2020 TRUCK TITANS SPEED INTO THRUXTON THIS WEEKEND
The BTRA British Truck Racing Championship thunders into Thruxton Circuit this weekend and with events at Donington Park and Snetterton having already set the scene, it’s all to play for in both Division 1 and Division 2.
Originally scheduled to visit the Hampshire venue in June, the championship’s hopes of competing around the fastest track in the UK had looked to be all but over after being cancelled due to national lockdown and subsequent amendments to race calendars.
However, the BTRA’s annual visit to Pembrey Circuit that was scheduled for October 3/4 was cancelled due to the current Welsh Government
regulations and rather than cancel the meeting altogether, a change of venue was confirmed to allow the category to stage its penultimate event of the campaign.
Never short of entertainment, a total of five races will play out around the flowing 2.36-mile layout over the course of the weekend and with the title showdown looming at Brands Hatch next weekend, every point is crucial in deciding who will walk away as champions.
In Division 1, the summit of the points standings is currently occupied by two former championship, Ryan Smith and David Jenkins. Having won the title four years on the bounce, Smith is chasing an unprecedented fifth crown and has plenty of experience when it comes to the business end of the season.
Jenkins is also no stranger to being in title contention either having been in the conversation for championship silverware down the years. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the MAN racer will be one to watch.
Three points further back on the top two is ten-time champion Stuart Oliver. Back behind the wheel for a full campaign, the Volvo driver has rolled back the years and is firmly in the mix to add another title to his illustrious racing CV.
Also in the mix in Division 1 and not to be discounted is Martin Gibson, John Newell and Tom O’Rourke. Each driver has found themselves enjoying success over the course of this condensed campaign and any one of them could yet have their say on the championship battle. Other notable drivers to cast a watchful eye over in the premier class will be Simon Reid, Richard Collett, Mark Taylor and Oly Janes.
Division 2 has seen Steven Powell prove to be the benchmark driver so far and his recent run of form sees him hold a slender ten-point advantage over Craig Reid. Wracking up the class wins, Powell is keen to clinch the title he narrowly missed out on last year and he currently looks a good bet to do just that as it stands. Along with Reid, the likes of John Powell and double champion Luke Garrett are within striking distance of the series leader too. Craig Evans, Bradley Smith, Graham Powell, Adam Bint, Brad Smith and Paul McCumisky have all featured during the course of the season as well.
With back-to-back events set to decide the outcome of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship, this weekend is not to be missed with edge-of-the-seat entertainment all-but guaranteed.