Truck Racing
Truck racing is a form of motor racing that involves modified versions of heavy trucks on racing circuits. This type of racing is popular in Europe. For the American version of pickup truck racing, see the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series or an earlier series, the NPTRA (National Pickup Truck Racing Association) founded by Buck Baker. For the Brazilian series, see Fórmula Truck.
The sport started over twenty years ago and enjoyed great success, but declined in the 1990's. However, in the last few years the profile of truck racing in Europe and the UK has increased and currently over 30 teams regularly compete. The sporting regulations came under the control of the FIA later to ensure that the vehicles conform to the layout and original style of the truck whilst defining the safety standards required to race.
Maximum race speed is restricted to 160km/h (100 mph) for safety reasons and a minimum weight limit is 5500kgs. Races start from a rolling start and commonly races last from 8 to 12 laps. Although a non contact sport, due to the closeness of trucks to one another during races minor collisions can occur. However, injuries to drivers are very rare.
Unlike other forms of motor sport race trucks look like and conform to regulations to ensure that major components used are the same as their road going counterparts.
All drivers must hold a race licence issued by the Motor Sports Association or the national motorsport body from the drivers country.
The makes of truck currently represented in truck racing cover most of the common marques over the last 20 years.
The regulations allow for trucks to compete in two classes, so trucks with less sophisticated engine management systems, suspension, and braking systems can compete effectively.
Manufacturers include: MAN AG, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Scania AB, ERF, Foden, Iveco, Seddon Atkinson, Sisu Auto, Renault Trucks, Scammell, ZIL