Truck Racing, fireworks and a feast of family fun entertained a huge crowd at Brands Hatch for the final highlight event of the 2016 season.

A host of family-themed activities, including monster truck rides, a stunt show, children’s entertainment and driving experiences entertained a big crowd. On track, a 12-race programme was headlined by the final rounds of the 2016 British Truck Racing Championship season.

Ryan Smith celebrated his first British Truck Racing Championship in style, with victory in Sunday’s opening race. Oly Janes made a great start from the reverse grid and headed off into the distance whilst the rest of the field queued up behind a defensive Steven Powell, who was hoping to use his grid position to get a podium at his home track.

Powell’s defence eventually cracked, and Smith was the beneficiary, setting off after the leader, who he eventually caught late on in the race. “I thought I was lapping him,” Smith said “We’re here at Brands Hatch today and the weather’s cold, so when I saw the turnout of spectators I decided to go out with maximum effort.”

British Truck Racing Championship Race Four (Division 1)
1, Ryan Smith, MAN, 15 Laps
2, Oly Janes, Buggrya-Freightliner, +7.619s
3, Ray Coleman, MAN, +12.598s
4, Shane Brereton, MAN, +12.763s
5, David Jenkins, MAN, +13.123s

In the opening Division 2 race, Frans Smith claimed another win after early leader John Powell was caught by Simon Cole, who eventually failed to finish with turbo failure. Mika Makinen took second place after a titanic midfield squabble.

British Truck Racing Championship Race Five (Division 2)
1, Frans Smit, Scania, 14 Laps
2, Mika Makinen, Sisu, +8.108s
3, Ryan Colson, Foden Alpha, +10.813s
4, Paul McCumisky, Volvo, +25.773s
5, Adam Bint, Volvo, +26.287s

The pre-final race was a thriller, with outgoing champion Mat Summerfield leading until he was caught by Stuart Oliver and Shane Brereton. The two team-mates were almost as keen on squabbling amongst themselves than the fight for the lead, and as they circulated, Ryan Smith caught the trio.

Smith picked his way past Oliver, then went head-to-head with Brereton into Paddock Hill on the final lap. Brereton ran a little wide and at the same time, so did Summerfield, handing the win to a jubilant Smith.

British Truck Racing Championship Pre-Final Race (Both Divisions)
1, Ryan Smith, MAN, Div 1, 11 Laps
2, Shane Brereton, MAN, Div 1, +2.366s
3, Stuart Oliver, Volvo, Div 1, +2.553s
4, Mat Summerfield, MAN, Div 1, +3.997s
5, Michael Oliver, Scania, Div 1, +8.296s

Held in dusky conditions, the final saw Simon Reid shoot off into the distance whilst Powell tried again to finish on the podium. He held up David Jenkins for several laps, but both he and Oliver found a way past.

Neither, however, could do anything about Reid, who won the final race of the year. Powell was unable to finish, pitting soon after losing second place.

British Truck Racing Championship Final Race (Both Divisions)
1, Simon Reid, Iveco Stralis, Div 1, 8 Laps
2, David Jenkins, MAN, Div 1, +26.291s
3, Stuart Oliver, Volvo, Div 1, +27.333s
4, Mat Summerfield, MAN, Div 1, +27.546s
5, Shane Brereton, MAN, Div 1, +27.967s

Spectators were also treated to more entertainment once racing was completed. The event ended with a parade from the show trucks, before the crowd was treated to a big bang fireworks display, lighting up the night sky.

Pictures supplied by www.psp-images.co.uk