Irish Driver McHenry to make his TCR UK debut with Vannin Motorsport
Barry-John McHenry will make his TCR UK debut in 2026, as he joins forces with Vannin Motorsport for a new chapter in his long-standing motorsport career.
McHenry will contest the upcoming season driving an Audi RS3 TCR that was previously with Volcano Motorsport and competed in the TCR World Tour 2024. The move marks Barry-John’s first appearance in the TCR UK Championship, stepping into one of the UK’s premier touring car series.
Barry-John brings with him a wealth of racing experience, having competed on and off since 2006 across a variety of championships. One of the standout moments of his career came in 2011, when he secured the Abarth Trophy Championship title, cementing his reputation as a competitive and determined driver.
More recently, Barry-John returned to circuit racing in the Fiesta ST240 Championship, competing during the 2022 season with Kellett Motorsport, one of the category’s most established and successful teams, A team which Barry-John spent 12 successful years with, which saw McHenry have 7 wins and 25 podiums across a number of championships in that time, in 2023 Barry-John moved across to 20Ten Racing where across both seasons he was a regular front-runner, gaining valuable experience in competitive tin-top machinery ahead of his step into TCR.
Away from the circuit, Barry-John plays an active role in supporting Irish motorsport through his car sales business Dunshaughlin Motor Company and McHenry Car Sales, a dealership he started over 21 years ago, Barry-John has been a committed sponsor of several Irish racing drivers, helping others progress through the ranks while continuing his own racing ambitions.
A testing programme is planned with Vannin Motorsport ahead of the 2026 season, allowing Barry-John to familiarise himself with the car and team, and build momentum before the opening round.
“I’ve spent the last few years working closely with and supporting other drivers, so I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car myself,” said McHenry. “Joining TCR UK is a great opportunity, and I’m excited to get racing again.” Barry-John is supported by his ever loyal sponsors Carzone.ie, Drive In Motors and JH Autobody for the season ahead.
TCR UK Championship Manager Jack Finlan welcomed Barry-John to the series and believes his arrival adds further depth to the 2026 grid.
“It’s great to see Barry-John joining the TCR UK Championship,” said Finlan. “He brings a lot of experience from different categories, and it’s always encouraging to see drivers make the step into TCR. We’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on in 2026.”