When it comes to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, perhaps the only name that comes to mind is Formula 1. However, soon we might see a new name added to the list as T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship begins its India edition from tomorrow. Introduced for the first time by Tata Motors, the race will see some of Britain?s finest truck racers fighting for the maiden championship title. ?Truck racing is a major motorsport in many parts of the world, including Europe and the US, and we wanted to showcase in India what all it takes to drive those big trucks,? said Vinod Sahay, head, sales & marketing, medium & heavy trucks, Tata Motors.
Though none of the Indian drivers are taking part in the event because of not carrying a racing licence, top British truck racing drivers are a part of the event. The racers include Bran John Burt, David Jenkins, Paul McCumisky, David Ball, Stuart Oliver, James Horne, Simon Ashley Reid, Richard Collett, Steven Powell, Steven Thomas and Graham Powell. ?Over the coming years, we will definitely have few Indian drivers competing in the race too,? said Sahay.
The Prima truck used as race truck is a 4038S model with a power of 370bhp@2100rpm and has a top speed of 110 kmph. To make these trucks fit for racing, guidelines from British Truck Racing Association were followed and subsequently 22 key modifications were made. ?The modifications were a mix of safety and performance needs for the truck racing environment. Some of the changes made are on the fuel tank, brake cooling system, propeller shaft guards, racing seats and safety belts, exhaust, steering wheel,? added Sahay.
The championship will have 12 trucks?six different teams with two trucks running for each team?running for the title. There will be two races for race trucks. The first one will be a qualifier race, which will be followed by the main race. Sahay said they even wish to bring ?respectability? to the profession of truck driving through this race.
Truck racing is a form of motor racing which involves modified versions of heavy tractor units on racing circuits. The sport began in the US at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 17, 1979. Over the last few years, the profile of truck racing has increased, and currently over 30 teams regularly compete for various championships globally.
As a long-standing engineering and IT partner to Tata Motors, Tata Technologies is also involved with engineering, PLM and IT solutions around the Prima range of trucks. To demonstrate its commitment to the commercial vehicles industry, Tata Technologies Motorsports will be a team sponsor at championship. ?Big trucks are part of everyday life in India,? said Patrick McGoldrick, CEO and managing director, Tata Technologies. ?To race the souped-up versions of these trucks, like the F1, is a bold experiment.?