Covers come off TOCA Junior Championship and Chevron B1417

The TOCA Junior Championship officially revealed the car that will power young drivers from 2025 and beyond last night – the Chevron B1417.

Taking centre stage at an exclusive launch event that saw more than 125 invited guests in attendance, the covers came off the rear-wheel-drive machine that has been almost two years in the making.

Built from the ground up as an entry level machine for drivers aged 14 to 17, the new car 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 such as Roll Over Protection System, side-impact panelling and the latest homologated seat, six-point harness and racing net.

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, with drivers being able to utilise the power it produce via a five-speed manual gearbox.

“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,” said Dave Beecroft, TOCA Junior Championship Director.

“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.”