The battle for supremacy in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship is set to intensify this weekend (May 16-17) as the all-action series sets course for the fastest circuit in the country, Thruxton.
Following an incredible curtain-raiser at Brands Hatch last month, the championship is set to up the ante with three more blockbuster contests scheduled to play out around the high-speed Hampshire venue.
Allen Cooper goes into the second meeting of the new campaign as the driver to beat after enjoying a sublime season-opener which saw him clinch a commanding race win and two second place finishes.
Looking to go one better than he did last year, Cooper has set his stall out as a credible contender for this year’s crown however he’ll need to be at his brilliant best across Saturday and Sunday as the chasing pack are hot on his heels.
Pole position and a trio of front-running results ensured that Eric Boulton left Brands Hatch sitting second in the standings whilst victory in race three for reigning champion Ryan Hadfield elevated him up to third.
Given how competitive this year’s field is however, the chances of any one driver breaking clear is unlikely; although the aforementioned Cooper, Boulton and Hadfield will be hopeful they can put some daylight between themselves and the rest of the grid.
Hotly pursuing the top three is the experienced Mark Willis, who at Brands Hatch showed everyone that he’s lost none of his speed, while former title winner Dale Gent will be looking to get amongst the podium places.
Behind Gent is Jonathan Hadfield and arguably one of the stars of the opening round, Aaron Thompson. The Essex racer charged to victory in race one before then wowing the crowds with plenty of overtakes as he battled back from a number of travails. Both will be worth watching.
Elsewhere, Michael Smith can never be discounted from challenging for outright honours whilst Daniel Fisher will be hoping to showcase what he can do having now dusted off the cobwebs after a season on the sidelines.
Chris Land and Simon Ward both enjoyed impressive outings at Brands Hatch and they, along with Mark Chalmers, Melvin Collins and Tom Hutchins, will be looking to make their mark towards the head of the field.
Track action kicks off on Saturday with qualifying at 10:55 before the opening encounter later that afternoon at 14:30. Two more races – at 12:20 and 15:15 – will follow on Sunday.
All three races over the course of the weekend will be available to watch live on YouTube, via the official Truck Sport UK channel.
