British Truck Racing Championship – Pembrey Circuit, South Wales May 17–18, 2025

Team Oliver Racing arrived at  Pembrey Circuit in South Wales for Round Two of the 2025 British Truck Racing Championship, determined to build on the promising start to the season. Across two days of fierce competition, the team demonstrated pace, perseverance, and teamwork, coming away with an impressive collection of podium finishes, including a historic podium lockout in Race Four and a final race victory. The performances across the five races not only delighted the local crowd but also elevated the team’s standing in the overall championship.

Race One

The weekend began with a confident showing in qualifying, putting all three Team Oliver Racing drivers in strong positions on the grid. Michael Oliver started from the front row, with Stuart Oliver just behind on the second row, and Martin Gibson in the midfield on row five. As the lights went out, both Stuart and Michael launched into the leading group, displaying excellent racecraft and competitive pace.

Unfortunately, Michael’s promising charge was cut short by a gearbox failure, forcing him into early retirement. Stuart maintained composure at the front, defending brilliantly to bring home a well-earned second-place finish and the team’s first silverware of the weekend. Meanwhile, Martin Gibson engaged in a close battle in the mid-pack, managing the pressure effectively to finish in a solid tenth place.

Race Two

Race Two saw the grid reshuffled based on the drivers' second-fastest qualifying times, with Michael Oliver starting from the second row, Martin Gibson on the third, and Stuart Oliver on the fourth. All three drivers got off to competitive starts and quickly engaged in the thick of the action.

Michael made a rapid advance to second place early on, showcasing his speed and confidence. However, a spin dropped him back, and he was forced to mount a recovery drive. He did so with maturity and precision, climbing back up to finish seventh. Martin Gibson capitalised on the chaos unfolding ahead of him, briefly running in third before being spun in a competitive battle. Despite the setback, he recovered to secure eighth. Starting from further back, Stuart once again demonstrated his experience and consistency, climbing steadily through the field to finish a strong fourth.

Race Three

The ever-unpredictable reverse grid format made Race Three a true test of driver skill and strategic aggression. Stuart started on row four, Martin on row five, and Michael from row seven. Despite the challenging starting positions, all three drivers launched into immediate attacks on the pack ahead.

What followed was one of the most visually thrilling races of the weekend, with the Team Oliver Racing trucks running nose-to-tail in a tight and fiercely contested mid-field battle. The trio were working their way steadily through the order when the race was brought to an early close due to a red flag with just three and a half minutes remaining. At the time of the stoppage, Martin Gibson had advanced to fourth, Michael Oliver was up to sixth, and Stuart Oliver held seventh. Although the premature end curtailed further progress, the team secured a valuable set of points and continued to build momentum.

Race Four

Race Four will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Team Oliver Racing history. A reverse grid once again reshaped the starting order, with Martin Gibson lining up on pole, Michael Oliver on the front row alongside him, and Stuart Oliver starting from the third row.

From the very start, the three drivers surged forward with purpose and precision. Michael Oliver seized the early lead and, under immense pressure from the chasing pack, delivered a faultless drive to take a commanding victory. Stuart Oliver moved through the field with experience and consistency to claim second place, while Martin Gibson, having led early and then battled fiercely throughout, crossed the line in third.

This 1-2-3 finish marked a remarkable podium lockout for the team, a rare and rewarding achievement that reflected not only individual driver performance but also the strength and unity of the team as a whole.

Race Five

With confidence high heading into the final race of the weekend, Team Oliver Racing once again occupied strong starting positions. Stuart Oliver began from the front row, Michael Oliver from the second row, and Martin Gibson just behind on the third.

The race immediately developed into a high-speed duel at the front, with Stuart leading the early stages and Michael pushing hard just behind. Martin engaged in a heated battle for fourth, defending resolutely against challenges from behind. As the race entered its final lap, Michael made a decisive move for the lead, but Stuart responded with veteran control to edge back ahead. The two crossed the line just 0.2 seconds apart, with Stuart taking the win and Michael securing second in a thrilling finish. Martin completed the team’s strong showing with a determined fourth-place finish.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

• 5 races, 6 podiums, 1 full lockout

• Stuart Oliver moves into P1 in the championship standings

• Michael Oliver wins the Napa Auto Parts/Valvoline Driver of the Weekend Award

• Team effort, stellar teamwork, and a powerful statement in the title fight

  
  
  
  

Weekend Summary and Championship Standings

Following five high-intensity races, Team Oliver Racing leaves Pembrey with a wealth of championship points and a string of excellent results. The weekend highlights included two race victories, six podiums, and a historic 1-2-3 finish in Race Four.

In terms of championship standings, Stuart Oliver now leads the British Truck Racing Championship overall, climbing to first place. Michael Oliver’s consistent pace and podiums place him fifth in the standings, while Martin Gibson remains in strong contention in sixth.

Team Oliver Racing would like to thank all the fans and supporters who attended the Pembrey round and followed the action online. The support throughout the weekend was phenomenal and made a big difference to the team.

With the next round at Thruxton approaching in July, Team Oliver Racing heads into the mid-season in a strong position and full of confidence. Preparations are already underway to maintain this momentum and push for further success in the 2025 championship.