A Celebration of Six Decades of Motorsport Excellence
In 2025, Clubmans Sports Car racing will remarkably reach its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of thrilling motorsport history. The origins of this unique racing category date back to 1965 when Nick Syrett of the BRSCC observed that cars like the Lotus 7 were so fast that they were outpacing and overshadowing more expensive and sophisticated cars. To address this, he created a separate class known as Clubmans Sports Cars.
The inaugural year of Clubmans racing proved to be overwhelmingly successful. The popularity of the new class soared, leading to an abundance of cars competing. This surge necessitated the creation of the Clubmans Register, a dedicated register of the cars involved in the racing. Today, the Clubmans Register remains the governing body that runs and organizes the category.
Throughout the years, various organizations have been involved in the management of Clubmans racing, including the BRSCC, BARC, BRDC, and the HSCC for classic series. However, in 2020, the Register consolidated its racing activities into a single championship managed by MSVR. This move has been highly successful, drawing all attention to one series and delivering exceptional racing for these fast, cost-effective, and distinctive front-engined sports prototypes.
The appeal of Clubmans cars extends beyond the UK. They have gained popularity in Scandinavia, Australia, North America, and in hillclimbing events. Notably, World and European Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx began his motorsport career hillclimbing in a Clubmans car. BTCC winner Will Hoy also had several successful seasons racing in Clubmans before advancing to higher echelons in motorsport.
Over the decades, the most renowned marque in Clubmans racing has been Mallock. Originally created in the 1950s as the U2 by Major Arthur Mallock, the name has been carried forward by his sons, Richard and Ray. Other successful makes include Phantom and Vision, among others. Even Chevron's first car was a Clubmans car. Many notable figures have been associated with Clubmans racing over the years, including Max Mosley, Patrick Head, Harvey Postlethwaite, and Creighton Brown.
As Clubmans Sports Car racing celebrates its 60th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring passion and enthusiasm for motorsport. The category continues to thrive, providing a platform for talented drivers and engineers to showcase their skills and innovation. The legacy of Clubmans racing is rich with history, and its future promises even more excitement and achievement.
Celebratory Events for Clubmans Sports Cars in 2025
Prescott Historique
The first celebratory event is set for May 24/25 and will take place at the Prescott Historique. This event will focus on hillclimbing and will feature a special class for Clubmans type cars (The Clubmans Register Invitation Class). Participants and spectators can look forward to witnessing a variety of interesting cars and appearances from past competitors.
Donington Circuit Racing
The second event will be held at Donington on July 19/20, with a focus on circuit racing. This event will include three rounds of the Clubmans Sports Prototype Championship, showcasing the exhilarating competition that the Clubmans Sports Cars series is known for. As with the Prescott event, Donington will feature an array of fascinating cars and past racers.
The Relevance of Clubmans Sports Cars
Despite having a rich 60-year history, Clubmans Sports Cars remains highly relevant in today's racing world. The series is known for providing incredibly fast and yet affordable racing options. Unusual in modern motorsport, Clubmans Sports Cars features relatively free technical regulations that encourage engineering ingenuity and creativity.
The racing in this series is known for being fast and fiercely competitive, while maintaining an enviable reputation for fairness. Incidents during races are notably rare, a testament to the clean and respectful competition that defines the series.
Classes and Inclusivity
The championship is divided into four classes, catering for drivers of varying levels of experience and budget. This inclusivity ensures that the series remains accessible to a broad range of participants of all ages and both male and female, fostering a community of racers who share a passion for speed, innovation, and sportsmanship.
Contact
Peter Richings. The Clubmans Register
07714725220