10-4. We sure had ourselves a “CONVOY in the PARK!”

Following another quick workshop turnaround, last weekend (21st & 22nd July) Team Oliver Racing traveled to the East Midlands to participate in the premier British Truck Racing Championship event held at the home of Truck Racing - Donington Park. This year the event was again jointly organised by the circuit owners, MSVR, Truck & Driver and Truck Sport UK, under the banner of “CONVOY in the PARK”.

As well as the on-track truck racing action, the event had plenty for the bumper crowds in attendance to do and see with on-stage live entertainment, fun-fair rides, a big top Circus, an 800 plus Show Truck display and competition, Truck manufacture displays, Truck related trade stands and a large live action arena featuring Car and Truck drifting and stunt shows, Monster truck rides and the unrivaled Truck Sport UK drift truck caravan smashes!

On the Thursday prior to the weekend the drivers had the opportunity of two 30 minute practice sessions to familiarize themselves with the fast and technical circuit. Stuart, who has been around Donington circuit in a truck many times, used the sessions to try out some different chassis set-up on his truck. Martin however, was in at the deep end and went out on the track for his first time in a race truck. True to form it was not long before he was up to speed and posting very respectful lap times.

For Stuart and his team it was without doubt the busiest weekend of the season. As well as the team having the two race trucks to prepare and maintain, Stuart was also at the wheel of the KELSA drift truck that was used to entertain the crowds on the live action arena, with several drift shows and caravan smashes going on in between the truck racing.

On Saturday morning it was down to business and, during the qualification session, Stuart was just pipped to a front row place on the grid and left to start race one from 3rd place. Martin soon made his mark and recorded a time to put him into 8th place on the grid.

Race one got underway in the blistering heat in true Convoy “Arizona Desert” like conditions. When the start lights went out the trucks raced off in close formation with - as expected - plenty of drama! By mid race it became apparent the drivers were adapting driving techniques to accommodate the extremely hot track temperature. Brakes, engines and tyres were all feeling the pressure. At the chequered flag Stuart managed to secure a 3rd place podium place and Martin, after a hard-fought race, crossed the finish line in 9th.

Race two, on the Saturday evening, started in slightly cooler conditions. Stuart started on the grid third from the back and Martin from up near the front. The race got underway in the usual rubbings racing style and throughout the race, positions changed with every lap! At the finish line Stuart was up into 4th place and Martin again, after an all action race, finished in 8th.