As usual a qualifying session kicked off the weekends racing. The sun was shining and both trucks were running well in practice at the Norfolk track. Both drivers delivered some good results with a P4 for Stuart Oliver and Michael Oliver not far behind in P6. These results set the grid for the first race of the day.
First race of the weekend and Stuart Oliver sat on row two on the grid and Michael row three. Unfortunately, a red flag made an appearance in the first lap as the two leaders came off the track. A recovery operation was required and the remaining trucks were lined back up on the grid. A ten-minute restart race followed and our two drivers both sat nose to tail in third and fourth position as the trucks set off. Michael was certainly in attacking mode in this race and after passing Stuart he was in hot pursuit looking for P2. He made his move and forced himself into that second position. Not content with this he had his eye on the prize and with an incredible move on the last corner of the race he snatched the first place much to the crowd’s delight! Stuart was not far behind all the action and crossed the line in P4. Some superb driving and an incredible start to the weekend for the team!
Second race of the days grid was decided by the second fastest qualifying time. This put Stuart row two and Michael row five. Stuart didn’t waste any time and took advantage of the trucks ahead of him having some contact and flew into the lead. Michael had work to do behind him and had an ongoing battle to try and push his way through the pack the duration of the race. Stuart gained a comfortable lead throughout the race and took a long overdue first win of the 2024 season and also bagged fastest lap to boot! Michael crossed the line in P5.
Day two and race three saw the first reverse grid of the weekend, with the top eight finishers from race one reversed. This put Stuart Oliver on the third row and Michael on fourth. A good start from Stuart as he went in pursuit of the front runners. He put the pressure on and worked his way into third position. This was not to last unfortunately as contact with another truck caused damage to the front of his truck and marked the end of his race. Michael was left to continue in a race that was littered with debris as the trucks jostled for positions. Michael managed to negotiate the tightly packed group and applying some very skilful manoeuvres pushing his way into third position, snatching another podium finish!
Another reverse grid for race four with the results from race two reversed. This put Michael Oliver on pole and Stuart with his repaired number 7 truck on the fourth row. Michael made the most of this grid position and held the lead for the majority of the race. A 3-way battle for the podium positions ensued and he crossed the line eventually in P3, but with time penalties applied to some of the other teams he claims P2. Stuart a little further behind him mid pack was in a close battle for the fourth position which he succeeded in claiming. Another great race!
The fifth and final race of the weekend grid was a based on the top eight of race three reversed. As Stuart Oliver didn’t not finish this race, he was pitched at the back on row six. Michael was on row three. Both drivers began chase as they battled their way through the field. Their persistence paid off and Stuart cross the line in good P4 and Michael not far behind in P6.
A great weekend for the team and we now look forward to the big trip to Le Mans! Thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support.
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