Demise of JEC Racing

In a subject close to the editor’s heart, after 22 years in existence, the JEC board has decided to cease JEC Racing operations. This event was triggered by disaffection amongst Saloon and GT championship competitors, leading to some joining the Classic Touring Car Racing Club (CTCRC) who have set up a rival Jaguar Challenge series and others returning to the safe haven of the Classic Sports Car Club (CSCC). With whom the JEC previously spent 18 years in partnership with. You can read about the JECs new TrackSport initiative on. Which understandably intends to cater for a far broader percentage of its membership then pure racing ever could.

It is sad that there is an element of history repeating itself, in that Jaguar club racing was catered for by the JDC in the ‘70s before similar estrangement saw it migrate to the JEC and also the relatively short lived Jaguar Car Club in the ‘90s. Back then grid sizes were healthier and rival series could be accommodated. But now with a vastly diminished catchment, the splitting of grids is an unfortunate occurrence that will necessarily result in the dilution of pure Jaguar based entertainment. Grids will inevitably have to be shared with other marques in order to satisfy economic considerations. The Mike Hawthorne Challenge for pre ’66 cars is unaffected by these changes.

Staying with the JEC, Graham Searle, founder member, driving force and long-time general manager, received a well-deserved lifetime achievement award at the NEC Classic Car Show. Also sadly, Chairman Ray Searles passed away suddenly at the age of 63.