Crash as Crash can

20. February 2006That's the idea of what Truckracing is about, if you believe what certain TV programmes show. Actually, some people who go to a truck race for the first time, are surprised about the real tough actions. Others who watched truck races on TV before (and had seen nothing but spectacular crashes) were a bit disappointed. They thought truck races were a sort of stock car race with trucks. What both have in common is that the trucks are immensely safe. The races, however, are sprint races of the highest standard. And as a race does not take more than 20 minutes (at best) there are not many opportunities for a lot of tactics, the pilots have to take any chance to get to 1st position and to keep it. Those are the moments for spectacular actions that make the fans jump to their feet cheering and howling. And even if there are a lot of crashes and screeches, it's extremely rare that any of the drivers get hurt, and there is always the chance to fight for podium, even if the truck is a mere wreck, because a 5 tons colossus made of steel and iron will not be damaged seriously by some pushing and shoving – not even at a speed of 160 km/h – whereas a F1 racing car would be a write-off. But the trucks only lose some plastic or metal parts now and then. <br />
But even if a truck crashes into a pit wall or even does some breakneck leaps on the circuit, the drivers usually get off safe and sound, and are eager to continue the race, if possible. <br />
Some of the most extraordinary accidents of the FIA European Truck Racing Cup happened in Jarama in 2005 during the 1st Qualifying Race.<br />
In the first sharp left turn and only several 100 meters after the start, some trucks of the leading group clashed so badly they spun round, metal parts were scattered about and some of the pilots took to flight. And soon after, in the 180 degrees right turn, there was an even bigger crash (see picture above). Some of the trucks could not continue the race, but no one was harmed.<br />
But all that was nothing compared to the incident that happened only 2 minutes later during the second lap in the first corner. After a relatively light touch the Phoenix MAN of Manuel Gozalo got completely out of control, dashed into the gravel, did some small jumps instead of getting stuck in the gravel (which was possibly too hard). Then the truck overturned and did some 'somersaults' before it flattened a safety fence that wasn't really very effective. There was only a heap of iron and metal left.<br />
Spectators were prepared for the worst. After what seemed like an eternity the pilot could be rescued, but – miraculously – he survived this crash with minor injuries: a concussion, bone fractures and some muscle strains. More worrisome (apart from insufficient safety precautions at the circuit) was the state of the truck. The roll cage was completely destroyed. An insider, who knew the Phönix MAN since the date of it's 'birth' related that the last time the truck was thoroughly checked, was years ago. So it can be doubted that the truck met the latest technical regulations. It should be one of the most important responsibilities of the new FIA Technical Delegate, Fabien Calvet, to direct his attention on safety matters of the trucks entering the FIA European Truck Racing Championship in 2006.