We now take a look back at the recent C1 Event at Silverstone with Matt Hancock
In a landmark weekend for the BRSCC and the wider club motorsport community, the legendary 24 Hours at Silverstone made its much-anticipated return — and it did not disappoint. With over 40 teams taking to the grid, the endurance epic was packed with dramatic twists, relentless competition, and an unforgettable final hour. The excitement wasn’t limited to the headline event either; support series such as British F4, Britcar & Supercar Challenge, Caterham Graduates, and the ClubSport Trophy delivered a feast of thrilling races, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the weekend.
Qualifying set the tone for the spectacle to come. Defending champions Alpha-Trojon secured pole position, sharing the front row with Emax Motorsport’s lone CityCar entry — an intriguing outlier among their contingent of C1 Endurance-spec machines. Once racing got underway, the CityCar quickly fell back, leaving a lead group of Alpha-Trojon, #blessed, Scuderia Pollo Rosso, and JW Bird Motorsport to battle it out at the front. #blessed would later drop out of the fight, allowing the top trio to exchange blows until the first full-course yellow provided a strategic pit window just past the two-hour mark.
As the race edged toward nightfall, early issues began to take their toll. Emax’s #346 suffered a setback before the end of hour three. At the front, Alpha-Trojon held the lead over JW Bird and Pollo Rosso — but the night would prove punishing. Pollo Rosso’s charge ended in heartbreak with a race-ending engine failure. The #599 Euro Car Parts entry, boasting BTCC stars Josh Cook, Jade Edwards, and Aiden Moffat, ran dry in the Arena section. Even Alpha-Trojon faced adversity, suffering a rear beam failure that forced a rapid 12-minute repair.
As dawn approached, #blessed had surged to the front with a commanding three-minute advantage — only for mechanical misfortune to strike again, this time in the form of a terminal engine failure brought on by oil issues. Alpha-Trojon seized the opportunity, regaining the lead and never looking back. Demonstrating the composure and consistency of true champions, they crossed the line four laps clear to seal a second consecutive 24 Hours victory.
The battle for the remaining podium spots provided its own late-race drama. Baycon Racing with Liqui Moly encountered a driveshaft issue in the final stint, dramatically cutting their pace. Yet, despite the challenge, they held on for a hard-fought and emotional second place. Project Sixty Three rounded out the podium in third, followed closely by Silverlake and JW Bird Motorsport.
C1 Endurance Racing: Affordable Thrills and True Team Spirit
Endurance racing has long captured the imagination of motorsport fans—hours of high-speed action, strategic pit stops, and the sheer test of mechanical and human durability. Among the many forms of endurance racing, C1 Endurance Racing has emerged as a grassroots phenomenon that combines competitive driving with accessibility and camaraderie. Based primarily in the UK, this class has grown rapidly in popularity for good reason.
What is C1 Endurance Racing?
C1 Endurance Racing revolves around the Citroën C1—a compact, 1.0-litre, three-door city car. These cars are known for their simplicity, reliability, and low running costs. The concept is simple: take an affordable road car and transform it into a race-legal machine without breaking the bank.
Races often range from 3-hour sprints to 24-hour endurance epics held on iconic circuits like Silverstone, Donington Park, and Brands Hatch. What makes it special is that, despite the relatively modest performance of the C1, the racing is tight, strategic, and incredibly fun—providing a genuine endurance racing experience at a fraction of the usual cost.
Key Features of C1 Endurance Racing
1. Low-Cost Entry
One of the most appealing aspects is its affordability. A race-prepped C1 can cost as little as £4,000–£6,000, and teams can share expenses. For many, it’s a fraction of what you’d expect to spend in traditional motorsport disciplines.
2. Close Competition
All cars are tightly regulated, with minimal modifications allowed. This ensures a level playing field, where driver skill, strategy, and teamwork matter more than budget or horsepower.
3. Real Endurance Format
Unlike many budget series, C1 races are proper endurance events. Teams typically consist of 3–6 drivers, rotating during long stints. The races demand stamina, consistency, and pit-stop precision.
4. Emphasis on Teamwork
C1 endurance isn’t about individual glory—it’s about collaboration. From the pit crew to drivers and logistics managers, everyone plays a key role in getting the car across the finish line.
5. Accessible to Amateurs
You don’t need a racing pedigree to compete. Many teams consist of friends, enthusiasts, or even corporate groups seeking a unique team-building experience. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone looking to enter the world of motorsport.
What Makes It Special?
While the cars may not set speed records, the excitement lies in the constant traffic, strategy, and consistency required to succeed. The racing is wheel-to-wheel, often involving dozens of cars on track. The difference between winning and losing can come down to fuel strategy, efficient driver swaps, or avoiding mistakes in the dead of night during a 24-hour event.
Moreover, there’s a strong sense of community. C1 paddocks are friendly, collaborative, and welcoming. Rival teams often help each other with parts or tools, something you rarely see in higher tiers of motorsport.
Getting Involved
To compete, drivers need an MSA (Motorsport UK) race license and to build or buy a car that complies with the C1 Racing Club’s technical regulations. The club offers plenty of guidance, and secondhand race-ready cars are often available.
The race calendar typically includes several major events, with the 24-hour races at Silverstone being a crown jewel—often attracting over 100 cars and hundreds of drivers.
Conclusion
C1 Endurance Racing proves that motorsport doesn’t need to be elitist or prohibitively expensive. It’s raw, authentic, and accessible—delivering some of the most genuine racing experiences available today. For aspiring drivers, seasoned amateurs, or simply those looking for high-octane fun with friends, C1 racing offers a doorway into the thrilling world of endurance competition.
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
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