Junior Saloons pushing for 30-car grids after entry boom for Saxo series

The Junior Saloon Car Championship is pushing for 30-car grids by the end of this season after a surge in entries.

The Citroen Saxo-based category has struggled with low numbers in the past but several measures including a major social media presence has helped generate interest with 22 cars entered at Brands Hatch last weekend.

“I aim to have 29 or 30 cars for the last round at Silverstone,” said championship organiser Dave Beecroft. “I took it over in March 2013 when there were six or seven cars.

“We got into social media as that’s what the kids are in to. We have tweaked and got the regulations better and I’ve made it as easy as possible for people to get involved. We also have a fantastic relationship with Ian Watson at the BARC. The key is we have a permanent clerk of the course – they get to know the kids.”

Driving standards have improved as a result and the low-cost nature of the series has also proved popular.

“You can’t get into motorsport any cheaper as a junior,” added Beecroft. “I know now I’ve got kids for 2018 who are already building cars and are getting into it.”

Despite the Saxo ceasing production 13 years ago, Beecroft isn’t worried about the future of the series as the car ages.

“There are still thousands out there,” he said. “If someone can start a series and get full grids of Austin A35s then I don’t think the Citroen is a problem.”