Top MAN in qualifying has challenging weekend

Following long nights of repairs as a result last month’s Brands Hatch race meeting, former champion Dave Jenkins took his MANinBlack truck to Pembrey for the round two of the British Truck Racing Championship last week.

The MANinBlack, who is sponsored by Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants, got off to a typically flying start on Saturday morning at a sunny Pembrey circuit setting the second fastest time in qualifying, topping the chart of the MAN powered machinery.

During an action packed first rac, Dave got caught up in a tangle at the start, but a determined fight back saw him post the fastest lap of the race and rise through the field to take fourth place.

Race two saw a suspension failure on the first lap, leaving Dave having to use all of his skill and experience to keep the MANinBlack on the track. Unable to fight for the top positions, he had to settle for a fifth place.

Sunday was another beautiful day and the large crowd was in for a thrilling day’s racing. Once again the ManinBlack showed excellent pace in warm up, posting the third quickest time of the morning session.

In a very competitive third race of the weekend Dave managed to bring the MANinBlack home in a great fourth place, with only a few metres separating the top trucks at the chequered flag.

Race four saw Dave take an early and commanding lead but diminishing boost pressure saw his lead eroded until he was eventually overhauled by two rival trucks, leaving him with an encouraging but frustrating third place, the best of the weekend.

Unfortunately, the last race was over almost before it started for Dave. A brilliant start initially saw him challenge for the lead but two slower starting trucks came together sending one spinning into the Man In Black and puncturing a front tyre, resulting in an early retirement.

Dave was typically optimistic after the meeting saying: “We are determined to continue the successful development of the truck and are really looking forward to the high speed nature of the next event at Thruxton.”

Dave and the team now have a little time to continue to modify the set-up of the truck ahead of the next round at Thruxton on June 14 and 15. Thruxton is the fastest circuit in the UK and suits Dave’s all out driving style, so the weekend promises to be as action-packed as the first two rounds.

You can follow all the weekend action from the team during each race weekend on Twitter @ATETruckRacing and Dave’s new blog on the racingist.com website.

For the 2014 British Truck Racing Championship season the Jenkins Motorsport team is supported by Digraph Transport Supplies, ATE Truck and Trailer Sales, Morris Lubricants, Tyre Tracks in association with Alcoa Wheels and MAN.