Four different drivers stood on the top step of the podium in Division 1 at Thruxton this past weekend (May 16-17) as the British Truck Racing Championship battled challenging weather conditions to wow the crowds in Hampshire.

On what proved to be an action-packed second meeting of the season, the series’ premier class saw the early battle for supremacy ramp up as Stuart Oliver, David Jenkins, Steven Powell and Ryan Smith enjoyed a share of the spoils.

With drivers having had the opportunity to dial in their machines during a brief practice session on Saturday morning, qualifying proved to be a frenetic affair that culminated in reigning champion Smith charging to the top of the times.

The Daimler Freightliner driver’s best time of 1:36.902s was enough to snare pole position, however a five-place grid penalty – carried over from Brands Hatch – meant that he would actually start fifth. That therefore promoted the Oliver’s onto the front row, with Stuart starting ahead of Michael.

Race one proved to be a tail of two races almost as Stuart produced a masterful performance in his Volvo VNL. Starting from pole, the ten-time champion quickly broke free of the chasing pack and with clear air ahead of him, he was never ultimately challenged.

As Oliver set about putting distance between himself and the rest of the field, the battle for second place had everyone on the edge of their seats as Smith, Oliver Jnr, Jenkins, John Bowler, Craig Reid, Powell and Nathan Smith scrapped for second.

After much jostling, things finally came to a head at the Club Chicane on the penultimate lap. Contact between Smith and Bowler caused a puncture for the latter, which then opened the door for Oliver and Jenkins to draw alongside.

While Smith emerged unscathed and cruised to second, Bowler unfortunately made contact with the wall at Allard. With him out of contention, that left Oliver to hold off former champion Jenkins to secure the final spot on the podium.

Conditions dramatically deteriorated ahead of race two with heavy rain battering the circuit; all of which resulted in Jenkins producing a wet weather masterclass to open his account for the new term.

Starting fourth, the MAN driver found grip where others arguably didn’t around the 2.36-mile layout as he scythed through the order, before then wrestling the lead from the Worldwide Truck Racing machine of Smith at Goodwood.

Once he had a clear track ahead of him, the 2011 title winner streaked clear to triumph while Smith once again secured runner-up laurels. Completing the podium in third place was race one winner Oliver.

Race three on Sunday morning saw 333 Motorsport’s Steven Powell became the latest different winner in Division 1. Starting from fourth, the Kent racer jumped a position at the start before settling in behind Nathan Smith and the charging Michael Oliver.

Content to sit behind the top two as they scrapped, Powell soon jumped up to second when Oliver pitted with an issue and then began to apply pressure to Smith, who was nursing his front left tyre.

Exiting the final corner, Powell got a sublime run down the inside of Smith and despite having to crawl over the kerbs at Allard, the move was done and victory was secured. DS Racing’s Smith held on to finish second while Stuart Oliver banked solid points in third.

Jenkins doubled his tally for the weekend in the penultimate contest as he again demonstrated his skills in challenging conditions – with rain hammering down on the circuit as the lights went out.

Defending Division 2 champion Jake Evans enjoyed a brief run at the front of the field virtue of starting from pole position however he was soon shuffled back down the order by the Division 1 runners, with the Iveco of Reid hitting the front.

Controlling proceedings out front, Reid then suffered a tyre failure which forced him into the pit lane, elevating Jenkins to the lead. Despite coming under pressure from Oliver Jnr and ten-time champion Smith, the Staffordshire racer held on to clinch his second win of the weekend.

After occupying other steps on the podium for much of the weekend, reigning title holder Smith finally came to the fore in race five as he triumphed ahead of Reid and Bowler.

Atrocious weather conditions greeted the drivers for the weekend’s finale and starting on the front row, Smith made sure he hit the front early doors and from there, he controlled proceedings to end things on a high.

The 2026 British Truck Racing Championship season continues in just over a months’ time at Pembrey on June 20-21.