The Pickup Truck Racing Championship is set for a grandstand finish at Brands Hatch this weekend as three drivers – Aaron Thompson, Allen Cooper and Dale Gent – fight tooth and nail to be crowned 2026 Drivers’ Champion.
It was at the Kent venue back in April that the series kicked off the new campaign and having travelled the length and breadth of the country since, it is somewhat fitting that the final chapter will be written around the Indy circuit.
Adding to the excitement is the fact that an extra race has been added to the schedule too. Following the postponement of race three at Donington Park last time out, officials have slotted the contest into the schedule – meaning an extra 21 points will be up for grabs.
When it comes to the points, Thompson is the man in the box seat currently, although his advantage over Cooper stands at just three. On reflection, the Essex racer has been nothing short of sublime this year, with 11 race wins providing the backbone to his championship challenge.
Ever the showman, Thompson has been a tour-de-force at the front of the field and the expectation is that he will be on maximum attack to seal the deal. He’ll certainly need to be at his brilliant best as ready to strike behind him is Cooper.
Having come oh-so close to the crown last year, Cooper is determined to go one better this term. Boasting a strike rate that has included two wins, 12 podiums and 16 points finishes, the popular driver will be a man on a mission.
Sitting a further 19 points in arrears of Cooper is former champion, Gent. Bidding to add a second title to the one he clinched in 2024, the experienced racer has gone somewhat under the radar this year – although that may now change with everything on the line.
Of course, it’s not just the top-three that fans should keep an eye on; especially as the chasing pack could make a significant impact on who walks away with the title.
Outgoing champion Ryan Hadfield was a winner at the start of the year while Mark Willis has been a regular front-runner too. Elsewhere, Michael Smith and Tom Hutchins have enjoyed stellar runs, improving week-on-week.
Also worth keeping an eye on will be the likes of Simon Ward, Mark Chalmers, James Goldstraw, Chris Land and Jonathan Hatfield as they bid to finish with a flurry.
Elsewhere, David O’Regan will make a long overdue return to the championship whilst Aiden Hills is set to make his first foray.
Weekend Timetable
Saturday 31st October | Qualifying – 09:00 | Race 1 – 11:40 | Race 2 – 15:57
Sunday 1st November | Race 3 – 10:05 | Race 4 – 14:02
