CONVOY ON THE PLAIN SPEEDS BACK TO THRUXTON FOR AN UNMISSABLE WEEKEND OF FAMILY FUN
Convoy on the Plain makes a triumphant return to Thruxton Circuit this weekend (July 9/10) where a bumper crowd is expected to flock trackside for an action-packed two days of family fun both on and off the circuit.
In what continues to be one of the most popular events on the Thruxton calendar each year, the weekend will be headlined by the British Truck Racing Championship - which resumes its 2022 season after a two-month summer break.
Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, there really is nothing quite like the titans of truck racing and with five races scheduled to take place, blockbuster thrills and spills are all but guaranteed.
Chase is on to catch the champion
Division 1 has seen a familiar story at the top of the standings with reigning champion Ryan Smith leading the way having enjoyed a simply stunning start to his campaign.
Chalking up five wins, four second place finishes and a third so far, the Daimler Truck driver arrives at Thruxton with a healthy points advantage and currently looks on course to clinch what would be a seventh successive title.
Undoubtedly in contention to add to his impressive silverware haul this weekend, Smith will have to be at his brilliant best as a number of other drivers are hot on his heels and looking to close the deficit at the top.
Multiple champion Stuart Oliver heads the chasing pack in his Volvo VNL and armed with a wealth of experience, the wily veteran will be one to watch around a circuit he has enjoyed success at in the past.
Fellow former title winner David Jenkins holds third at the moment, having taken two wins at the season-opener whilst John Newell and Simon Reid - the latter being another to have stood on the top step this year - round out the top five. They’ll all be worth keeping an eye on.
After coming oh so close to a first win of the season last time out, Mark Taylor will be out to prove a point whilst former Division 2 champion Steven Powell and Bradley Smith will be eager to add to their podium finishes from the first two meetings.
Other notable names to look out for in the series’ top tier include Craig Reid, Tom O’Rourke, Richard Collett, Michael Oliver and Simon Faulkner - all of whom could be mixing it at the front at any point during the weekend.
Tight at the top in Division 2
Things are somewhat closer in Division 2 where the top four are blanketed by just 14 points. Former two-time champion Luke Garrett arrives in Hampshire as the driver to beat after storming to hat-trick of wins at Pembrey, giving him a slender six-point advantage.
After a year away competing in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, the MAN driver is back on British shores and appears to have lost none of his speed - something he will be keen to prove at what is his home circuit this weekend.
Jock Borthwick sits second in the points and he too was a winner at Pembrey, converting pole position into what was a commanding victory. The Scotsman has been the epitome of consistency so far and will be one to watch.
Tied on points for third is Brad Smith and John Powell. The pair have both stood on the top step of the podium already and can’t be discounted from making their mark on what is shaping up to be a fascinating battle for supremacy at the front.
Craig Evans enters the weekend riding a wave of momentum having scored his first podium finish of the season last time out whilst former champion Adam Bint will be keen to get build on opening his win account for the year in South Wales.
Rounding out the Division 2 entrants is John Bowler, who has returned to the series after some time away. Bowler has endured a rollercoaster couple of events so far but if things fall his way he’ll be firmly in contention for outright honours behind the wheel of his MAN.
support races
Of course it isn’t just the BTRC that will have fans on the edge of their seats as a host of other British Automobile Racing Club championships will also take centre stage around the fastest circuit in the UK.
Wheel-to-wheel entertainment from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club - including the Super Tourers, Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Carbon8 Coupe Cup, Sports 2000 Championship and CALM All Porsche Trophy is also set to feature.
off track action
Convoy on the Plain will ensure there is something for everyone. One of the highlights of every Convoy event is the jaw-dropping array of show trucks and this weekend should be no different, with more than 100 machines set to be in attendance.
Additional attractions at Thruxton include a supercar display, trade village, kids funfair, stilt walkers, fire-breathers and live music - as well as food and drinks being available from the Thruxton Centre.
There will also be an autograph session on Sunday outside the Thruxton Centre with the British Truck and Pickup Truck drivers. Come and meet your favourite driver and get an autograph and a selfie!
tickets and timetable
Tickets to the event will be available to purchase on the gate, priced at £17 on Saturday and £20 on Sunday. Children 15 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by an adult.
Programmes will also be available to buy from various vendors around the circuit. Camping is available for spectators and is free of charge.