The Chevron B1417, designed for the new TOCA Junior category that will support the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) from 2025, has been unveiled at a launch event on August 13.
The launch event, held at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel, showcased the rear-wheel-drive vehicle to approximately 125 guests, including prospective teams, drivers, championship partners and suppliers. Attendees received detailed information about the TOCA series, which will be part of the BTCC support program next year.
Key figures such as BTCC chief executive Alan Gow, Mairon Freight UK (TOCA’s title sponsor) chief executive Tommy Watson, championship director Dave Beecroft and operations director Vickie MacClinton presented the new car during the event, hosted by Alan Hyde.
Gow commented: “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.”
The series, aimed at drivers aged 14 to 17, has been in preparation for nearly two years. The Chevron B1417 is designed as an entry-level racing car with a focus on safety, featuring a roll-over protection system, side-impact paneling and a driver’s door with energy-absorbing materials. The cockpit includes a Corbeau ARS 6 seat, a six-point harness and an FIA-compliant racing net.
The Chevron chassis, inspired by the BTCC, includes removable front and rear subframes for easy maintenance and repair, along with aerodynamic features such as a front splitter and adjustable rear wing. The car’s suspension, steering and braking systems are also adjustable.
Weighing around 850kg, the B1417 is powered by a custom-built 1898cc engine, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The series will use Goodyear Direzza Race tires, with restrictions on tire allocations to ensure fairness and cost control.
The launch also marks the return of Chevron Cars to racing. Applications for the 2025 TOCA Junior car opened on August 15. The inaugural season will feature a grid capped at 26 cars, with potential for future expansion. Each team is limited to a maximum of four cars.
Beecroft said: “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.
“We’re excited to open up registrations and then go on to showcase the car to the fans. A thorough testing program 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.”
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, August 24-25.
