Truckracing International

15. December 2009At the beginning of October David Vrsecky (CZE) in his Buggyra Freightliner succeeded in defending his title in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. Same with MAN pilot Noël Crozier who, two weeks previously in Le Mans, managed to defend his title in the National French Championship. But the former European Champion, who seems to have a subscription for the French title, had to worry about his crown right until the final race. Yvan Gaillard – in his Freightliner he bought at the beginning of the season – put the former European Champion under a lot of pressure until the final. For Stuart Oliver (MAN), who secured his title again in the National British Championship beginning of November, it was a bit easier. For his strongest rival, MAN pilot Chris Levett – although more successful than Oliver in the European Championship, where both Brits had been contesting – the national races were not running too smoothly. And more than once he had been pursued by bad luck, too, so that in the end he had to be content with fifth place; a position that is not adequate considering his abilities. And last Sunday the final title fight in truck racing took place in Brazil, and there indeed a new champion was crowned – although you cannot really say he’s completely new.
Before the final race newcomer Valmil Benavides was the hot favourite for the title. But the Volkswagen pilot achieved zero points at the last race and was defeated by his team mate Felipe Giaffone, the 2006 champion. But the big winner in the final race was certainly Scania pilot Roberval Andrade who succeeded in snatching away third podium place in the overall ranking from four-time champion Wellington Cirino. His Mercedes-Benz team partner Geraldo Piquet gained fifth position ahead of another big shot in Brazilian truck racing, Renato Martins (Volkswagen). An Iveco, Beto Monteiro, and a Ford, Djalma Fogaça were on 7th and 8th respectively. The vehicles that are dominant in Europe – the MAN trucks – are not present in South America, but even so there were 5 different car brands on the first 8 positions. It can only be hoped for that such a large variety of brands will soon be seen in Europe again; at present the truck racing events are narrowed down to Buggyra-Freightliner, MAN and Renault.
But perhaps something is going on now – if not necessarily with regard to a new brand, but concerning a new team. One of Europe’s most popular truck racers is at present pulling out all the stops in order to participate next year. But now he has to start the arduous task of looking for potent sponsors. There was already an intention to participate as a guest driver at the Truck Grand Prix at the Ring, but this plan had to be abandoned. And as long as everything is not in the bag yet, he doesn’t want to blare out anything about the new project.