The Historic Sports Car Club has announced its 2022 calendar, which will feature a full programme of racing taking in the leading British tracks.

On the back of a very successful 2021, the HSCC has planned a core 10-event season for its growing portfolio of 18 championships and series. Headline events include visits to the Grand Prix circuits at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, the Oulton Park Gold Cup and a mid-summer date at Donington Park. New for 2022 are a one-day race meeting at Oulton Park and a return to Croft for the very popular Nostalgia Weekend.

In addition to its core events, the HSCC will again be the race organising club for prestigious Classic Silverstone (26-28 August) and the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone (5/6 November). Club members will also have the chance to compete in HSCC races at the Spa Six Hour Race Meeting (30 September-2 October).

The 2022 dates are:

2/3 April                Brands Hatch Indy

23/24 April             Snetterton 200 (Jim Russell Trophy Meeting)

14/15 May              Silverstone GP (International Trophy)

4/5 June                 Cadwell Park (Wolds Trophy)

18/19 June             Donington Park

9/10 July                Brands Hatch GP (Legends of Brands Super Prix)

29/31 July              Oulton Park (Gold Cup)

6 August                Oulton Park

26-28 August          Classic Silverstone

3/4 September        Croft (Nostalgia Meeting)

30 Sept-2 Oct         Spa Six Hour Race Meeting

15/16 October        Silverstone National (Finals Meeting)

5/6 November         Silverstone (Walter Hayes Trophy)

 

Other news for 2022:

HSCC re-affirms live-snatch policy

The Historic Sports Car Club has re-affirmed its commitment to not using live-snatching during its qualifying sessions and races.

Live-snatching is the process of using tractors to remove cars from gravel traps while the qualifying session or race continues, with yellow flags at the site of the incident. For the last three years the HSCC has not used this option and that policy has been renewed for the 2022 season.

There has been recent media focus on the topic of live snatching and the possible risk involved for both officials and competitors. The HSCC’s policy remains that it will not use live-snatching to move cars, preferring to deploy the safety car or to red flag the session or race as necessary.

HSCC CEO Andy Dee-Crowne, who is also a senior clerk of the course, said: “This was a decision that we took three years ago and I’m pleased to re-affirm that, once more, the HSCC will not use live-snatching during any of its race meetings in 2022. We place a very high emphasis on the safety of all those involved in our events and this on-going decision underlines that commitment.”

 

HSCC unveils 50s Sports Car races

A new series of races for 1950s drum brake, sports and sports-racing cars and eligible drum brake GT cars will feature as part of the Historic Sports Car Club’s portfolio of races in 2022.

To celebrate the Club’s roots, the HSCC Griffiths Haig Trophy will be open to owner drivers of suitable cars with drum brakes built and registered between 1947 and 1961. One-off cars with a period history will be welcome.

Guy Griffiths and Betty Haig were the two key people in the original formation of the Historic Sports Car Club in 1966 and the new race series will mark the completion of the Club’s 55th year. The inaugural Griffiths Formula race, held at Castle Combe in May 1966, was the catalyst for the formation of the HSCC and was run for just this type of car.

Experienced racer Tony Bianchi from Historic Racing Repertoire is working with the HSCC to develop the Griffiths Haig Trophy. He said: “It’s our aim to regenerate that original philosophy and style of racing for owner drivers with the right cars. The series is for owner-driven pre-1961 drum braked sports and sports racing cars in correct visual, material and mechanical specification.

“The philosophy behind this invitation series is to establish a high standard of racing with great cars for amateur owner drivers. Drivers considered as professionals, or to be driving at a professional level, by the organisers will not be able to participate. A strong level of camaraderie between competitors and a healthy but safe competitive spirit is essential. All cars need to meet normal safety requirements and follow Appendix K but the Griffiths Haig Trophy race series does not require FIA HTPs.” Bianchi will be a key point of contact for interested competitors via tony.bianchi@mac.com.

The series will feature three or four races at high-profile UK historic race meetings and five capacity classes will ensure competitive racing for all sizes of car, with a realistic approach taken to car eligibility.

Similar models built after the end of 1959 may also be accepted subject to individual application. Cars that were manufactured and registered in the 1960s but are to the exact specification of the 1950s derivative will be allowed to register. Some modification to engines and suspension are permitted.

Andy Dee-Crowne, CEO of the HSCC, said: “This new race series will take the Club back to its origins and marks 55 years of the HSCC’s prime role in the development of historic racing. It will be very appropriate to recognise the work and foresight of Guy Griffiths and Betty Haig.”