The British Truck Racing Championship speeds into the fastest circuit in the country – Thruxton – this weekend (July 6/7) with the battle for supremacy across both Division 1 and Division 2 set to reach new levels of excitement.
More than a month on from a blockbuster second meeting of the season at Pembrey, the heavyweight behemoths are poised to continue their 2024 campaign around the flowing corners and unforgiving kerbs of the Hampshire venue.
With it being Convoy on the Plain – which is one of the biggest truck shows in the south of England – the BTRC’s five unmissable contests are set to be one of the many attractions on a weekend that has guaranteed fun for all the family.
Speed demons of Division 1 poised for battle
Reigning eight-time champion Ryan Smith heads to Thruxton sitting atop the Division 1 standings, a position that has become familiar to the Daimler Freightliner driver for what is closing in on a decade now.
Four wins have provided the backbone to his early-season charge to the summit and the Mansfield racer will be hoping to add to his tally around a track that he has always excelled at in the past.
As always, Smith isn’t expected to have things his own way as the chasing pack are on the hunt and as was the case at both Brands Hatch and Pembrey; they’re more than prepared to take the fight to him.
David Jenkins and Steven Powell are multiple race winners already this year and the pair enter the weekend in fine form and with momentum on their side; something that can’t be said for Stuart Oliver who is looking to bounce back from a nightmare trip to Pembrey.
The ten-time champion had to watch on from the sidelines in South Wales due to mechanical issues, however that did provide him with the opportunity to see his son Michael produce one of his best-ever drives on the way to a podium finish.
John Bowler is yet to win but has shown glimpses of front-running speed while Neil Yates will be hoping for a better outing to the one he experienced a year ago at Thruxton, which culminated in him rolling at the first corner.
Other drivers that will be looking to make their mark in the series’ premier class includes returning title winner David Smith and the ever-buoyant Scotsman Tom O’Rourke, who has switched to an International Navistar for this year.
Division 2 revved up and ready to go
The fight at the front of Division 2 is as fierce as ever this year and the driver that everyone is currently looking to catch is the ultra-consistent Simon Cole, who tops the leaderboard despite not yet winning a race.
Tallying podiums has been key for the Scania driver up until now and he’ll be aiming to keep his near-perfect record going; especially because hot on his heels is John Powell and reigning champion Paul Rivett.
Powell endured a rollercoaster outing at Pembrey, showcasing blistering pace while also facing adversity in the shape of mechanical issues. In the end he scored three wins but failed to start the remaining two contests; he’ll be hoping for better this weekend.
NAPA Racing UK’s Rivett meanwhile missed the entire event at Pembrey after suffering a broken ankle but now he’s back and fighting fit. Making inroads on the top two will undoubtedly be the sole target for the current title holder.
Archie Handy completes the Division 2 entry list as he continues his truck racing education in his Volvo F12. Handy – who is the son of Cole – chalked up two podium finishes during an impressive debut at Pembrey.
Thruxton: Timetable, Live Stream & Tickets
Saturday 6th July | Practice – 09:00 / Qualifying – 11:15 / Race 1 – 13:40 / Race 2 – 15:55
Sunday 7th July | Grid Walk – 10:15 / Race 3 – 10:45 / Race 4 – 14:00 / Race 5 – 16:35
All races will be streamed online via the official British Truck Racing Championship YouTube channel for free across both days. Action from the support categories will also be broadcast.
Ticket information for the event can be found by visiting the Thruxton website HERE.