The battle for supremacy in Division 1 of the British Truck Racing Championship is set to reach fever pitch this weekend (September 26-27) as the UK’s biggest and best motorsport spectacle takes centre stage in France at the world-famous Le Mans Bugatti circuit.
In recent seasons, the annual trip to mainland Europe has been a firm favourite among teams, drivers and spectators – and this year promises to be no different; especially as it marks the penultimate event of the campaign.
With just nine races now left to run – four around the Le Mans Bugatti course, followed by five at Brands Hatch – all eyes are fixed on those that are currently in title contention in the series’ premier category, Division 1.
The top of the championship standings has a particularly familiar feel to it with former title winners David Jenkins and Stuart Oliver embroiled in a captivating head-to-head battle for overall honours.
Jenkins arrives at Le Mans in the pound seat having extended his advantage to nearly 30 points at last month’s round at Donington Park. The MAN TGS driver has two wins to his name this year but its been the spectacular consistency that has been the cornerstone of his charge.
In fact, the lowest position that Jenkins has finished all year is seventh. Other than that, the champion of 2011 has been a points-scoring machine and he’ll be hoping to maintain his sublime form on French soil.
For Oliver, history potentially awaits for him this year as he looks to become the first-ever driver to win the British Truck Racing Championship title on 11 separate occasions. It would also end a 16-year wait since he last lifted the coveted crown.
At the wheel of his Volvo VNL, the wily veteran been a regular fixture towards the front of the field and has chalked up six wins to-date. A non-finish last time out at Donington Park has hurt him however, so expect the Hexam-based racer to be a man on a mission this weekend.
Behind the top two, 333 Motorsport’s Steven Powell can’t be discounted from making his mark towards the front of the field. Hot on his heels meanwhile are the duo of Michael Oliver and Craig Reid, who complete the top five.
DS Racing’s Nathan Smith – who was a winner at Pembrey – is next up. He heads to Le Mans narrowly ahead of the ever-improving Neil Yates, who is chasing a first-ever truck racing victory in his 333 Motorsport MAN.
Other notable names that will be aiming to star include fan favourite John Bowler, Scotsman Tom O’Rourke and Simon Reid, who will be focused on bouncing back from a scary barrel roll crash that he sustained at Donington Park.
Weekend Timetable
Saturday 26th September / Practice – 07:40 / Qualifying 1 – 09:55 / Race 1 – 14:05 / Race 2 – 17:00
Sunday 27th September / Warm Up – 07:40 / Qualifying 2 – 09:45 / Race 3 – 13:55 / Race 4 – 16:50
All times are UK (BST).
All races will be broadcast LIVE on the official Truck Sport UK YouTube channel HERE.
