Tag: MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport

Two big hitters heading to the circuits this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club is once again in two places and once, with two big events this weekend (16/17 May).

Over at Thruxton it is the second round of the British Truck Racing Championship and a whole host of other series including the Civic Cup, Coupe Cup, MINI Challenge Clubsport, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and for the first time this year the Audi Cup.

Also up north at Oulton Park we are helping to bring together Touring Car Rewind: North – with a plethora of classes from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and MG Owners Club in action in Cheshire.

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 16th May – Oulton Park and 16th/17th May – Thruxton

Where are the events being held?

Thruxton
Address: Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8PW

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

How can I watch?

At the Venue
Tickets are selling fast for the Thruxton meeting. Tickets can be purchased on the website – thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/british-trucks and start at £25 per day for an adult – £7 for a teen and under 12 going free. Weekend and Grandstand ticket options are also available. Tickets are also available on the gate.

At Oulton Park tickets are £30 on the gate with Senior Citizens and Teens enjoying a discounted entry – oultonpark.co.uk/2026/may/touring-car-rewind-north

At Home
Both events will have live coverage, so you won’t miss a thing. The BARC YouTube channel will be covering the action from Oulton Park on Saturday, as well as the action from Thruxton across the weekend on www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

What time are things happening on track?

At Thruxton we get underway with Practice for the Trucks at 09:00 – with the first race at 13:25 following a morning of Qualifying. On Sunday we are wall to wall racing from 10:15 to 17:35!

At Oulton Park, this is a one day meeting and starts with Practice at 08:00 with the first race scheduled for 12:25. Racing goes on throughout the day until the final race finishes at 18:10.

Do you have any more information?

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

Thruxton
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/262021
Information and Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-thruxton-may-16-17/
Saturday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/hlCfi9TzGWI?si=d7ZOF18D8jrcmoM-
Sunday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/RnfM7Cfz34E?si=7cSfUcfw55ngMHPM

Oulton Park
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/262027
Information and Timetable*: https://www.barc.net/event/touring-car-rewind-north-oulton-park-international-may-16/
Saturday Watch Link: www.youtube.com/live/hMuKu2f4c58?si=LMql1mN6680AJ8k4

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Touring Cars for Trucks is a tough decision – but one thing for certain – it’s going to be an entertaining weekend!

BARC delivers Easter extravaganza at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club enjoyed a super-sized bank holiday weekend at Brands Hatch as the British Truck Racing Championship and TCR UK Championship took centre stage for the first time in 2026.

In front of a packed crowd at the Kent venue, the BARC delivered an Easter extravaganza of on-track entertainment as a number of categories hit the tarmac to kick-start their respective campaigns.

Topping the bill were five colossal contests from the British Truck Racing Championship. With each mighty machine weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1,200bhp, the UK’s biggest motor racing series certainly wowed the crowds.

Division 1 – the championship’s premier class – saw four different drivers open their accounts for the season around the Indy layout. Craig Reid was the first to strike as he snared pole position in qualifying before then converting it into a lights-to-flag victory in race one.

Reigning champion Ryan Smith then hit the front in race two as he claimed a commanding win before Stuart Oliver, the man he is tied with on ten career titles, recorded back-to-back triumphs in his Volvo VNL.

Arguably the biggest cheer of the weekend came in the fifth and final contest as one of the series’ most experienced drivers, Richard Collett, rolled back the years by soaking up a torrent of pressure to clinch a famous win.

Division 2 proved to be equally as competitive over the course of the weekend however one driver stood head and shoulders above the rest, reigning champion Jake Evans. The MAN racer scored four wins from five races, with John Powell being the only driver to beat him.

The TCR UK Championship provided a snapshot of how open the coming season could be as three different drivers ended up standing on the top step of the podium.

Jac Constable was the first to strike in the touring car series as he emerged victorious from a remarkable race that saw a number of the leading contenders all fail to finish due to damage and/or mechanical issues.

History was then made in the weekend’s second bout as Jenson O’Neill-Going became the youngest ever TCR UK race winner. The talented teenager had to work for it too as he soaked up a torrent of pressure from the experienced Max Hart, who hounded him all the way to the finish.

Last year’s runner-up Callum Newsham closed out proceedings as he bounced back from a non-score in race one to triumph. The Scotsman was flawless in a frantic finale, hitting the front early before then pulling clear as the laps ticked by.

The weekend marked the start of a new era for the Pickup Truck Racing Championship too as the popular series raced under the Truck Sport UK banner for the very first time.

While some things were different for the series, one thing that hadn’t changed was how thrilling the racing was, with three drivers walking away with a win apiece.

Aaron Thompson was the first to strike as he produced a sublime dive down the inside of Dale Gent at Paddock Hill Bend to win race one before Allen Cooper charged to glory in race two, fending off a charging Mark Willis late on.

Reigning champion Ryan Hadfield closed out the action as he managed to break clear of an almighty scrap for the remaining podium places to clinch a comfortable lights-to-flag victory.

More than 30 cars lined up for the start of the Civic Cup season and as expected, the tin top series delivered masses of entertainment.

Wesley Swain had the honour of taking victory in a hard-fought opening contest before Junior Saloon Car Championship graduate Wilf Butler showcased his talents by triumphing in just his second start in the category.

Jake Hewlett then closed out proceedings as he managed to break clear from the pack to win ahead of Dave Marshall, Matt Wilkins and one of the star performers from last year, Alistair Camp.

Elsewhere, Oli Willmott proved to be the cream of the crop when it came to the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport as he picked up from where he left off last year as he guided his MINI Cooper S to three wins from three races around the Indy circuit.

There were further celebrations in the CMMC Super Saloon Series / Production Saloon Series too as Rod Birley chalked up his 300th and 301st career wins at Brands Hatch.

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

BARC races into Spring Trucks vs TCR

Our second meeting of the year is one of the biggest. It’s time for Spring Trucks vs TCR at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

We have five bouts for the British Truck Racing Championship across the mammoth weekend, as well as exciting season openers from the TCR UK Championship, Civic Cup, MINI Challenge Clubsport and returning to the BARC roster – the crowd favourite Pickup Truck Racing Championship!

When is the next BARC weekend?

This weekend: Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5th April

Where are the events being held?

Brands Hatch
Address: Brands Hatch Circuit, London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 6FS

What is racing this weekend?

We have a jam-packed schedule for you this weekend with something for every taste. Five Truck races and three TCR UK races headline the jam-packed billing. There will also be three races a piece for the Civic Cup, Pickup Racing Championship and MINI Challenge Clubsport grid, while the supporting Super Saloons will have two races to enjoy at the Kent venue on Sunday.

If I can’t get trackside or I am outside of the UK?

If you can’t make it to Brands Hatch… fear not… we have you covered! You can follow everything from home or on the move. The BARC YouTube channel will be broadcasting all the racing action live and for free – no matter where you are around the world on Saturday or Sunday.

Be sure to subscribe for the latest streams – www.youtube.com/@britishautomobileracingclub

How can I watch in person?

To go trackside at Brands Hatch, tickets start from £19 online for an adult ticket for Saturday and £22 on the gate. £39 for a weekend ticket online or £44 at the gate, with discounts for teens and senior citizens available and children aged 13 and under go free.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.brandshatch.co.uk/2026/april/british-truck-racing-championship

What time are things happening on track at Donington?
Practice heads the order on Saturday with on track action from 09:00 with the first race at 11:40.
On Sunday we go straight into racing at 10:05 and run all the way through to early evening stopping for a short lunch break in the middle.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy the second event of the year

Brands Hatch – Key Links

Live Timing and Commentary: www.tsl-timing.com/event/261421
Information*: www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-brands-hatch-indy-april-4-5/
Entry List: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HQ02-BH-Trucks-Entry-List-v2.0-Pub-010426.pdf
Live Coverage Saturday: www.youtube.com/live/wTykFnnrzGA?si=fzMY0VtKl0X-rp-b
Live Coverage Sunday: www.youtube.com/live/ux9gR4VhCsE?si=G9W2ShEyIqp2_Tw3
* Timetable – Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

We are ready to unleash the beasts from winter hibernation!

BARC hatches a packed schedule for Easter spectacular at Brands Hatch

The 2026 British Automobile Racing Club season continues this weekend as the BARC descends on Brands Hatch for a blockbuster two-day meeting on the Indy circuit.

Taking place across the 4-5 April, the event marks the club’s first visit of the year to the iconic Kent venue – and with a packed timetable featuring championship openers, returning favourites and monstrous acts, all signs point towards an Easter weekend to remember.

Heavyweight Headliners

Topping the bill will be the British Truck Racing Championship, which begins its 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion.

With machines producing more than 1,000bhp and weighing in excess of five tonnes, the series delivers a unique brand of wheel-to-wheel action that has become a staple of the UK motorsport scene. Fans will be treated to five races across the weekend, ensuring plenty of opportunities to witness the big rigs in full flight.

Packed programme all weekend

Alongside the Trucks is a behemoth of a timetable – there will be no shortage of entertainment from lights out to chequered flag come Sunday evening.

The TCR UK Championship kicks off its season too, bringing ultra-competitive touring car action to the Indy layout. Meanwhile, the ever-popular MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport also gets underway, promising close, high-energy racing in the one-make formula.

The Civic Cup boasts the biggest grid of the weekend with over 30 Civics all set to buzz around the short, sharp Indy layout.

Elsewhere, fans can look forward to the return of the Pickup Truck Racing Championship to the BARC package, adding even more variety to the weekend.

Rounding out the programme are the CMMC Super Saloons and Production Saloons who join the BARC timetable this Easter, ensuring a diverse mix of machinery that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of club racing in the UK.

A fan-favourite fixture

Traditionally one of the most well-attended events on the BARC calendar, the Brands Hatch Indy weekend has become synonymous with big grids, close racing and an electric atmosphere.

Set within the natural amphitheatre of the Indy circuit, spectators are able to take in almost the entire lap from a single vantage point – making it one of the best viewing experiences in British motorsport. Even better, you will be able to walk with giants on Sunday afternoon as BARC throws open the grid walk to all race goers to get a chance of seeing these machines up close.

From heavyweight trucks to nimble touring cars and everything in between, the stage is set for a full-throttle Easter weekend in Kent.
If the opening events of the season are anything to go by, fans can expect more of the same: close competition, diverse grids and non-stop track action as the BARC season continues to gather pace.

Silverstone spoils celebrated as BARC crowns more champions

Silverstone has played host to many crowning moments down the years and this past weekend (October 4/5) proved to be no different as a number of British Automobile Racing Club championships closed out their campaigns around the Home of British Motor Racing.

On what was a title-deciding two days in Northamptonshire, the Club staged the first of several thrilling crescendo race meetings over the coming weeks – with both Caterham Motorsport and the Classic Touring Car Racing Club taking centre stage at this one.

The moobob Caterham Academy Championship – which is run for those embarking on their first year of racing – delivered one final show-stopping contest as Kyle Townend claimed the race victory and Max Richardson, the overall title.

Over in the Bilstein Caterham Roadsport Championship, Brian Thornton and Scott Helme enjoyed a share of the spoils as they claimed a win apiece however neither of them could stop William Harris from securing an unassailable lead at the head of the standings.

Ben Wheatley has by and large been the toast of the competition in the EDGE Caterham Seven 270R Championship and his season-long efforts were rewarded as he finally wrapped up the title with a race to spare.

While Wheatley reigned supreme over the course of the season, the weekend’s trio of races around the 1.850-mile International layout belonged to Louis Darling and Nick Sampson, with Darling triumphing twice.

Taylor O’Flanagan had already wrapped up the Vertex Caterham Seven 310R Championship and his notable absence from the action opened the door for Charlie Lower and Ryan Wilby to come to the fore and triumph.

Rounding out the list of Caterham Motorsport winners was Matt Armstrong, who cemented his status as the driver to beat in the Dutch Barn Vodka Caterham Seven Championship UK.

Armstrong went into weekend with a small points buffer over his nearest rival Harry Senior and victory in the opening encounter guaranteed him as champion. Not to dwell on missing out on the crown, vice-champion Senior then went on to win the remaining two races.

In the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, tin top fever was on full display and it started with Jonathan Corker and Neil Philpotts taking a hard-fought win apiece in the amalgamated Pre-66 and Pre-83 Touring Car contests.

The Super Tourers, Pre-93 and Pre-03 protagonists joined forces for two breathless bouts however nobody could stop Jason Hughes and his trusty Vauxhall Vectra from reigning supreme ahead of Ian Bower – who clinched two titles.

Elsewhere, James Janicki was a tour de force in his Nissan Skyline GTR R32, sweeping his way to both wins in the Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons and Blue Oval Saloon Series encounters.

Completing the weekend’s action were a trio of races from the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport, where Jamie Ringer blasted his way to a commanding hat-trick of race wins.

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

You can also watch all of the action back on the official British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel.

Big BARC weekender delights fans at Snetterton

One of the biggest British Automobile Racing Club meetings of the year had everyone on the edge of their seats this past weekend (September 20/21) as a number of high-profile championships took centre stage at Snetterton.

With the end of the 2025 campaign drawing closer into sight, every point proved to be crucial around the Norfolk venue as a whole host of leading contenders positioned themselves for what promises to be a captivating title run-in.

Heavyweight thrills and spills were dished up by the British Truck Racing Championship where a total of eight different drivers charged to race-winning glory across Division 1 and Division 2.

The series’ premier class saw reigning nine-time champion Ryan Smith enjoy a flawless Saturday as he snared pole position and two race wins; and he would back that up with a trio of podiums on Sunday as John Bowler, David Jenkins and Michael Oliver also triumphed.

In Division 2, the pendulum in the title race swung back and forth with points leader Bradley Harvey firstly enduring engine issues. His travails opened the door for Jake Evans and Simon Cole to win – as did Sami Ojanen and for the first-time ever, Callum Eason.

The TCR UK Championship saw a shake up in the race for its coveted crown as the tin top series staged two races in contrasting conditions. When all was said and done, Adam Shepherd walked away as the man in the box seat ahead of the series finale in November.

Shepherd arrived at Snetterton trailing Callum Newsham by six points in the standings however he flipped things on his head as he firstly set a sublime lap in qualifying to net pole position before then going on to triumph in race one.

The Capture Motorsport driver was in a league of his own as he romped to victory ahead of the charging Newsham in his new Hyundai Elantra N TCR and series debutant Maximus Hall, who was competing for the first time in a Lynk & Co.

While race one was held in overcast conditions, the weekend’s second contest saw the heavens open and it was a case of who could keep it on the track. George Jaxon emerged as the driver for the job as he splashed his way to a maiden TCR UK win over Brad Hutchinson and Hall.

Adding to the Snetterton spectacle over the course of the weekend was the latest instalment of the Britcar Endurance Championship, which also saw its competitors have to battle treacherous conditions.

The Amspeed duo of Dom Malone and Adam Smalley proved to be the class of the field though in their Porsche 991.1 Cup car as they lapped the entire grid on their way to victory. Team BRIT’s Noah Cosby and Aaron Morgan were second, with the Brookspeed duo of Andrew Dawber and Nathan Wright completing the podium places.

Elsewhere, there was nothing to separate Wilf Butler and Josh Selvadorai in the Junior Saloon Car Championship as they bolstered their title chances with a win apiece whilst Oli Willmott and Andy Langley shared the spoils in the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport.

Liam McGill was perfection personified in the Milltek Civic Cup as he cruised to a dominant double before the Caterham Graduates Racing Club ended its association with the BARC with a quartet of races that were won by James Hapgood, Thomas Gunter and Henry Heaton.

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

Every race from the weekend is also available to watch via the BARC YouTube channel HERE.

BTRC and Britcar headline blockbuster weekend at Convoy Thruxton

Thruxton Circuit reverberated to the sounds of horsepower this past weekend (July 5/6) as the British Truck Racing Championship and Britcar Endurance Championship headlined Convoy Thruxton.

The latest in a string of high-profile events to take place at the popular Hampshire venue, Convoy Thruxton saw a bumper crowd flock through the gates for two days of blockbuster entertainment – both on and off the track.

Five full-throttle races from the British Truck Racing Championship topped the bill and like previous events this year, the super-sized series didn’t disappoint as it delivered edge-of-the-seat enjoyment and nail-biting drama.

Division 1 underlined just how competitive the grid is this season as five different drivers charged to victory. Reigning champion Ryan Smith kicked off proceedings as he dominated race one and he appeared to have done the same in race two before he was disqualified post-race.

The Daimler Freightliner driver was issued the black and orange mechanical flag and required to make a visit to the pit lane however he never did, instead completing the race. Smith was subsequently kicked out of the final result which in-turn handed the win to Stuart Oliver.

Tom O’Rourke, David Smith and John Bowler then proved popular winners on Sunday as each of them produced a flawless defensive drive to secure a maiden race win apiece. Their triumphs now mean seven different drivers have won in Division 1 so far in 2025.

Over in Division 2, championship leader Jake Evans had hoped to extend his advantage at the top of the standings but a catastrophic engine failure in practice meant that he could only watch on from the sidelines.

With Evans out of contention, Simon Cole stepped up to the plate to tally a hat-trick of wins however issues with his windscreen prevented him from starting the remaining two races. That allowed Weaver Motorsport’s Bradley Harvey to secure a feel-good breakthrough brace.

The Britcar Endurance Championship made its first visit to Thruxton in almost a decade and its eclectic mix of monstrous GT machines lapped every inch of the 2.36-mile home of the British Automobile Racing Club.

FF Corse & Red River Sport duo Bonamy Grimes and Johnny Mowlem, driving a Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO, snared pole position in qualifying but they could do nothing to stop Amspeed’s Dom Malone and Adam Smalley in the races.

Driving their Porsche 991 Cup car, Malone and Smalley were victorious by more than 11 seconds in a frantic opening contest. They then upped the ante even more in race two to sweep aside the opposition and triumph by almost a full minute.

In fact, Woodrow Motorsport’s Nathan Wells and Raceworks Motorsport’s Chris Bingham were the only drivers to stay on the lead lap in race two – such was the dominance of Malone and Smalley.

The MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport continued its season with three more races and just like its season-opener at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, the weekend belonged to Oli Willmott.

Arriving at Thruxton as the driver to beat, Willmott was at times in a league of his own as he charged to top spot in qualifying and then claimed a hat-trick of race wins. Andy Langley, Ian Trundley and Freddy Hewitt would end up being the best of the rest.

Also featuring over the course of the weekend were races from the 750 Motor Club and the much-loved Monoposto Championship.

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

You can also re-watch all the action by heading over to the official BARC YouTube channel HERE.

BARC wows the crowds at the Home of British Motor Racing

The British Automobile Racing Club enjoyed an action-packed visit to the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, this past weekend (May 17/18) with several championships writing the latest chapter in their respective campaigns.

Headlining the action around the National layout were three captivating contests from the TCR UK Championship, each of which were largely dominated by two drivers – Steve Laidlaw and Callum Newsham.

In qualifying, just 0.042s was all that could separate the duo in the battle for pole position but it was Laidlaw that claimed the bragging rights of clinching top spot. That set him up for a superlative opening bout where he charged to victory ahead of Newsham and Sam Laidlaw.

Race two proved to be slightly more contentious as despite winning on the road, Steve Laidlaw was handed a post-race time penalty which originally gave the victory to Newsham. However, following a successful appeal the result was reversed and that handed the win back to Laidlaw.

Newsham didn’t have to wait too much longer to finally have his moment on the top step of the podium in the weekend’s finale as he streaked clear of the chasing pack to tally a pivotal victory ahead of Steve Laidlaw and Adam Shepherd.

Variety was the spice of life when it came to the Milltek Civic Cup – the official feeder series to the TCR UK Championship – as three different drivers stood on the summit of the world-famous Silverstone rostrum.

Former TCR UK title winner Lewis Kent maintained his strong start to the season by claiming victory in a frantic opener before Dave Marshall narrowly beat Liam McGill to overall honours in race two.

Rounding out the weekend’s action for the popular tin top category around the 1.640-mile Northamptonshire venue was a victory for Alistair Camp, who prevailed ahead of Wesley Swain and the aforementioned Kent.

Over in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, the next generation of racing talent demonstrated just how bright their futures look as they had everyone on the edge of their seats in every one of their four races.

Luca Masarati kicked off proceedings as he triumphed in the race that was originally postponed at Brands Hatch in April before his title rivals Wilf Butler and Oliver Kerr went on to also reign supreme – Butler doing so on two occasions.

William Di Claudio was perfection personified when it came to the Track Action Racing Club as he won twice in his Peugeot 106 GTI, a feat that was also achieved by Jordan Dempsey in the Heroes of FF1600 Series – which was making its first appearance of the year.

Completing the BARC action were three races from the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport which, like the single-seater FF1600 category, was making its maiden outing for the new season.

Boasting another competitive entry list, Oliver Willmott wasted no time in underlining his status as one to watch as he piloted his MINI Cooper S to victory in all three races.

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

If you want to watch back any of the action from Silverstone, head to the official BARC YouTube channel, HERE.

Davanti Tyres partners with MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport

Davanti Tyres has been named as a technical partner and official sponsor of the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport.

As part of a three-year contract which has commenced this month, Davanti’s Protoura race tyre will be the new control tyre of the championship, supplied and fitted by BMTR Motorsport.

Created specifically for unbeatable proficiency on the track with a semi-slick design, all competitors will race on Davanti’s first-ever track tyre. In addition, Davanti decals will feature on all competing cars in the action-packed series.

Sean Maddocks, Davanti Tyres Sales Director for UK & Ireland, said: “Announcing this partnership with the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT championship has been highly anticipated at Davanti Tyres. We’re all so proud of the Protoura Race – our first ever track tyre – and to be named as the official control tyre of this competitive championship is a real milestone moment.

“The testing we’ve undertaken with Protoura Race cannot be understated – from the IDIADA facilities in Spain to iconic motor racing circuits such as Silverstone and Spain’s Calafat Circuit –it’s going to be exciting to see it in a real-world racing environment.”

“Starting a new partnership with leading UK tyre manufacturer, Davanti Tyres, is a natural fit for the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT championship,” added Tom Halliwell and Rob Austin, Co-Directors of MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT.

“With a competitive grid, we’re excited to have a brand-new control tyre to allow our racers to perform to the best of their abilities on race weekends. With the high levels of research and development which has gone into the Protoura Race, we can’t wait to see it out on track.

“Thanks to a three-year partnership, there will be plenty of other activations happening with Davanti Tyres and our championship – watch this space.”

The opening round of the 2025 season for the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport category will take place at Silverstone on May 17-18.

MINI magic gets served up at inaugural Croft Festival

The British Automobile Racing Club made a splash in North Yorkshire this past weekend (September 7/8) as Croft Circuit played host to the first-ever MINI Festival in challenging weather conditions.

In what was a celebration for one of the most iconic cars in the world, the two-day event saw a bumper crowd flock through the gates to witness a 14-race programme, paddock displays, track parades and live entertainment.

Headlining the action around the 2.12-mile course were the latest three races from the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy; which is building towards a thrilling crescendo when it comes to the fight for the overall title.

Race one – which was the only relatively dry contest of Saturday and Sunday – saw Chandler Motorsport’s Rhys Hurd take advantage of Harry Hickton being wiped out of the lead to claim his latest win of the season.

The remainder of the weekend arguably belonged to EXCELR8 Motorsport’s Gabe Fairbrother as he scored a maiden victory in the one-make series in race two and then quickly doubled his tally by repeating the feat in a rain-soaked finale.

As they have done throughout the entirety of the 2024 season, Stephen Berry and Ross Alexander proved to be the cream of the crop when it came to the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport.

The pair, who had shared every win on offer heading into Croft, continued to rule the roost with last year’s overall winner Berry adding two more wins to his tally. Alexander didn’t let Berry have things his own way though and he was able to score a win of his own too.

While Berry was unable to clinch a hat-trick of wins in the Clubsport category, a third victory of the weekend was achieved when he came out on top of the 40-minute MINI Enduo contest ahead of Jamie Ringer and Charlie Newton-Darby.

Elsewhere, Neven Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick proved to be too much for the opposition in the Mighty Minis Championship as they claimed a brace of one-two finishes whilst Jamie Blake and Chad Little shared the spoils in the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action were the final two races of the season for the Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup, which has been a popular addition to the BARC roster since debuting earlier this year.

Showcasing an iconic blend of single-seater machines from yesteryear, the fledgling series closed out its campaign with Lucas Romanek powering his Van Diemen RF88 to a brace of commanding race wins.

To view the full classification of results from the Croft MINI Festival, CLICK HERE.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – September 7/8

It’s poised to be a busy few days of top-draw motorsport for the British Automobile Racing Club this weekend as events play out at both Croft and Goodwood.

At Croft in North Yorkshire, the first-ever Mini Festival will take place with the likes of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport and Mighty Minis all in action.

Down at Goodwood, the world-famous Revival meeting will close out the 2024 season at the West Sussex venue with legendary drivers going wheel-to-wheel in iconic cars from yesteryear.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Croft
Saturday 7th September | 12:25 | WATCH HERE
Sunday 8th September | 11:45 | WATCH HERE

Goodwood
Friday 6th September – Sunday 8th September | 06:45 | WATCH HERE

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meetings at Croft and Goodwood, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

First BARC Mini Festival to take place at Croft Circuit

Croft Circuit will celebrate one of the world’s most iconic cars when the first-ever British Automobile Racing Club Mini Festival takes place next weekend (September 7/8).

There will be something for everyone to enjoy with modern day and classic Minis alongside retro single seaters competing as well as track parades, an autograph session, grid walk and children’s activities, including learner driver sessions for teenagers.

Headlining the circuit action at the new event, which includes 14 races, will be the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, which provides a stepping stone up the racing ladder with drivers closely battling it out in identical R50-spec Cooper models with the one-make series often found on the support bill of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

MINI Trophy competitors will take to the track in three races over the course of the weekend with a chance for fans to get up close to the drivers and their machines with a grid walk at 3pm on Sunday ahead of their final race.

Alongside the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, the Mini Challenge Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport series will go head-to-head in three races over both days. Launched last season as a club level series for Mini racers it is the first time the championship will visit Croft with it also hosting the final round of the series.

The Scottish Mini Cooper Cup will make a trip south over the border to contest three rounds in its penultimate meeting of the season as the Mighty Mini Championship will provide some nostalgia for spectators as classic models of the popular marque line-up on the grid on both Saturday and Sunday to go wheel to wheel.

On Saturday the Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup will offer a change of scene with the single seater series, in its debut season, racing twice. The championship features models from the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s with the visit to Croft their final outing of the year following events at Thruxton and Oulton Park.

Sunday will also see a special Mini Enduro event take place with qualifying followed by a 40-minute race whilst there will be track parades, the Paul Swift stunt display and a pit lane autograph session in the morning.

Off the track, children aged between 13 to 17 will have their chance to get behind the wheel of a Mini with the opportunity to learn to drive in the Croft Mini rally cars with other activities as well as a bar and gourmet street food being on offer. There is also a range of VIP packages available for Mini owners starting at £38 with those signed up required to be at the circuit by 9.30am on Sunday for the track parade.

Action gets underway at 9.30am on Saturdaywith practice and qualifying before race one at 12.40pm starting with the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup. Sunday begins with a track parade at 10am with racing at midday following the pit lane autograph session at 11.10am.

Ticket prices are £18.00 for each day in advance for adults with children aged 15 and under admitted FREE, there is FREE car parking and FREE paddock access.

There are two Mini owner VIP packages available with package one including an entrance ticket, exclusive infield parking and a lap of the circuit costing £38 and package two, which additionally includes a £15 food and soft drink voucher for Croft’s new cafe Hangar 50, costing £50.

For further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or you can book your tickets online now at: www.croftcircuit.co.uk.