Tag: BARC

The British Automobile Racing Club has made a flying start to the 2022 season, in particular online where it has already racked up more than 350,000 views on its race meetings that were streamed live across Facebook and YouTube.

Renewing its partnership with 247.TV for a second year, the BARC is once again putting its championships in front of a global audience by amassing staggering viewing figures for the domestic motorsport scene.

Silverstone’s famous Grand Prix circuit provided the backdrop for the new season to begin with 110,000 viewers tuning in to watch the opening rounds of the British Endurance Championship, Praga Cup and Britcar Trophy over the course of two days in mid-March.

A return to Silverstone at the end of March saw the Classic Touring Car Racing Club take centre stage in front of more than 65,000 viewers whilst a single Oulton Park race day in early April brought in another 65,000 people.

Most recently, the British Truck Racing Championship blasted into life at Brands Hatch on a full-throttle Easter weekend which included a number of other categories and saw 100,000 fans soak up the highly entertaining action.

The BARC’s YouTube channel has grown over the past month with almost 4,000 new subscribers, taking the total number to more than 23,000.

Three events in May will enable fans to enjoy more of the best national motorsport action in the country at Pembrey on May 7/8, Snetterton on May 14/15 and Oulton Park on May 28 all being broadcast live.

The British Automobile Racing Club has extended its partnership with Hendy Group – the UK’s premier family motor group – with the supply of the Club’s new Safety Car for the 2022 season.

Adorned with a spectacular livery to complement the sleek bodywork, the all-new Kia ProCeed GT-line will be in action at all BARC race meetings this year. The Safety Car will play an essential role at the start of races, and will also be deployed should the officials decide that a Safety Car intervention is required to neutralise the action temporarily.

BARC’s relationship with Hendy Performance has been led to date by Thruxton Circuit which has a number of Hendy cars on its prestigious driving experience fleet. It is a natural fit for the South’s premier race circuit to join forces with one of Southern England’s most successful companies – the Hendy Group turned over almost £1 billion in 2021.

On 24th July, Thruxton will host the Hendy Performance Open Day for the second time, a family-friendly celebration of all things fun and the Hampshire venue. The day is free to attend and tickets can be obtained from the Thruxton website: thruxtonracing.co.uk.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We very much value the relationship that has been created with Hendy Group and the success of the Hendy Performance Open Day last year was a clear indication that the fit between the two organisations is very effective.

“We have extended that involvement for this year and the new Safety Car will be up and down the UK’s motorway to all our race meetings, at the head of the racing pack on the track, and in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers in the course of the season. It should be a great promotional asset for both parties.”

The latest issue – the first of 2022 – of the British Automobile Racing Club magazine has landed, exclusive to all members.

Alongside rounding up the latest news, checking in with our centres and Martin Hunt’s latest Marshal Matters blog, we have a number of must-read features too.

We recap what was a momentous BARC Awards Evening back in February, unearth what is set to be a new era for the ROKiT F4 British Championship and delve into the archives to look back on years gone by, plus much more.

To become a member of the BARC and to receive a copy of the magazine, head to https://www.barc.net/membership/.

The British Automobile Racing Club is supporting the relief efforts in Ukraine by donating medical supplies to the country. The first shipment left the United Kingdom on Monday 21st March, bound for Poland where it was then transferred by Ukrainian medics to the city of Lviv. 

The items sent to Eastern Europe included IV fluids, trauma and burns dressings, torniquets and airway management equipment that had been donated by the club, its rescue units and marshals. A second delivery of medical supplies which will include stretchers, defibrillators and splints is due to be sent soon.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “The outpouring of support for the Ukrainian struggle has been extraordinary. People all over the UK are looking at what they can do to support the country and it is only right that we as an organisation donate what we can to the cause. I’d like to thank Martin Hunt and his team for taking the lead in this and making it happen.” 

The British Automobile Racing Club last month signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing the club and its venues to supporting serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

The BARC has always had close ties with the armed forces and this has developed in the past decade with its relationship with Mission Motorsport, the forces’ motorsport charity.

Further cementing its reputation as a Forces-friendly organisation, the covenant pledges to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We have a great history with the armed forces, not least because all three of our circuits are former RAF airfields. Thruxton is right in the heart of a huge military community in Hampshire, while Croft too has Catterick right on its doorstep. As a result we have always been very conscious of the military links in our areas.

“Signing the Covenant formalises this commitment and ensures that we will make even greater efforts to support the Service communities in our recruitment, our events and our staffing.”

To find out more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, head to https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/. 

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it will continue its partnership with leading sports production company 247.TV for the 2022 season, with no fewer than 15 race meetings set to be streamed live and online.

Showcasing the exhilarating, edge-of-the-seat action that is produced by the BARC’s variety of championships and series, 2021 proved to be a landmark year as the Club launched its live stream schedule; with it instantly becoming a smash-hit.

Broadcast simultaneously on the Club’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, 2021 saw race meetings exceed a combined total of 1.1 million views – putting championships in front of a new global audience. 

In addition, the BARC YouTube channel saw exponential growth over the course of the year as more than 19,000 people clicked the subscribe button to ensure they didn’t miss a single lap of the action.

For 2022, the Club’s coverage will renewed partnership with 247.TV will allow competitors, club members and fans to watch the best of national motorsport from the comfort of their own home, with enhanced commentary, graphics and full production values.

The British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy Championship, Praga Cup, British Truck Racing Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club are all confirmed to have their events streamed whilst a number of other categories will also feature during the course of the year. 

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “We had a huge response to live streaming of a majority of our events last year so it was a no-brainer to continue with it into the 2022 season. 

“Our championships really saw the benefit from the vast online audience they were racing in front of and it helped to lift the level of professionalism too. There are of course lots of things to improve on and that’s what we will do for this year – we’re really looking forward to it.”

BARC 2022 Live Stream Schedule

March 12/13 – Silverstone Grand Prix

March 26/27 – Silverstone International

April 2 – Oulton Park

April 16/17 – Brands Hatch 

May 7/8 – Pembrey 

May 14/15 – Snetterton 300

May 28 – Oulton Park

June 4/5 – Silverstone National 

July 9/10 – Thruxton

August 14 – Donington Park

August 20/21 – Donington Park

August 27/28 – Snetterton 200

September 17/18 – Snetterton 300

October 8/9 – Pembrey

October 22/23 – Donington Park

November 5/6 – Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club will install FIA High-Tech Light Panels at both Croft and Thruxton circuits this year after the confirmation of an agreement between Motorsport UK, the British Motor Sport Training Trust (BMSTT) and UK circuit owners.

Thanks to this safety initiative, all UK race circuits that have FIA International Grade 3 status and above will have the panels, from leading motorsport safety solutions provider EM Motorsport, installed as soon as possible.

Competitors and marshals will be able to participate in events safe in the knowledge that the most up to date and internationally recognised technology will be fully visible, regardless of weather conditions, to augment the traditional flag signals that marshals use to relay critical safety messages to competitors.

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, said: “The increasing use of light panels has been considered by circuits for a number of years, but this represents perhaps the single biggest step forward in circuit safety for decades. 

“It is a very sensible and welcome move from the governing body and BMSTT to support the venues to prevent a VHS/BetaMax-type situation with circuits having different systems. The benefits to the sport from a single system are likely to be felt in the coming years, as complementary solutions are developed that will be able to integrate with the technology at all circuits.”

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, added: “Providing a safe environment for our sport to thrive is at the heart of Motorsport UK. It is essential we provide safety for competitors and volunteers alike who deliver the sport every weekend throughout the UK.

“The rollout of FIA High-Tech Light Panels represents a significant step forward in modernising UK race circuits by adopting the latest and most advanced technology.

“Motorsport UK is committed to improving safety and we thank BARC, MSV, Knockhill Racing Circuit, the British Motor Sports Training Trust and EM Motorsport for their engagement and commitment.”

Rod Parkin, Chair of the BSMTT, commented: “The British Motor Sports Training Trust (BMSTT) was formed as an UK Registered Charity in 1977 with the aim of supporting the training of volunteer motorsport officials and further enhancing medical and safety aspects of our sport.  

“Since that time the Trust has regularly committed significant funds annually towards such initiatives.  This new partnership support for the funding of light panels provides an ideal opportunity for the Trust to continue delivering its objectives in respect of both marshals and race circuit safety, promote our activities and raise awareness of the Trust.”

After the installation at these initial venues, it is intended, where practical, to extend the project so that all 17 Motorsport UK licenced race circuits will benefit from the increased safety the FIA High-Tech Light Panels provide.

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to announce that it has appointed John Hutchison to the role of Event Manager.

Working in the Competitions Department under Sporting Manager Mark Turner and alongside fellow Event Manager David Wheadon, John will play a hands-on role in the organisation of the Club’s race meetings, as well as delivering great experiences for our members, including racers, marshals, officials and others.

Boasting a wealth of motorsport experience, John joins the BARC having previously worked at the Classic Sports Car Club, Aston Martin Owners Club and most recently, the MG Car Club.

John Hutchison, BARC Event Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BARC as its new Event Manager. The Club has a long and rich history so it is special to now be playing a role in the organisation as we move forward.

“Everyone has been welcoming already and it has been great to start working alongside Mark and David; preparations are well underway for the 2022 season.

“I’ve gained plenty of experience working for motorsport clubs down the years so I’m confident I can bring that knowledge to the BARC and help play a part in the continued growth of UK national racing.”

Those wishing to contact John can do so via email: jhutchison@barc.net

Are you a good communicator? Do you work effectively as a leader and/or member of a team? Do you possess great listening and management skills?

The BARC is currently recruiting for:

• Secretaries of the Meeting

• Clerks of the Course

• Event Stewards

• Race Phones/Radio Communications

• Chief Observers/Deputy Chief Observers

• Chief Incident Officers/Deputy Chief Incident Officers

• Chief Marshals/Deputy Chief Marshals

• Safety Car Observers

• Fire Car Crew

• Scrutineers

Do you have what it takes to fulfil any of these roles?

If yes, then please send a brief email to officials@barc.net using BARC Officials Recruitment Drive as the Subject Line, stating which of the roles you would like to be considered for and why.

The Club does not expect successful candidates to jump into these roles immediately – The relevant training and mentoring will be provided.

The British Automobile Racing Club headquarters at Thruxton Circuit will be closed during the following dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.

From: Thursday 23rd December 2021 at 17:00

To: Tuesday 4th January 2022 at 09:00

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible trackside throughout 2022; be it if you are officiating, marshalling, spectating or competing!

From everyone at the BARC and all of our venues around the country; we wish you a safe, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

The British Automobile Racing Club can confirm that it will run a total of four training days for marshals prior to the start of the 2022 motorsport season.

Croft, Pembrey and Thruxton will stage the training days, which take place across February and March.

Every event organised and run by the BARC needs marshals and all marshals, whatever they are doing, are contributing to the success and smooth running of the meeting.

With training provided to cover a wide range of topics such as fire safety to pit lane operation and teamwork; marshal training covers a wide variety of key attributes in preparing those that are heading trackside for the forthcoming season.

More information is to be confirmed in due course but for those interested in taking part in 2022 marshal training, please contact BARC Marshals Secretary Paula Brown via email at pbrown@barc.net.

2022 BARC MARSHAL TRAINING DATES

Saturday 12th February – Croft

Sunday 20th February – Pembrey

Saturday 12th March – Thruxton

Sunday 13th March – Thruxton

To find out more about marshalling with the BARC and how to get involved, click here.