Highlights from Donington and Snetterton Truck Racing 2020

Welcome to 2020 Truck Racing

It has been a long time coming, but we can happily say that the 2020 British Truck Racing season got underway at Donington several weeks ago and with a further round at Snetterton last weekend.

I would like to thank everyone involved with MV Commercial for their continued support and interest and am delighted to announce the changes we have made.

I for one was itching to get back behind the wheel of the truck and for several weeks deliberated how best to “get back into the saddle”.

From a logistical point of view, we decided to form a partnership with the highly professional and successful FIA European Championship team of TOR TRUCK RACING.

Because of the COVID-19 situation the European Series has also been severely curtailed, and this was an ideal opportunity to approach Shayne Brereton, the owner of the team, to see if we could join forces.

Shayne’s MAN is one of the best prepared trucks in the European Series and it proved to be the ideal platform for me to return to the circuits in the UK.

The first event at Donington was the first opportunity I had to do any testing and I was incredibly impressed with the professionalism of the team, the high standard of the truck and its positive and exciting performance.

Resplendent in its MV colours and our sponsors’ logos it was time to explore the trucks potential and my own ability.

2 x 30-minute free practice sessions later under dry conditions I felt a little more confident and ready for the full 5 race schedule during the weekend. A small problem with the steering pump being the only real incident during my learning curve.

Qualifying practice, interrupted by 2 off track excursions allowed me to get the true feeling and left me 8^th out of the 18 runners and just over 2 seconds off the time set by the pole sitter.

In Race 1 with a reverse grid for the first 8 I started in a comfortable but somewhat nervous and vulnerable pole position but was delighted to finish 6^th overall.

Race 2 with damp conditions and a few more contacts than necessary made for interesting racing and a final position of 8^th overall. Disappointing but still learning.

Sunday fist race allowed me to become more involved in the overtaking and I was able to secure a 4^th place position.

Light rain before race 2 on Sunday turned the circuit into a skating ring. Not a good position to be in with an unknown truck.

Then the sun came out and with a very determined attitude and positive directions from Shayne and my team of mechanics I set out targeting a possible podium. After some close and interesting competition, a very welcome chequered flag gave me 4^th position, later promoted to a well-deserved podium 3^rd courtesy of a steward’s decision. You can watch the race here: https://youtu.be/ox_KBSyTZJ0

An interesting first excursion with a new truck and overall a highly successful 2 days.

The second round was held at Snetterton last weekend. This time I entered the circuit with a little more confidence and experience. Dry and sunny weather proved to be ideal conditions for more close racing.

With 5 races planned and some 19 competitors entered the gauntlet was down. Race 1 was very much a further learning curve.

Race 2 to my great delight, and with some competitive driving gave me the lead after lap 2. A position I am proud to say I held until the chequered flag and top step on the podium. Yes, my first race win in the UK. You can watch the race here: https://hubs.li/H0wzNvG0

Race 3 proved not to be so successful and after some hard driving by certain competitors with hard contact I suffered a puncture and rear suspension damage.

With 2 races remaining and following repairs by the team I settled for a 7^th place in race 4.

One to go and another podium calling? Yes, we did manage a strong performance and 3^rd place. You can watch the race here: https://hubs.li/H0wzZYz0

Overall, not a bad performance with the new team and new truck.

I will keep you informed as the season progresses and hopefully more podiums.

Regards to all,

Tom O’Rourke