The basic question behind the current controversy over the use of TCR cars in the UK

Christmas is considered a time of goodwill and enthusiasm. But at present there is little sense of that celebration in parts of the national racing community following the launch of two new UK series to feature TCR cars and the reaction from TCR manufacturer and rights holder WSC.

This increasingly bitter (and increasingly far-reaching) situation arises from the creation of the new Ultimate Racing Championship from Club Time Attack and the Pro Sports Sprint Series from the British Racing and Sports Car Club. Both bodies have used images of TCR cars as examples of eligible vehicles to promote their new series. And the WSC is not amused.

It issued a warning to series operators and owners of TCR cars in the UK late last month, threatening legal action for any unauthorized use of the IP and advising that any machines competing in unofficial championships should have their TCR homologation done. Will lose. It was a brutal response that served as a reminder of who makes the decisions.

Essentially, WSC was acting in the interests of its TCR UK Championship going into British Automobile Racing Club administration next year after a difficult 2024 in which it had an average of 14 starters. WSC wants TCR UK to become the home of these cars in Britain, but whether its actions will have the desired effect of making people think twice before joining rival series is unclear.

CTA chief Andy Barnes says, “Most people who have come to us and discussed what we’re doing don’t like being told what they can and can’t do with their car, but this Just an observation.” , “Although we are keeping our eye on the development, it is not really our job. Our business is doing great things for our customers – that is our sole focus.”

But this blunder is having widespread consequences. The return of top international touring car racing to this country was considered, with a TCR World Tour round scheduled for Oulton Park. However, the 2025 program published last week does not include any such UK visit – and this is probably no coincidence.

TCR UK promoter Maximum Motorsport also issued a clarification stating that licenses would be granted to selected other UK series to enable TCR cars to compete without losing homologation. “We are working hard not only to make TCR UK a success for 2025 but also to improve the UK market and give all TCR cars a home and a place to race,” Maximum said.

Given that TCR machines have appeared in everything from the Northern Salon and Sports Car Championships to the 750 Motor Club’s Club Enduro (which, along with sister roadsports category, became the first series to grant a license), every one of these Blacklisting will create a situation. A large group of machines unable to participate in TCR competitions around the world.

“It really is a delicate business, motor racing, and the problem with saying that market forces will determine who will be successful is that, in the process of establishing a ‘winner’, there is substantial collateral damage” ben taylor

Despite WSC’s anger, URC is moving forward with its plans. Barnes says dozens of serious inquiries from interested parties have already been received, and have continued to come since the WSC letter. It looks like the combination of discounted entry fees and attendance at the big event should prove popular as it looks to repeat the success it has had with Racing Honda. “Our offering is very simple,” says Barnes. “We have a championship planned that invites owners of touring cars, including TCR cars, to race in front of thousands of people at almost half the cost of any other touring car category.

“If there wasn’t a need for it, we wouldn’t be doing it. Hence our support. We have a long-term plan – we’re not going anywhere. Our door is open and we welcome conversations with anyone interested in URCs and how they might fit into our picture.

But, for all the discussion about TCR cars, the central issue here is much broader. This goes back to the old debate over whether the governing body Motorsport UK should grant permits for new breakaway or copycat series, or allow similar series to pre-existing ones. It depends on whether you think market forces should decide who succeeds and who fails, or whether you think there should be more regulation.

“It’s a really delicate business, motor racing, and the problem with saying that market forces will determine who will be successful and who won’t is the fact that, in the process of establishing a ‘winner,’ there can be substantial collateral damage. It happens,” says Ben Taylor, chief executive of BARC Group. “Suppliers, sponsors, teams, drivers, circuits and clubs have suffered losses – everyone has been negatively affected.”

Motorsport UK has tried to distance itself from the TCR turmoil, stating that “financial or commercial losses to private legal entities, including as a result of alleged third party intellectual property infringement, will be dealt with by the Championship Control Panel.” It is not considered, nor is it a regulatory responsibility of the governing body”. It also said that a comprehensive review of circuit racing would be undertaken next year, taking these and other issues into account, but did not elaborate. It was decided that URC was given green light. Why was the flag given?

There is no winner in this situation. All these arguments benefit no one and, once again, there has been a worrying failure in some quarters to see the bigger picture.