The British Truck Racing Championship returns for 2019 with more devastating diesel power than ever. You simply have to see these torque rockets in action to believe it!
Here’s a guide to each of the circuits, dates for your diary and some expert driver insight from veteran racer Dave Jenkins.
Brands Hatch Circuit : 21-22 April & 2-3 November
Where is it? Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG
Tel: 01474 872331
Email: brandshatch@msv.com
Fantastic for spectators owing to its ‘amphitheatre’ nature, Brands Hatch is, at 1.198 miles, the shortest track on the calendar. This means more laps per race!
Jenkins says: “There’s a great mix of corners, from the very brave first turn at Paddock Hill and the slow hairpin at Druids. Brands always attracts huge crowds and has a historic atmosphere, as this is the place where European truck racing really grew in the early ’90s.”
Pembrey Circuit: 11-12 May & 5-6 October
Where is it? Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA16 0HZ
Tel: 01554 891042
Email: pembrey@barc.net
Pembrey, the home of Welsh motorsport, is renowned as an excellent testing track owing to the variety of corners – it was even used by the McLaren F1 team, including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, in the 1980s.
Jenkins says: “Pembrey is a driver’s favourite; it’s narrow and very technically challenging, with high-speed corners. Plus there’s the infamous Hatchetts Hairpin where you’re down into second gear – this is where races can be won or lost.”
- Related content: British Truck Racing Association Championship installs SmartWitness cameras for 2019 season
Thruxton: 29-30 June
Where is it? Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW
Tel: 01264 774921
Email: info@thruxtonracing.co.uk
Without a doubt the fastest truck in the UK, Thruxton is also one of the fastest circuits in Europe. Trucks will average 85mph during a race, and the racing is an amazing spectacle as many corners are taken flat-out.
Jenkins says: “It’s key to get the truck’s handling set-up optimised here. It’s all about keeping front-left tyres intact as there are so many fast right-hand corners.”
Nürburgring F1 Circuit: 19-20 July
Where is it? 53520 Nürburg, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 2691 302-630
Email: info@nuerburgring.de
A showcase for European truck makers, and a carnival atmosphere including a huge fireworks display and a rock concert. The British racers are part of a huge programme of racing, including the European Truck Racing Championship, and more than 150,000 spectators attend over the weekend.
Jenkins says: “There’s so much history here – if you’ve never seen the trucks at the F1 Circuit, it’s breath-taking. We can be competing in four or five races, so it’s very hard work but hugely rewarding.”
Donington Park: 10-11 August Convoy in the Park!
Where is it? Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2BN
Tel: 01332 810048
Email: doning
tonpark@msv.com
The big one! Donington, where it all started 35 years ago, is the home of British truck racing. This is a circuit built for truck racing with level changes, blind apexes and plenty of overtaking opportunities.
Dave says: “Now Convoy in the Park has joined, it’s turned the event into a mini-Nürburgring with a party atmosphere. There’s great public access to the drivers and excellent spectating spots all over the circuit, including the Craner Curves and Old Hairpin.”
Snetterton Circuit: 7-8 September
Where is it? Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2JU
Tel: 01953 887303
Email: snetterton@msv.com
At three miles, Snetterton is the longest track on the calendar – and it has the longest straight, too. It’s also much easier to access now that the improvements have been made to the A11.
Jenkins says: “The facilities at Snetterton are fantastic, as is that huge straight. In addition, there are lots of different viewing possibilities.”
- If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities around the 2019 British Truck Racing Association Championship then contact the Head of Sales at Truck & Driver Emma Tyrer on 07900 691137 or email emma.tyrer@roadtransport.com
