Craig Reid and Ryan Smith shared the spoils as the British Truck Racing Championship got underway with two races on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit this afternoon (Saturday).
Smith entered the season as the hot favourite for a record-breaking 11th consecutive crown, but qualifying offered an indication that he was going to have to fight for it. Reid seized pole position at the wheel of his Iveco, with John Bowler securing second in the first of the MAN entries. David Jenkins and Michael Oliver also managed to outqualify Smith, who was fifth.
Reid made the absolute most of this platform to surge to an impressive lights to flag victory in the curtain raiser. He hardly looked challenged throughout, driving home to a winning margin of almost two-and-a-half seconds from Bowler. Michael Oliver completed the podium ahead of Smith, who secured fourth.
British Truck Racing Championship – Race 1
- Craig Reid, Iveco Stralis
- John Bowler, MAN TGX, +2.448s
- Michael Oliver, MAN TGS, +2.943s
- Ryan Smith, Daimler Freightliner, +3.289s
- David Jenkins, MAN TGS, +3.787s
For the second race, Smith lined up on pole alongside Reid and fended off his rival as the lights went out. But those watching were denied a chance to see a fight between the duo play out on circuit with Reid losing ground before retiring to the pits with an ailing truck.
That cleared the way for Michael Oliver to take second place from Jenkins, both of whom enjoyed an improvement from their result in the earlier race. Nathan Smith was fourth ahead of Stuart Oliver who claimed his first top-five result of the season.
British Truck Racing Championship – Race 2
- Ryan Smith, Daimler Freightliner
- Michael Oliver, MAN TGS, +3.952s
- David Jenkins, MAN TGS, +4.481s
- Nathan Smith, MAN TGX, +6.018s
- Stuart Oliver, Volvo VNL, +10.837s
The British Truck Racing Championship returns for three more races on Easter Sunday. The final day of the event will also feature action from TCR UK and the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, plus the Civic Cup and MINI Challenge Clubsport.
The Super Saloons race could also yield Brands Hatch history as local racer Rod Birley bids for a 300th race victory at the venue.
Tickets for Easter Sunday will be available on the gate with reductions for 13-15-year-olds and FREE entry for under-13s.