AS restrictions finally start easing, there has been more good news for local motorsport fans as the region’s premier facility, Croft Circuit, has announced a comprehensive calendar on two, three and four wheels for 2021.

The historic track between Darlington and Northallerton will kick the delayed season off in just a month’s time when the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) hosts a weekend of action on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16.

However, this is the weekend before the Government’s planned next phase of lockdown easing on May 17, so it means that no spectators will be allowed.

But race fans will not have long to wait when Croft plans to throw open the doors as the 750 Motor Club host a weekend of action on May 29 and 30 where a number of local competitors will be competing. Bike fans get a slice of the action on June 12 and 13 as the ambitious No Limits organisation bring their championships to North Yorkshire with packed grids throughout the two days.

With hopefully all major restrictions a thing of the past as of June 21, the Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain heads to the region later that week for a comprehensive programme over the weekend of June 26 and 27 featuring the iconic Italian marque. There is no track action in July, but August 7 and 8 sees the popular British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) – the leaseholders at Croft – bring their various formulas to the fast and furious 2.1-mile perimeter track.

The traditional Battle of Britain meeting takes place on August 21 and 22, which commemorates Croft’s proud heritage as an operational airfield during the Second World War. Organised as ever by the excellent Darlington & District Motor Club, the programme usually features action on two, three and four wheels and harks back to the 1960s when the old Croft Autodrome first hosted the event.

Another visit from BRSCC takes place on September 4 and 5 before the headline meeting of the season sees the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship make their annual visit to the region. The popular event will see rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the 30-round series and just like last year, the title contenders will be taking no prisoners and happenings that weekend, are likely to have a dramatic outcome on the destiny of the crown. There will be a full supporting programme too with many local drivers and teams hoping for plenty of support from the huge crowd.

It's back to yesteryear for the final track action of 2021 when the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (CRMC) round the year out in style with a packed programme on two and three wheels as well as a number of planned sideshows and attractions synonymous with the Croft Classic and Historic Festivals of recent years.

Still to be confirmed on the official calendar, the popular Swift Signs Christmas Stages Rally is expected to take place at Croft in December with another capacity entry with some of the best drivers in the UK.

Demand for tickets is expected to be high this season, especially with no spectators being allowed at all in 2020, meaning discounted advance tickets is one way of ensuring none of the action is missed. The BTCC meeting is expected to sell out so all people planning on attending are encouraged to visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk, email info@croftcircuit.co.uk or call 01325 721815 to apply. Season tickets are also available at heavily subsidised rates and other facilities such as driving experiences, test days and corporate events are available.