2014 – The Season That Was

November 5, 2014 by Phil Hurle in BEC, BEC_Editors, BEC_Featured1, Production, Production_Editors, Production_Featured1, Race Reports 2014, Sportscar_Editors, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

As you all may well know, the season has been won and run, and we would like to congratulate all our overall & class winners. After 21 Hours of racing all over England and in Europe it came down to the last race to decide the title. With Calum Lockie being hunted down and passed by Javier Morcillo in the dying minutes in the final race, Morcillo had passed Lockie for the lead but it was not enough, the FF Corse ran Ferrari 458 clinching the title in the final race. With the season being a to and fro affair and only the best 12 races being counted towards the final results no one could have predicted that it would come down to a solitary point.

ENDURANCE

1st O/R	FF Corse	Calum Lockie & David Mason	602 pts
2nd O/R	Neil Garner Motorsport	Javier Morcillo & Manuel Cintrano	601 pts
3rd O/R	Newbridge Motorsport	Guillaume Gruchet	535 pts

CLASS 3 – Winners: Intersport Racing – Anna Walewska & Kevin Clarke

Anna Walewska & Kevin Clarke from Intersport took out the honours with a measured drive all season, despite a tough end to the season with the BMW V8 GT4 making a trip to the gravel in the final race of the season the team were able to overcome their issues and take class honours.

CLASS 2 – Winners: FF Corse – David Mason & Calum Lockie The FF Corse crew as the outright winners they have also taken out class 2 honours in their Ferrari 458 Cup vehicle. Throughout the year consistently inside the top 10 and finishing no lower than 6^th outright has made them unbeatable in class 2, and has also assisted them in winning the outright championship. Consistency is what it takes to win championships and the FF Corse crew proved just that. With outright honours and class honours there is plenty of silverware sitting on the FF Corse shelves.

CLASS 1 – Winners: Neil Garner Motorsport – Javier Morcillo & Manuel Cintrano The fast Spaniards were never out of contention all year, losing the outright championship by one point they were still able to take the honours in class 1. Remaining virtually unbeaten throughout the season, results outside of the top 10 in Spa & Snetterton saw their championship title hopes slip out of their hands, even a strong showing in Donington wining the final 2 races, clinching pole and fastest laps saw them close the gap by more than 20 points but it was sadly not enough. Outright victory may have eluded them but they took the class victory in convincing fashion.

SPORTS & TOURING

1st O/R	Moss Motorsport	Mike Moss & Tom Howard	302 pts
2nd O/R	Chris Hayes Racing	Chris Hayes & Andy Thompson	295 pts
3rd O/R	SG Racing	Mark Cunningham & Peter Cunningham	287 pts

The sports and touring was one of the most hotly contested series of the year. Going into the last round there were 5 teams within 20 points that could snatch away the title at any given moment. It came down to consistency as Moss Motorsport took the honours in their BMW M3 GT4, after a sluggish start to the year at Silverstone they bounced back with a raft of consistent results that placed them in good stead for Donington where they came out on top taking the win in Donington to seal the title. Chris Hayes Racing followed home in second, but couldn’t match the pace of the Moss team at Donington, but in doing so secured a solid second place in the championship in their Seat Supercopa. SG Racing finished out the podium places for the series. Having a tough run at Donington saw them finish 6^th for the round, but it was enough to seal the 3^rd step on the podium for the championship. Its been a season of ups and downs, and one that has been closely fought on the track, we would like to thank all competitors and crews for a entertaining season. All officials, marshals and staff. Thank you for your tireless hours, all the hard work you put into this sport so we can go and race, without you we would have nothing.

WHAT’S ON NEXT? That’s 2014 wrapped up, time to look forward and upward to 2015 and the next event, the DUNLOP 24 HOURS at SILVERSTONE. Click HERE to register your interest in competing in this great event!

See you all there! Twitter: @BritcarNews #areyouthere Youtube: BritcarTv Facebook: Britcar

Britcar Endurance / Sports & Touring Race Report 2 – Donington Park 1st November

November 3, 2014 by Nick Smith in BEC, BEC_Editors, BEC_Featured1, Production, Production_Editors, Production_Featured1, Race Reports 2014, Sportscar, Sportscar_Editors, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

Calum Lockie and David Mason have been crowned as the 2014 Britcar Endurance Champions after taking second place in the final race of the year. The Britcar Endurance Championship field was joined by the Britcar Sports and Touring Car Championship entrants for the sole night race of the year in which championships were decided throughout the four classes.

A clear start let Calum Lockie show a clean pair of heels to the Mosler of Manuel Cintrano with the entire grid clearly navigating Redgate on the first lap. Four minutes after the drop of the green on the final rolling start of the year the Volvo safety car took to the circuit covering the marshals as they laboured to move a stricken Intersport BMW.

With that cleared the action resumed but only for a matter of minutes before the Volvo was deployed again. The #53 SEAT Leon of father and son duo Mark and Peter Cunningham tripped the yellow flags this time, stricken in the gravel at McLeans. The Cunningham’s did little for the Neil Garner Motorsport duo’s attempt to claim the overall title. In the two laps between the first and second safety car deployment Euan Hankey put his Ginetta G55 GT4 ahead of the class 1 Mosler.

The lights went out on the safety car again but there was no rest for the wicked. The wheels didn’t stop turning as the safety car ran straight through the pit lane and back out on track. James MacIntyre-Ure’s BMW had become stuck in the gravel where Starkeys Bridge used to be and the snatch tractor had to cross to the track to drag the rear wheels clear.

Calum Lockie held the lead through three restarts, controlling the pace to the pit stops which began around the fifty minutes to go mark. Cintrano took to the pit lane first of the title protagonists, handing over control of the Mosler MT900 GT3 to Javier Morcillo, who immediately set his teeth into closing down and passing the FF Corse Ferrari 458 Cup which should soon have been handed over to David Mason.

The money man for the FF Corse effort opted to sit out the final race of the year however, no doubt still feeling the effects of his shoulder injury which forced him to miss Silverstone.

The action in the final minutes of the race was impressive and continued the season long battle between the Neil Garner Motorsport and FF Corse pro drivers. Eventually the Mosler got onto terms with Lockie, who held the lead through the pit stops, before a rare mistake by Lockie allowed the Spaniard through at Redgate.

The clock hit 0 at the end of 24 hours of racing action through the season with Morcillo taking the chequered flag first. Lockie took second ahead of the once BAMD, then FF Corse and finally JHM Automotive run Ferrari 458 Challenge of Darren Nelson and Nigel Greensall.

In the final results the FF Corse duo claimed the title by a single point from the Mosler. Both cars took their respective class championships. Despite being the first of three cars which failed to classify Anna Walewska and Kevin Clarke had already done more than enough to secure the class 3 title. Moss Motorsport claimed the title in the class 4, or Sports and Touring Car Championship.

An impressive debut in night racing came from the Nissan GT Academy 370z GT4 pairing of Ricardo Sanchez and Gaetan Paletou. The Nissan racers joined the Britcar Trophy Series last time out at Silverstone as part of their quest to qualify for the Dubai 24 Hours in January. The programme then opted to use the Britcar Endurance Championship as a chance to prepare the academy winners for night racing.

The duo, who were joined by Paul Brown and Ahmed Binkhannen in a second car, challenged for the final podium position as they raced to victory in class 3 and gave Nigel Greensall and Darren Nelson a serious run for their money.

Richard Nearey’s BMW and the Moss Motorsport entry took fifth and sixth with the Euan Hankey and Salih Yoluc in seventh place for Optimum Motorsport in the Ginetta. Chris Hayes’ SEAT Leon took eighth place with the now class 2 entered Mike Millard in ninth place with his Pro-Sport. The second Nissan crew rounded out the top ten.

Century Motorsport’s Ginetta and Jono Brown in the Tracktorque SEAT took eleventh and twelfth ahead of MacIntyre-Ure who recovered from his off track moment. Wil Arif and the Cunninghams rounded out the fifteen classified finishers.

The Synchro Motorsport Civic dropped out after a hour and a quarter, joining the Intersport BMW in retirement. ZEST Racecar Engineering lost the most though when they took to pit lane after 49 minutes, not to return to action in 2014. That cost them a shot at the Class 4 title they led heading into the final meeting.

That brings an end to the Britcar action for 2014 but plans are already underway for an even better season next year. Including the return of the jewel in the Britcar crown, the Dunlop 24 Hours at Silverstone, 2015 is already shaping up as one of the best Britcar years yet.

Author – Nick Smith

AUTOSPORT retracts article ahead of the return of the 24hr in 2015.

April 17, 2014 by James Reay in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Dunlop24HR, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1, Trophy, Trophy_Featured1 | Comments Off

A statement from James Tucker on AUTOSPORTs published article

“I have been asked by the Whittlebury Parish Council’s Chairman to place an apology for a statement put in AUTOSPORT magazine (see 16th January issue). The initial article from AUTOSPORT has now been retracted, with the new article by AUTOSPORT (below) showing a totally different story to the one told in January, and also shows I was incorrectly and dramatically quoted. This put me in a bad position with the Parish, which was at the time very embarrassing. I hope now this is understood by the Chairman and his Councillors and they can withdraw from the letter sent to me.”

A quote from this week’s article from AUTOSPORT Magazine

The Silverstone 24 Hours could return in 2015 with a spring date if talks between Britcar and the local parish council come to fruition.
Britcar’s flagship event had been scheduled to run this year, but was postponed because of “time constraints” and other operational concerns.
James Tucker, whose revamped Britcar Endurance Championship kicked off last weekend, said that contrary to previous reports (see AUTOSPORT, January 16) Whittlebury parish council had given its full support in rescheduling the event.
AUTOSPORT understands the parties met in February and, along with Silverstone parish council, are working towards an April date for the 24-hour race in 2015.
”I am delighted with the support they [the councils and Silverstone bosses] have provided in working towards a return of the 24-hour race for 2015,” said Tucker.
“The criticism of some of the members received was completely unwarranted – there were never any individual issues regarding noise. They have given us their full co-operation in agreeing to work with us in the hope that we can bring this great event back to Silverstone.”

The planned return of the Silverstone 24hrs in 2015

Silverstone Circuits Ltd., Britcar and Whittlebury Parish Council have been in talks around the running of the 24hr race in April next year, 2015.

James Tucker – “I am delighted with the support the parish councillors from Silverstone, Whittlebury and Silverstone Circuits Ltd. have provided in working towards a return of the 24-hour race for 2015. The criticism of some of the parish council members received was completely unwarranted – there were never any individual issues regarding noise, and they have given us their full co-operation in agreeing to work with us in the hope that we can bring this great event back to Silverstone.” Silverstone and Britcar felt, the race could not be run because of unforeseen time restraints and until the Council had been brought up to date with the ongoing updates on how the running of the event was going to be done.’

The meeting between representatives of Whittlebury Parish Council, Silverstone Circuits Ltd and Britcar on the 18th February went well. They discussed the possibility of running the event during the second weekend of April 2015, which was seen as favourable, as it would also assist with the events potential fog problems.

The regulations with regard to limiting public numbers and traffic congestion were also explained, along with the use of a Pace Car. It was proposed that the new Blue flag 60km/h speed limit system would be put in place to reduce the noise impact, along with the standard limits on exhaust control. Information is now being put together to show average drive by decibel figures, which are well below any national or county council guidelines on nuisance values. The reasons for a 24hr race and therefore timetable requirements for the race meeting were explained, and the Chairman asked for a more detailed timetable to be made available, thus highlighting the downtime.

The Whittlebury Parish Council had a separate meeting a week after at which an embellished article written in AUTOSPORT was brought to light, unbeknown to anyone at the joint meeting. Britcar had already asked for restraint,’ by members of Facebook,’ on 12th February via its website. Britcar would like to thank AUTOSPORT for the apology to Britcar and the Parish Council, reference to the article in January.

‘ I believe the annual consultation now has been done and I am now hoping everyone can now work together and make this unique event a great success.’

BMW M235i equipped with Dunlop for the 2014 racing season

March 19, 2014 by James Reay in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Duro, duro_Featured1, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1, Trophy_Featured1 | Comments Off

BMW M235i equipped with Dunlop for the 2014 racing season

• Dunlop appointed as an Official Technical Partner of BMW Motorsport
• Joint development of racing tires for BMW M235i Racing
• Dunlop to be sole tire partner of the BMW M235i Racing Cup in the VLN Endurance Championship 2014

The new BMW M235i Racing is one of the most exciting new customer race cars of recent years and it will be equipped exclusively on Dunlop racing tires for the 2014 season.

This production racecar is based on the M235i Coupe and is powered by a six-cylinder, three litre engine with 333 horsepower. With the BMW M235i Racing, BMW Motorsport is expanding its range of vehicles under the BMW Sports Trophy client program.

BMW Motorsport is relying on the expertise of Dunlop as the exclusive tire partner. The two companies have celebrated many successes on the track together, most recently winning the 2010 Nürburgring 24 hours and the 2010 and 2011 American Le Mans Series manufacturer and teams championship together. BMW and Dunlop also work closely together on OE road car projects, with Dunlop RunOnFlat tires being standard fitment on many models.

Dunlop racing tires for the “Green Hell”

The racecar will have its own championship, the BMW M235i Racing Cup, which will take place in the VLN Endurance Championship 2014 . Every event takes place on the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife, Europe’s longest and most demanding racing circuit, which has earned the nickname ‘Green Hell‘ due to the challenge it places on driver, car and tires.

Dunlop , as an official technical partner of BMW Motorsport , will equip all the cars in the Cup with its racing tires . The Dunlop Motorsport 265/660 R18 has been jointly developed with BMW Motorsport for use on the BMW M235i Racing.

BMW Motorsport Director, Jens Marquardt, states: “In Dunlop we know we have a strong and reliable partner at our side for the BMW M235i Racing. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife where the BMW M235i Racing will mainly be used in its premiere season, special demands are placed on the tires because of the ever-changing weather conditions. We are pleased that we can rely on Dunlop’s expertise and years of experience of the Nordschleife‘

Alexander Kühn, Manager, Dunlop Motorsport Germany, added: ‘This tire was chosen due to its high levels of grip, consistency and excellent handling properties in the wide range of temperature conditions that can be expected in a racing season. BMW Motorsport were keen to ensure that even motorsport beginners could gain confidence in the vehicle , especially in the “Green Hell ” with constantly changing weather conditions‘

In addition to the dry-weather slicks which were developed for the circuit in Germany’s Eifel region, Dunlop will also offer rain tires, giving high grip and good stability even in the mixed wet and dry conditions that can often be experienced on the same lap of such a long track.

BMW M235i Racing Cup in the VLN

The BMW M235i Racing has been acclaimed by the motorsport media for its impressive overall package at a reasonable cost. Therefore, even in its first year, the car is already proving to be very popular. So far, 15 vehicles for the BMW M235i Racing Cup are entered in the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring in 2014. The BMW M235i Racing Cup is exclusively using Dunlop racing tires. In addition to the race tires Dunlop will provide the usual professional technical support and tire service for all teams at the track.

Ends

For more information on Dunlop, visit www.dunlop.eu or follow us on Twitter @DunlopMSport

Contact: James Bailey
+44

Britcar at the Autosport International Show 2014

January 6, 2014 by sa in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Dunlop24HR, Duro, duro_Featured1, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1, Trophy, Trophy_Featured1, Uncategorized | Comments Off

The dawn of 2014 finds Britcar boss James Tucker in a buoyant mood; after a low-key end to the 2013 season, a re-alignment of the organisation’s championships, rationalisation of the rule-book. and some hard work by the now-smaller core team has seen a resurgence of early entries and commitment.

“In the 14 years I’ve been running Britcar, I have never seen such a number of guaranteed paid-up entries at the turn of the new year” boasts Tucker, adding, “I’ve simplified the regulations down to 23 pages, covering all of our championships and series, and that’s gone down really well with competitors, plus our cost structure, with discounts for early registration, has brought prices down to less that last season, and more competitive. We are going to continue those discounts until the end of the Autosport show.”

The MSA British Endurance Championship may have ceased, but the revised Britcar Endurance Championship, running a pair of customer-friendly 90-minute races per meeting, takes up the mantle. Running within one of those races each weekend will be the Britcar Endurance Sports and Touring Championship, a revision of the erstwhile Production Cup Championship, whilst new for 2014 will be the Britcar Trophy Series, featuring shorter races for GT cars, and the Britcar Duro Series, for Production Saloon competitors looking more a little more than the usual 15-minute sprint.

So who’s signed-up so far then? The popular race-winning Spanish pairing of Manuel Cintrano and Javier Morcillo, are returning in the Neil Garner-run Mosler, with the possibility of Kevin Clarke’s similar Intersport machine joining too. There’s stronger Prototype interest too – Mike Millard is returning with his Rapier SR2 after an off-season engine rebuild, Alun Edwards is currently negotiating with an American driver to co-drive his Tampoli, and Motionsport will be campaigning their Wolf CN-spec machine that was impressive in the early stages of last year’s Britcar 1000km. Add to this potential tie-ins with Mike Newton’s Tiga organisation, and the Speeds CN series, and it promises to be an eclectic grid to complement the GT contingent, which will also include erstwhile Production Sportscar race-winner Guillame Gruchet, who steps up from his Porsche Boxster to a 997 machine, still run by Newbridge Motorsport, and ace preparation outfit BAMD, who will be fielding a Ferrari 458.

The Sports and Touring Championship entry is looking good too – Essex-based Bubble and Kick Racing will mount a full-on assault, fielding a pair of Ford Focus RS machines, one of which is an ex-AON BTCC machine, and both expertly adapted for endurance racing, whilst the Cunninghams are returning with their SEAT Supercopa, and Kevin Clarke’s Intersport team are looking tol field a variety of machines in the various classes of the championship.

The new Britcar Trophy series already has stalwart Kevin Riley entered in his Mosler, and this week’s Autosport International Show at the NEC should generate further interest. Britcar will be on stand 2560 in the main hall, and James and his team will be on hand to talk about competitor’s plans for 2014.

STEPHEN WOOD

Video – Brands Hatch “Into The Night” 2009

November 14, 2013 by sa in BEC, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1, Videos | Comments Off

To get you in the mood for the upcoming “Into The Night” Race at Brands Hatch here is a video from the GT race in 2009. Video created by Darren Higginson.

2013 Britcar Silverstone 1000K Winners!

September 22, 2013 by sa in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Dunlop24HR, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

Congratulations to the MP Motorsport / Barwell team with their Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Winners of the 2013 Britcar Silverstone 1000K!

Results

ING Sport Ready for Silverstone

September 9, 2013 by sa in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Duro, duro_Editors, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

ING sport gear up for the 1000km at Silverstone.

Having led the championship points standing for the last couple of rounds they are looking to regain the lead with a strong performance following the missed classification at Snetterton.

Running the long standing partnership of Ian Lawson, Anthony and Mike Wilds they are raring and ready to go. The team have prepped the car and believe the gremlins that impacted their race in August are behind them.

With the Production Championship hotting up and only 10 points separating the top 3 it’s all to play for at Silverstone.

Ian Lawson said ‘It’s the race of the year for us and although we are focusing on gaining maximum points to keep us in the title fight we are also aiming for the podium’

For further details on eligibility contact Britcar on

You too can join the teams at Silverstone by visiting with a £20 for 2 weekend pass. Wander the pit lane, join the grid and enjoy the racing. Visit britcar24hr.co.uk/2for20

1000km News

September 3, 2013 by sa in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

Exciting news from Nissan GT academy and RJN regarding the 1000km

Click the link for more details

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/109539/

Camping for the Silverstone 1000k

August 30, 2013 by sa in BEC, BEC_Featured1, Production, Production_Featured1, Sportscar, Sportscar_Featured1 | Comments Off

Silverstone 1000k

Camping

20^th-22^nd September

The perfect place to end the summer camping season.

Take advantage of the late summer weather with friends and join the team at 1st tickets for a heady combination of fantastic motorsport action and a family friendly atmosphere.

Located on the outside of the circuit adjacent to the Copse corner tunnel you will have easy access to the pits, entertainment and some fantastic viewing spots all around the track. There are marked out, allocated pitches, with toilet and shower facilities on the campsite.

Pitches come in two sizes with a standard pitch of 40m2 (approx 5m x 8m) suitable for a standard sized tent, a car and up to four people. Or if you want a little more room, the larger 60m2 pitches (approx 7.5m x 8m) will accommodate four people comfortably. If you are a car club or large group, we can ensure that all your pitches are together at whatever time you arrive.

Pitches can be purchased as a package with entry tickets and a programme, or if you have already purchased your tickets you can buy the camping pitch on its own. The table below details the package types and prices:

Package	Description	Package Prices
Duo	Standard 40m2 pitch for up to two people with one car, including two x general entry and race programme	£114.00
Quad	Standard 40m2 pitch for up to four people with one car, including four x general entry and race programme	£161.00
Quad Maxi	Large 60m2 pitch for up to four people with one car, including four x general entry and race programme	£190.00

Standard Camping Only	Standard 40m2 pitch for one vehicle (General admission purchased separately)	£57.00
Standard Camping Only	Campsite access per person (£8.50 in advance, £11 on the day)	£8.50
Maxi Camping Only	Maxi 60m2 pitch for one vehicle (General admission purchased separately)	£86.00
Maxi Camping Only	Campsite access per person (£8.50 in advance, £11 on the day)	£8.50
Programme	Official Event Programme (one programme included in camping packages)	£10
Friday Night Party	PistonHeads Friday night party including band	£5 per person

You can book online via the 1st Tickets website by clicking here

or to discuss your requirements in more detail please contact 1st Tickets on .Join us on facebook for all the latest news, reviews, special offers and updates at

* Available for pre arranged groups

Sportscar_Featured1