The team made the trip to Snetterton this weekend to compete in the fifth round of the British Truck Race Championship and with the league table close there was everything to play for!
On Saturday the sun was shining at the Norfolk track and a qualifying session was the first order of the day. It went well for the team with a P2 for Stuart Oliver and P6 for Michael Oliver.
The First race grid was set by the earlier qualifying session which saw Stuart on front row and Michael third. Stuart sat himself in a very comfortable second place throughout the race as he gained a good distance between himself and the chasing competitors. Michael had to undertake some very defensive driving behind him as he held onto his position. Both drivers crossed the line as they started with Stuart claiming second and a trip to the podium and Michael a well-deserved sixth place.
The grid for the 2nd race of the day was set by the second fastest time from the qualifying session. Stuart started front row and Michael third again. Both Stuart and Michael got away well at the start, unfortunately, a jostle at the hairpin pushed Michael back a few places. He came across the line in 8th place. This result would work in his favour though in race four on Sunday as it would give him pole position on the reverse grid start. Stuart battled up front to hold onto the second place and secured that podium place.
It was reverse grid start for the first race of Sunday with the top eight reversed from Saturday’s race one. This put Michael second row and Stuart fourth. A chaotic start to this race saw several trucks spin out causing the red flag to make its first appearance of the weekend. A recovery op was undertaken and the teams were lined up back on the grid for a restart race. The rain, which had held off on Saturday made its first appearance during this race which of course affected track conditions. Michael unfortunately spun off the track which marked the end of the race for him. Stuart went on to try and push his way forward and spent the race heavily defending fourth position. He crossed the line in P4 in this slightly reduced timed race.
Another reverse grid for the second race of Sunday, with the top eight from race two reversed, which put Michael on pole and Stuart back on row four. Michael certainly made the most of his starting position and lead for the majority of the race. The last couple of laps he was put under extreme pressure as teams closed in on his lead. A battle for the top three spots commenced and Michael crossed the line in a very well deserved third place! Stuart struggled to get from his fourth row starting position but worked his way throughout the race up through the pack. Crossing the line in P6.
Last race of the weekend was another reverse grid which put Stuart on row three and Michael right at the back on row six. These starting positions meant both drivers had a lot of work to do! All the teams were on the defensive and it was tricky for the team to push ahead. Stuart finished in a good P5 and Michael worked his way up to P8.
Another great weekend of racing here at Snetterton. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters! We now prepare for the trip to Pembrey in just under three weeks' time.