Electric Cars

Historic racing star Callum Grant has ascended once again to the pinnacle of the Autosport National Rankings as the racing calendar approaches its finale. His recent triumphs at Silverstone, driving his Merlyn Mk20A Formula Ford 1600, pushed his seasonal win total to 17, surpassing William Antrobus.

Grant’s stellar performance included winning one Classic FF1600 race outright and claiming a class victory in another, despite narrowly missing out on overall wins in two Historic FF1600 events. In contrast, William Antrobus, despite competing on an adjacent circuit at Silverstone, was unable to add to his 16-win tally. The Autosport National Rankings meticulously track overall car race victories in the UK and Ireland, with each win holding equal weight. The weekend saw significant shifts within the top 50 as championships began to wrap up, bringing new contenders into prominent positions. Aaron Cooke, transitioning from Legends to GT Cup, secured two class victories in his McLaren Artura GT4 at Snetterton, propelling him to third place. Bob Barron's three class wins in the Scottish Modsports series, using his Honda Civic, lifted him to sixth, while Jake McAleer's double victory in the Porsche Club series at Snetterton moved him to ninth. Richard Jepp's success at Silverstone International Circuit with his Peugeot 108 also saw him climb to 12th. Further momentum was observed at Brands Hatch, where Josh Rogers' hat-trick in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB elevated him to 16th, and Ryan McLeish entered the top 50 at 22nd after three wins in the Scottish Legends series. Ben Glasswell, with a double victory in the Historic FF2000 at Silverstone National, advanced to 24th.

This season showcases the unwavering dedication and exceptional skill prevalent in the world of national motorsport. Each race, whether a narrow victory or a decisive win, contributes to a larger narrative of passion, perseverance, and the constant pursuit of excellence. The achievements of these drivers inspire all who follow the sport, highlighting the thrilling and competitive spirit that defines motor racing.

In an exciting development for British motorsport, 16-year-old racing sensation Noah Young is poised to make his debut in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the 2027 season. Young, a protégé of two-time BTCC champion Tom Ingram, will join the ranks of Excelr8 Motorsport, piloting a Hyundai i30 N Fastback. This significant career advancement marks a substantial transition from the Ginetta Junior series, where Young honed his skills, and positions him to become the youngest driver in BTCC history to compete in a full season. His mentor, Ingram, has expressed immense confidence in Young's abilities, highlighting his mature approach and natural racecraft, which are expected to make him a formidable competitor despite his youth. The multi-year agreement underscores the team's belief in his long-term potential in the high-stakes world of touring car racing.

Young's journey to the BTCC is particularly remarkable given his relatively short motorsport background, having only two seasons in Ginetta Junior and no prior karting experience. His rapid ascent is a testament to his innate talent and dedication. Ingram, who himself was a Ginetta Junior champion in 2010, has been instrumental in Young's development, providing invaluable coaching and guidance. This mentorship culminated in Young securing 12th place in this year's Ginetta Junior championship. His impending debut at Donington Park next April will see him take to the track at just 16 years and 11 months old, surpassing the previous record held by Tom Chilton, who debuted at 17 in 2002. Coincidentally, Chilton's recent retirement has created the very seat Young will now occupy at Excelr8.

The transition to the BTCC is undoubtedly a monumental step, demanding a different level of skill, aggression, and tactical acumen. Young recently had his first taste of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback at Donington, gaining crucial initial mileage. Further testing is planned leading up to the festive period, allowing him to acclimate to the more powerful and complex touring car machine. Ingram has voiced his unwavering support and belief in Young, noting that despite the intense nature of BTCC racing, Young possesses the mental fortitude and racing intelligence to thrive. His ability to absorb feedback and ask pertinent questions has impressed his mentor, suggesting a professional mindset beyond his years.

For Young, this opportunity represents a dream come true – a chance to compete in one of the UK's most prestigious motorsport championships with a top-tier team. He acknowledges the significant challenges ahead, recognizing the competitive intensity and the steep learning curve he faces. Nevertheless, he is approaching this new chapter with determination and enthusiasm, eager to tackle every obstacle head-on. The initial testing experience at Donington has only fueled his excitement, and he is fully committed to a rigorous winter preparation program to ensure he is in prime condition for his inaugural race in the spring.

The integration of Noah Young into Excelr8 Motorsport alongside Tom Ingram signals an exciting future for the team and the BTCC. His rapid progression from junior categories to the pinnacle of British touring car racing highlights his exceptional talent and the effectiveness of the support system around him. With a multi-year deal in place, Young has the time and backing to develop into a consistent front-runner. His journey will be keenly watched by fans and experts alike, eager to see how this young prodigy performs on the demanding BTCC grid, potentially paving the way for a new generation of motorsport stars.