The British Truck Racing Championship will continue its 2024 season in South Wales this weekend (May 18/19) as an ultra-competitive grid gets set to headline what is poised to be a blockbuster Convoy Cymru at Pembrey Circuit.
More than six weeks on from a thrilling curtain-raiser at Brands Hatch, the heavyweight behemoths will blast back into life for what will be their one and only visit to the picturesque venue this year.
Five unmissable races from the titans of truck racing top the billing however the super-sized series is just one of many attractions that will be on offer at what has become one of the biggest and best truck shows in Wales.
Running for a third successive year, Convoy Cymru will see a full programme of racing entertain on-track whilst show trucks, electric motocross, live music, trade stands and a fun fair will dazzle those in attendance off it.
Tight at the top in Division 1
Division 1 saw three drivers enjoy a share of the spoils at Brands Hatch last month however it is the familiar name of reigning champion Ryan Smith that leads the early-going in the standings after he claimed an impressive pair of race wins.
Tallying a handful of other strong results to those victories means the eight-time title winner sits in a familiar position at the summit, although he’ll need to be at his brilliant best if he wants to stay there because the chasing pack are hot on his heels.
Former champion David Jenkins was late in the day in securing his spot on the grid although he wasted no time in laying down his marker for the new campaign with a race win and a strong points haul, placing him second in the points ahead of the wily Stuart Oliver.
Following a busy winter of developments, Steven Powell made a flying start to the new campaign by tallying a brace of wins at his home circuit and he’ll be confident of challenging for more silverware this weekend.
Other drivers out to stake their claim include Michael Oliver, John Bowler and Neil Yates. Elsewhere, David Smith will be eager to build on his series return while Tom O’Rourke will be hopeful of unlocking more pace from his International Navistar machine.
All to play for in Division 2
Division 2 has had somewhat of a shake-up since the opening round of the season with points leader and reigning champion Paul Rivett unfortunately unable to compete due to recently sustaining a broken ankle.
The NAPA Racing UK driver was perfection personified at Brands Hatch as he claimed a clean sweep of class wins – one of which was an outright victory – to establish a healthy points advantage; however that could well now evaporate.
With Rivett on the sidelines, NAPA Racing UK have elected to draft in Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship driver Sam Osborne to take on driving duties in his MAN for the weekend.
Osborne won’t be the only debutant at Pembrey either as Archie Handy will become one of the youngest ever drivers to compete in the BTRC as he makes his long-awaited bow in an ex-Paddy Mac Volvo.
Handy is the son of Simon Cole, who along with John Powell, will be setting their sights on a massive haul of points as they aim to overhaul the absent Rivett.
Pembrey: Timetable, Live Stream & Tickets
Saturday 18th May | Qualifying – 10:15 / Race 1 – 12:40 / Race 2 – 16:05
Sunday 19th May | Race 3 – 10:30 / Race 4 – 13:30 / Race 5 – 16:25
