The Mairon Freight UK TOCA Junior Championship officially launched this evening (13 August) with the covers coming off the car that will power young drivers in the brand-new series from 2025 – the Chevron B1417.
As part of an exclusive event at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel, the rear-wheel-drive machine took centre stage in front of almost 125 invited guests including those prospective teams and drivers, championship partners, suppliers and media.
Attendees not only had the opportunity to get a first-look at the car, but they were also provided with further insight into the series as it prepares to take its place on the support bill of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) next year.
Hosted by Alan Hyde, guests first heard from BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow before Tommy Watson, the Chief Executive of title sponsors Mairon Freight UK, took to the microphone. Championship Director Dave Beecroft and Operations Director Vickie MacClinton then took to the stage before formerly revealing the car.
The event was the culmination of almost two years hard work and marked the birthplace of a category that is set to develop and prove talent between the ages of 14 to 17 for many years to come.
Putting safety first
The Chevron B1417 has been designed and built from the ground up as an entry-level machine that has safety at the core of its ethos, allowing young drivers to make the transition from karting to cars as seamlessly as possible.
Built to the highest FIA standards and regulations, the car’s chassis boasts a number of industry-leading features, one of which is the Roll Over Protection System that has been designed in accordance with the latest FIA Homologation Regulations for Safety Cages including utilising a 16mm main hoop.
Side-impact panelling has also been built into the chassis while the driver’s door is filled with energy-absorbing materials; both of which increase the structural integrity of the car and dissipate the force of impacts.
Significant safety features continue inside the cockpit with every car being fitted with a Corbeau ARS-6 (AS.090.21) seat homologated to FIA 8862-2009 standard. The seat is used in conjunction with a six-point harness and FIA 8863-2013 Racing Net; a vital component that protects drivers by preventing debris from entering the cockpit and safeguarding them in a collision.
Inspired by the BTCC, the Chevron chassis also boasts front and rear removable subframes for easy maintenance and repairability, while aerodynamics come in the shape of a front splitter and adjustable rear wing.
Other key features include adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars and sealed two-way suspension dampers with controlled springing. Adjustable functionality has also been built into the steering position and the brake, throttle and clutch pedals.
Weighing approximately 850kg, the car is powered by a custom built four-cylinder naturally aspirated 1898cc engine. Serving as a stepping-stone to professional motorsport, championship competitors will have the benefit of utilising that power through a five-speed manual gearbox and a limited slip differential, both of which will be sealed.
The series will use Goodyear Direzza Race tyres, with restrictions being placed on the number of tyres that are allocated at each event to ensure parity and to also contain costs.
To view the full specification of the Chevron B1417, click here.
Chevron name returns to the track
At the heart of the TOCA Junior Championship is the triumphant return of Chevron Cars to the modern racing scene.
Founded by the late Derek Bennett in 1965, the British manufacturer was once a motorsport powerhouse as it went from humble beginnings in Bolton to enjoying worldwide success across the likes of Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 5000, Formula Atlantic and Sports Cars.
Unfortunately, the untimely passing of Derek in 1978 led to the company subsequently enduring instability over the next four decades - that was until when the iconic marque recently partnered with the TOCA Junior Championship.
With Championship Director Dave Beecroft having aligned the two brands, the car that will place the next generation of racing drivers behind the wheel will bare the prestigious Chevron badge, and in-doing so pay homage to the company’s engineering credentials at the same time.
Registration process set to open
Applications for the supply of the 2025 TOCA Junior car will be open to teams and drivers from Thursday 15th August, and early indication points towards their being very strong demand.
The series’ inaugural campaign will see the grid capped at 26 cars, with the option to expand on this number in the future. All applications to purchase cars will be evaluated by the organisers of the championship, with teams permitted to field no more than four cars.
Dave Beecroft, TOCA Junior Championship Director, said: “This is a ground-breaking moment for not only the TOCA Junior Championship but also UK motorsport as a whole; and it’s something that myself and the team are all immensely proud of delivering.
“Since being entrusted this project by Alan Gow we have set out on a vision to deliver the safest possible car that also provides a perfect platform for young drivers to thrive and progress - and I’m confident that we have done just that.
“It’s important that I acknowledge and thank every single person and supplier for their outstanding work. It has been a massive undertaking to design and build a new car and we shouldn’t underestimate for a moment everything that went into this.
“I feel that we have a championship that covers all bases for those that are going to be taking their first steps onto the ladder of motorsport: the highest of safety standards, high performance, parity in all the key areas and of course, value for money.
“We’re excited to open up registrations and then go on to showcase the car to the fans. A thorough testing programme is in place and with the build of more cars and many more exciting announcements still to come, we’ve got lots to be looking forward to.”
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “It’s great to see the TOCA Junior Championship coming to life and we’re looking forward to the championship joining the package next season.
“This is a fantastic stepping-stone for young drivers in the UK – a vital bridge between karting and moving into the professional ranks of motorsport. Junior categories in this country have produced Formula 1 race winners and many drivers have gone on to have successful careers in open-wheel, touring car and GT racing – we look forward to the TOCA Junior Championship helping to continue that great tradition.”
Next for the TOCA Junior Championship is the public debut of the Chevron B1417, which is scheduled to take place at the upcoming Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event at Donington Park on the 24-25 August.
