OLIVER UNSTOPPABLE IN CLASS "A" HORNE BEATS POWELL IN CLASS "B" BATTLE – BUT THEN CRASHES OUT OF FINAL RACE!

The Delphi British Truck Racing Championship returned to Pembrey last weekend (May 15/16) – and with adverse weather conditions making the track extremely slippery and unpredictable the UK's top truck racers demonstrated their superb wet weather driving skills with some extremely close and hard-fought battles.

But unfortunately when the sun came out for the final race the accident rate shot up with a number of trucks badly damaged in an incident-packed Round 6 that had to be re-started twice!

In the opening Class 'A' outing Stuart Oliver was untouchable – the reigning champion powering his MAN to a comfortable victory of 9.455 seconds having shaken off the early challenge of Mat Summerfield (ERF).

With the wet track providing very little grip for the 1000 horsepower machines there was plenty of sideways action to entertain the crowds.
Summerfield held on for the runner-up spot – but had to watch his mirrors carefully as David Jenkins (Sisu) was hard on his heels, closing to within 0.3 seconds at the chequered flag. Richard Collett who had held off Jenkins initially, stayed in close contention to bring his MAN home 4th with Roger Brookfield (DAF) completing the top five.

Next out on the treacherous Pembrey track were the Class 'B' runners – and from the rolling start Championship leader Graham Powell looked set to continue his winning streak as he powered his ERF into an early lead.
But Ben Horne (Volvo White) had other ideas and chased him hard throughout – clocking fastest lap as he closed in during the latter stages of the race. On the final lap Powell ran slightly wide entering one turn and Ben needed no further invitation to grab the opportunity to slide the American truck down the inside and snatch the lead. Horne crossed the finishing line just 0.828 secs ahead of Powell – who had to admit afterwards that it had been "A hard but fair race".

Oly Janes put on a superb showing in the tricky conditions to bring his Seddon Atkinson home in a fabulous third place – the newcomer fending off the experienced Carl Brookfield (ERF) and Steven Powell (Ford) to take the final podium spot in only his third race meeting!
Unfortunately Horne and Janes good fortunes took a major U-turn in the final outing of the weekend!

Brian Burt came out on top of a great scrap for 6th with fellow White racer Adam Atkins – the duo split by under half a second at the flag, with Trevor Martin bringing his ERF home in 8th. Craig Evans (Volvo) got the better of Jim Bennett (Seddon) in the fight for ninth….while Andy Lovenberry's Sisu seemed incapable of doing anything but spinning and came home in 11th.

With all the Class 'A' and 'B' runners combined (but scoring points for the Delphi British Championship separately within their own Class) an impressive line up of 16 trucks took the rolling start of the Grand Final.

The sun had finally emerged from behind the clods for this final race – but some damp patches had already caught out some in the previous 'Last Chance' race including the unfortunate Jim Bennett who made heavy contact with the barriers as he slid off under braking for the first turn.

The full grid got away safely this time – but only after a delay as Steven Powell's Ford refused to start! Oliver was again in command at the head of the pack but Summerfield and Collett were engaged in a great scrap for the other podium places while Jenkins was pushing as hard as ever in the Sisu. Finally he had to be content with 4th – admitting that while the Sisu handles well in the wet it lacked the sheer horsepower to match his MAN rivals in the dry.

But while the Class 'A' battles raged there were several other fierce fights for position right through the field. Graham Powell was back on top form to head the Class 'B' runners (in a strong 5th overall) while Lovenberry finally got the handling of his Sisu to his liking and move up to 6th overall (2nd in Class), with Roger Brookfield finishing 7th.

Horne had been running strongly at the start but lost several places as he overcooked his approach to one turn. Unperturbed, Ben was soon fighting his way back through the field. But unfortunately Oly Janes had clipped a rival's truck mid-race and spun across the track at the fast Dibeni turn. Arriving at full speed, Horne had little opportunity to do anything other than brace himself for what was to be a major impact – the White ploughing into the left front corner of the Seddon. The sturdy construction, safety cage and full harness belts ensured that both drivers emerged unscathed – but the resultant mess understandably took a while to clean up. From the re-start Oliver again grabbed the lead ahead of Summerfield and Collett. Meanwhile Powell picked up maximum points in Class 'B' with Lovenberry and Brian Burt joining him on the Class 'B' podium.

The teams now have a few weeks 'breathing space' before the next rounds of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship – at Nurburgring (Germany) on July 24/25.
Next outing on UK soil will be at Thruxton on August 7/8.

PLEASE NOTE: The Donington Park event scheduled for the first weekend of August has now been cancelled!.

 

TRUCK RACING ON CHANNEL 4 THIS SUNDAY!

28th April, 2010

Truck Racing on Channel 4 this Sunday!

Mobil 1: The Grid will be featuring truck racing action from Brands Hatch on Channel 4 -
Sunday May 2nd at 07.00 (Morning!)

You can also view the Video Clip on the Media Page on the website >>>

2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship Rounds 3 & 4 – Brands Hatch (April 18)

OLIVER OUT IN FRONT AGAIN POWELL POWERSLIDES TO CLASS 'B' VICTORY

The second event of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship took place in pleasant spring weather conditions at Brands Hatch last weekend (April 18) – and produced some thrilling heavyweight action for the large crowd.

Stuart Oliver continued on his winning way, the MAN driver dominating the Class 'A' results – ahead of some frantic fighting for the other podium spots involving Jenkins, Summerfield and Collett.
But the most entertaining racing certainly came in the hectic midfield of the closely contested Class 'B' series. Local driver Graham Powell put his experience of the Brands Hatch circuit to good use - claiming another two wins in his ERF to extend his lead in the Class 'B' standings.

The opening Class 'A' encounter saw Chris Levett lining up on 'pole' position – the Bird's MAN having outqualifed reigning champion Oliver by the narrow margin of 0.012s.
But Oliver made a good getaway and emerged in front at the tricky Paddock Hill bend – taking a lead he was to then hold untroubled all the way to the chequered flag.
Levett fell back with unspecified problems, finally retiring on lap 5 – leaving Mat Summerfield (ERF) to take the runner-up spot. But the toughest battle was for the final podium spot as David Jenkins (MAN) finally fought off the similar machine of Ricky Collett, just 0.38s splitting the pair on the line.

Oliver was unstoppable in the second of the championship races at Brands Hatch (having also taken another win in the non-championship 'Last Chance' event) – the Hexham haulier finishing 8.8 seconds clear of the chasing pack.
Summerfield claimed another strong second place while Jenkins defended his third place from a hard-charging Collett, just 0.162s. separating the duo. Both were happy to finally make it to the finish as they had made contact at high-speed as Jenkins robustly 'closed the door' on Collett in a last lap challenge! Adam Atkins collected a pair of 5th place finishes – substituting for Roger Brookfield in the DAF.

"B" CLASS BONANZA

While the fierce battles in Class 'A' had the crowds cheering, the even tougher fight for honours in Class 'B' produced further screams of delight from the fans.

Graham Powell steered clear of trouble in the first outing – but the ERF driver had to watch his mirrors as the speedy Sisu of Andy Lovenberry was poised to mount a challenge throughout with Ben Horne (Volvo White) also in close attendance. Powell took the flag by a winning margin of just 0.347s. after eight thrilling laps – while runner-up Lovenberry posted fastest lap as he emerged 1.2 secs ahead of Horne. Brian Burt (White) continued his much-improved form – fighting off local lad Steven Powell (Ford) to grab a fine 4th.
Carl Brookfield took a strong 6th – just ahead of the Seddon Atki of 'Rookie' racer Oly Janes, getting his first taste of the demanding Brands circuit.
The action was equally intense in the scrap for 8th and 9th – where Jim Bennett (Seddon Atki) held off Trevor Martin's ERF.

The final outing for the Class 'B' trucks (running in the same race as the Class 'A' boys – but scoring points independently) brought more top-rated action, especially in the fight for the final podium spot.

Powell again took the class honours – and ran a strong 5th overall too. Ben Horne took advantage of a good grid position, set fastest lap and finished just 4 seconds down on Powell, to take the runner-up spot in Class 'B'.
But it was the fight for third that captured most attention; Lovenberry had a big 'off' at Paddock Hill bend – the Sisu sliding into the gravel trap at speed. But Andy kept his foot on the power and rejoined the track, somewhat sideways… also creating his own localised 'volcano cloud' of dust! Others took avoiding action – and everyone emerged unscathed!
Burt finally gained the advantage over Steven Powell and brought his White home for 3rd in Class, 1.26 secs ahead of the Ford driver – while Lovenberry recovered to claim 5th, with Brookfield 6th.
Newcomer Janes again impressed to finish 7th – ahead of Martin, who this time turned the tables on Bennett to take 8th.

The truck racing action at Brands was being filmed by a TV crew from the series Mobil1; The Grid – and will be screened on Channel 4 in a few weeks time.

Next rounds of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship will take place at Pembrey on May 15/16.

FIVE TONNE RACING TRUCKS READY FOR BRANDS HATCH

Kent brothers Graham and Stephen Powell lead Truck Superprix charge

07/04/2010 - Brands Hatch will host the mightiest racing machines on its 2010 calendar when the family-oriented Truck Superprix rolls into the West Kingsdown circuit next weekend (17/18 April).

Headlining this festival of truck racing action will be the five tonne powerhouses of the British Truck Racing Championship, which boast 1000bhp and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 100mph - lapping the Indy circuit in under one minute.

British Truck Racing has produced one of the country's most successful club motorsport talents, as reigning champion Stuart Oliver has nine national titles to his name - more than Michael Schumacher in Formula One - and will be continuing his campaign for an unprecedented tenth trophy in 2010.

There will also be plenty of local support for brothers Graham and Steven Powell, who will be competing alongside Oliver in the headline event.

Graham, who lives in Aylesford, currently leads the Class B standings after clinching double victory in the season opener at Pembrey two weeks ago, whilst Steven - who also competes in Class B and scored a podium finish at Pembrey - runs a busy transport cafe in West Kingsdown.

As well as the British Truck Racing Championship, there will be support races including NASCAR-style Pickup Trucks, Legends Cars and the Dunlop Motorsport News Saloon Car Championship, featuring successful West Kingsdown racer Rod Birley.

The Truck Superprix is one of Brands Hatch's biggest family events, and next weekends trucking festival will also feature a packed programme of off-track entertainment including go-karting, face painting and the new Fun Zone activity area for children.

POWELL DOMINATES CLASS ‘B’ - LEVETT & OLIVER SHARE THE HONOURS IN CLASS ‘A’

2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship Rounds 1 & 2 - Pembrey – March 28

The 2010 truck racing season got off to a flying start with the opening rounds of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship taking place at Pembrey Circuit in south Wales last weekend (March 28).

While much of the UK was suffering from heavy rain, conditions at Pembrey remained remarkably pleasant – with plenty of sunshine and a dry track throughout. But there was no shortage of standing water and soft mud to catch those who left the tarmac…

The Class ‘B’ trucks were first in action on Sunday morning – and it was Graham Powell in his ERF who stole the show, leading from start-to-finish ahead of a fierce scrap for the other podium positions.

Andy Lovenberry (Sisu) and Ben Horne (Volvo White) initially looked set to seriously threaten Powell – but both fell back mid-race with Horne eventually having to settle for third while Loveberry (who actually set fastest lap) slumped to fifth.
The surprise showing came from Brain Burt in his nicely re-painted White; the pink and white machine running very strongly and enabling Brian to secure a superb second place.
While Graham Powell took the chequered flag his brother Steven came charging through to finish fourth in his Ford Cargo, just 0.4 secs behind Horne at the flag.

Carl Brookfield – now running in Class ‘B’ of the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship in his ERF – was pleased with a trouble-free run in the middle of the pack and came home in sixth ahead of Adam Atkins (White).
The battle of the ‘Rookies’ saw a good debut outing for Oly Janes – the newcomer bringing his Seddon Atki home in 7th while Carl Jones was having technical trouble with the Volvo in 8th.

The first Class ‘A’ race of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship was dominated – as expected – by MAN machinery. Chris Levett had set a sizzling pace to claim ‘pole’ in his 2010 truck – and quickly pulled clear of Stuart Oliver to win by over six seconds.

Richard Collett held off the hard-charging David Jenkins to secure third while a slightly off-form Mat Summerfield brought his ERF home in fifth with Roger Brookfield (DAF) completing the field of six runners.
Unfortunately the Bird’s Motorsport team did not to contest the remaining races; Levett and his MAN are due to attend a four-day test in France next week –and they decided it was not worth risking any potential damage.

The two classes were combined for the third truck race of the day –and reigning Class ‘A’ champion Oliver took full advantage of his rival’s absence to pick up maximum points with a convincing win.
David Jenkins did initially out-gun Oliver at the first start… but red flags soon after due to a stranded truck meant Stuart got a second opportunity to make amends when the race was re-started!

Summerfield was back up to full speed for the second outing and picked up a strong second place while Jenkins finally came through for third, eventually getting the better of Collett.

Graham Powell was again the top-scorer among the Class ‘B’ runner – picking up 5th overall in his ERF, chased home by Ben Horne (2nd in Class).

Steven Powell claimed third in Class ‘B’ (and 8th overall) slotting his Ford between the Brookfield (Roger and Carl). Brain Burt on the battle of the American White’s to lead home Atkins while Oly Janes finished a very respectable 6th in Class – ahead of Jim Bennett (Seddon) and Evans.

Unfortunately the final race of the day had to be abandoned when unlucky David Jenkins spun out in the early stages and damaged a protective barrier that could not be replaced in time for a re-run.

But there will be plenty for opportunity for fans of heavy-metal racing to catch up with some more action when Brands Hatch hosts the next rounds of the 2010 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship on April 17/18.

Summerfield wins 2nd Place in the British Truck Racing Association Championship 2009

BTRC: Bosses eye Croft round for 2010

The British Truck Racing Championship has its sights set on adding Croft to its 2010 calendar after series bosses approved a demonstration run to be held there later this year.

2009 sees the 25th anniversary of the championship. As part of its TruckFest North East celebrations, five trucks will run at the Yorkshire venue on May 30/31 in the hope of paving the way for a full blooded championship round the following year.

Croft’s future is still clouded in uncertainty after local residents won a court action prohibiting its motorsport activities. But, says BTRA vice-chairman Stuart Oliver, such a ruling could play into the
championship’s hands.

“The track is not licensed yet as fully fledged truck racing venue and this is a step towards gaining that approval,” he said. “Truck racing is a viable option for Croft because restricted diesel engines are not as loud as a motorbike, a racing car or even a kart.”

25th anniversary celebrations are also scheduled for the Donington Park round on August 9
where organisers are hoping to bring together drivers who were present for the first ever
BTRA event held there in 1984.

Summerfield shows the fellow drifters how its done

Down at Snetterton Circut on the Sunday 11th October 2009, Mat Summerfield went against one of the top European Drift Champions Phil Morrison. Drifting around the bends along with Phil Morrison right beside him, hanging it out wide leaving plenty of smoke behind him, with over one thousand cheering spectators Mat gets the audiences attention.

"A Truck Drifting"

Summerfield grabs win but championship gap widens - Published on 20-Aug-2009

THE latest rounds of the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship took place at the high-speed Thruxton circuit in Hampshire and saw Burton-based driver Mat Summerfield collect more points in his ERF truck.

In an action-packed weekend of racing, Summerfield made an excellent start in the first race to take the lead on the opening lap, but circuit officials deemed his start was too good and he was forced to take a drive through penalty for anticipating the start. Despite this, Summerfield managed to fight back from last place to finish a creditable fifth at the finish.

In the second of the Delphi Championship races, early leader David Jenkins, in his MAN, also suffered at the hands of the officials by earning a 30-second penalty for corner cutting at the chicane, which dropped him out of the leadership battle. It was reigning champion Stuart Oliver who held on for victory ahead of the resurgent Summerfield, who put in another solid performance.

The non-championship Grand Final of the Anglo-French Challenge produced some real excitement, but the foreign visitors did not get a real look-in. In a repeat of the previous weekend at Donington Park, Summerfield kept his best performance until last with a lights-to-flag victory. The mechanical engineer kept his nerve to hold an early lead while under constant threat from Jenkins in the opening laps of the race.

The duo pulled well clear of the rest of the field, but Jenkins’ challenge ended when he collected a drive through penalty for excessive kerb hopping at the chicane.

Fortunately for him, he was so far in front that he still managed to return in second place and hold on for runners-up spot, with Oliver taking the final podium spot ahead of top French runner Philippe Arlaud (Renault).

Speaking after the race, Sumerfield said: “It’s great to score another victory, but it would have been better to get the win in the championship race to close the points gap to Stuart Oliver.” Summerfield still lies in second place in the title race as the drivers head to the next rounds at Pembrey on October 17 and 18.

Summerfield on the podium twice as his MAN ERF storms through the chequered flag