RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

Snetterton’s 2012 race events calendar has been released, with over 35 events covering cars and bikes, starting from next weekend (10 March). Tickets are now on sale for every meeting, starting at just £10, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship makes its annual visit to Snetterton on 25-27 May, racing on the 3 mile 300 circuit, as Tommy Hill continues his title defence. There have been big changes amongst the top teams, including a switch to Kawasaki for Shakey Byrne, plus big new signings, including World Superbike legend Noriyuki Haga, Grand Prix winner Anthony West and World Endurance Champion Freddy Foray. Predicting a winner this year is almost impossible!

The British F3/GT Championships and the British Touring Car Championship bookend a speed week in Norfolk, providing a great start to August (4/5 & 11/12). Both will race on the new 300 circuit, with its elevated spectator banks offering superb panoramic views. The 300 and 200 configurations will both be utilised by the expanded Modified Live event on 22-23 September.

Meanwhile a big new event debuts at the circuit in July. The MSA Superkart British Grand Prix, one of only three motorsport events in the UK to hold the title, will take place over the weekend of 14-15 July, and is a joint headline event with the CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship. Completing a summer of great racing, the traditional Citroen 2CV 24 Hour will return for the August bank holiday weekend.

Fans of historic racing will have much to celebrate too, with the Vintage Motor Cycle and Vintage Sports Car festivals on 16-17 June and 30 September respectively. Much of the machinery competing dates back to the pre-war era and is rarely seen driven in anger!

In addition to these headline events, the circuit hosts packed programmes of club racing week-in, week-out. A huge variety of cars and bikes, both old and new, can be found at these events and a full calendar can be viewed at www.snetterton.co.uk.

Snetterton 2012 season highlights:

· Fri 25-Sun 27 May MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (300)

· Sat 16-Sun 17 Jun Vintage Motor Cycle Festival (200)

· Sat 14-Sun 15 Jul MSA Superkart British Grand Prix (300)

· Sat 4-Sun 5 Aug British F3/GT Championships (300)

· Sat 11-Sun 12 Aug Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (300)

· Sat 25-Sun 26 Aug Citroen 2CV 24 Hour

· Sat 22-Sun 23 Sep Modified Live

· Sun 30 Sep Vintage Sports Car Festival (200)

Oulton Park’s 2012 race events calendar has been released, with over 25 events covering cars and bikes. Tickets are now on sale for every meeting, starting at just £10, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

Two visits from the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship promise plenty of excitement, with reigning champion Tommy Hill leading the pack on 5-7 May, before a return visit on 6-8 July. There have been big changes amongst the top teams, including a switch to Kawasaki for Shakey Byrne, and predicting a winner is almost impossible! Britain’s biggest motor racing championship has also been boosted by the recent confirmation of World Superbike legend Noriyuki Haga and Grand Prix winner Anthony West joining the regulars.

Meanwhile the British Touring Car Championship will be back on 9-10 June, where Matt Neal and Jason Plato are expected to continue their fierce rivalry. The latter has recently signed to lead MG’s return to the category, whilst Neal races a new Honda Civic and will be hoping not to repeat his controversial incident last year where he took out team mate Gordon Shedden on the final corner of the race.

There are also two big historic-themed events. The Masters Festival opens the season on 17 March with races for cars spanning the decades, whilst the traditional Oulton Park Gold Cup on August Bank Holiday weekend (26-27 August), is expected to end the summer on a high note. On a Bank Holiday theme, the opening round of the British GT and F3 Championships are back with an Easter date on 6, 7 and 9 April).

In addition to these headline events, the circuit hosts packed programmes of club racing week-in, week-out. A huge variety of cars and bikes, both old and new, can be found at these events and a full calendar can be viewed at www.oultonpark.co.uk.

Oulton Park 2012 season highlights:

· Sat 17 Mar The Masters Historic Festival (International)

· Fri 6-Mon 9 Apr British F3/GT Championships (International)

· Sat 5-Mon 7 May MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (International)

· Sat 9-Sun 10 Jun Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (Island)

· Fri 6-Sun 8 Jul MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (International)

· Sun 26-Mon 27 Aug The Oulton Park Gold Cup (International)

Brands Hatch’s 2012 race events calendar has been released, with over 40 events covering cars, bikes and trucks! Tickets are now on sale for every meeting, starting at just £10, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship will visit the Kent circuit on three occasions, starting with the opening round on Easter weekend (6-9 April) and returning for a summer party on 20-22 July. The final two days of the July meeting will be held on the Grand Prix circuit, as will the final races of the season on 12-14 October, the scene of Tommy Hill’s historic win by just 0.006 seconds from John Hopkins last year. Britain’s biggest motor racing championship is set for a bumper year in 2012, with World Superbike legend Noriyuki Haga and Grand Prix winner Anthony West recently confirmed to join the regulars.

The British Touring Car Championship will be holding their opening and closing rounds at Brands Hatch, the latter on the Grand Prix circuit, on 31 March – 1 April and 20-21 October respectively. Meanwhile the spectacular DTM German Touring Cars return, a little earlier this year on 18-20 May, with David Coulthard expected to head up a strong British contingent that includes multiple WTCC champion Andy Priaulx and McLaren test driver Gary Paffett. A batch of new cars includes the return of BMW to the championship.

There’s also action from the British Truck Racing Championship, which draws huge crowds to the circuit, and the successful Halloween-themed events of the last two years make way for a Guy Fawkes spectacular this November (3-4), following an earlier round on 21-22 April. The FIA Formula Two Championship and International GT Open headline the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in July (13-15), whilst the British F3 and GT Championships also return with a date in June (23-24).

Two big festivals are planned, with the Mini celebrated in June (16-17), whilst the Lotus marque enjoys its own event in August (18-19), with F1 demonstrations expected from Classic Team Lotus. There’s further historic action in the Masters Historic Festival in May (26-27), whilst the annual Historic Superprix returns in early summer (30 June – 1 July). A more modern slant can be found a week later with Modified Live on 8 July.

The circuit’s big event for 2012 is as a venue for the Paralympic Games, with the Road Cycling events taking place on 5-8 September. Tickets for these can be purchased via the London 2012 website (www.london2012.com).

In addition to these headline events, the circuit hosts packed programmes of club racing week-in, week-out. A huge variety of cars and bikes, both old and new, can be found at these events and a full calendar can be viewed at www.brandshatch.co.uk.

Brands Hatch 2012 season highlights:

· Sat 31 Mar-Sun 1 Apr Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (Indy)

· Fri 6-Mon 9 Apr MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (Indy)

· Sat 21-Sun 22 Apr Delphi British Truck Racing Championship (Indy)

· Fri 18-Sun 20 May DTM (German Touring Cars) (Indy)

· Sat 26-Sun 27 May Masters Historic Festival (GP)

· Sat 16-Sun 17 Jun Mini Festival Brands Hatch (Indy)

· Sat 23-Sun 24 Jun British F3/GT Championships (GP)

· Sat 30 Jun-Sun 1 Jul HSCC Superprix with FIA Historic Formula One (GP)

· Sun 8 Jul Modified Live

· Fri 13-Sun 15 Jul FIA Formula Two and International GT Open (GP)

· Fri 20-Sun 22 Jul MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (GP)

· Sat 18-Sun 19 Aug Lotus Festival (GP)

· Wed 5-Sat 8 Sep Paralympic Games Road Cycling

· Fri 12-Sun 14 Oct MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (GP)

· Sat 20-Sun 21 Oct Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (GP)

· Sat 27-Sun 28 Oct Formula Ford Festival (Indy)

· Sat 3-Sun 4 Nov Delphi British Truck Racing Championship (Indy)

· Sat 24 Nov Britcar ‘Into the Night’ Race (Indy)

The Toyota Sprint Series has announced their 2012 dates.      The series, which caters for standard and highly modified examples, is held over 5 rounds, with best 4 scores to count.

Last year, Fensport’s Adrian Smith just pipped rally ace Jonny Milner to the overall title.   Milner, whose car was fastest car up the Goodwood Hill in June, is believed to be preparing a new car to try and reclaim the crown.

Round 1 – 18th March at RAF Woodbridge

Round 2 – 13th May at the recently refurbished Blyton Park venue

Round 3 – 12th August at RAF Barkston Heath

Round 4 – 16th September at Croft Circuit in Yorkshire

Round 5 – 20th October at Snetterton 100 – TSS visits Snetterton for the first time and will use the short 1 mile circuit.

Jack Frost Rally (DDMC) – Sunday 22 January

Darlington & District Motor Club’s annual event for rally cars run on stages all within the confines of the Croft Circuit.

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Motorcycle races (NEMCRC) – Saturday 31 March – 1st April

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Car Races (BARC) – Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 April

The first of three top-class club level events being run at Croft in 2012 by the famed British Automobile Racing Club. A packed two-day programme includes qualifying and races for hotly contested categories such as N.W. Sports and Saloons, Clubmans Cup, Classic Clubmans, Kumho BMW, Max 5, Crossle sportscars, 125cc gearbox Karts

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Car Races (DDMC) – Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 May

The first of four appearances by the Darlington & District Motor Club’s Northern Saloon and Sportscars Championship at its spiritual home of Croft in 2012 (rounds 3 & 4 of 14). The championship was one of UK motor sport’s best supported club-level series in 2011 with oversubscribed entries forcing the DDMC to run extra races for its near-capacity grids. With more than 20 different makes and models of car on the grid it’s a golden opportunity to see the best drivers from the region in action over the two days. Other categories include Saker sportscars plus 1 TBA & VW Fun Cup Endurance Race (Sat evening only)

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British Touring Car Championship – Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June

The stars of Britain’s premier motor racing championship are back at Croft! Honda ace Matt Neal won two of the three races at Croft in 2011 on his way to the crown – can he do the same again in 2012 as he seeks to equal Andy Rouse’s record of four titles? Two days of non-stop bumper-to-bumper, fender-bending action featuring BTCC practice, qualifying and (Sunday) three races plus plenty more thrills and spills from the supporting categories such as Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Ginetta GT Supercup, Ginetta Juniors etc. Public access includes paddock and BTCC driver autograph session.

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Car Races (BARC) – Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 July

Another weekend full of superb club action from the BARC with categories including Porsche Club GB, 2CV, Max 5, Honda VTEC, Darlington & District Motor Club Saloon & Sportscars. Headlining are the Formula Renault (BARC) single-seater and Porsche GT3 Cup sportscar championships, each using cars previously used in their more senior BTCC-supporting series

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Nostalgia Weekend (HSCC) – Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 August

A magical trip down memory lane! On-track single-seater, saloon, GT and sportscar motor races for cars from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. Off-track hundreds of classic cars and motorcycle displays plus a fascinating and unmissable WWII presence including tanks, jeeps, buses, cars, music, fashion, catering and, in the sky, air displays courtesy of Croft Military. Dressing in period style is a must (but not compulsory!) for all public visitors for what is truly one of the big highlights of the year at Croft

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Motorcycle Races (Derby Phoenix) – Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 August

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Car Races (DDMC) – Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September

The title race in the Northern Saloon & Sportscars Championship will be hotting up as it enters its penultimate two races of 2012. Also on the race card are Porsches, Scottish Mini Coopers, Mazda MX5s, MGCC Cockshoot Cup

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Car Races (BARC) – Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 September

The BARC’s final appearance at Croft in 2012 with the thrilling final title-deciding rounds for its raved-about InterSteps single-seater category, Production Touring Car Trophy and Mini Se7en/Mini Miglia series. Further action is provided by Legends and 250cc gearbox Karts while it’s also the final two races of 2012 for the DDMC’s Northern Sports & Saloon Car Championship as it crowns its new Champion

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British Rallycross – Sunday 28 October

After a successful return to Croft in 2011, more robust rallycross action is on the cards in 2012. Categories expected include Swifts, Hot Hatches and Supernationals right up to the flame-belching 450bhp Supercars expected. Watch this space for more info!

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Roger Albert Clark Rally – Saturday 24 November

Recreating the Lombard RAC Rallies during a time many believe was rallying’s golden era, Britain’s (and one of the world’s) favourite events for historic cars stops off for two stages at Croft as part of its gruelling four-day route that runs from North Yorks and across into the forests of Kielder, Cumbria and Dumfries etc. It’s rear-wheel-drive only with Ford Escort Mk1s & Mk2s, Vauxhall Chevettes, Lancia Stratos and Fulvia, Opel Asconas, Saab 96s, Porsche 911s and many more among the entries. A real gem in the crown for Croft and motor sport in the North East!

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Christmas Rally – TBA

Expect up to 90 cars to take to the start line for Northallerton Auto Club’s annual and highly popular end-of-year, single-venue event held within the confines of the Croft Circuit. Kevin Procter made it three wins out of four recently – can he add another win this time around?

MSVR 2012 Car Race Meeting Calendar

10 March, Snetterton 300: MSVR Season Starter at Snetterton 300

17 March, Oulton Park International: Master Historic Festival

24/25 March, Brands Hatch Indy: MSVR Indy Weekend

6/7 April, Oulton Park International: British F3/GT

09 April, Oulton Park International: British GT/F3 Cup

09 April,  Snetterton 300: Top Hat – Masters Historic Racing

13-15 April, Silverstone GP: FIA Formula Two Championship

28 April, Silverstone National: Aston Club Racing

28/29 April, Donington Park: Blast in the Park

12 May, Oulton Park International: Aston Club Racing

12/13 May, Silverstone National: MSVR Club Championships

18/19/20 May, Brands Hatch Indy: DTM

19/20 May, Snetterton 300: Belgian Racing Weekend

26/27 May, Brands Hatch GP: Masters Historic Festival

4/5 June, Brands Hatch Indy: Aston Club Racing – St John Horsfall Meeting

16/17 June, Brands Hatch Indy: Mini Festival

23/24 June, Brands Hatch GP: British F3/GT

30 June/1 July, Snetterton 300: MSVR Club Championships

13/14/15 July, Brands Hatch GP: FIA Formula Two & International GT Open

21 July, Oulton Park International: MSVR Club Championships

22 July, Cadwell Park: MSVR Club Championships

28 July, Oulton Park International: MSVR Club Championships

29 July, Donington Park: Aston Club Racing

4/5 August, Snetterton 300: British F3/GT

18/19 August, Brands Hatch GP: Lotus Festival

1/2 September, Cadwell Park: MSVR Club Championships

08 September, Anglesey:  MSVR Races of Wales

15/16 September, Brands Hatch GP: MSVR GP Weekend

29 September, Snetterton 300: Aston Club Racing

6/7 October, Donington Park: Blast in the Park

27/28 October, Snetterton 300: MSVR Club Championships

10 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Lotus 6 Hour

11 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Vee Festival & Victor Meldrew Trophy

24 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Britcar ‘Into the Night Race’

MSVR set for busiest season yet with bumper 2012 programme

MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) is set to enjoy the busiest year since its inception in 2006 following the release of an expanded 2012 events calendar.

From March until November MSVR will organise 34 race meetings across seven different UK circuits. 20 core MSVR championships and series will run at these meetings, and will be joined by several ‘guest’ series. A number of prestigious events feature on the 2012 calendar including rounds of the British F3 & GT Championships, FIA Formula Two Championship and the DTM.

Amongst many developments for 2012, the F3 Cup will enter its first year as a full MSA Championship after receiving outline approval last season. After a transitional year in 2011, the first under MSVR’s guidance, F3 Cup is set for rapid expansion with revised regulations permitting newer cars and an outstanding calendar of races – commencing with Oulton Park alongside British GT on Easter Monday. Driver interest is high and strong grids are expected from the outset.

Meanwhile, for 2012 the Lotus Cup UK will be split into two classes: Supersport and Production. The Supersport class will cater for Exige Cup, 2-Elevens and Evoras, while the Production class will see Elise and normally aspirated Exige models compete. The Lotus on Track Elise Trophy has been part of MSVR since the beginning and continues to thrive with superb grids, as does Lotus Cup Europe, which also runs under the MSVR umbrella.

Radical Sportscars will continue to feature heavily at MSVR’s events this season with the new Radical European Masters joining the Radical UK Cup and Radical Clubman’s Cup, both of which moved to MSVR one year ago. The Radical European Masters will feature races at top European circuits including Austria’s Red Bull Ring and Barcelona’s Catalunya F1 circuit.

The MINI Challenge also switched to MSVR 12 months ago and continues to provide some of the most competitive and exciting racing in the UK.

Another new championship joining MSVR this season is the MK4 Golf TDI GTi Challenge. The championship for Mk4 variations of the popular German car will run alongside the VAG Trophy and MK2 Golf GTi Championship.

The Champion of Brands will continue to produce thrilling Formula Ford racing and new for 2012, its big brother ‘Super Series’ will unite the European Formula Ford community, with races at Kirkistown, Croix-en-Ternois, Brands Hatch GP and Monza.

The GT Cup Championship has unveiled a series of modifications to its regulations in 2012 with GT3 cars now permitted to join its excellent 23 race calendar, and interest in the championship is strong. GT Cup always fields spectacular & iconic GT machinery, popular with both marshals and spectators.

Bumper grids and thrilling racing will be found in the Production BMW Championship and Project Eight Racing Saloons along with an expanded schedule for the Club MSV Trackday Trophy and Team Trophy, both aimed at newcomers to motorsport.

The Monoposto Championship is set to build upon another successful season last year with a brand new sponsorship deal with St Cross Electronics for 2012.

New race event additions to MSVR’s calendar this year include the recently announced Mini Festival at Brands Hatch in June, headlined by the MINI Challenge series, whilst the Lotus Festival is set to switch from Snetterton to the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. The Belgian Racing Weekend makes its debut on the Snetterton 300 circuit one month earlier and will feature a number of national sportscar championships making the journey from the federal state.

Furthermore, MSVR has been chosen by the Aston Martin Owners Club Racing to organise all of its UK events in 2012, which will be promoted by Duncan Wiltshire of Historic Promotions Ltd.

MSVR Race Operations Manager David Scott said: “I am looking forward to a great season ahead. We have a fantastic calendar and continue to visit the UK’s finest race tracks. With strong support from competitors, 2012 is set to be a vintage year. Whether as a competitor, spectator or marshal, I hope you will enjoy your season with MSVR.”

MotorSportVision Racing have unveiled their 2012 calendar.

Seven rounds held over five weekends, with two double header weekends using different course layouts.

Saturday May 5th – Cadwell Park Full Circuit

Sunday June 10th – Knockhill Circuit

Sunday July 8th – Brands Hatch Indy Circuit

Saturday August 11th – Anglesey International Circuit
Sunday August 12th – Anglesey Coastal Circuit

Saturday September 22nd – Snetterton 300 Circuit
Sunday September 23rd – Snetterton 200 Circuit

Pic: Flat Out Motorsport Photography

Donington Park’s date on the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship calendar has now been confirmed – meaning all ten BTCC fixtures for next year are now in place.

The historic Leicestershire venue will host the second event of the season when the BTCC, the UK’s premier motor racing championship, tours the country – in total it will visit nine top-class race circuits in eight different counties.

The BTCC’s 2012 race dates are:

Date Circuit, Location

31 March-1 April Brands Hatch, Kent

14-15 April Donington Park, Leicestershire

28-29 April Thruxton, Hampshire

9-10 June Oulton Park, Cheshire

23-24 June Croft, North Yorkshire

11-12 August Snetterton (300), Norfolk

25-26 August Knockhill, Fife

22-23 September Rockingham, Northamptonshire

6-7 October Silverstone, Northamptonshire

20-21 October Brands Hatch, Kent

FIA class created for 2012 BHRC

Cars running to FIA historic specification will be able to compete within the 2012 Kololi Beach Club MSA British Historic Rally Championship.

The BHRC management team has confirmed that, following approval from the MSA, a separate HRCR FIA Cup will be run for cars built to FIA specification and running with FIA Historic Technical Passports. This facility will not be available in any other UK-based championship.

The same cut off date of 31 December 1981 will apply and the FIA cars will compete in their own class for separate awards and will not score overall BHRC points. The HRCR FIA Cup will run in parallel to the main BHRC, covering the same calendar of events.
“This development is good news; it will be run in 2012 on a trial basis in consultation with the MSA,” said championship manager Simon Marks. “We will shortly announce a class structure for the HRCR FIA Cup and look forward to welcoming crews with FIA cars to rounds of the BHRC.”

New title for 2012 BHRC

The MSA British Historic Rally Championship will have a new title for 2012 thanks to on-going backing from former competitor Martin Freestone though his Kololi Beach Club operation.

To be titled the Kololi Beach Club MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the series will take in eight events starting with the Mid-Wales Stages on Sunday 4 March. Dunlop continues as tyre supplier for 2012, and major backer of the championship, despite not now appearing in the title.

“We are delighted that Martin Freestone is continuing to back the BHRC,” said championship co-ordinator Simon Marks. “In recent years we have seen Gambia and WONAGO branding, and for 2012 the marketing focus shifts to Kololi Beach Club.

Kololi Beach Club provides holiday ownership at resorts in The Gambia, China and now Bali. Kololi Beach Club is associated with over 2,500 quality resorts worldwide, including names like Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Disney.

Kololi Beach Club provides luxury one and two bedroom villas and apartments and is classified a ‘premier’ resort by the world’s leading holiday ownership exchange company; Interval International. This classification has been awarded to Kololi Beach Club for the past 25 years; in recognition of providing ‘outstanding resorts with excellent services’.

“I have not rallied for several years, due mainly to business commitments,” said Freestone. “Sponsoring the championship keeps my interest in historic rallying with the type of cars I drove in the 1970 and 1980s. I will be back competing soon!”

Date change for 2012 BHRC schedule

The date for the second round of the 2012 Dunlop/WONAGO MSA British Historic Rally Championship has been changed.

The organisers of the Bulldog Historic Rally have brought the date of their event forward one week and it will now run on Saturday 24 March. All other details of the Bulldog, including the rally HQ at Welshpool Livestock Sales remain unchanged.

The remaining BHRC dates are as previously published.

The full BHRC calendar is:
Sun 4 March; Mid Wales Stages (gravel)
Sat 24 March; Bulldog Rally (gravel)
Sat 28 April; Pirelli Historic Rally (gravel)
Sat 9 June; Severn Valley Stages (gravel)
Sun 29 July; Harry Flatters Rally (asphalt)
Fri/Sat 17/18 August; Ulster Historic Rally (asphalt)
Fri/Sat 7/8 Sept; Tour of Flanders (asphalt)
Sat 6 Oct; Colin McRae Stages (gravel)

BHRC season review DVD released

The review of the Dunlop/Wonago MSA British Historic Rally Championship is now available from David Winstanley at RallyTV. The DVD covers all seven rounds of the championship as the BHRC crews delivered an outstanding spectacle from the forests of Wales to the asphalt of Ulster.

The two-hour long review comes with a free two-hour on-board DVD featuring stunning footage from top line drivers like Julian Reynolds, Nick Elliott, Will Onions and David Stokes. The complete package, providing a full four hours of entertainment, is priced at just £20.

The DVD package can be ordered on-line at:

http://www.bazaarbuilder.com/cgi-bin/rallytv/myshop.php?merchant=rallytv&catparid=3

Backing for the 2011 TV coverage of the BHRC came from TV partners CES (www.cesuk.com), Sherwood Engines (www.sherwoodengines.co.uk), Skipton Ford (www.skipton-ford.co.uk), Tuthill Porsche (www.francistuthill.co.uk), West Wales Rally Spares (www.westwalesrallyspares.co.uk) and XS Racing (www.xsracing.net)

The GT Cup Championship is set to produce even more thrilling sports car action in 2012 following the announcement of a 23 race calendar which includes visits to the UK’s premier circuits.

Bute Motorsport’s popular GT Cup Championship enjoyed a highly successful 2011 season which it hopes to develop with an expanded race schedule and new regulations permitting GT3 cars into the championship. Last season Irishman Andy Ruhan lifted the overall title after an intense season long battle with David Tomlin.

Running under the banner of MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) for another season, the GT Cup Championship will comprise 23 races beginning and ending at Donington Park. The championship will visit Silverstone, Brands Hatch Indy and Brands Hatch Grand Prix along with trips to the Snetterton 300, Oulton Park and Scotland’s Knockhill. Each round apart from Oulton Park will host three races of varying lengths and the championship title will be decided by competitors’ best results from 16 of the 23 races.

GT Cup Championship founder Marc Haynes said: “It’s a great calendar. We’re going to Donington Park twice which is always good and we are back at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. New for 2012 will see the GT Cup Championship head up to Scotland to tackle the Knockhill circuit for what should be a really special event. I’m pleased with the progress made with the championship for next season, its early days still but I’m looking forward to next year.”

New for 2012 is the eligibility of GT3 homologated cars which include the Porsche 997 GT3 and the Ferrari 458. The GT Cup Championship has also appointed a new competition manager with former BTCC team owner Philip Boland joining the championship to share his expertise. Car equalisation will undergo a change with the use of a chassis dyno which will be deployed at GT Cup Championship events.

GT Cup Championship 2012 Calendar

28/29 April – Donington Park (3 Races

12/13 May – Silverstone National (3 Races)

16/17 June – Brands Hatch Indy (3 Races)

30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300 (3 Races)

21 July – Oulton Park (2 Races)

18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP (3 Races)

8/9 September – Knockhill (3 Races)

6/7 October – Donington Park (3 Races)

Drivers and teams who wish to register their interest in joining the 2012 GT Cup Championship should email hannah@butemotorsport.co.uk or visit www.gtcup.co.uk for more information.

18 races at premier circuits including Brands Hatch GP and Spa-Francorchamps

The 2012 F3 Cup championship calendar has been announced today and will feature 18 races at six of the UK’s premier circuits, including Brands Hatch GP, plus a double header at Spa Francorchamps.

After recently receiving outline approval for championship status from the MSA, the F3 Cup will commence with a double header race meeting on Easter Monday at Oulton Park alongside British GT, an event that has traditionally attracted a huge spectator audience.

The season continues at Donington Park, Silverstone National and then on to the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit, home of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Another highlight of the season will be an F3 Cup championship race on the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit in August, where competitors from the Austrian F3 Cup will be invited to join in one of the largest gathering of F3 machines in 2012. This will support the Lotus Festival, one of the biggest events on the 2012 Brands Hatch calendar. The championship will conclude at the 2.99-mile Snetterton 300 circuit where the first F3 Cup champion is likely to be crowned.

MotorSport Vision Racing will be making further announcements shortly with regard to enhanced prize offerings for 2012, the final regulations package and television coverage.

MSVR Race Operations Manager David Scott said: “The 2012 season looks set to be a great year for F3 Cup with an exciting new calendar. The championship will visit some fabulous circuits including Brands Hatch Grand Prix where we look forward to welcoming competitors from the Austrian F3 Cup, and the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. We are confident the championship will expand and flourish next year and everybody at MSVR looks forward to welcoming both existing and new competitors for 2012. We very much appreciate the feedback and support we have received so far.”

F3 Cup 2012 Provisional Calendar

9 April – Oulton Park International (Alongside British GT)

28/29 April – Donington Park

12/13 May – Silverstone National

16/17 June – Spa Francorchamps

30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300

18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP (Lotus Festival)

8 September – Anglesey

September/October – (TBC)

27/28 October – Snetterton 300

Drivers and teams interested in joining the 2012 F3 Cup should contact championship co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648, email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk. For all the latest news and further announcements visit www.f3cup.co.uk.

Next year’s exciting Avon Tyres British GT Championship will include a blue riband round at the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours meeting, it is confirmed today.

The British GT field will entertain the vast Nürburgring crowd, which topped 200,000 in 2010, ahead of the main event and on the 3.2-mile Grand Prix circuit. It will be a race to remember, says championship manager Benjamin Franassovici: “We are extremely pleased to be able to announce this. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is an historic and very special race, and to be a part of it will be great for everyone connected with the Avon Tyres British GT Championship.”

The confirmation of the German date has meant a small revision to the calendar, with the Rockingham rounds, which had been scheduled for 26/27 May, pushed back by a fortnight to 9/10 June.

A new championship brochure highlighting all aspects of the series for competitors and sponsors is available for download now from the championship website at www.britishgt.com

“We believe it is a useful and essential tool for drivers, teams and sponsors,” adds Franassovici. “It is different from the usual media reviews/presentations: the 2012 version reflects the series’ direction to be a strong and stable GT platform for all the stakeholders. To further help drivers and teams, some blank slides are available in order to make the presentation ‘bespoke’ in team colours.”

The British GT Championship is sponsored by UK tyre manufacturer Avon Tyres and is further supported by Sunoco Racing Fuels, Anglo American Oil Company.

Revised provisional calendar 2012 Avon Tyres British GT Championship

21 Mar Silverstone Championship launch & media day
07-09 Apr Oulton Park British F3 & GT
17-19 May Nürburgring GP Nürburgring 24 Hours
09/10 Jun Rockingham British F3 & GT
23/24 Jun Brands Hatch GP British F3 & GT
04/05 Aug Snetterton 300 British F3 & GT
08/09 Sep Silverstone GP British F3 & GT
29/30 Sep Donington Park GP British F3 & GT

Pic: Surreal Illusions Motorsport Photography

10th March, Snetterton 300.

6th April, Donington Park

18th May, Croft

9th June, Brands Hatch

7/8th July, Spa 25

18th August, Rockingham

29th September, Anglesey

13th October, Oulton Park

Following from a very successful 2011 season, the Monoposto Racing Club have released their provisional 2012 calendar.   The 2012 season will be held over 13 championship rounds with the best 11 scores to count.   Most events are twin header weekends.

24/25 March – Brands Hatch Indy
28/29 April – Donington Park
12/13 May – Silverstone National
30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300
21 July – Oulton Park International
18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP
1/2 September – Cadwell Park

Additionally there are currently three Non-Championship rounds scheduled.

4 June – Mallory Park as part of the Motors TV event
15/16/17 June – Spa-Francorchamps Spa Summer Classic (Roadbook)
and one at the end of the season, details to be announced.

Additionally the club has announced some slight changes to the class structure.    The two motorcycle engined classes (Mono 1000 and Mono 1400) have been merged and the new class will be known at MotoMono.    No changes are needed for cars.

Mono Heritage is also announced for pre-1989 cars conforming to the old Class A regulations.    This class will be run at selected events, and entry by invitation only and each car will have a technical logbook.

More details can be found at the Monoposto Racing Club website

LoTRDC have released the 2012 Elise Trophy calendar, for the sixth season of the series. The technical rules remain essentially unchanged from 2010, with cars running Rover engines up to 151bhp at the hubs and Toyota power plants up to 172bhp. The race format is also retained, with two 20 minute races at each meeting.

Whilst the Elise Trophy is aimed at novice drivers and promotes a social atmosphere, entrants can also compete in the Lotus Cup UK Championship, which will share many of the dates and venues. The Lotus Cup Europe series will also be open to Elise Trophy competitors, which will continue to appear at the continent’s finest circuits.

The 2012 calendar includes the UK’s blue riband circuits Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington, whilst visiting many favourites from previous seasons, including return visits to Castle Combe and Anglesey. The traditional DTM support slot is retained, whilst the Lotus Festival moves from its June date to August and will now take place at Brands Hatch on the Grand Prix circuit.

2012 Elise Trophy Calendar

Round 1 14 April Silverstone GP

Round 2 19-20 May Brands Hatch Indy (DTM)

Round 3 16 June Castle Combe

Round 4 28 July Oulton Park

Round 5 18/19 August Brands GP (Lotus Festival)

Round 6 8 September Anglesey

Round 7 6 October Donington

Round 8 28 October Snetterton

Pics: Snappyracers.com