No breakaway series after trucks dispute

British Truck Racing Association chairman Mat Summerfield says changes to the management of the British Truck Racing Championship have left some drivers feeling their views aren’t represented.

Truck Sport UK, formed by competitors Stuart Oliver, Steven Thomas and Steven Powell, took over the off-circuit management of the championship at the beginning of the season from the BTRA, the body comprising the majority of the drivers.

A divide between the two bodies has called into question the future of the series going forward. Drivers complained to Summerfield and a breakaway was considered, but after a positive meeting with the BARC – the club the series is aligned with – the BTRA has decided to continue supporting the series and send any future complaints direct to the BARC.

“They [Truck Sport UK] need to listen to us,” said Summerfield. “It’s been mentioned that ‘even though you may not like changes, it’s for your good that we’re doing this’. We’ve got to give them [Truck Sport UK] a chance next year. At the moment we’re dealing directly with BARC and tell them any problems.”

He added that having three key figures from Truck Sport racing in the series was not ideal, but with Thomas not racing next year the situation should improve.

Oliver said Truck Sport UK was trying to preserve the drivers’ role in making decisions.

“We know the sport’s moved on,” he said. “For years the BTRC has been run by an association, which is headed by a committee. We’re conscious of keeping control of competitor costs and of the role of the BTRA, but recognise that the championship is steering in a direction bigger than it has been recently.”