The British Truck Racing Championship reaches the midpoint of the 2024 campaign this weekend (August 10/11) with Donington Park providing the backdrop to what promises to be a captivating fourth event of the season.
Headlining what is widely regarded as being one of the biggest truck festivals in the United Kingdom – Convoy in the Park – the all-action series is poised to dazzle an expected capacity crowd with five blockbuster contests across Saturday and Sunday.
If the thrills and spills of the BTRC isn’t enough, fans will also be able to savour unmissable entertainment from the International Truck Prix, which makes a triumphant return after debuting last year.
As always, Convoy in the Park has just as much going on off-track as there is on it and this year is set to be no different with raft of attractions for the entire family confirmed to be in attendance around the famous Leicestershire venue.
Super Smith sets the Division 1 pace
Division 1 has served up some fierce wheel-to-wheel racing so far this year however heading the standings as the series rolls into the East Midlands is the familiar figure of reigning eight-time champion Ryan Smith.
Aiming to clinch what would be a remarkable ninth consecutive title, Smith has been in superlative form since the get-go and he arrives at Donington Park with momentum on his side after sweeping his way to five wins from five races last time out at Thruxton.
The Daimler Freightliner driver will be eager to add to his win tally and put on a show, although he will of course need to be wary of the chasing pack that are all trying to hunt him down and de-throne him.
David Jenkins and Steven Powell have been multiple race winners this year and they lead the aforementioned pack. Both drivers have upped their game this campaign and they’ll be well worth keeping an eye on as they chase after more silverware.
When it comes to the title conversation ten-time champion Stuart Oliver is usually mentioned however that isn’t the case as it stands. A nightmare outing at Pembrey saw mechanical issues rule him out and then things got even worse when the series headed to Thruxton.
A crash in practice at the Hampshire track left Oliver with cracked ribs, heavy bruising and a battered Volvo; meaning he scored zero points once again. Now armed with a new set of wheels and fighting fit, the series’ most experienced racer is ready to begin his fightback.
While one Oliver has had to watch on from the sidelines, the other – son Michael – has been punching in a number of podium performances. John Bowler is another driver that has been doing just that too, claiming a pair of third-place finishes at Thruxton; so he’ll be eager for more.
Further down the order, Tom O’Rourke has momentum on his side after tallying his first podium of the year last time out while David Smith and Neil Yates will both be aiming to notch their best results of the season.
Title trio going for gold in Division 2
In Division 2, the fight to clinch the coveted crown is hotting up and there are three drivers all vying for top spot; John Powell, Simon Cole and Paul Rivett.
Powell has won five of the last ten races in his DAF while Cole has so far sustained his title challenge with a consistent run of podium finishes, although a visit to the top step of the rostrum has eluded him up to now.
For defending champion Rivett, missing the trip to Pembrey due to a broken ankle left him with work to do however two wins last time out has meant that the NAPA Racing UK driver isn’t to be counted out just yet.
Powell, Cole and Rivett are the leading lights of Division 2 so expect them to battle tooth-and-nail for overall honours. Elsewhere, Archie Handy will be focused on continuing his truck racing education after enduring a rollercoaster last few race meetings.
It wouldn’t be Donington Park without there being an addition to the entry list either so keep your eyes peeled for the bonneted Volvo White Aerodyne of former champion Adam Bint, who is making a welcome return to the series also.
International Truck Prix makes triumphant return
After starring in 2023, the International Truck Prix returns to the schedule this weekend with an ultra-competitive entry list ready to battle across four races.
Jamie Anderson was one of the stars of the show during its inaugural running and he’s back to see if he can add to the three race wins that he tallied last year.
He will of course face stiff opposition for the top step of the podium with former Division 2 champion John Newell – who has been plying his trade successfully in the European series – looking to clinch what would be his first win in the category.
Another familiar name to look out for is Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness MBE. Getting the bug for truck racing this time last year, the 52-year-old is once again swapping out his leathers and bike for something a bit more super-sized, a Scania.
Other drivers to keep a watchful eye on will be familiar to fans of the BTRC, with many of them having competed in the series as recently as last year. Craig Reid and Simon Reid bring their striking red Ivecos back to British shores while Richard Collett will be eager to make his mark.
Rounding out the entry list for the second-running of the International Truck Prix is Simon Faulkner, who has been touring UK circuits this year clocking up valuable test mileage.
Donington Park: Timetable, Live Stream & Tickets
Saturday 10th August
BTRC: Qualifying – 10:05 / Race 1 – 13:00 / Race 2 – 15:40
International Truck Prix: Practice – 09:05 / Qualifying – 11:30 / Race 1 – 14:00 / Race 2 – 18:45
Sunday 11th August
BTRC: Race 3 – 10:30 / Race 4 – 13:30 / Race 5 – 15:50
International Truck Prix: Qualifying – 09:10 / Race 3 – 11:40 / Race 4 – 18:40
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 Donington Park website HERE.