Track testing technology
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1 ST WEEKEND'S FIA European Truck Racing Cup event at Thruxton marked the return of the FIA series to Britain after an absence of three years. Yet its reappearance in the UK continues to raise more questions than answers, such as, is the road transport industry helped or hindered by the image of trucks racing at 100mph? Do the UK truck importers have the motivation—and resources—to support it? And is Thruxton the best venue to showcase the sport—not least as a combination of the high speeds unique to the track and hot weather caused tyres to break up, forcing the organisers to reduce the final event from 14 laps to 11 for safety reasons. Whatever the answers to those questions, there's no doubt that Super Truck racing continues to be used as a fast-forward technology testbed by truck, engine and component manufacturers. How else would you explain the presence of senior engineers from the likes of MAN and Daf at a rain-swept race track in Hampshire?
Forthcoming new emissions regulations are among the reasons why European truck makers think it's good to go racing.
Commercial Motor was there to dig and delve in the pits for the kind of hi-tech kit that's being tested for tomorrow's production-line trucks.
Following the recent success of the English soccer and cricket teams, England's very own Super Truck race team—Chris Hodge Truck Racing Developments—joined in the winning streak, with a little bit of help from an American Caterpillar engine. Foden buyers please note...