Stuart Oliver wins the Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship season 2

Rishabh Bhaskar Published: March 16, 2015, 05:13 PM IST

A soaking wet Buddh International Circuit, streams of water rolling across the track. Zero experience of driving the Prima truck on a wet circuit. A grid full of equally determined and fearless drivers. With these odds stacked against him, Stuart Oliver delivered an inspirational performance as he clinched the champions trophy for the second season of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, his second in a row.

The Team Castrol Vectron driver started the main race on P2 and began fighting for the lead as soon as the red lights went out. The British driver made some gutsy moves as he tried hard to pass the leading truck that was driven by Steve Thomas, who races for Team Allied Partners. Wheels made contact with bodywork, mirrors twisted on their pivots as Oliver's truck grazed past Thomas' truck. The two were in a battle of their own that involved a lot of contact as was evident by the damage to the trucks after the chequered flag was out.

Stuart Oliver flanked by Steve Thomas and Steven Powell

Steve Thomas, however, said that he was happy to finish second after a hard fought battle and enjoyed every bit of it. The third position was clinched by Steven Powell of Team Tata Technologies.

Elated over winning his second Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship title, Stuart Oliver said, ""It was an amazing experience. I think one thing I want to say is a big huge thank you to all the fans coming out all this way, all the flags, all the caps, everything, it made such a difference this weekend. I really, really do appreciate it. Steve Thomas and Steven Powell were phenomenal competitors. They did an amazing job today of keeping me on my toes, pushing me all the way up to the podium. 'It means even more than the first one. I feel so blessed."

He was also full of praise for the new Tata Prima race trucks, adding, "The Tata Prima race trucks were fantastic. It's been an amazing championship, with so much improvement to the truck that it just goes to show the capability of the vehicle and how the sport can be scaled up, with more power and speed, a delight for every motorsports fanatic. I would like to thank Tata Motors for having all of us over and for having done an incredible job with the Tata PRIMA."

The Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, season two was a roaring success with over 45,000 spectators cheering the racers and enjoying the spectacle of truck racing. Tata Motors has announced that with a view to promote and encourage Indian racers to participate in the truck racing, the company will introduce a driver selection and training program for the 2016 season. This will help the company induct and train potential truck racing drivers from India.

Stuart Oliver captures glory again at the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

New Delhi, March 15, 2015: At the action-packed, rain-hit Season II T1 Prima Truck Racking, STUART OLIVER of TEAM CASTROL VECTON captured glory yet again. Starting second on the grid in SUPER QUALIFYING, he went on to clinch the title for the second time, in the 16-lap FINAL RACE, helping TEAM CASTROL VECTON grab Team Title. STEVE THOMAS of TEAM ALLIED PARTNERS, who qualified fastest on Saturday, was the first runner-up, with STEVEN POWELL of TEAM TATA TECHNOLOGIES clinching the second runner-up spot. The massive and powerful Tata PRIMA race trucks proved to be a treat for motorsports fanatics in an intense race at India's F1 track, the Buddh International Circuit, as the event witnessed over 45,000 spectators. Edge-of-the-seat action for overtaking and high speed corners had the audience roaring with each twist and turn. The championship points were granted to the winning driver, and combined team driver points determined the winning team. STUART OLIVER, T1 Prima Truck Racing Champion 2015 said "It was an amazing experience. I think one thing I want to say is a big huge thank you to all the fans coming out all this way, all the flags, all the caps, everything, it made such a difference this weekend. I really, really do appreciate it. (Driver Name First & Last) & (Driver Name First & Last) were phenomenal competitors. They did an amazing job today of keeping me on my toes, pushing me all the way up to the podium. 'It means even more than the first one. I feel so blessed." STUART OLIVER further went on to add, "The Tata Prima race trucks were fantastic. It's been an amazing championship, with so much improvement to the truck that it just goes to show the capability of the vehicle and how the sport can be scaled up, with more power and speed, a delight for every motorsports fanatic. I would like to thank Tata Motors for having all of us over and for having done an incredible job with the Tata PRIMA." Commenting on the successful weekend, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director - Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors said, "We have had a tremendous day here for the truck racing with a really pumped-up atmosphere and we have been delighted by the response received today. The Tata PRIMA race trucks proved their racing prowess and build quality in this high intensity race. We are extremely delighted with the performance of T1 teams and drivers who have been supportive throughout the event. We would like to congratulate the winning team, sponsors and all participants for making this first of its kind, debut racing event, a historic day and all of the audience for a wonderfully electric atmosphere." Each of these 12-modified Tata PRIMA race trucks of 370 horsepower were built for the purpose, and driven by experienced international truck racing drivers, from the acclaimed British & European Truck Racing championships. The Tata PRIMA race trucks for Season II boasted 10% more speed (upto 130 km/hr), a new aerodynamic design, with 10% increased acceleration and 10% weight reduction, over Season I of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP. Besides the winning drivers Oly Janes, Mat Summerfield, Simon Reid, David Jenkins, Steven Powell, Richard Collett, Mathew Summerfield, David Jenkins, Paul Alan McCumisky, Oly Janes, Graham Powell, Ben Horne and Chris Levett were the other top British truck racing drivers, who participated in Season II of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP. The T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP is organized by MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club) and is being conducted under the aegis of FIA & FMSCI. The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world's leading motoring organizations. One of the core responsibilities of the FIA is the development of motor sport worldwide. Through its national member clubs the FIA is involved in every level of motor sport and its remit extends to the millions of amateurs and professionals who enjoy motor sport in all of its variety. The FMSCI is a long-standing member of the FIA and is the only national motor sport federation recognized by the Government of India, for the promotion and control of motor sport in India, and is affiliated to the prestigious Indian Olympic Association. For Season II WABCO, JK Tyres, Cummins, Castrol and Tata Technologies are the main sponsors, Setco Automotive and Tata Motors Finance, are sponsors of Team Allied Partners.