The British Truck Racing Championship brought its season to a thrilling conclusion in front of a sell-out crowd at Brands Hatch, with a fairy-tale finish for one of the series’ most popular competitors.
After a 15-year wait, David Jenkins finally turned his championship dream into reality, clinching the coveted Division 1 title for a second time. The Jenkins Trucksport driver delivered a virtuoso performance at the season finale, securing the crown with two races to spare.
Heading into the Brands Hatch showdown with a 30-point advantage in the standings, Jenkins knew he was within touching distance of the ultimate prize. He wasted little time in demonstrating his intent, dominating proceedings on Saturday to put himself firmly in the driving seat.
Although he missed out on pole position to chief title rival Stuart Oliver in qualifying, ‘Jenks’ showed his class when it mattered, storming to victory in both the opening races. He also collected the bonus points on offer for setting the fastest lap in each contest, further strengthening his championship position.
While Jenkins was in imperious form, Oliver could manage only midfield finishes, leaving the latter’s title hopes hanging by a thread.
Needing to outscore Oliver by just a handful of points on Sunday, Jenkins duly sealed the deal in the third race of the weekend. Although Oliver took victory, a determined drive from Jenkins to finish fifth was enough to secure his first BTRC crown since 2011.
The result sparked jubilant celebrations in the pit lane, bringing an end to a 15-year wait for Jenkins to add a second Drivers’ title to his collection. Fittingly, among the first to congratulate the new champion was Oliver himself.
With the title decided, the final two races of the season provided further feel-good moments. Oliver responded by winning the penultimate contest, securing the runner-up spot in the championship in the process.
Then, as darkness descended over the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, the heavyweight machines delivered one final spectacle for the packed trackside crowd, with Simon Reid taking the honours in the season’s last race.
There was equally compelling drama in Division 2, where the championship battle went down to the final day – and ultimately the final race. This time it was Callum Eason who emerged victorious, overcoming Jake Evans to reverse the outcome of the previous season’s title decider at the same venue.
The weekend also brought the TCR UK Touring Car Championship to its conclusion, with Callum Newsham securing the title in style by winning the final race of the season and holding off the challenge of Maximus Hall.
Meanwhile, Allen Cooper was crowned champion in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, completing the weekend’s list of title winners.
With the championships decided, the now-traditional fireworks provided a spectacular finale to a blockbuster weekend of entertainment, both on and off the circuit.
The British Truck Racing Championship will return in 2027, with the opening round once again taking place at Brands Hatch on April 3-4.