The British Truck Racing Championship sets course for Snetterton this weekend (September 14/15) and with the 2024 campaign beginning to work its way towards a thrilling crescendo, every point is going to be crucial as the series takes centre stage in Norfolk.
More than a month on from an action-packed outing at Donington Park, the heavyweight behemoths rumble into the fifth meeting of the season with the battle for supremacy in both Division 1 and Division 2 very much on.
And with an overseas trip to Le Mans being followed up by the season finale at Brands Hatch following this weekend, expect the gloves to come off as the main protagonists look to stake their claim for two of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport.
Smith sets the pace in premier class
Sitting atop the standings in Division 1 is the familiar name of Ryan Smith, the reigning eight-time champion that has ruled the roost for the best part of a decade. On the hunt for what would be a ninth consecutive title in succession, there’s no denying that Smith has been a force out front.
Hitting the ground running in his Daimler Freightliner, the reigning eight-time champion holds a commanding lead in the points having swept his way to countless wins and podiums; and it’s those sort of results that he’ll be eyeing as he bids to extend his lead over the chasing pack.
Former champion David Jenkins has enjoyed a return to winning ways on a more consistent basis this year and having taken the fight to Smith on numerous occasions already, the MAN driver will be confident of making in-roads into the Mansfield-based ace.
Steven Powell is another driver that has his sights set on the top of the standings after scoring a flurry of wins across the opening two meetings. With plenty of podiums falling his way more recently, the former Division 2 title winner will be one to watch as he chases a rostrum return.
One driver that will be hoping for better fortune is ten-time champion Stuart Oliver. Nightmare events at Pembrey and Thruxton meant that he scored zero points however he was able to battle back at Donington Park, where he charged onto the podium.
Speaking of podiums, they’ve been a regular feature for Stuart’s son – Michael Oliver – this year with the Hexham-born driver punching in a number of eye-catching performances. John Bowler is another to have been doing that this year, collecting a handful of trophies too.
Further down the order, Tom O’Rourke tallied his first podium of the year at Thruxton and will be eager for more while David Smith and Neil Yates will both be aiming to notch their best results of the season.
Three for the lead in Division 2
Over in Division 2, three drivers – Simon Cole, John Powell and Paul Rivett – find themselves interlocked in an almighty battle for the coveted crown.
Fan favourite Cole heads into the weekend holding a 13-point lead over Powell and it is testament to his consistency that he find himself in top spot. Yet to win a race, the Iveco driver has been a points-scoring machine – and he’s showing no signs of letting up.
The other side of the coin has seen Powell win at least one race at each event this year so far whilst NAPA Racing UK’s Rivett had originally seen his title defence dealt a blow when he was ruled out of the Pembrey meeting due to injury.
Rivett – who kicked off the year in style at Brands Hatch – returned at Thruxton and has triumphed on a number of occasions since then however he’ll need a big quintet of results to edge another step closer to the top two this weekend.
Powell, Cole and Rivett are the leading lights of Division 2 so expect them to lead the way for overall honours. Elsewhere, Archie Handy will be focused on continuing his truck racing education after enduring mixed results in the last few race meetings.
Last time out at Donington Park had seen the return of former champion Adam Bint and he proved pivotal in the fight at the front as he scored some big results. If he’s back behind the wheel this weekend, he’ll be well worth keeping an eye on.
Snetterton: Timetable, Live Stream & Tickets
Saturday 14th September
Qualifying – 10:25 / Race 1 – 12:40 / Race 2 – 16:20
Sunday 15th September
Race 3 – 10:30 / Race 4 – 12:45 / Race 5 – 16:30
All races will be streamed online via the official British Truck Racing Championship YouTube channel for free across both days. Action from the entire support bill will also be broadcast.
Ticket information for the event can be found by visiting the Snetterton website HERE.