The powerhouses of the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship rumble into Brands Hatch this weekend for the most horsepower-hungry event of the year, and one of the highlights of the Kent family day out calendar!

These monstrous machines each produce up to 1,000 brake horsepower – more than in Formula One! Amongst the championship frontrunners attempting to tame these mighty beasts are Kent siblings Steven (West Kingsdown) and John Powell (Herne Bay). Steven is well known locally for running the Portobello Inn pub, located less than two miles from Brands Hatch, where he has lived all his life.

The Powells have a strong pedigree in Truck Racing, particularly in Class B for slightly older trucks. Steven has been a regular front runner in the category, culminating in a championship win last season, while third brother Graham Powell, who will not be racing this weekend, won the championship in 2010 before returning to Class A last year.

Steven made the leap into racing after his brother Graham challenged him several years ago:

“My dad used to do it when it first ever started about 28 years ago and then my brother Graham bought one. We used to go along to race meetings and then we were sat in here (Portobello Inn) one night and he dared me to give it a go! So I bought a truck and I’ve been doing it for about five years now and it’s been brilliant fun!

“I never expected to end up as Class B Champion. The first lorry I had wasn’t the quickest so I bought my brother’s old one and we had three really good seasons before we nicked it last season!” Powell commented.

After his championship glory last year, Steven graduates to Class A this weekend, and he is looking to start his campaign with a bang after missing out at the season opener at Pembrey:

“My sponsors have bought me a new truck and a new engine and now all we’re waiting for is a new clutch. With everything we’ve done, fingers crossed it will all fall into place. This could be a testing weekend for us, but hopefully we’ll have it all nipped in the bud for when we come back (at Brands Hatch) in November!

With his graduation into the top class, Steven is reluctant to make any predictions, but is looking to challenge the established order:

“There are loads of drivers in Class A so I’m not saying anything now but it’s going to be a good weekend!”

Meanwhile John, who last competed in 2008, will be looking to find his feet after several years away from the action, and returns with a former title-winning Ford Cargo truck.

A total of four truck races will take place this Sunday, with a superb support package including saloon cars, pickup trucks, Caterhams and the comparatively miniscule Legends. Tickets are available in advance for just £17 with free admission for children aged 12 and under.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.