The Apex Racing League TC championship returns for a new season on the 20^th of August. Following a brief off season, drivers return to their familiar Audi RS3 LMS machines for another season of panel bashing, tin top competition.

The Tracks

Over a packed thirteen round series, drivers will take on a vast array of circuits in the ARLTC championship. From the vicious bumps of Sebring International Raceway, to the high banks of the Charlotte Roval via the finicky Zolder circuit in Belgium, drivers in both PRO and AM classes will be tested to the limit.

Thoughts from the reigning champions

Prior to race one, defending PRO champion, Ross McFarlane, gave his thoughts heading into a new season. “The new format’s going to be interesting. I know a few drivers are ecstatic not to have the showdown format” mused the Scot. “Not much has changed with the car. I’ll have to get used to it again. It’s been a while since I’ve driven it anger” admitted the driver of the #1 car. “This season is going to be, without doubt, one of the most competitive I’ve ever seen. I’ve been racing with Turnbull and Harrison in other series and they are incredibly quick.”

Pete Newman, defending amateur champion progresses to the pro class this season.  “I was a little bit disappointed to be in AM last season to be honest. It’s nice to be back in pro. Hopefully, I’ll not drop down to am again. I’d be very happy to get a top 10 in the pro class” said the Briton.

Pre-season media day

Teams and drivers gathered on Thursday evening in anticipation for a new season in the ARLTC championship. Media day provides a perfect opportunity for a dress rehearsal brand new, heat race format. The new season begins proper for round one, on the 20^th of August at Spa Francorchamps.

Over 40 cars rolled out onto the flat, yet tricky, Snetterton circuit for two races across the evening. For drivers and teams alike, this presented opportunity to compare performance with their championship rivals.

Apex Racing League’s organizing committee chose the shorter Snetterton 200 layout for media day, presenting an alternative to the current Snetterton 300 circuit. Track position would be hard earned. Wilson’s hairpin providing the best prospect of an overtaking maneuver. Circuit owner and designer, Jonathan Palmer, took inspiration from the L’Epingle hairpin at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when designing this corner. In fact, the profile and camber of the corner was mapped out whilst Palmer watched the Canadian Grand Prix from his home! Originally called Montreal, the hairpin was renamed in a tribute to Justin Wilson, who tragically lost his life in an IndyCar crash, at Pocono, in 2015.

In the opening heat, HM Engineering ace, Kieran Harrison took victory by a whisker from Swift Cooper eSports driver, Jason Cooper. Jack Sedgwick rounded out the podium. Defending champion, Ross Macfarlane, struggled to a 17^th place finish .

For the feature race, 45 cars lined up. Scotsman, Macfarlane, looked to be making amends from a tricky heat race, Charging from 26^th on the grid to 5^th after 11 minutes of racing. However, a pile up at Nelson’s corner barricaded Macfarlane’s #1 Audi and dropped the reigning champion back down the order.

Polish ace, Wojciech Swirydowicz, claimed victory with teammate, George Simmons, close behind in 2^nd place. Alex Kneller was third. For the Apex Racing Team, a 1-2 finish will instil plenty of confidence heading into round one at Spa in a week’s time.