British Automobile Racing Club
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The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) is one of biggest organising clubs for auto racing in the United Kingdom.
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[edit] History
The Cyclecar Club was formed in 1912, running races for the small and light motorbike powered vehicles at Brooklands as well as rallies and sporting trials. In 1919, with cyclecars on the decline, the name of the club changed to the Junior Car Club. The club was immediately successful, with regional centres being formed in 1912, the same year the 200 Mile Race at Brooklands was organised, the first long-distance race to be run in Britain. Further long distance races were organised both at Brooklands and Donington Park, as well as rallies and International Trophy Races.
After the Second World War, due to the demise of Brooklands, the JCC was amalgamated with the Brooklands Automobile Racing Club. The club then based itself at Goodwood Circuit, changing its name to the British Automobile Racing Club in 1949. Over the next 18 years, BARC organised at least 1 international meeting at Goodwood a year, notably Easter Monday Formula 1 races and 9-hour sportscar races - the first night races to be run in Britain. The club was also involved in the opening meeting at Crystal Palace in 1953, and organised the British Grand Prix when held at Aintree in the late 50s and early 60s.
When Goodwood was closed on safety ground in 1966, the club shifted its intentions to Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire, opening in 1968 and becoming club headquarters in 1974.
[edit] Racing
Today, the BARC organises a large number of race series. The club is the organising club for the British Touring Car Championship and the support races at each weekend. Another major commitment is the organising of the annual Goodwood Revival meeting. The club also organises many smaller "club racing" meetings, featuring such classes at Classic Formula Ford and Legend Cars As well as the many events organised by the headquarters at Thruxton, certain BARC regions organise race meetings, notably the North Western Centre and South East Centre.
As well as the BARC's own events, the club frequently is the national appointed club for visiting international series. For example, in 1995 the BARC organised the first ever UK round of the FIA International Touring Car series. The club has a particularly active role in organising A1 Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Masters series, both at home and abroad.
The BARC is also in the unusual situation of owning race circuits. As well as the home of the club at Thruxton, in 1990 the club signed a 50 year lease on Pembrey Circuit in south Wales. In 2005, the club took on the running of Mallory Park circuit in the Midlands. In 2006, BARC took on Croft Circuit, near Darlington, bringing the total number of circuits owned to 4 - on a par with rival operator Motor Sports Vision
[edit] Other activities
The BARC runs more than just race meetings. As well as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the club organises a number of hillclimbing and sprints. These include meetings at Gurston Down near Salisbury and Harewood, Yorkshire.
Due to the existence of a 'region' in Ontario, Canada, the club has a role in organising Ice Racing events.
The club also has a social side, with a number of events over a year including regional dinners and the Big Night Out.
