The British Truck Racing Championship speeds into Snetterton this weekend (September 16/17) and if the season so far is anything to go by; fans can expect to be firmly perched on the edge of their seats as blockbuster entertainment is all-but guaranteed.
More than a month on from a momentous Convoy in the Park at Donington Park, the titans of truck racing are poised to descend on Norfolk for what will be a pivotal fives races in the battle for title supremacy.
Crunch time as reigning champion heads Division 1 battle
In Division 1, the chase is very much on for Ryan Smith, who is looking to secure what would be an unprecedented eighth consecutive championship crown.
The Daimler Freightliner driver has been almost wheel-perfect so far this season with a clean sweep of pole positions, 11 race wins and countless other podiums giving him a 34-point lead at the top of the standings.
Aiming to extend his advantage this weekend, the reigning seven-time champion is tipped by many as the driver to beat however he’ll need to be at his brilliant best to maintain his front-running form.
Ten-time champion Stuart Oliver heads the pursuit of Smith and with three wins to his name already, the Volvo VNL ace will be hungry to get back on the top step of the podium over the course of the weekend.
Yet to register a victory is fellow former champion David Jenkins, who occupies third on the leaderboard. Whilst he may not have stood on the top step yet, Jenkins has been regular visitor to the podium this year – something he’ll want to continue around Snetterton’s challenging layout.
Bradley Smith will be keen to bounce back from a sizeable accident at Donington Park and challenge towards the front whilst Craig Reid – who rounds out the top five – is edging ever-closer to some big results.
Further down the order, Steven Powell has enjoyed an upturn in pace and fortunes whilst Michael Oliver and Simon Reid have tasted victory; and you can bet they’ll be after more over the course of the weekend.
John Bowler has also been a race winner this year – triumphing at Thruxton – and he too will be on the hunt to add to his silverware collection.
Other notable names to look out for in the series’ top tier include Simon Faulkner, Richard Collett, Tom O’Rourke and Neil Yates; all of whom could be mixing it at the front of the field around the captivating near three-mile circuit.
Game on for top spot in Division 2
Over in Division 2, things are certainly hotting up as no less than four drivers finding themselves in clear contention for the coveted crown as the series heads to Snetterton this weekend.
Former champion Adam Bint was able to extend his lead at the top of the points last time out but he can’t rest on his laurels. The Volvo White Aerodyne ace has paired relentless speed with consistency this year – and they’ll be two traits he’ll need here.
John Powell tallied a victory last time out to maintain second in the standings but all eyes were rightfully fixed on NAPA Racing UK’s Paul Rivett, who is riding a wave of momentum at the moment.
After enduring a slightly frustrating start to the year, Rivett claimed a stunning four race wins at Donington Park to thrust himself within striking distance of the summit – so expect him to be in the mix for outright honours from the get-go.
Meanwhile, Craig Evans is set to continue chasing down his elusive first win in the series and breaking into the top three while Jim Bennett, who celebrated his 74th birthday not long ago, will be in action once again in his trusty Seddon Atkinson.
Rounding out the Division 2 entry list is Simon Cole, who has made a mid-season switch from Division 1 to now drive an IVECO and brought home a hard-fought trophy at Convoy in the Park.
Snetterton calling
Thrills and spills are never far away when the British Truck Racing Championship is around and this weekend should be no different at Snetterton.
Saturday 16th September | Qualifying: 10:35 / Race 1: 13:20 / Race 2: 17:20
Sunday 17th September | Race 3: 11:10 / Race 4: 14:05 / Race 5: 17:00
All races will be streamed online for free via the British Truck Racing Championship’s YouTube channel, with Saturday’s broadcast beginning at 13:00 and Sunday’s at 10:50.
Ticket information regarding the event can be found by visiting the Snetterton website.