Photo:

TOCA Junior Championship postponed until 2026

By

Organisers of the TOCA Junior Championship have announced that its 2025 season has been postponed, with a focus now switching towards launching in 2026.

Set to take its place on the support bill of the British Touring Car Championship, the one-make series has sighted its late launch in 2024 providing prospective teams and drivers insufficient time to finalise their plans.

“TOCA Junior Championship has confirmed that from 2026, the series will be fully operated in-house, managing and running all cars at every event,” read a statement by organisers.

“This major restructuring ensures complete cost control, maximised accessibility and a truly level playing field for young drivers. TOCA Juniors Director, David Beecroft, explained that this decision following the late 2024 announcement of the 2025 season, which left teams and drivers with insufficient time to finalise their plans.

“As a result, deposits have been reimbursed, and the series has refocused on delivering a more structured and cost-effective solution for competitors in 2026.

“The new model provides drivers and families with ample preparation time to engage with this unique junior format. Centralised operation of all B1417 cars eliminates team costs, drastically reducing the expense of competing in the BTCC support package.

“By controlling vehicle maintenance, engineering and logistics, the championship ensures total technical parity, allowing drivers to demonstrate their skills purely on merit.

“Additionally, this fixed-cost structure removes financial unpredictability, giving parents and sponsors clarity on season expenses. By eliminating the risk of a ‘chequebook formula,’ the championship fosters a fair and competitive environment while regulating testing opportunities to maintain accessibility.

“With this new approach, TOCA Juniors is committed to setting a new standard in junior motorsport, creating a cost-effective, talent-focused series that prioritises driver development and equal opportunity.

Further details on the 2026 season, including the calendar and registration process, will be announced soon.”