An exciting finale to the 2019 Truck Racing season at Brands Hatch
Melanie Derflinger – T Sport Racing
At the famous Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, the T Sport Racing team were looking forward to another home race and to welcome our partners and guests from EMS & FP&S.
The weekend began with a qualifying session in typically British November rain. Extremely wet track conditions made it a very difficult run for the drivers. During the session, Terry achieved a couple of flying laps setting some decent times – especially considering the weather conditions. However, part way through the session, Terry spun off the track damaging his truck and ending his session. This left the T Sport Racing truck starting the first race in 6th position and in need of some major repairs. Our mechanics worked quickly to replace parts and repair the truck in time for the race in the afternoon. At the first race, Terry tumbled down the rankings finishing up in 11th position. It was a challanging race for Terry then after the crash in qualifying diesel leaked onto the tires, which meant he had hardly any grip at all during the race. Towards the end, however, he set some good lap times. After an eventful first day, the team worked hard into the evening to ensure the truck’s full racing condition for Sunday’s busy schedule with 3 races.
Sunday was the last day of T Sport Racing’s 2019 season. The day began with Terry lining up at the back of the grid following the results of the previous day. The race started without a hitch. When Terry eventually overtook the slower trucks at the back of the field, he found himself a long way from the leading pack. He fought his way up the field and finished in 6th position by the end of the race. A great result, all things considered!
The next race started with Terry lining up in 3rd position. In amongst a battle with Stuart Oliver for 2nd place, he ended up off the track, lost a few more places and finished the race in 7th position – a bitter sweet result. Due to the reverse grid, however, he would again start the final race from the front row!
The last race of the 2019 season started well with Terry holding his 2nd place position for the opening laps. However, Jamie Anderson and Ryan Smith managed to overtake him and began battling for 2nd place. During their battle, Ryan Smith spun off the track opening the door for Terry to move back into a podium position. With grit and determination, however, Ryan Smith managed to make his way back passed Terry thus reclaiming a podium finish and relegating Terry to 4th position.
Throughout the weekend we welcomed our guests from EMS, FP&S and partners from PE who were treated to our hospitality set-up and a technical tour of our race truck during the lunchtime break on Sunday. We gave them a great insight into the parts we use on our race truck and the work that goes into keeping it in top condition throughout a race weekend.
After the racing, teams, guests and spectators enjoyed the amazing firework display, signalling the end of the 2019 campaign. T Sport Racing once again had a successful year competing in both the FIA European Truck Racing Championship and the British Truck Racing Championship. This year, we welcomed many guests to the events and built stronger relationships with our team partners. We are all looking forward to the 2020 season and to what it brings about. Over the winter break, we will be pretty busy getting ready for the next season. As always, stay tuned for updates!
Best regards,
Melanie
