he swept aside the opposition to claim what is arguably the biggest win of his fledgling career to-date.

Despite being passed by Rowan Campbell-Pilling at Brooklands on the opening lap, the Columbian driver remained calm and when Campbell-Pilling spun going onto the Hangar Straight a few corners later, the race was in Hanna’s hands.

Soaking up pressure from Argenti Motorsport’s Ethan Jeff-Hall and Hitech TGR’s McLaughlin after a brief safety car period, the 15-year-old soon began to pull clear and after punching in the fastest lap of the race, he cruised to a historic victory.

Behind him, Mercedes F1 Junior Jeff-Hall recorded his best finish of the year in second place while McLaughlin fended off a late charge from Tommy Harfield to secure the final spot on the podium.

Race two kicked off the action on Sunday and it didn’t disappoint as Hanna completed a clean sweep in devastating fashion. In-doing so he underlined his status as being an undoubted star of the future.

McLaughlin started from pole position but it soon became apparent that he was nursing an issue. Despite resisting the challenge of Hanna for a handful of laps, the Irishman could do nothing to stop the race one winner from blasting past him at Maggots on lap four.

Once in clean air, the Virtuosi Racing hotshot began to streak clear of the chasing pack and once again tallying the fastest lap of the race on his way, he took the chequered flag almost six second clear of his nearest challenger.

Harfield claim runners-up laurels as he battled past McLaughlin with a feisty move at Club Corner and joining him on the podium in third was Campbell-Pilling – who put the disappointment of race one behind him in style.

Mechanical issues would sadly bring McLaughlin’s race to a premature end. His Hitech TGR team-mate Thomas Bearman and Virtuosi Racing’s Martin Molnar would benefit to complete the top five.

The Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA will continues its 2025 season – where points will once again be on offer – on July 26-27 when Zandvoort in the Netherlands stages Rounds 16, 17 & 18.

Happy and Glorious – The Summer of British Motorsport

Summer is here, the sun is shining and we have a weekend full of British Automobile Racing Club racing action at Thruxton, Harewood, Oulton Park and Silverstone. The final weekend of circuit racing before a BARC circuit racing summer break is backed up on the roster by hillclimbing as well as a supporting role in the British Grand Prix. What’s not love!

When is the next BARC weekend?
This weekend – 5-6 July

Where are the events being held?

Thruxton – British Truck Racing and Britcar
Address: Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8PN

Harewood – British Hillclimb Championship
Address: Harewood Avenue, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LA

Oulton Park – TCR UK
Address: Little Budworth, Tarporley CW6 9BW

Silverstone – British F4 and F1 British Grand Prix
Address: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN

What is racing this weekend?

At the home of the BARC – Thruxton, prepare for the ground to shake as the heavy-hitting British Truck Racing Championship will lock horns for five bouts over the weekend. Off the track there will be lots to do thanks to Convoy Thruxton, while the ultimate test of national endance – the Britcar Endurance Championship will feature two races on a packed Saturday schedule. They will also be joined by the MINI Challenge Clubsport and guest series invites from Monoposto Racing Club, 750MC and BMW Car Club across the weekend.

Oulton Park will host racing on Saturday for power in the park.TCR UK headline the billing with a whole host of tin-topping support races including the Miltek Civic Cup, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Track Action, CNC Heads Sports and Saloons and coming from Scotland the Scottish MINI Cooper Cup.

We run to Yorkshire for the last round of the first half of the season in the British Hillclimb Championship as Harewood hosts two rounds of the exciting run off drama for the top single seaters and supporting classes.

It’s a proud parent moment as British F4 joins the supporting cast for the F1 British Grand Prix with Practice on Friday, Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday and final race on Sunday morning in the building up to the Grand Prix.

Can I watch in person?

Absolutely! Tickets are available to soak up the sunshine and the scintillating racing this weekend – right across the board!

Thruxton – Truck Racing and Britcar
www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks
Tickets are £24 for each day or £44 for a weekend with Children under 15 going free!

Harewood – British Hillclimb Championship
www.ticketsource.co.uk/HarewoodHillclimb
Tickets are £12.50 for each day in advance with Children under 14 going free!

Oulton Park – TCR UK
www.oultonpark.co.uk/2025/july/tcr-uk-touring-car-championship
Tickets are £19 in advance with Children under 13 going free!

Silverstone – British F4
www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix/tickets
General admission from £99

How can I watch at home?

The racing action will be right at your fingertips as well this weekend. The BARC LIVE stream returns this weekend – covering every square inch of the racing action.

There will be over 18 hours of coverage across the two days on the BARC YouTube channel with the racing action supplemented with commentary, timing, interviews and features from both Thruxton and Oulton Park.

It is hoped Hillclimb.tv will broadcast the hillclimbing runs from Harewood on Sunday on their YouTube channel, while Sky Sports F1 and the British F4 YouTube channel will host the British F4 races live, while Channel 4 and Sky Sports F1 have you covered for the F1 British Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.

What time are things happening on track?

Thruxton
Saturday – Practice and Qualifying begins at 09:00 with the first race at 13:10
Sunday – Qualifying begins at 08:55 with the first race at 10:45

Harewood
Saturday – Practice runs begin at around 09:00 and go on to early evening
Sunday – Practice begins at around 09:00 with timed runs and run offs to follow

Oulton Park
Saturday Only – Qualifying begins at 08:30 with the first race at 11:10

Silverstone
Friday – F4 Practice – 17:45
Saturday F4 Qualifying – 08:10
Saturday F4 Race 1 – 17:00
Sunday F4 Race 2 – 08:20
Sunday F1 British Grand Prix – 15:00

Do you have any more information?

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

Thruxton

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/252763
Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-thruxton-july-5-6/
Tickets: www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks
Live Stream: www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

Harewood

Live Timing: https://www.hwtiming.co.uk/
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/HarewoodHillclimb
Live Stream: https://hillclimb.tv/

Oulton Park

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/252724
Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-oulton-park-island-july-4/
Tickets: www.oultonpark.co.uk/2025/july/tcr-uk-touring-car-championship
Live Stream: www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

Silverstone

Timetable*: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix/timetable
Tickets: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix/tickets
F4 Live Stream Coverage : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMyROh3W_whYFCqfeTUndEg
F1 British Grand Prix Coverage: https://www.channel4.com/

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Kick back and enjoy a weekend packed full of motorporting goodness. Cheers!

Capacity grid poised for CNC Heads battle at Oulton Park

With four wins from five races, Simon Allaway is certainly the man to beat in his Lotus Esprit V8. The former Champions only non success was at Anglesey, when he damaged a wheel after contact at the start with Ric Wood’s Volvo and failed to take the restart.

Current Championship leader is Paul Rotheroe, unbeaten so far in Class E, he as an eight point lead after playing his joker at Anglesey. Chris Roberts’ BMW M4 is second in the points, and like Allaway he has had four wins from five in Class D. He lost out to Carl Bennett’s BMW in race one at Anglesey, but had a fuel pressure issue all weekend.

In Class A Allaway has six challengers, headed by Gary Wardle’s Audi A3 TCR. Wardle took the Class win in round three at Anglesey when Allaway didn’t restart. Ryan Nelson is still getting used to his Ginetta G56 GTA, having changed from his JCW Mini over the winter, while Richard Blockley is out in a similar car. Ash Hicklin is continuing to develop his Bentley GT and had a few issues to sort at Anglesey. Philip White managed to stay out of trouble at Anglesey in his BMW, as did Jason Hennefer, after he had repaired his Fiesta ST180 following his shunt last time out at Oulton.

Allaway’s rivalry for outright victory is likely to come from Class B. Ben Roberts’ Locost 7 RR has already had an outright win, having come from the back of the grid to victory at Anglesey in round three. But it’s Bod Buckby’s Caterham currently leading the class, after beating Roberts in both rounds four and five at Anglesey, finishing second overall.

Both Connor and Alek Modro had issues with their Westfield Aero’s at Anglesey, if sorted they are likely to be challenging at the head of the class too. Jamie Cryer’s Ginetta G20 and Mark Primett’s Banks Lotus Europa had problems too last time out, but will hopefully be fighting fit this weekend. Jon Price’s Vauxhall Tigra and Baz Johnson’s Pontiac are also due to return, having missed Anglesey.

John Edwards-Parton’s Fiesta is due to make it’s seasonal debut in Class C, but as yet there are no more takers to challenge him.

The outcome of Class D could well depend on whether Chris Roberts gets a run, as he is on the reserve list. If not it’s likely to be Carl Bennett’s M3 E46 at the front. The two have been closely matched so far, a little too close at Anglesey on the last corner. Anthony Sullivan’s JCW Mini was missing from Anglesey, but was close to the pace of Roberts and Bennett’s BMW’s at Oulton, splitting the duo on the opening round. Championship sponsor Ric Wood is due out too in Class D with his Nissan Skyline, along with defending Champion Steven Parker’s Ford Fiesta ST. Matt Jones is out this weekend in his Dad’s Focus in this class.

Clive Dix will be hoping to continue the progress of his Mazda RX7, while novice Simon Graveley just wants to have a race and stay out of trouble with his Golf GTi. Two more VW’s are due to complete the class line-up, Octogenarian Bob Claxton’s Golf GTi and Paul Goodlad, who hopes to give his Scirocco its seasonal debut.

Can anyone beat Championship leader Paul Rotheroe’s Citroen Xsara VTS in Class E. There are six challengers, led by Julian Wood’s BMW Compact. Louie Dobson’s Fiesta is also up against the returning Cavan Taylor’s Renault Clio, while there are two shared cars, William and Georgina Bartlett in their Clio and Richard and Matt Hibbert’s Honda Civic Type R.

Three out of the four Class F runners have taken a win this season already. Rob Wakelin cleaned up at Anglesey in the ex Dave Green Honda Civic, while Helen Allen’s Fiesta and Jonty Lee’s Mini Cooper had a win each at Oulton. Lee lost out in the points at Anglesey with a blown engine, while completing the class is Errol Taylor, who may have a new engine in his Toyota Yaris.

Apart from Chris Roberts there are four other reserves and all from Class D. Oliver Thomas’ Subaru Impreza, Ralph Underwood’s TR7 V8, Steve Rowles’ Audi TT and Marshall Groves’ Vauxhall Vectra.

Qualifying is at 8.30, with race one at 11.10 and the second at 2.55, each 20 minutes duration.

Jake Evans learning his Truck Racing craft

There is something about climbing into your truck, closing the door and hitting the road. A sense of freedom, a sense of journey, a sense of purpose… then you throw in another 20 trucks all scrambling for the same piece of road at race tracks around the country! The British Truck Racing Championship is like nothing else – with Britain’s biggest racing series set to haul into Hampshire this weekend for Convoy Thruxton.

On the road for the very first time is Jakes Evans – who is racing through his first season in Division 2. We caught up with the Staffordshire driver as he explains how he got started and how his remarkable first season is going.

“When we were younger, we couldn’t afford to go circuit racing at a fairly high level and raise the money and budget for cars, so we turned to trucks – an industry that we are in already and made practical and commercial sense. We built this truck ourselves and we raced it as a team for another driver.

“We sat out 2024 and whilst on the sidelines I wanted a new challenge. We had run the truck for a number of years without a huge deal of success – there was a competitive Division 2 when we last ran it. I was itching and bored – looking at different ways to get out and do something. I looked at car racing like MINIs – but when you have the truck sitting there, it was too tempting to get behind the wheel of it myself. The whole rolling assembly was there, truck and trailer, and we worked hard to bring our previous sponsors and some new ones onboard and put a package together to do a season together.”

But it’s not just a simple case of building or buying a truck and going racing, you have to properly train and go through several important steps for safety and progression as Jake explains.

“There’s a couple of ways into it. I already had my Class C truck DVLA licence through work – something you need to have before you start and then you can apply for your ARDS licence. Once that is completed you apply for a National Truck licence from Motorsport UK. What you can’t do is compete with it without a letter from a circuit manager to prove you have tested somewhere for a minimum amount of hours. Those hours have to also be under tuition of a Division 1 driver. Bradley Harvey and I have started this year, and we went to Pembrey with Dave Jenkins for two days and we did all our tuition and we were signed off there. That’s the only way for a novice now. It’s been really beneficial for me as we wouldn’t have had the same level of confidence coming into Brands Hatch without that time and knowledge from someone like Dave.”

First weekend and it’s straight in at the deep end at Brands Hatch. How was Paddock Hill in a truck then?

“That first weekend at Brands was a strange experience for me. I have never done any circuit racing before. I had never driven the truck before the pre-season test at Pembrey to get my licence signed off. Brands Hatch was an eye opener as Pembrey was nice and flat, but going into Paddock in a truck was something else. When you feel that weight transfer as you go down into the compression and up again it’s a phenomenal experience.

“Being a bit higher up – you get a decent perception of the corner – you have that better viewpoint than you would say in a car, but when you are in a race, door-to-door two sometimes three wide – ideally two wide it’s a bit nerve-racking. We have a fair set of drivers in Division 2 – despite a few of us being novices, the standards are high and you feel safe when out racing.

You mentioned a Division 2 truck. For those new to truck racing – what’s the difference to a Division 1 truck?

“The Division 2 truck is a more basic beast. The Division 1 trucks are lighter, more powerful, with different springs and dampers. The regs allow them to be higher performing components than we are allowed. Division 2 used to be, but not anymore as things move on more of a road derived tractor unit come racing truck. Now there is a little more flex. We built this ourselves from two chassis rails up. We have a Division 1 style subframe – trying to make it the best of what it can be. The engine and gearbox are heavy which makes it a Division 2 truck.”

Jake leads the Division 2 standings with a strong 49 point margin as the series prepares for Thruxton. What was the opening round of the season like?

“Brands Hatch was all about getting my feet under the table and getting consistent results and seeing where we are against the competition and then start winding more and more from there. Mechanical reliability, reducing driver errors and trips to the gravel, and not breaking things are all on the mind every race. We took two wins on the opening day and that has given us the confidence to be able to challenge for the championship this year. I would have never believed it had you told me that would have happened. We might not be the quickest everywhere – but this year consistency is the key.

“I have never done Thruxton – that’s going to be some experience! Never done Snetterton or Le Mans so that will also be new. I did my ARDS at Donington so that will help a little. An absolute baptism of fire this year, but if we can have good weekends like the start of the year – then it’s all good and hope Thruxton will be the same.

This weekend the British Truck Racing Championship speeds into Thruxton for five heavyweight bouts around the Hampshire speed bowl. You can purchase you tickets to see the giants live at https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks.

Caterham Motorsport and MINI CHALLENGE Trophy wow Croft crowds

Close finishes and captivating wheel-to-wheel battles was the narrative of the British Automobile Racing Club’s visit to Croft Circuit this past weekend (June 28/29) – where Caterham Motorsport and the VERTU MINI CHALLENGE Trophy both featured.

Taking centre stage at the North Yorkshire venue for a blockbuster two days of on-track entertainment, a bumper crowd flowed through the gates to enjoy a total of xx races around the 2.100-mile track.

When it came to the VERTU MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Westbourne Motorsport’s Olivier Algieri stood head and shoulders above the rest to dominate proceedings and with it, strengthen his own championship challenge.

Algieri was a winner last time out at Thruxton and he carried that momentum into the weekend as he reigned supreme in flawless fashion, beginning in qualifying as he swept his way to a double pole.

Race one would see Algieri claim an untroubled victory as he led from lights-to-flag and he soon doubled up as he showcased his overtaking prowess in a frenetic reverse grid contest, where he took control of the lead on the final lap.

The Rookie Cup competitor then completed an unprecedented hat-trick of race wins as he capped off the weekend by clinching yet commanding another victory after starting from pole position.

As expected, there were plenty of thrills and spills when it came to the Caterham Motorsport runners and riders. Max Richardson kicked things off as he charged to a brilliant win in the only moobob Caterham Academy Championship bout of the weekend.

Less than one second covered the top three in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship however it was Brian Thornton that managed to starve off the race-long attentions of William Harris and Craig Evans.

Over in the EDGE Caterham 270R Championship, spoils were shared between Lyonel Tollemache, Ben Wheatley and Nick Sampson, whilst Taylor O’Flanagan swept his way to all three wins in the Vertex Caterham 310R Championship.

Matthew Armstrong and Henry Heaton then rounded out the list of winners as they both triumphed in the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven UK Championship, with Armstrong tallying two wins to Heaton’s one.

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

You can also watch all of the action from the weekend back on the official BARC YouTube channel HERE.

Classic Touring Car Racing Club stars at Super Touring Power 3

The Classic Touring Car Racing Club helped celebrate a golden era of tin top racing at Brands Hatch this past weekend (June 28/29) as its roster of championships took centre stage at Super Touring Power 3.

Running a third year in succession, the two-day event delivered unmissable nostalgia on both the Grand Prix and Indy layouts of the Kent circuit – with a special focus on machinery from the British Touring Car Championship’s popular ‘90s period.

Touring car heritage featured across the plethora of displays, demonstrations and guest appearances off-track however it was the action on circuit that had everyone captivated over the course of the weekend.

Three Super Tourer races were the undoubted headline acts of the meeting and on Saturday it was Michael Lyons that reigned supreme as he claimed bragging rights on the world-famous Grand Prix layout.

Driving a Honda Accord that had been shipped from New Zealand especially to contest the weekend’s races, Lyons got the better of four-time BTCC champion Colin Turkington – driving a Vauxhall Vectra – off the line however he didn’t have it for long.

Turkington would fight his way back into the lead soon after and then set about pulling clear of the chasing pack. Sadly though a mechanical issue would bring the Northern Irishman to a halt and gift Lyons the lead, which he duly converted into victory.

The Vectra would bounce back on Sunday around the Indy circuit however with Turkington switching to an MG ZR, former BTCC racer Jason Hughes got behind the wheel and charged to an impressive brace of race wins in the striking red and white machine.

Elsewhere another BTCC racer from recent years, Sam Tordoff, underlined his credentials as he guided his immaculately prepared Ford Mustang to four wins from four races in the Everard Pre-66 Touring Cars.

The Classic Thunder Saloons and Blue Oval Saloon Series staged a handful of races together, with the spoils being shared between Adrian Bradley and Alex Sidwell. Jonatan Corker meanwhile was flawless when it came to the Burty Pre-1983 Touring Cars.

One of the biggest grids of the weekend was found when the Group 1, Pre-93 and Pre-03 contingents amalgamated together. More than 40 cars battled for supremacy but in the end victory fell the way of Paul Mensley in his Ford Sierra RS500.

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

Caterhams and Croft poised to provide the perfect combination

The Caterham racing ladder is due to take over Croft Circuit this weekend as a swarm of sports cars descend on North Yorkshire. Backing up the Caterham roster will be the hugely entertaining Vertu MINI Challenge Trophy which brings plenty of door-to-door action.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 28-29 June

Where are the events being held?
Croft Circuit
Address: West Ln, Dalton-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2PL

What is racing this weekend?
The Vertu MINI Challenge will be joined by the Caterham brand – who will be bringing the full spectrum of light-weight sports cars. The Moobob Caterham Academy drivers will experience the rewarding Croft venue for the first time while the more seasoned classes including the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship, Edge Caterham Seven 270R Championship, Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship and Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship UK – will all look to use Croft to mount their championship attack.

Can I watch in person?

Absolutely! Tickets are available to soak up the sunshine and the scintillating racing! Head to https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/caterham-weekend for more information.

Tickets are £17 for each day with Children under 15 going free!

How can I watch at home?

The BARC LIVE stream returns this weekend – covering every square inch of the racing action. There will be over nine hours of coverage across the two days on the BARC YouTube channel with the racing action supplemented with commentary, timing, interviews and features.

What time are things happening on track?

Saturday – Qualifying begins at 09:30 with Racing starting at 13:55
Sunday – Racing starts at 12:00

Do you have any more information?

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

Croft Circuit

Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/252621
Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-croft-june-28-29/
Tickets: www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/caterham-weekend
Live Stream: www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Are you ready for the ‘snake’, ‘train’ and ‘breakaways’ – all the important lingo for close-quarter Caterham and MINI racing. Enjoy!

Keeping it in the family for Williams

The Everard Pre-66 Touring Car Championship, along with a fine roster for British Automobile Club supported Classic Touring Car Racing Club series’ will take over at Brands Hatch this weekend.

The Pre-66 grid is one of the most talked about tin-top classes wherever it goes – with its fantastic door-to-door racing, cult cars and brilliant drivers behind the wheel. One of the drivers to always get the crowd going is Grant Williams. If you haven’t seen this man behind the wheel. Where have you been! Google or YouTube Grant Williams, Jaguar and fall down the well full of drifts, burnouts, donuts and overtakes in big cat saloons!

But that’s what we see now. But where did the love affair with the Jaguar brand come from? We have to wind the clock back to when the Mk1 and Mk2 Jags were new in period – as Grant Williams himself explains.

“It started in about 1947 or 1948. Grandad wanted to start racing and did bits and pieces in the late forties and then in the fifties starting racing the Jaguar Mk1s. This is a story now… my grandfather, two uncles and my Dad would all go racing at Silverstone on one race licence! They would turn up and sign on under one race licence and all race the same car. You couldn’t do that now!

“They used the Mk1 and back in those days the cars had drum brakes so they would have buckets of water waiting, and every time they would come into the pits, they would throw on some water and go out again. It all started from that for us!”

From the sharing of a race licence – the Williams family cattery was to grow over time and this is where we find out about one of the most iconic cars in British motorsport.

“They would go on to have their own cars. The car known as ‘BUY 1’ came up for sale in 1962 and Grandad trotted up to the factory, bought it and started to race it. The original reg on the car was ‘287 JPK’, and that was a famous registration in its day as well. The factory only made seven of the MK1s and they came with aluminium doors, straight port head, lightened bonnet, lightened chassis, triple carburetors and disc brakes which were only on C and D Types, and that was perceived as mega at the time. The continuation from that car was ‘JAG 400’ which I am racing this season.

The iconic grey ‘BUY 1’ can now be seen at BARC events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed or Revival – but in recent times, the dark blue Mk2 Jaguar with ‘JAG 400’ can be seen fighting at the very front of Historic saloon car races.

“We have had it since 1975 – it had been rolled and the deal was that we could never sell it and it was to be a family car, and we started to race it a couple of years ago for the Goodwood Revival. We started rebuilding it years and years ago, but we stopped because of the rules for the Revival, and with the car being quite big wouldn’t have been competitive – but they changed the rules which meant we could keep building it which is great as we now have a home for the car there and at BARC events.

Any other projects on the go then Grant?

“We’re not done yet in the Williams family. My brother has started racing – and he is using a red MK1 and that was my father’s first car which we have recently resurrected.”

One of the things we discussed with Grant was the perception perhaps that historic racing was old cars for for old boys – something which he is seeing a big shift from – with the younger generation engaging with a bygone era.

“People come along and see these cars racing and we are respectful. Also having the current generation of drivers get behind the wheel perhaps helps with the profile. Our aim of the game is to have fun, enjoy ourselves and put on a show with a straight car at the end of the day. People can relate to cars immensely – they are motoring icons.

“With the BARC paddocks, it’s very open and people come and have a chat. I have been signing Hot Wheels and Scalextric Cars the last couple of years and it’s from the younger generation having seen stuff on YouTube or Instagram or what have you. I am an old dinosaur in that sense and I thank my wife for helping me with that. Social Media has really helped connect historic racing, by bringing the older and younger generations together. Everyone has a story with these cars and racing is about making memories, enjoying hearing the stories and everyone will remember these classic cars and family moments forever.

“My passion is racing. I love racing and will do it as long as I can. I would race a wheelbarrow – anything with wheels and a story to tell and I am there!”

That’s something we would pay to see in the future! In the meantime… Grant Williams and ‘JAG 400’ are set to join the Everard Pre-66 Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend as it supports the Super Touring Power 3 event.

Inaugural edition of Thruxton Retro proves to be a smash-hit

Thruxton Circuit is revelling in the success of a weekend to remember following the completion of the inaugural Thruxton Retro presents Superfunk festival.

Proving to be an instant smash-hit, the three-day event saw fans pour through the gates in their droves to soak up live music, historic racing, full-throttle demonstrations, eye-catching displays and much more.

From an entertainment perspective, the Hampshire venue saw its paddock transformed to guarantee fun for all the family and on the main stage, that was delivered as Australian ABBA tribute act Björn Again headlined proceedings on Saturday.

Earth Wind for Hire supported them beforehand and come Sunday it was over to the 9 to 5 Show, a Dolly Parton tribute, as well as the Show Ponies and Weird Science, to bring the house down and more importantly, bring the noise.

If the soundtrack away from the circuit was good then the one on it was simply phenomenal, with the weekend beginning with the Chris Harris Trackday attracting an eclectic mix of multi-million pound machines.

Come Saturday and Sunday it was classic machines from Formula 1 that echoed around the fastest circuit in the country as they took part in a number of high-speed demonstrations – a rare sight that is always great to see at Thruxton.

From a racing perspective, the coveted Jochen Rindt Trophy was a fan favourite as the iconic single-seater machines rolled back the years. Chris Porritt and Rory Smith proved to be the cream of the crop as they tallied a win apiece.

The British Automobile Racing Club’s very own Adrian Flux Insurance MG Owners Club Championship was also in action, with James Cole and Jake McDermid claiming a hard-fought victory apiece.

Adding to the allure of the event was also a Kids Paddock, where an interactive whirlwind of circus skills, workshops, live performances and wacky inflatables, kept the kids entertained courtesy of Big Top Mania.

Elsewhere, a number of car clubs showcased their prides of joy, helicopter rides gave spectators a new perspective of Thruxton, a classic car auction took place and much more made the first-ever Thruxton Retro a huge success.

BTCC closes out first half of the season in style at Oulton Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship signed off the first half of the 2025 season in typical action-packed style at Oulton Park this past weekend (June 21/22) with four-time champion Ash Sutton sitting atop the standings going into the summer break.

Taking centre stage in Cheshire for the fifth meeting of the campaign, a huge crowd descended on the scenic Cheshire venue to witness three captivating contests from the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Scorching temperatures were combined with on and off rain showers however that didn’t deter the racing as NAPA Racing UK’s Sutton managed to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 11 points.

Team VERTU’s Tom Ingram dominated qualifying on Saturday as he obliterated his own lap record to snare pole position, and he duly converted that into a commanding lights-to-flag victory in a frenetic opening encounter.

Sutton had been on course for a podium finish in race one but a strategic call to drop to fourth – thus giving him free choice on what tyres to run for race two – saw Dan Cammish and Chris Smiley ultimately complete the podium.

Lining up on the second row but on the faster soft tyre, Sutton maximised his decision as he surged into the lead by lap two and then cruised to the chequered flag to clinch his fourth win of the season ahead of Adam Morgan and Tom Chilton.

Gordon Shedden then became the tenth different winner from 15 races as he delivered a masterful defensive drive to claim a maiden win of the season for both himself and Speedworks Motorsport.

On a damp track, the three-time title winner started from pole position and was wheel-perfect throughout the 18-lap contest as he fended off challenges from the likes of Sutton, Dan Rowbottom, Jake Hill and Josh Cook to triumph for the first time since returning to the BTCC.

Sutton and Ingram remain the top two in the standings while Cammish leads the chasing pack, albeit someway off. Elsewhere, Alliance / Ford top the Manufacturers’ whilst NAPA Racing UK remain on course to defend their Teams’ Championship crown.

Over in the Independents’, Chris Smiley and Restart Racing maintained their advantage at the top of their respective leaderboards, with BMW’s Daryl Deleon stretching out his lead in the coveted Jack Sears Trophy battle.

If the action on-track wasn’t enough, the Oulton Park weekend also saw an emotional send-off for broadcasting legend Steve Rider, who brought the curtain down on an incredible career spanning nearly 50 years.

Having been the face of the BTCC across four decades, Rider’s phenomenal career was celebrated throughout the event as everyone involved in the BTCC honoured Steve for his unwavering support, service, professionalism and brilliance.

Thrills and spills also played out on the TOCA support package as well with the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA dazzling those in attendance with a trio of enthralling single-seater races.

Hitech TGR’s Fionn McLaughlin reigned supreme in the opening bout however he could do nothing to stop his team-mate Thomas Bearman and Rodin Motorsport’s James Pizscyk from sharing the remaining spoils that were on offer.

The Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain also served up three blockbuster races that in-turn shook up the battle for supremacy in the championship standings.

Joe Marshall delivered a masterful drive in the weekend’s opening race however it was then over to the flawless Tom Bradshaw as he charged to a dominant double and with it, claimed the lead in the standings in the process.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were two full-throttle races from the VERTU MINI CHALLENGE JCW. Max Edmundson reigned supreme to secure his maiden win in the series in race one before Lewis Selby fended off his team-mate Jamie Osborne to triumph in race two

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

Thruxton Retro leads the bustling BARC weekend

This weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the summer for the British Automobile Racing Club, with not one, not two, but three major events in the south and north of England, as well as Scotland.

It’s a seventies inspired throwback at the Thruxton Retro event in Hampshire. Superfunk takes over Thruxton with on track historic racing galore, F1 demos and so much to see and do off track for race goers of all ages!

Meanwhile its the best of British with the British Hillclimb championship making its trip to Doune for the high-speed and ultra-narrow course, while its a Party in the Park in Cheshire as the Kwik Fit British Touring Championship hits its biggest weekend of the year.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 21-22 June

Where are the events being held?
Thruxton Race Circuit – Thruxton Retro
Address: Thruxton Circuit, Andover, SP11 8PN

Doune Hillclimb
Address: Doune Hillclimb. Buchany, Doune, FK16 6HG

Oulton Park
Address: Little Budworth, Tarporley, CW6 9BW

What is racing this weekend?
At Thruxton we go retro with an incredible line-up of cars. Exciting single-seaters in the form of the Jochen Rindt Trophy, Heroes of FF1600 and Formula Junior are weaved in with mouthwatering sports cars from the Ferrari Club Classic Series, GT and Sports Car Cup with AC Cobras, Austin Healeys Jaguar E Types and the like. Not forgetting the tin-top action from the MG Owners Club, Mighty Minis and Class K and Hawthorn Jaguar Challenge.

The fastest accelerating single-seaters in the country head to Doune in Scotland for the first of two visits this season. Two runoffs will count towards the championship which is led by reigning champ Matt Ryder. He will be chased hard by Will Hall, Trevor Willis and Wallace Menzies who will want to take the two wins on his home event.

Oulton Park is always a popular round for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and along with the Porsche Sprint Challenge, Wera Tools F4 British Championship and Vertu MINI Challenge – the bumper crowd will be treated to wall-to-wall close, enthralling racing.

How can I watch in person?

The place you need to be is the race track! Tickets are available for both days online www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/thruxton-retro or on the gate. Tickets are from £35 for a day or £60 for a weekend with children under 15 going free.

Doune welcomes spectators and you can turn up on the day to pay (cash only) and tickets are from £7 for adults.

At Oulton Park tickets are £25 for qualifying, £40 for race day or £60 for a weekend adult ticket – with discounts available for those who book online via the Oulton Park website.

How can I watch at home?

There is so much going on you can get your motorsport fix from the comfort of your own home too.

Thruxton Retro

247.tv the team behind the BARC broadcasts are looking after the coverage of Thruxton Retro this weekend and you can watch both days for £19.99 or a single day for £12.99. Stream passes can be purchased from https://www.247.tv/live/BARC

British Hillclimb Championship

Courtesy of Hillclimb.tv you can watch the awe inspiring runs from the British Hillclimb top category and supporting classes right here – https://www.youtube.com/live/K_Flo7G3_-E?si=4gbDNQMf9JtpTT7s

BTCC at Oulton Park

The TOCA Thruxton race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Saturday and Sunday in the UK.

Qualifying will be available to all on ITVX on Saturday while race day will move to ITV4 in the UK, with International audiences able to watch the action on YouTube with races live on the RACER network in the US and Canada.

The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout Sunday with coverage starting just ahead of the first BTCC race at 11:35.

Thruxton Retro goes around the world

This weekend’s Thruxton Retro is one of the highlights of the historic motor racing calendar. On the bill for the ‘Superfunk’ weekend includes the Jochen Rindt Trophy Race for single-seater race cars from the sixties, seventies and eighties, classic Mini racing, Ferrari Club Classic Series, Formula Junior, FF1600, F1 Demos and so much more.

Those fans eager to soak up the seventies inspired meeting, but perhaps can’t get to Thruxton in Hampshire – you can join us from your own home wherever you are in the world.

Our BARC live broadcast partners 247.TV have organised a LIVE Stream service which can be purchased by the day or for the weekend. Day passes will be £12.99 for a single day or £19.99 for the full weekend coverage. This can be purchased directly through their website www.247.tv/live/BARC.

If you want to get trackside and rewind the clock in person – tickets can be purchased at www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/thruxton-retro. As well as the exciting on track action – fans can enjoy a nostalgic nod to the 70s with great music, attractions, displays and plenty of great food and drink options as well as on-site camping for those looking to stay over and join the summer solstice party.

Outfits are optional, the fashion is questionable – but the fun is guaranteed!