Brands Hatch provided the setting for an unforgettable opening round of the 2025 British Truck Racing Championship this past weekend; an event that has already left many touting that this year could well be one for the ages.
Following six months of peace and tranquility, the super-sized series blasted back into action with five colossal contest around the world-famous Kent venue – all in front of a bumper trackside crowd.
Delivering its fair share of breathtaking moments, the weekend produced several talking points – five of which we’ve dissected further:
Back and better than ever
Numbers slightly dropped for the 2024 season however the bounce back has been superb for 2025, with a capacity grid of 20 trucks locked in.
Despite Richard Collett being unable to compete at Brands Hatch, the 19 trucks that did hit the track underlined just how good the championship currently is – with battles running right the way through the field.
If this is a taste of what’s to come this year, we’re in for something quite special.
Success of success restrictors
One of the biggest questions heading into the new campaign was whether the fitting of air restrictors to the top three in Division 1 would have the desired effect. It’s safe to say they certainly did.
Designed to make the action on-track even closer, last year’s top-three of Ryan Smith, David Jenkins and Steven Powell had restrictors fitted. On the evidence of Brands Hatch, they did their job as the field was much tighter than it has been in previous years.
It will be interesting to see how they now impact Smith, Stuart Oliver and John Bowler – who currently occupy first, second and third in the standings – as the championship heads to Pembrey in May.
Champions drive in Division 1
Having amassed a total of 19 premier class titles in the British Truck Racing Championship between themselves, it shouldn’t have come as any surprise to see Smith and Oliver enjoy a share of the spoils at Brands Hatch.
Underlining their class and experience of what’s necessary to succeed in the series, the pair both stood on the top step of the podium and in the process, laid down a marker to the rest of their rivals.
Debutants make their mark
The weekend saw a number of new faces make their British Truck Racing Championship bow in Division 2 at Brands Hatch and each of them acquitted themselves very well.
Jake Evans made the perfect start by claiming two wins and a number of podiums; and those results have given him the early advantage at the top of the standings.
WDE Motorsport’s Callum Eason meanwhile completed his first laps during Friday practice and continued to get better as the weekend went on, scoring a podium along the way. Consistency was key for Eason and he trails Evans by a handful of points currently.
Another impressive debutant was Weaver Motorsport’s Bradley Harvey. He too was a podium finisher and heads to Pembrey level on points with last year’s runner-up, Simon Cole, in third.
It’ll be interesting to see how those three progress in not only the coming events but also in the coming years as the future certainly looks bright.
Safety advancements continue to shine
We were reminded of the dangers of racing in general on Sunday as Graham Poole suffered a scary barrel roll after running wide into the gravel trap at Paddock Hill Bend.
Thankfully, the 333 Motorsport driver was able to walk away from the incident unhurt but it brought to light just how strong and safe these five-tonne machines are. It is a testament to the ongoing safety improvements that are being introduced year-on-year.
Lessons will be learnt from Poole’s accident and that can only be positive for the future of the sport.