The panel are implementing another initiative aimed at helping those resting drivers to get back on the grid in the 2012 championship.

We recognise that as well as the cost of registering, joining clubs & sorting out a race license etc a further hurdle for drivers who have not raced for a while is equipment that may be old or doesn’t meet the latest standards.

As a result of having a number of preparers on the panel we have access to some of this equipment that may not be currently in use.

The panel have agreed to assist, where possible, drivers who are planning to return to the championship by making such equipment available on a free loan basis if they have it available.

Should you be planning to return to the championship in 2012 but find yourself in need of a set of harnesses, a transponder or perhaps even some used tyres or racewear then please use the panel@alfaracer.com email address to request the temporary loan of any items and the panel will do what they can to help.

If you’re a preparer and would able to help out by lending out any spare equipment then please let the panel know and we’ll email you when we receive any requests.

We are delighted to be able to announce that Alfashop will continue to sponsor the championship for a seventh season in 2012. Alfashop's Jeremy Wales has confirmed their continued support for the racing championship and has discussed with new co-ordinator Graham Heels some of the panels plans for 2012 and ways in which ARCA and Alfashop can work closer togther to benefit both organisations. We look forward to welcoming Jeremy at the Autosport show and at races during 2012, particularly when we race at Snetterton - Alfashop's local circuit.

I'm sure that all of the panel, racing members and preparers would like to thank Jeremy and all of the team at Alfashop for their continued support of the championship.

The panel are pleased to announce a positive change for the 2012 season.

For 2012 the Championship registration fee will be reduced to £60. For 2012 this will not include a ticket for the end of season dinner dance & prizegiving.

This is a significant reduction and we hope that it will encourage you all to register for the championship.

In addition to this we are trying to help drivers who did not race in 2011, to race in the series in 2012. For such drivers we will offer the following :

You can race at one meeting in 2012 with free temporary membership of ARCA

If you then choose to compete at a second meeting you will need to join ARCA for the meeting at a cost of £30.

At a third meeting you will need to pay the £30 meeting fee again - but you will then be a fully paid up member of ARCA until the end of the 2012 season.

We are also intending to have the facility to pay all registration fees by bank transfer or by using PayPal (you don't need a PayPal account to pay through PayPal, just a valid debit or credit card). We hope this will be in place in time for registrations to be paid in January.

More announcements to come over the next few days.