News

3 2 1 for UKT Racing

27th July 2009
Despite a weekend of mechanical issues, UKT Racing had a fantastic result at the Nurburgring over the weekend sending the team right back into the running for a championship title for 2009. After a disappointing start to the season, the best result had been a 3rd place at Pembrey some 3 months ago. Following the break and extensive work, the team were out to bring home some ‘safe’ points from Germany. Coming second in the first race running safe, it was all to play for in the second race.

Back in the zone, 2008 championship runner up Elton Boocock, was out to score some much needed points but under team orders to take a safe second rather than a risky first. The start went well for a second day running and Elton was in a good second position as the trucks came around the Schumacher complex for a third time. Out of the exit and it all went very wrong for Boocock. Selecting the correct gear, the truck simply revved and went nowhere. Then presuming the gear was wrong, Elton quickly tried another and the same thing happened. As the rest of the competition came past, a third gear finally proved more successful until a fourth gear was chosen and the same go nowhere effect took place. Whilst trying to keep eyes out on the rest of the field, Boocock realized he had lost half of his gearbox and set back off into the race with every other gear intact. Sadly, the gears that were used less on the grueling track, renowned for being a ‘truck killer’!

Showing the resilience we have come to expect from the UKT Racing Driver, Elton pursued the pack and was quickly in a comfortable fourth position. The contentious issue of smoke which has haunted truck racing for the last few years was to finally prove useful to the team that makes a lot of effort to ‘keep it clean’ and run by the rules of ‘no black smoke’. 1st and 2nd position trucks were pulled in for ‘fuel alterations’ putting Boocock up to 2nd place against rival Andy Lovenberry. Suddenly the safe second team rule was out of the side window (which was missing from an earlier race). Elton set his sights on first place and anything less would have been unsatisfactory. Putting pressure on Lovenberry until he finally went wide allowing the number 81 silver blue Seddon Atkinson to come through. Andy wasn’t going to give in easily and the chicane proved a chance for him to get back, leaving Elton with a missing wing and new ‘artwork’ down the side of the 5.5 tonne truck. UKT Racing was in first place with 6 laps to go. The 2 more powerful trucks pulled for ‘fuel adjustments’ were back on the track and in hot pursuit and the race was by no means over. Finally seeing the chequered flag, Elton was ecstatic as he had achieved his first number 1 spot in a 3, 2, 1 podium trio.

The action doesn’t stop there. The team are now rebuilding the engine and finding the gearbox problem ahead of the next leg of the British championship. Boocock is very hopeful about the next round at Donington on the 8/9th of August.

As always, the team would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors. Without whom, we could not compete at this level.


Other news……

Following the appearance at Shepton Mallet Truckfest, conversations are underway regarding an event to include Rick Yemn from the popular TV series Ice Road Truckers. Rick (somewhat controversially) had a ‘try’ in the race truck at the event. Whilst my donut was way bigger and better(!!), he may be able to generate some further publicity for the team and sponsors. Watch this space…..