Ryan Smith and Stuart Oliver shared the spoils during the first day of the British Truck Racing Championship at Brands Hatch today (Saturday) each winning a race on the Indy circuit ahead of Sunday’s planned triple-header.
Smith produced a dominant display in the opening race of the weekend, leading throughout to begin his quest for a 10th consecutive title in fine style. A red flag period, following an off-track moment for Simon Cole, briefly halted Smith’s progress but the nine-time champion continued to control matters from the front in his Daimler Freightliner.
Smith’s nearest rival throughout both the first part of the race and the restarted six-lap dash to the line was fellow multiple champion Oliver. The latter’s Volvo VNL crossed the line just over one and a half seconds adrift of his leading rival.
Regular BTRC frontrunner David Jenkis started the season strongly too, rounding out the podium positions as the only other competitor running within touching distance of the front duo. His MAN TGX led a group of similar machines across the line, with John Bowler, Neil Yates and Steven Powell completing the top-six.
The second race began with on-circuit drama as Oliver and Jenkins both managed to jump Smith for first and second into Paddock Hill Bend from the rolling start. And Smith’s difficulties were made worse moments later when dropped down the order at the exit of druids following contact with Michael Oliver.
From there, Oliver faced pressure lap after lap from Jenkins but the second placed man was never quite able to force an opening. Like during the earlier race, there was a red flag stoppage after Graham Poole spun at Surtees. Also similar to earlier on, this did little to impact the outcome at the very front, with Oliver holding off Jenkins to the end.
Further back, Smith charged back through the pack, passing Michael Oliver late on to secure third and the final spot on the rostrum. Behind them, John Bowler and Tom O’Rourke completed the top-six.
British Truck Racing Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 1, Top Six
- Ryan Smith, Daimler Freightliner
- Stuart Oliver, Volvo VNL, +1.501s
- David Jenkins, MAN TGX, +3.324s
- John Bowler, MAN TGX, +9.762s
- Neil Yates, MAN TGX, +13.389s
- Steven Powell, +15.232s
British Truck Racing Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 2, Top Six
- Stuart Oliver, Volvo VNL
- David Jenkins, MAN TGX, +0.799s
- Ryan Smith, Daimler Freightliner, +5.427s
- Michael Oliver, MAN TGS, +8.796s
- John Bowler, MAN TGX, +9.028s
- Tom O’Rourke, International Navistar, +9.834s
Click here for full timings and results from this race event.
Tickets for Sunday 20 April are available on the gate with reductions for 13-15-year-olds and FREE entry for under-13s. For more information about the British Truck Racing Championship at Brands Hatch, click here.