BARC - The British Automobile Racing Club Audio News and Interviews

Phil Davies - Pembrey Circuit Manager - BARC Awards 2022

Chris Overend and James Whitley, driving the Team BRIT BMW 240i, are the 2022 Britcar Endurance Trophy champions, potentially the first all-disabled pairing to win a UK national championship. The title went down to the wire, with no definite resolution until the last of two races at the Donington finale, and runner-up is lone-driving teenager Charlie Hand, seven points adrift in the Westbourne Motors Renault Clio. The final step of the podium goes to Chandler Motorsport's Rhys Hurd and Harry Yardley-Rose, who tie with SVG G40 Cup driver Peter Dilnot on 311 points, but take third place by dint of five class wins against four. All four also claim their respective class titles, while the Class 1 crown goes to Mark Lee and Owen Hizzey in the SVG Ginetta G56A.

The Densley Trophy Winner -  Claire Hedley Continuing to run Britcar, Claire played a critical role in securing British title status for the British Endurance Championship, which went on to enjoy a momentous inaugural year. The 2023 season is shaping up to be even bigger too with the introduction of the Britcar Prototype Cup alongside the Britcar Trophy and BEC positioning Britcar as a powerhouse of UK motorsport.

The Gerry Marshall Trophy - Named in honour of the iconic saloon car driver Gerry Marshall, this accolade is awarded to the driver or BARC member that epitomises Gerry's philosophy of motorsport.Jon is the organiser and promoter of the hugely popular Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires. The series is a budget conscious, single-make category for first, second and third generation two-litre Hyundai Coupe machines. Since its inception a few years ago, Winter has been the driving force behind the series growing in stature, with grid sizes continuing to grow and the racing continually being captivating.

The Peter Collins Memorial Trophy Winner - Awarded to the most promising junior competing at a BARC event or in a BARC championship/seriesMax is the second successive driver from the Junior Saloon Car Championship to win this award and just the second to win the title in his maiden season. Driving for Westbourne Motorsport, Hall remained in the championship fight throughout the year before producing a superb late-season winning streak to clinch the crown. Overall, he claimed ten wins on his way to both the overall and Rookie titles.

British Truck Racing Championship - 2022 Division 2 Champion

Wayne Marrs & Tom Jackson - Crowned the inaugural champions of the British Endurance Championship whoteamed up to drive a Mercedes GT3 run by Rob Boston Racing .Both Formed a formidable partnership as they charged to a total of four victoriesThey discuss their thoughts on being crowned champions and their plans for 2023.

Junior Saloon Car Championship

At wheel of his EXCELR8 Bristol Street Motors with TradePriceCars.com Hyundai i30N, Ingram became BTCC champion for the first time in his careerHe Scored points in all 30 races, winning six of them and clinched pole position on two occasions and claimed a further six podium finishes during the yearTom will go down in the history books as the first-ever winner of the BTCC's hybrid era.In 2023 he will defend his title with the team as he bids to follow in the footsteps of Colin Turkington and Ash Sutton in securing back-to-back crowns.

Promoters of the British Truck Racing Championship As well as being a Director he is also a competitor; a former ten-time champion that finished third overall in 2022Yhe British Truck Racing Championship has continued to grow in stature and remains so appealing to race fans and Stuart looks back at the 2022 season.The highly anticipated debut of the ‘International Truck Prix' at Donington Park in 2023 will see some of the biggest names from Europe compete across four races.

Looking back on UK motorsport as a whole was in 2022 and being in attendance at the BARC Awards Evening. Hugh talks over a variety of topics that Motorsport UK are championing such as Environmental Sustainability, Diversity and Equality.

Mark talks about the variety of events and championships that BARC run between the months of March and November how he has put his stamp on the BARC (having joined ahead of the 2021 campaign) and has expanded the Competitions Department.Mark's lookinf forward to 2023 which includes the addition of new championships from Caterham Motorsport and Track Attack.

Looking back on the 2022 season as a whole; focusing on the championships, special events, venues, marshals and officials. Developments at venues such as new facilities at Pembrey and a new hospitality cafe at Croft about the success of the TV live streaming last year and its return this year.

Looking back on  another highly competitive season in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship which saw Tom Ingram crowned champion for the first timeand the revised look to the support package which includes guest appearances from the Legends Cars National Championship, Caterham Seven Championship UK and Radical Cup.

Stuart is one of the driving forces behind the exponential growth of the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and is also a Council Member for the BARC2022 proved to be another successful year for the CTCRC with the introduction of a Super Touring class as one of the many highlightsThis coming season will see a new Super Touring event take centre stage at Brands Hatch in July 

Miles became just the third driver to be crowned champion for a third time after he successfully retained his Legends Cars National Championship title in what was one of the series' closest-ever finishes.Miles went head-to-head with Will Gibson for the coveted crown and ultimately triumphed in the final race of the season at a wet Brands Hatch. Over the course of the year he scored 14 victories.During the season he scored a milestone 50th victory in the one-make championshipHe is exited to return and compete on the BTCC support bill in 2023.

This is a new role that has been created and Paul discusses his background and why he chose to join the BARC and what he hopes to bring to the Club and the direction he would like to take it.

Pat Blakeney Operations Manager at Thruxton Motorsport Centre - September 2022 Update

Ben Taylor - BARC Group CEO - August 2022 Update

Ben Taylor - BARC Group CEO - Croft Update - 26th June 2022

Ben Taylor - BARC Group CEO - June 2022 Update

Claire Hedley - Britcar Championship Manager - BARC Awards 2022

Ian Watson - Special Recognition Award - BARC Awards 2022

Dennis Carter - BARC Gold Medal - BARC Awards 2022

Alan Gow - BTCC Chief Executive - BARC Awards 2022

Ben Taylor - BARC Group CEO - BARC Awards 2022

Dan Cammish - Porsche Carrea Cup GB 2021 Champion - BARC Awards 2022

Miles Rudman - The Presidents Cup - BARC Awards 2022

Charlie Hand - The Peter Collins Memorial Trophy - BARC Awards 2022

Chris Davenport - The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy - BARC Awards 2022

Jason Hughes - Super Touring Car Championship - BARC Awards 2022

Ben Taylor - BARC Group CEO - September Update

James Bailey - Sports Prototype Cup Championship Coordinator - 3rd June 2021

Phil Davies - Pembrey Circuit Manager - 2nd June 2021

After a long wait it was good to be at Mallory on Saturday for the first meeting of the 2021 season. Everyone was in good spirits although for some of you that initial state of euphoria didn't last too long !!.The entry was boosted by race debuts for Carl Bate (MGBGT), Anthony Bate (Maestro), Mathieu Dore (MGBGT), Jack Woodcock (ZR) and Tim Grigsby (TF) and a welcome return for Chris Pollard. It's never easy to recruit new drivers but it is vital to our long term success that we get new blood on the grid and to get five enthusiastic new drivers is fantastic.  Mark Grant ran out of time to get his ZR ready for Mallory but came along to the meeting and plans to make his debut at Castle Combe.The meeting went well, and we are not aware of any bangs or scrapes and everyone seemed to enjoy the day.  We know that all of our new and returning guys enjoyed themselves and went home happy. Wasn't it great to see a Maestro back on the grid.Some drivers don't like Mallory. Of course we respect their views but we think it's a decent little track and rewards drivers who are quick, precise – and brave !!.  Whilst the triple header format makes it a busy day a good number of you have said that you like it and whilst we wouldn't consider it at other circuits we think it works well for Mallory although we accept that it is tough on the likes of Dave Mellor, Will Sharpe and Paul Wisbey who had various mechanical problems and came away with zero points.The entry of 22 cars soon dropped to 21 when Paul Wisbey was forced to withdraw with a broken steering column before even getting out for the Practice session.  Dave Mellor's bad luck continued and after taking pole position with a lap that was 0.5 secs under the lap record his day was over and he was putting the ZR back on the trailer with a broken crank. This further reduced the entry 20 cars.In addition to that, Adrian Olsson had a head gasket fail in Practice and missed the Qualifying session so had to start all three races from the back of the grid.  Steve Darbey also had a cylinder head problem in Race 1 and despite the best efforts of Kev Bull and Mark it wasn't possible to repair it so he didn't make it onto the grid for Races 2 and 3.In Classic class, Nick Webster's fuel pump failed up on the first lap of qualifying, we fitted a new one in time for Race 1 but he had to start all three races from the back of the grid.  Will Sharpe had a diff fail in Race 1, he charged back home to collect a spare and made it onto the grid for Race 3 and was going really well until being forced to retire yet again with a clutch problem. A disappointing day for Team Sharpe.As is always the case with broken cars, everyone mucked in to get them repaired and if at all possible back out on track. It's good to see that the spirit of MGOC racing is alive and well.Congratulations go to Steve McDermid who took all three overall and Class Z wins. Simon Kendrick took the Class F win in Race 1 but Mark took the honours in Races 2 and 3.Malcolm Hill took the Classic class win in Race 1 but Dave Amphlett took the honours in Races 2 and 3. The only new lap record was in Class Z where Steve took .002secs off Stuart Philps's 2016 lap record.The outstanding performance of the day was from Jack Woodcock who qualified his ZR on the third row of the grid and went on to take very impressive 2nd places in Races 1 and 3 and a 3rd place in Race 2.  Well done Jack.

Jason Plato BTCC 600th Race -  Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing - Thruxton 9th May 2021

https://www.coupecup.rocks/Whether a seasoned racer or a complete novice, the Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup with Toyo Tires is one of the fastest-growing series' in the UK under the British Automobile Racing Club umbrella.Roaring into life a few years ago, the Coupe Cup is a budget conscious, single-make category for first and second generation two-lite Hyundai Coupe machines.Running a set of control parts that ensure identical machinery throughout, the series is focused on keeping costs down and maintaining parity as well, all aiding close and exciting racing that is produced.Maintaining it's status as a ‘series', points may not be on offer for those competing however the spoils of race wins are always up for contention; and more often than not fiercely fought over.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is primed and ready for another memorable year after officially launching its 2021 season at Silverstone today (April 22), announcing a capacity 29-car entry list.After an unprecedented yet entertaining 2020 campaign, which ended with Ashley Sutton clinching the Drivers' crown for a second time, Britain's premier motorsport series is set to return with a bumper grid and to its traditional ten round, 30-race format.Kicking the season off behind closed doors at Thruxton next month, the series will then head to Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Knockhill before making a second visit to Thruxton. Visits to Croft, Silverstone and Donington Park will follow before the traditional finale at back at Brands Hatch in late October.Donning the mantel of defending champion and running the famed number one on his Infiniti Q50, Sutton sticks with Laser Tools Racing for the new season as he bids to retain his titles in both the overall championship and Independents'. Aiden Moffat and Carl Boardley will partner Sutton at the rear-wheel-drive squad.West Surrey Racing and Team BMW proved to be the closest challengers to Sutton last year and the reigning Teams' & Manufacturer champions have swelled to three cars once again with Colin Turkington, Tom Oliphant and Stephen Jelley tasked with piloting the 330i M Sport to glory.It is an all-new line-up at Halfords Racing with Cataclean however with Dan Cammish returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Matt Neal taking a step back from driving duties. Whilst one three-time champion steps back, another returns in the shape of Gordon Shedden as the Scotsman rejoins Team Dynamics to partner Daniel Rowbottom.Another driver to make a popular return to this grid after a year on the sidelines is Jason Plato. Electing to sit out 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the double champion is back at Power Maxed Car Care Racing in the Vauxhall Astra and gunning to tally his 100th victory in the series. Daniel Lloyd, a race-winner in the BTCC, gets a full-time drive to partner Plato.Toyota Gazoo Racing UK steps up its BTCC programme this year as it expands to two cars. Rory Butcher fills the void left by Tom Ingram in the Speedworks Motorsport-run Corolla and he is joined by Sam Smelt, who last competed in the series in 2018.Ingram's departure from Toyota sparked a frenzy during the off-season and the former Independents' champion has found a new home at Excelr8 Trade Price Cars. Armed with the Hyundai i30N, Ingram has his tail in the air and is hungry for success. He's joined at the four-strong squad by Chris Smiley, Jack Butel and former British GT champion Rick Parfitt Jnr.Elsewhere, Ciceley Motorsport have acquired the services of Tom Chilton to partner Adam Morgan and they have parted ways with the Mercedes Benz A-Class. In its place are a pair of West Surrey Racing-built BMW 330i M Sport's and hopes are high for the Car Gods-backed outfit.BTC Racing are another to have high hopes for the season ahead and with good reason as Josh Cook has remained with the team to drive their Honda Civic Type R. Michael Crees, Jack sears Trophy champion last year, has also inked a new deal to stay whilst Jade Edwards will get a full-season after debuting at Silverstone in 2020.Motorbase Performance and MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square are another two teams to have joined forces over the winter to field a quartet of Ford Focus', and they will run as Manufacturer/Construtors entrants. Sam Osborne and Andy Neate will run out of the Motorbase side of the garage whilst Jake Hill and Ollie Jackson will do the same for MB Motorsport.

https://www.britcar-endurance.com/SILVERSTONE PLAYS HOST TO WEEKEND TO REMEMBER FOR BRITCAR AND CLASSIC TOURING CARSThe Britcar Endurance Championship delivered plenty of unmissable moments over the course of both days, especially in the Endurance class. On a weekend which saw the Praga category make its bow and make its presence known towards the sharp end of the field, nothing could stop the Lamborghini Huracan pairing of John Seale and Jamie Stanley from winning both encounters.On Sunday, Britcar's Trophy category took centre stage with a record entry to kick off its sophomore season. Whilst wheel-to-wheel action took place throughout the field, Woodrow Motorsport dominated proceedings out front as the BMW 1 Series duo of Simon Baker and Kevin Clarke powered their way to victory in both 50-minute races.

https://classictouringcars.com/The British Automobile Racing Club delivered a spectacular two days of track action around the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, this past weekend (April 24/25) which was headlined by the Britcar Endurance Championship and Classic Touring Car Racing Club. Watched online by more than 140,000 people on the Club's YouTube channel and by an additional 45,000 on the Club's official Facebook page, the meeting proved to be one to remember. The Britcar Endurance Championship delivered plenty of unmissable moments over the course of both days, especially in the Endurance class. On a weekend which saw the Praga category make its bow and make its presence known towards the sharp end of the field, nothing could stop the Lamborghini Huracan pairing of John Seale and Jamie Stanley from winning both encounters.On Sunday, Britcar's Trophy category took centre stage with a record entry to kick off its sophomore season. Whilst wheel-to-wheel action took place throughout the field, Woodrow Motorsport dominated proceedings out front as the BMW 1 Series duo of Simon Baker and Kevin Clarke powered their way to victory in both 50-minute races.Variety was the spice of life in the Classic Touring Car Racing Club as the biggest grid in their 45-year history took to the Northamptonshire venue, providing plenty of thrills and spills along the way.Richard Wood showcased that Aussie power couldn't be matched as he drove his Holden Commodore to two wins in the combined Edmundson Electrical Classic/Historic Thunder Saloons and Blue Oval Saloon Series races whilst AJ Owen did the same in the Laser Tools Racing Pre '03 Touring Cars and Simply Serviced Pre '03 Touring Cars.Elsewhere, Peter Smith piloted his Ford Lotus Cortina to an impressive double in the Poultec Classic Race Engines Pre '66 Touring Cars. Tom Robinson rounded out the list of winners by clinching victory in both Shell Oils Pre '83 Touring Cars & JEC Saloon & GT bouts.The Mini 7 Racing Club undoubtedly had plenty of people on the edge of their seats as they watched at home as they served up a feast of entertainment across both the Miglia and Se7en classes.In the Miglia category, Endaf Owens survived a last corner move from Andrew Jordan to emerge victorious after an eight-car race-long battle for the lead. Race two would see a similar story however this time it would be Nick Padmore that managed to hold off former BTCC champion Jordan to win.Things were just as close throughout the field in the Se7en class however Joe Thompson was the driver that reigned supreme, claiming a brace of race wins.Rounding off the weekend's track action were a pair of pulsating races from the Maximum Networks Volkswagen Racing Cup incorporating Goodyear Touring Car Trophy and TCR UK.Max Hart claimed the plaudits in race one as he drove his Hyundai i30 N TCR to victory by more than two seconds, setting his stall out as credible contender for the rest of the season. Lewis Kent would strike back in race two as he opened his account for the year with a measured drive to pip Hart.

http://www.barcnorthwestern.co.uk/championships/cnc-headsRun by the British Automobile Racing Club's North West Centre, the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship is a cost-effective category that is open to all manner of cars regardless of their make, model and power.Started in 1984 as a special GT championship with a small core of regular enthusiasts entering races, the series has grown into a successful and stable championship which boasts grid of more than 30 cars on an almost regular basis at each event every year.To be eligible to compete in the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship cars must have been originally designed for road use and are then split into two basic categories, Special and Modified.These two categories are further divided into three classes based on engine size, the splits being at 1600cc and 2500cc in both cases. Points are awarded within each class and the overall champion each year is the driver with the most points.

https://c1racing.club/Providing a low-cost method of going endurance racing, the Silverlake C1 Racing Series has emerged as one of the fastest growing categories in the country since launching midway through 2017.With more than 100 cars have been built, the one-make series shows no signs of letting up as it continues to welcome more and more new faces that want to go long-distance racing on a budget.Using the standard first generation Citroen C1s, modifications are tightly controlled with none being allowed to be made to engine or transmission. Club supplied modifications however are allowed to the suspension to reduce tyre wear.On-track competitors reap the benefits of a diverse range of races such as two, three, four, six and 24-hour encounters, as well as short sprint races too.Such is the popularity of the Silverlake C1 Racing Series, 2019 saw the category make history for the largest ever starting grid at Silverstone – 99 cars.

https://classictouringcars.com/In 1974 a group of amateur racing drivers got together to form a club which would promote affordable racing for the popular saloon cars of the fifties and early sixties.MG, Triumph, Jaguar and other sportscars had always been well catered for but the Austin A35, Morris Minor etc, had been left in the cold for some time. Racing in those more relaxed times allowed owners to “arrive and drive” (only needing a crash helmet and licence to compete).Times have changed somewhat since those days and so has the Club but the watchword in all the regulations is stability which ensures the return of competitors year upon year.During the past 47 years the Club has evolved and expanded to now encompass seven championships.Our races are divided by year of manufacture and therefore reflect the relevant period of British Saloon/Touring Car racing applicable to each era. Furthermore, each Championship or Series is sub-divided into classes depending on engine size.

Alan Gow BTCC Chief Executive - Brands Hatch Final 2020

Ash Sutton - Laser Tools Racing - 2020 British Touring Car Champion - 15th November 2020

Michael Crees - BTC Racing - Brands Hatch - Jack Sears Trophy 2020

Bert Taylor - Director and Team Principal of BTC Racing - Brands Hatch Final 2020

Bob Moffat - Laster Tools Racing - Brands Hatch Final 2020