Donington Park played host to a spectacular two days of track action this past weekend (August 12/13) as the British Automobile Racing Club took centre stage for the 2023 edition of Convoy in the Park. 

On what proved to be a race meeting that will live long in the memory for the thousands of spectators that flocked to the world-famous Leicestershire venue; a total of six championships and one all-new guest category put on an unmissable on-track show. 

Headlining the action on the 1.64-mile National layout were five blockbusters contests from the British Truck Racing Championship, where there was entertainment aplenty across both Division 1 and Division 2. 

In Division 1, Ryan Smith’s pursuit of an unprecedented eighth consecutive title remained on course as he swept his way to a hat-trick of race wins. Simon Reid prevented the Daimler Freightliner driver from a clean sweep as he bagged a brace of his own in the remaining races.

Over in Division 2, Paul Rivett enjoyed one of the strongest weekend’s of his BTRC career to-date as he thrust himself firmly in title contention with a near wheel-perfect performance. The NAPA Racing UK scored a stunning four wins and had it not been for a retirement in race one, it could have been five. Instead, John Powell clinched an important victory. 

That wasn’t to be the only truck racing that took place though as the brand-new International Truck Prix – which boasted an entry list packed with high-profile names including Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness MBE – made its long-awaited debut.

Former BTRC race winner turned FIA European Truck Racing competitor Jamie Anderson underlined his credentials with a masterful performance as he scooped three of the four race wins that were on offer over the course of the weekend.

Anderson came oh-so close to completing a clean sweep in the fourth contest however a sensational defensive drive from Mark Taylor ensured that a new face stood on the top step of the podium. 

Standing on top of the rostrum became a familiar feeling for Matt Simpson who got his title challenge back on-track with a hat-trick of wins in the Pickup Truck Racing Championship. 

The former BTCC race winner was at times in a league of his own as he blitzed the opposition to claim pole position in qualifying and from there he didn’t put a wheel wrong as he tallied of trio of victories in commanding fashion.

Dale Gent also picked up a win as the series squeezed in an additional contest which was carried over from Thruxton; having originally not taken place at the high-speed Hampshire venue due to timetable delays. 

The battle for supremacy in the Lancaster Insurance MG Owners Club Championship saw further twists and turns play out as both Scott Bugner and Steve McDermid scored a win apiece whilst spoils were also shared between Steve Harris and Andrew Southcott in the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship.

Bryan Bransom was in imperious form in the Kumho BMW Championship as he swept his way to a brace of race wins. At the wheel of his BMW E46 M3, Bransom narrowly edged out James Card on two occasions to add to his already remarkable silverware collection. 

Concluding the weekend’s track action at Donington Park were two races from the Avon Tyres/Wheel Images Intermarque Silhouette Series, both of which were won by the formidable Lewis Smith.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.