Read this article for a link to the updated 2026 regs plus news on a proposed ‘Open Class’ in 2027.

 

By: Andy Barnes – Club Time Attack Chairman

Racing Hondas Championship drivers:

Thank you for your patience over the festive period while we took the time to fully consider the feedback submittedby drivers in response to the draft 2026 regulations.With much of our team powered down over Christmas, and the nature of the suggestions raised, it was important to take a measured approach before confirming our direction for the year ahead.

We’ve now completed that process, and I can confirm the 2026 draft regulations (CLICK HERE) accurately reflect the planned shape of the championship this season:

  • The continued restriction of sequential gearboxes in Class A
  • OEM specification remaining locked down in Class B

Why We’re Holding the Line in Class A

We agree with the majority view from Class A drivers that the class should remain true to its original purpose: providing close, exciting, and sustainable racing. Sequential gearboxes introduce not only high up-front costs but also on-going reliability and maintenance challenges, which tend to cut short many campaigns as well as providing an advantage over cars without them. We’ve seen how this plays out in Time Attack, where heavily enhanced cars often become too complex and expensive to run reliably. Racing Hondas Class A was never meant to be this.

Looking ahead: A New Open Class for 2027

That said, we fully acknowledge if there is growing interest in running more advanced machinery, including sequential boxes and we’re not ignoring it.

As a result, we are now drafting working group regulations for a potential Open Class, with the intention of launching it in 2027. These draft regs will be developed in consultation with teams and members throughout this season and finalised no later than August 2026.

This timeline gives teams who are eager to run higher-spec cars a clear route to plan ahead, make informed decisions, and begin builds if needed.

Importantly, the new class will only proceed if there is sufficient firm interest, but its introduction could also support split grids and expand Racing Hondas into a fourth class.

Support for Existing Sequential Gearbox Owners
We appreciate that a small number of drivers may have already made steps to use sequential gearboxes prior to this update. While the 2026 regulations mean a short-term adjustment may be required, we are committed to supporting your ambitions through the new Open Class.

We’re genuinely excited about the concept, not just to allow free gearbox choice but to use it as a foundation to build a new, distinctive spec that clearly separates it from Class A and supports strong, balanced racing across all categories.

Open Class (Proposed Spec Overview)

  • Gearboxes: Free
  • Tyres/Wheels: Free choice (A052 compound retained)
  • Power-to-Weight: Increased to 260 bhp/ton
  • Aero: Greater freedom for aerodynamic modifications
  • Forced Induction: Turbo/Supercharged cars moved from Class A into Open Class
  • Power-to-weight capped at 240 bhp/ton (for turbo/supercharged)

Other Updates to 2026 Regulations
We’ve also made a number of smaller but important clarifications in the published regulations which can now be downloaded and read prior to their submission to MSUK for final approval, such as:

  • MY2025+ Turbocharged Cars: Eligible if chassis/engine codes match
  • Front Wing Cutting: Must comply with MSUK NCR 6.9 (standard across all MSUK sanctioned championships)
  • Tyre Limits: No seasonal limit will be introduced for 2026. However, we will review this again for 2027 if required

Please note any changes from the 2025 regs are clearly marked.

A huge thank you to every driver who took the time to offer feedback and help shape the direction of Racing Hondas. Your passion, practical input and commitment to keeping this championship the home of close, competitive and rewarding racing is what makes it so strong.

Entries and Club Membership (CLICK HERE) are now open for the season, whether you’re with us for the year or joining us for spot rounds.

Let’s get set for another fantastic season of Racing Hondas!

Andy Barnes, Chairman
Chairman, Club Time Attack