The Impressive Growth of Racing Hondas
When it comes to percentage increases, a 175% rise is nothing short of spectacular. In 2023, the Racing Hondas Championship, organized by Club Time Attack (CTA), saw an average of just 12 cars on the grid. Fast forward to 2024, and that number surged to 33 cars, marking a significant milestone in the series’ history. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to a special initiative where all drivers raced for free, thanks to sponsorship from Tegiwa, a performance parts specialist. In an era of economic challenges, this no-entry-fee offer was incredibly attractive to drivers. However, CTA founder Andy Barnes insists it was more than just a gimmick. "The free entry was a well-thought-out plan to kickstart the championship and ensure drivers had a positive experience," he explains. "Once they see that we care and deliver a good event, they are more likely to come back, knowing what our ‘party’ is like compared to other racing environments."
Building a Sustainable Championship
The success of the free entry initiative in 2024 has set the stage for 2025, but the challenge now is to maintain those high grid numbers. Despite the season not starting until May, the grids are already practically full, with only the top three drivers in each class from last year getting free entries. The key to this sustained growth, according to Barnes, lies in having a relevant and committed sponsor. "Tegiwa is not just a one-off cash donor," he says. "They specialize in performance parts for Honda vehicles, and their long-term partnership with us ensures they see value in the initiative. This mutual benefit is crucial for the championship’s longevity." Barnes emphasizes that Tegiwa’s involvement is more than just financial; they are actively engaged, providing parts and support that enhance the racing experience for participants.
A Passion for Honda Racing
CTA’s foray into conventional circuit racing is a new chapter for the organization, known for its sprint and drifting competitions. The move into circuit racing began in 2021 when TCR UK and Civic Cup operator Maximum Motorsport joined CTA’s fold. However, this relationship ended after two seasons, and Barnes decided to retain a circuit racing element, starting with Hondas. "Honda cars are reliable and popular," he explains, "with a large and passionate community. This made them a natural fit for our new championship." Even during the inaugural season in 2023, Barnes and his team were deliberate in their approach, aiming to get the platform right before introducing the free entry scheme. "We had about 12-14 cars on the grid, which was a great start. It allowed us to understand what the drivers wanted and to build a strong foundation," Barnes adds.
A Welcoming Paddock and Thriving Community
One of the key factors that has contributed to the championship’s popularity is the supportive and welcoming atmosphere within the paddock. Ryan Cunningham, the overall champion of the 2024 season, had previously competed in CTA’s ‘Run What You Brung’ competition and was drawn to the Racing Hondas series for the community. "The people involved make the championship," Cunningham says. "The paddock is very friendly, and everyone is willing to help. It was my first proper year racing, and the support I received was invaluable." The large crowds at CTA events, often exceeding 10,000 fans, also add to the unique experience. "Fans asking for autographs and showing support is a nice touch that you don’t get in typical club racing," Cunningham notes. Barnes agrees, highlighting how the championship has transformed grassroots racers into local heroes, a rarity in the club racing scene.
Listening to the Drivers
The success of Racing Hondas is not solely due to free entries. CTA’s approach of putting the drivers first has played a crucial role. "We focus on giving the drivers what they want—cheap costs, good grids, good crowds, good organization, and good value for money," Barnes explains. "We are our own club, so we can make bold decisions and implement changes without external constraints." Ryan Cunningham echoes this sentiment: "The championship listens to its drivers rather than dictating. This openness and willingness to adapt have helped it gain a loyal following." Despite the initial free entry offer, many drivers are returning in 2025, willing to pay for the chance to race in such a well-organized and enjoyable series. "If drivers only joined for the free ride, we wouldn’t have the numbers we have this year," Cunningham adds. "The championship has proven its value and longevity."
Future Ambitions and Challenges
CTA’s ambitions extend beyond just the Racing Hondas series. They are launching a new Ultimate Racing Cars category for this season, focusing on two-litre turbocharged tin-top machinery. This move, however, has not been without controversy. TCR creator WSC has warned that any TCR cars racing in the new, unlicensed series will permanently lose their homologation. Undeterred, Barnes is pushing forward with the same strategy that worked for Racing Hondas, with Tegiwa again on board to fund free entries. "Racing Hondas was the blueprint for our expansion into other categories," Barnes states. "We want to create a sustainable and popular racing environment that stands the test of time. Our 20th year of organizing events, with consistent large crowds, is a testament to our approach." While the free entry strategy may be unconventional, Barnes believes it is a necessary step to establish and grow new racing categories, and he encourages other organizers to consider similar initiatives to foster sustainable growth in the motorsport community.
