Sensational on track action from the biggest racing machines in the UK, and a massive package of family fun were the main talking points as Convoy in the Park got underway at Donington Park on Saturday.
Four headline contests, two each from the British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) and the International Truck Prix provided heavyweight thrills on the National Circuit. Meanwhile, hundreds of show trucks assembled around the venue, with additional entertainment including live music, stunt shows, kids activities, truck drifting and plenty more also got underway.
A qualifying drama for reigning champion Ryan Smith meant he started from the back of today’s two British Truck Racing Championship contests, but he almost found a way to win on both occasions.
Pole man Dave Jenkins withstood intense pressure to win the first race for the category, the pair separated by just half a tenth of a second after the latter climbed rapidly through the order.
Jenkins led the whole contest, but Smith was already well in the midpack after the first lap, and then picked off his rivals one by one. But Jenkins proved to be an insurmountable challenge, the pair making contact on a couple of occasions, as damage to the front of Smith’s machine would testify. The duo crossed the line side by side for the last two laps, with Jenkins holding on to win by just 0.052 seconds!
It was almost a carbon copy in the second event, as Jenkins again led throughout, with Smith rising to second place with five minutes of the race remaining. Jenkins’ lead of over 4.5 seconds was quickly whittled down, but he still held a lead of 1.3 seconds starting the final lap. A double win was almost assured, but Smith charged and the pair ended the race side by side again, with Jenkins triumphant by 0.101s this time around.
Jamie Anderson won the first International Truck Prix of the weekend, finishing just ahead of John Newell and Martin Gibson, with all three driving MAN TGX machines, while Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness claimed fifth.
Anderson doubled up in the second race at the end of the day, but only after on the road winner Newell was struck by a time penalty. Simon Reid completed the podium in his Iveco Stralis.
Action resumes tomorrow, with the British Truck Racing Championship, International Truck Prix, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and the MINI Challenge Clubsport categories joined by the MG Owners Club Championship and Britcar Trophy. Track activity will start just past 9am and is scheduled to run until 7pm.
The busy off track programme will also provide all-round family entertainment once more, with the caravan smash set to bring the schedule to a dramatic conclusion!
Click here to view full on track results.
Tickets will be available upon arrival on Sunday. Admission is available for £33 per day, with further discounts for teenagers aged 13-15 and free entry all weekend for children under-13. Click here to book now or for further information.